matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR ACTUATING RAILWAY SIGNALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Walton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd August 1877.
WILLIAM WALTON, of Denton, in the County of Lancaster, Card Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR ACTUATING RAILWAY SIGNALS."
My Invention consists in actuating semaphore or other railway signals by means
of an improved arrangement of balance weights, one of which is an ordinary dead
weight, and the other is increased and reduced in power by the inlet of water;
these weights, combined with the mechanism for releasing them, render the signals
self-acting, and the mechanism is similar to that described in the Specification of
former Letters Patent granted to me on the 29th day of December 1876, Number
5032, for "Improvements in Self-acting Gates for Common Roads and Railroads."
To the axle of the signal is fixed a disc or double lever, to which is connected a
cord or chain passing over guide pulleys; to one end of the chain is suspended a
dead weight, and to the other end a vessel, into which water is admitted when
required.
The signal is held in one position by the dead weight, and it is locked by a catch,
which is released by the passing train acting on a lever or other equivalent placed
at a certain distance from the signal post. As soon as the catch is released the
vessel with its charge of water begins to descend, and causes the signal to swivel
partly round; the water vessel in descending raises the dead weight, and when
down the water vessel comes against a stop to open a valve to discharge the
water.
In connection with the above I apply a gong or other equivalent to the locomo-
tive, which is struck by the signal as the train passes to warn the driver in foggy
weather or at night.
This improved mode of actuating railway signals is particularly applicable to the
block system of signalling, as the levers for releasing the catches can be placed at
various points, thus causing the danger signal only to be removed from one point
when the train has passed the next point.
A NEW OR IMPROVED VENT 'PEG OR TAP
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Spiers Simpson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st January 1877
WILLIAM SPIERS SIMPSON, of Battersea Park Road, London, in the County of
Suricy, Mathematical Instrument Makei "A NEW OR IMPROVED VENT 'PEG OR
TAP'
The object of my Invention is to provide an apparatus for opening and closing
the vent of a cask or other receptacle for fluids or gases, which from the simplicity
and strength of its make cannot readily get out of order
I propose to make my improved vent peg or tap of a body or banel of metal or
other suitable material, in which I form a seat for a plug similar to the plug of an
ordinary cock 1 perforate this body or bauel longitudinally from the lower end
up to the plug seat, and from the top of this seat to nearly the top of the banel,
and make one o1 n.ore openings in the side or other convenient part of the banel,
but above the plug seat, communicating with the vertical conduit
I propose to make the head of this vent peg oi tap sufficiently strong to bear the
blows of a mallet without injury, and I may taper or screw thread or otherwise
shape its lower end as I may in practice find most desuable
The handle of the plug may be shaped like that of an ordinary tap, and I may if
desnable apply a spring to this plug, so that it may close automatically
The action is that of an ordinary cock for the flow of liquids, that is to say, by
turning the plug on its seat until a continuous air conduit is formed in the body or
banel of the peg or tap, au is admitted into the cask By reversing the movement
the supply of air is cut off.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF COMPANION LADDERS OR STAIRCASES, AND DECK HOUSING OVER SAME, ESPECIALLY APPLICABLE TO YACHTS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Cox at the Office of the Com-.
missioners of Patents on the 1st June 1877.
JOHN Cox, of Bideford, in the County of Devon, Shipbuilder. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF COMPANION LADDERS OR
STAIRCASES, AND DECK HOUSING OVER SAME, ESPECIALLY APPLICABLE TO
YACHTS."
According to this arrangement I place the staircase or companion ladder leading
down to the saloon or main cabin between two smaller cabins, say, for the ladies;
and I utilize the space under the staircase, by preference, for a watercloset; for the
purpose of giving light thereto I make or fit the risers of the staircase with glass;
at or near the top step I arrange a platform to stand or rest on, and I arrange a
seat on each side of same.
Over the staircase I fit a deck house with windows on each side and fore part;
one or more of these windows may be made to slide or lift up.
The ladder or staircase being fore and aft in direction, and the entrance aft, full
protection is given against wind and weather to any one passing up or down, and
facility is afforded for a look-out in all weathers and for rest, the ventilation of the
place being at the same time secured.
To give light to the cabins on each side I prefer to place one or more obscure
glass windows on each side of the ladder or staircase, and in heavy weather, or at
sea, I protect the glass by dead lights or wood covers, portable, and secured on by a
drop catch.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS OR FRAMES FOR SUPPORTING OR HOLDING PORTFOLIOS, SCRAP-BOOKS, MUSIC, AND FOR SUCH LIKE USES AND PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Raphael Tuck at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th January 1877.
RAPHAEL TUCK, of No. 177, City Road, in the County of Middlesex, Picture
Dealer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS OR FRAMES FOR SUPPORTING OR HOLDING
PORTFOLIOS, SCRAP-BOOKS, MUSIC, AND FOR SUCH LIKE USES AND PURPOSES."
My Invention has for its object the facilitating of the exhibition of pictures in
portfolios, of scraps in books of music, and of retaining, after inspection, the said
portfolio of pictures, scraps, or music in a conveniently small space, the stand or
frame being at all times an useful and sightly piece of furniture.
My Invention consists in carrying or supporting two or more leaves or frames
upon a suitable standard or standards, carrying a horizontal piece or pieces to which
the frame or frames are jointed or hinged at their lower parts or extremities. To
the frames are attached chains, and upon the uprights or standards are hooks, pegs,
or studs, upon which the links of the chain may be hung so as to retain the leaves
or frames at any angle or position that may be desired so as to be most convenient
for inspection; or I may attain the same end by attaching to the leaves or frames a
piece of metal in the shape or form of a quadrant or larger or smaller portion of a
flat ring. In this latter case, upon the standard or standards is attached by screws
or other suitable means a slotted piece of metal through which the said portion of
flat ring passes, and in which it can be held at any suitable position by means of
a nut and screw in the slotted pieces of metal which will securely hold the portion
of flat ring, or by a ratchet, or by any other similar or suitable means.
AN IMPROVED MEASURING INSTRUMENT
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Walton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 17th December 1877.
WILLIAM WALTON, of Denton, in the County of Lancaster, Card Manufacturer.
"AN IMPROVED MEASURING INSTRUMENT."
My improved instrument is particularly applicable for measuring wire, thin sheet
metal, and other substances or materials, and it consists of a disc, the circumference
of which is marked with any convenient number of divisions; this disc is mounted
on an eccentric axle, the amount of eccentricity depending upon the size of wire or
other substance or material to be measured. To the axle of the disc is suspended
a weight; the wire or other material to be measured is held against a stop piece
or rest, and the weight draws the disc round until the wire or other material is
bound between the disc and the rest. By this means a uniform binding pressure
is brought to bear on the material to be measured, and the thickness is indicated by
the number on the divisions of the disc. I also use a long index finger fixed to
the axle or disc, and pointing to an exterior graduated scale for measuring materials
requiring greater accuracy.
IN LAMP EXTINGUISHERS.”
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Eshelby at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 8th June 1877.
EDWIN ESHELBY, of Painswick, in the County of Gloucester.
IN LAMP EXTINGUISHERS.”
"IMPROVEMENTS
My Invention consists in a device for extinguishing lamps having wicks of flat,
round, or other form.
I will describe the extinguisher as applied to a lamp for burning mineral oils,
and having a flat wick.
The extinguisher proper consists of a cap or hood of a shape to enclose the top
of the wick, and coincide with or enclose the top of the wick tube, which cap or
hood is carried at the upper end of a lever pivoted loosely to the holder or support
of the cone within which the extinguisher works. The lower end of the lever
projects out through a slot in the said support, and terminates in a thumb piece, by
which the lever may be oscillated in order to throw the extinguisher over the top
of the wick. The extinguisher may be retracted and held out of the way by a
spring acting on the lever; or the latter may work stiffly on its pivot and be moved
both ways by hand.
For circular wicks the extinguisher would be in two semicircular parts mounted
opposite one another, each carried on its own lever as above described, or an
extinguisher of the same form as the wick might be used. In the latter case the
extinguisher, when the lamp is in use, would fit into a hole cut in the cone for its
reception.
A MODE OF SUBMARINE ILLUMINATION FOR GUARDING AGAINST THE STRIKING OF SHIPS ON ROCKS, REEFS, AND SIMILAR SUNKEN OBSTRUCTIONS, AND FROM ATTACK BY TORPEDOES AND OTHER SUBMARINE ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Daniel Mackenzie Davidson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd August 1877.
DANIEL MACKENZIE DAVIDSON, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian,
North Britain, Mechanical Engineer. "A MODE OF SUBMARINE ILLUMINATION
FOR GUARDING AGAINST THE STRIKING OF SHIPS ON ROCKS, REEFS, AND SIMILAR
SUNKEN OBSTRUCTIONS, AND FROM ATTACK BY TORPEDOES AND OTHER SUBMARINE
ENGINES."
This Invention is designed to protect ships from the dangers arising from striking
on reefs, rocks, and similar obstructions, which are ordinarily invisible, either by
reason of their being submerged or concealed by darkness, and also to guard against
attack by torpedoes and other similar submarine engines of warfare.
It consists in placing a powerful lamp or other light opposite an aperture formed
in the desired place in the shell of the ship below the water line and preferably at
the bows, the rays of which lamp are directed towards the said aperture or window.
Above this latter and similar to it is a second aperture, on which is brought to
bear a telescope or other marine glass fitted on a swivel joint at or near the upper
side of the lamp, which latter is mounted on a similar joint, whereby both it and
the glass are free to swivel independently on their respective joints.
The apertures or windows aforesaid are fitted with slides or covers on one or
both sides to enable the glass to be removed in case of injury, or for the purpose of
being cleaned or renewed without admitting water.
The light from the lamp being, as aforesaid, directed on the light aperture, causes
the water to be illuminated, and the telescope or glass being directed on the look-
out aperture, sunken objects and other obstructions are rendered visible, and warning
being given to the helmsman, the danger of striking on such obstructions is
obviated.
Torpedoes, either stationary or in motion, may also be readily observed and
avoided.
When, as is preferred, the apparatus is placed in the bows of the ship, a short tube
is projected outwards to admit of the deviation of the glass for the purpose of a
wider range of vision.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CUTTING AND PIERCING WOOD, KNOWN AS FRETWORK, AND ALSO APPLICABLE FOR CUTTING LEATHER, CLOTH, AND OTHER LIKE MATERIALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Henry Smith at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th February 1877.
GEORGE HENRY SMITH, Engineer, residing at Derby, in the County of Derby-
shire. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CUTTING AND PIERCING WOOD, KNOWN
AS FRETWORK, AND ALSO APPLICABLE FOR CUTTING LEATHER, CLOTH, AND OTHER
LIKE MATERIALS."
My Invention consists in employing a saw having a shank and tapering to a
point, secured firmly to a vertical bar, and imparting to it a rapid reciprocating
movement. The back of this saw I cause to work in a small grooved steel roller,
working in bearings, and fixed directly under the table, serving to guide the saw
and also to protect it from bending or breaking. By slackening a thumbscrew
which holds the vertical bar it enables the operator to lift the saw out of the
work and to replace it in a moment, thus facilitating the more rapid execution of
fretwork.
In cutting leather, cloth, and other like materials I substitute a knife in place of
the saw, having a roughly sharpened edge, and tapering at the point, similar to the
saw before mentioned.
The second part of my improvements is in combining a drill chuck, circular, and
vertical saw, working on two horizontal shafts. The top shaft I cause to operate
the vertical saw, and at one end I fix a drill chuck. The bottom shaft has secured
to it a circular saw, thus both shafts having driving pulleys attached and so placed
in a line with each other that one strap will drive one pulley or the other from an
ordinary lathe, sewing machine treadle, or other power.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BALLS FOR LAWN TENNIS AND OTHER GAMES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Buchanan at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th March 1877.
WILLIAM BUCHANAN, of Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BALLS FOR LAWN TENNIS AND OTHER GAMES."
My Invention relates to the manufacture of balls for lawn tennis and other games.
Such balls have usually been covered with tennis cloth or other material cut in
pieces of a proper shape, and united by sewing, but by my Invention I am enabled
to produce a cheaper ball, and one that will fly truer, inasmuch as there are no
seams in the covering, and the ball is more truly spherical, and is equally elastic at
all parts of its surface.
My Invention consists in covering an india-rubber ball of the ordinary kind used
in such games with a uniform layer or coating of felt applied in the ordinary way of
making articles of felt, with or without the use of a cementing or adhesive substance
to unite the felt to the surface of the ball.
IMPROVED MEANS FOR UTILIZING THE WASTE HEAT DISCHARGED INTO THE CHIMNEYS OR FLUES OF BESSEMER CONVERTERS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Wilson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 19th February 1877.
ALEXANDER WILSON, of Sheffield, in the County of York.
"IMPROVED MEANS
FOR UTILIZING THE WASTE HEAT DISCHARGED INTO THE CHIMNEYS OR FLUES OF
BESSEMER CONVERTERS."
This Invention relates chiefly to means for heating the blast intended to be
supplied to Bessemer converters from the waste heat given off from those vessels.
These converters are, as is well known, mounted on trunnions, one of which
trunnions is made hollow to form a passage for the air blast on its way to the
tuyers; and they are so situate with regard to a chimney or flue that the air and
volatile substances discharged from the nozzle of the converting vessel will pass off
by such chimney or flue.
I now propose to mount in this chimney an arrangement of pipes or air flues
which shall be in communication with a blast engine, or its equivalent, and also
with the hollow trunnions, and which will serve to expose the air blast on its
passage to the tuyers to the action of the heat in the chimney for discharge into
the molten metal.
The waste heat from the Bessemer converters I also propose to employ for heating
the blast of adjacent cupola and other furnaces, connecting the air-heating apparatus
mounted in the chimney or flue with the hot blast chambers of such furnaces by
means of suitable pipes.
The arrangement of air-heating apparatus employed admits of various modifica-
tions, but I prefer such as will give the largest heat-absorbing surface with the least
tendency to interrupt the free discharge through the chimney of the air and volatile
matters passed off from the converting vessel. As these conditions are fulfilled by
the air-heating apparatus described in the Provisional Specification filed by me the
14th day of February, 1877, I propose to adapt the same to the purposes of this
Invention, providing suitable brick or other supports in the chimney for the
apparatus.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS FOR COOKING AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joshua Maxfield and John Maxfield
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th June 1877.
JOSHUA MAXFIELD and JOHN MAXFIELD, both of 139, Arundel Street, Sheffield,
in the County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS FOR COOKING AND OTHER
VESSELS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in stands for cooking and other
vessels.
Cooking and other vessels for military purposes, picnics, and such like, are
required to pack in as small a space as possible. With this object the stand is
often made separate from the vessel, but when this is done the vessel is liable to
be knocked off the stand, and if the stand is of any considerable height, as for
example, where a spirit lamp is used for heating the vessel, it occupies a considerable
space when packed.
By our Invention these objections are obviated. Our stand has three or other
number of legs which are hinged on a ring; at one end of each leg there is a hook-
like projection; the points of these hooks enter a groove formed by a circular rim
or flange on the bottom of the vessel; the diameter of the flange is such that it
just allows the hooks to spring over it, whilst the elasticity of the hinges of the
legs prevents the hooks from accidentally becoming free. The other ends of the
legs rest on the table or ground, and support the stand and vessel.
When it is desired to pack the stand the legs are turned on their hinges till they
are parallel with the plane of the ring; the stand thus lies flat and is easily
packed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR STRANDING OR UNTWISTING AND TEASING ROPES OR TWISTED FIBROUS MATERIALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Pirie and Alexander Cable at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st November 1877.
DAVID PIRIE and ALEXANDER CABLE, both of Dundee, in the County of Forfar,
North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR STRANDING OR UNTWISTING
AND TEASING ROPES OR TWISTED FIBROUS MATERIALS."
This Invention has for its object the stranding or untwisting and teasing ropes
or twisted fibrous materials in an improved manner.
In carrying out the Invention, adjustable fluted feeding rollers are employed for
feeding into the improved machine the ropes or twisted fibrous materials to be
operated upon. In connection with these feeding rollers are other rollers formed
with spiral or helical ribs, and provided with adjustable springs. The ropes or
twisted fibrous materials fed into the improved machine by the feeding rollers pass
through between the second or spiral rollers, and are untwisted by their action, the
strands being received upon an endless lattice or apron formed with projecting pins
to keep the strands separate. The strands are then delivered from the improved
apparatus, in a condition suitable for manufacturing purposes.
When it is wished to tease the ropes or twisted fibrous materials in addition to
stranding or untwisting, the improved machine is constructed with a cylinder
armed with steel pointed pins, and it is made to revolve at a high rate of speed.
The strands of the materials, after leaving the second or untwisting rollers come
into contact with the revolving cylinder, and are by its action converted into tow,
which is thrown off as rapidly as it is formed.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN OSIER PEELING MACHINERY.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Corry Fell at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 11th August 1877. A communication from
abroad by Jean Barthez, of Mirepoix, departt. Ariège, France (Basket Maker).
JOHN CORRY FELL, Engineer, of 23, Rood Lane, in the City of London.
"IM-
PROVEMENTS IN OSIER PEELING MACHINERY.". A communication from abroad by
Jean Barthez, of Mirepoix, departt. Ariège, France (Basket Maker).
This Invention is for the purpose of quickly and efficiently stripping the bark
from osiers by mechanical instead of manual means.
The improved arrangement consists of a frame in cast iron or wood, which carries
a table and a series of geared wheels.
My machine consists essentially of a "bruiser" and a "stripping cylinder," with the
necessary geared wheels for drawing the osiers through the "bruiser" and "stripping
cylinder." The osier is fed by the hand of the operator into the "bruiser," which is
formed of several pieces, viz., one part is a fixture, whilst another part, forming with
the first a long pair of tongs, is movable, and opens by means of a spring after
having peeled the osier, and closes on the osier by means of a projecting copper stud
which enables any required pressure to be applied. A regulator is fitted to the
fixed part. In this bruiser the peel of the osier is raised over three quarters by
pressure.
From this operation the osier is passed on to the stripping cylinder, which is also
furnished with a pair of gripping tongs held together by a spring, which, by the
pressure thus caused, completely strip the bark from the osiers, which had been
already loosened in the bruiser.
Pistons are employed, driven by an eccentric, to effect the opening of the osier
grip or tongs,
IMPROVEMENT
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Chamberlain at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th May 1877.
WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN, of Dodbrook, in the County of Devon.
IN PLOUGHS."
"IMPROVEMENTS
This Invention relates to two or more furrow ploughs, and consists in improved
means of adjusting the ploughing implements, at the proper distances apart, to
produce the width of furrow desired.
As applied to a double furrow plough, the beams to which the ploughing imple-
ments are attached in the usual way are connected by transverse bars attached
permanently to, or formed with one beam, and connected adjustably to the other by
clips of suitable construction provided with set screws, whereby the beams may be
quickly adjusted at any desired distance apart by loosening the set screws and
sliding the clips along the bars, and again tightening up the set screws.
distance of the wheels apart requires to be similarly altered, I connect the stalk
of the wheel axle to its cross bar by means of a clip and set screws, as in the
former case.
As the
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES
Year: 1877

page_text: "
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Henry Duckworth, John
Thomas Duckworth, and James Whittaker, at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents on the 5th January 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY DUCKWORTH, Joiner, and JOHN THOMAS DUCKWORTH, Mechanic,
and JAMES WHITTAKER, Mechanic, all of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster.
'IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES."
Our improvements consist in making the rollers barrel shaped, and the outer
surface of them, if not the entire rollers, of india-rubber. Each skate is fitted with
two or more of these rollers, two rollers being preferred, and one of them being
placed near the toe of the skate, and the other near the heel. The said rollers are
each made about the breadth of the body of the skate, and the thickest part of the
barrel comes under the centre line of the foot. The said rollers may be made
entirely of india-rubber, and have a pin through them turning in suitable bearings
at each side; or the outer surface only of the rollers may be of india-rubber, and the
centre part of wood or other material, which may be either barrel shaped like the
roller, or parallel, and furnished with flanges on each side to keep the india-rubber
in its place. The said rollers may either turn upon a fixed pin, or the pin may be
fixed in the roller and turn in suitable bearings at each side. The reason of making
the rollers, or outer surface of them, of india-rubber, is that when the pressure of
the skater's foot is applied directly over the centre of the rollers, the thick part of
the barrel is so compressed that the roller becomes in effect a broad parallel roller,
and the skater moves forward in a straight line; but if the skater inclines his foot
to one side, and so brings the pressure to one edge of the rollers, that edge only is
compressed, and the rollers become in effect conical, and the skater is turned towards
that side.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FITTING DOORS IN ORDER TO PREVENT NOISE WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Charles Somervillo at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd April 1877.
EDWIN CHARLES SOMERVILLE, of Wootton Court, near Canterbury, in the County
of Kent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FITTING DOORS IN ORDER TO PREVENT NOISE WHEN
DOORS ARE CLOSED."
This Invention has for its object improvements in fitting doors in order to prevent
noise when doors are closed.
For this purpose I let a block of india-rubber into the jamb of the door at the
point where the door first comes into contact with it; I so adjust this block that it
projects very slightly and receives the blow of the door in closing. The latch bolt
of the door is arranged to spring out into its recess at the samo instant that
the door comes into contact with the olastic block, so that the door requires no more
force to close it than do doors fitted in the ordinary manner; the block also, when
the door is closed, prevents it rattling.
The block is so arranged that the amount of its projection can be accurately
adjusted that it may act in the manner described.
A NEW APPARATUS FOR SAVING PROPERTY AT SEA
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Augustus Daniel Roth at the Offico
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th April 1877.
AUGUSTUS DANIEL ROTH, of 35, Chiswick Street, Carlisle, & of 42, Great
Marlborough St., in the County of Middlesex, Merchant. "A NEW APPARATUS
FOR SAVING PROPERTY AT SEA."
This Invention relates to a means for saving very valuable property, such as
bullion, jewellery, & registered letters, which may chance to be on board a sinking
ships. It consists in the use of a suitable vessel, constructed preferably of metal
plate, forming a sort of buoy. It is proportioned in such wise as to afford sufficient
Hotation, and it forms, or is provided with a receptacle, the cover of which can be
closed water-tight on the articles therein contained. The floating sea safe thereby
formed is further fitted with suitable means, such as alarm bells, reflecting mirrors,
flags for attracting attention when afloat, and it is further ballasted in order to keep
the aforesaid parts above the surface of the water.
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WARDROBES AND CABINETS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Reade at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 24th March 1877.
JOSEPH READE, of the City of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WARDROBES AND CABINETS."
"IM-
The improvements refer to detached wardrobes and cabinets, either for the storing
of clothes or other articles for household use, or for the storing of papers, documents,
or other articles for office use.
Wardrobes or cabinets of the kind above referred to are usually constructed of
wood, in panel or otherwise, and are of an expensive character for the most part and
require to be stationary in position. To obviate this, and to effect my improve-
ments, I construct the wardrobe or cabinet with an iron or other metal frame, solid
or tubular, of any suitable shape or design (by preference in the form of an octagon
or other several or many-sided figure), which inetallic frame may be panelled with
thin metal panels, such as tin, zinc, brass, or iron, which may be painted or other-
wise ornamented; or such metal frame may be panelled with polished, varnished,
stencilled, or other wood, or with cardboard or papier maché, or silvered or other
glass; or it may be upholstered with any suitable inaterials, such as holland, chintz,
damask, rep, silk, or other fabric, or with any of these in combination. I fix the
whole on castors, and fit up the interior with a box or well; and in the case of the
wardrobe arrangement, stationary or revolving hooks; and in the case of the cabinet
arrangement, stationary or revolving shelves, drawers, or pigeon holes, or it may be
with both combined; the exterior or interior being ornamented with cornices,
moulds, or other ornamention, or not, as may be desired. These wardrobes or
cabinets may be formed with one or more doors or openings, or may be constructed
to revolve on a central point or pedestal attached to the base or framework. By
this means, and by thus combining a light but strong iron frame (or it may be a
frame of iron and wood combined) with thin metal, wood, or other light panels or
upholstery, I am able to construct a portable, strong, elegant, and at the same time
cheap form of wardrobe or cabinet much required, and such as is unattainable by
other methods at present adopted.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Stansfield at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 15th February 1877.
JOHN STANSFIELD, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Machinery Agent.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
This Invention, firstly, relates to improved construction and combination of
apparatus for operating the healds or heddles of looms for weaving so as to dispense
with the treadles and tappets commonly used; and, secondly, to the use of apparatus
for self actingly compensating for "stretching" of the healds cords so that the healds
at all times form a regular and even shed for the passage of the shuttle.
According to this my Invention I operate the bottom heald roller from the
tappet shaft by means of a jointed lever. One end of the said lever is attached to
an arm or projection on the shaft of the heald roller, the other end of the lever is
free to move in a support. A portion of the lever forms an eliptical or cam clip
around the tappet shaft. An antifriction bowl carried by the tappet shaft acts
upon the inside of the cam clip, and so at each revolution of the tappet shaft gives
to the heald roller shaft through the jointed lever a partial rotation, whereby the
healds are operated.
The bearings of the bottom and upper heald rollers are so arranged as to be free to
move vertically, and are connected to spiral or other springs, so that as the heald
cords stretch or become elongated the springs will adjust the heald roller so as to
take up the slack, whereby the healds are kept regular, and a true and even shed is
secured at all times, obviating damage and waste through imperfect or uneven
sheds.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SPRING MATTRESSES, SEATING OF SOFAS, CHAIRS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gilbert John Charles Pinneger at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th July 1877.
GILBERT JOHN CHARLES PINNEGER, of the City of Manchester.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN SPRING MATTRESSES, SEATING OF SOFAS, CHAIRS, AND OTHER SIMILAR
ARTICLES."
I take a series of bands of riband steel or other suitable metal or material covered
by preference with textile fabric, and interlace or weave the same together to form
a surface similar to the bottom of an iron bedstead, and I affix the extremities
of each of this bands to extension springs, secured to a wooden or other
suitable framework.
Although I do not confine myself to this method, I prefer to affix the extension
springs in such a manner as to be below the level of the upper surface of the bands,
and this is accomplished by disposing such springs beneath each extremity of the
bands, and by the employment of an additional metallic link connecting each of
such springs and bands together, either by an eye, hook, or rivet, or in any other
convenient manner. I am thus enabled to produce a spring surface, suitable as a
spring mattress, or for imparting the necessary elasticity to the seats of sofas, chairs,
and other similar articles, such surface having no projections to cause friction
against, or wear and tear of the mattress, or cushioned or upholstery work lying
upon it.
IMPROVEMENTS IN INKSTANDS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Denton Abel at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th December 1877. A communication
from abroad by Eduard Lagillardaie, of Lorient, Morbihan, France.
CHARLES DENTON ABEL, of Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN INKSTANDS." [A communication from abroad by Eduard
Lagillardaie, of Lorient,. Morbihan, France.]
According to this Invention inkstands are provided with an internal cup or
pocket placed just below the mouth or opening, and so arranged that by tilting the
inkstand, or inverting it, the cup or pocket can be charged with ink sufficient for
supplying the pen, although there may be very little ink in the inkstand.
For this purpose, in the case of ordinary small ink bottles, the said cup is either
secured in the neck or mouth itself; or if this be wide, it is secured to a cork or
stopper fitted therein, and having a central hole for the pen. For filling the cup
the hole is closed with a plug, and the bottle is inverted, and then quickly turned
back again into its original position.
According to another arrangement the pen hole with the cup below are situated
to one side of a flat inkstand, so that by tilting this up, on that side which is
farthest from the cup, the ink will be made to flow into the latter.
According to another arrangement the inkstand is provided with a recess or
pocket either on one side or all round under the top surface, such pocket being made
to communicate by a channel with the cup, and having also other openings through
which ink can enter it. Thus, on tilting or shaking the inkstand, the ink will readily
pass into the pocket or recess, and will flow thence into the cup.
In all these arrangements a tube is by preference provided at the pen hole,
extending down into the cup, so that by dipping into the ink therein it effectually
seals the contents of the inkstand, and thus prevents evaporation. With this
arrangement the pocket or recess of the last-described arrangement can be formed
in a portion of the inkstand raised above the top of the part containing the cup, so
that on filling the pocket, by tipping the inkstand, the cup may be kept charged
with ink for some time, as owing to the said tube dipping into the cup a small

page_text: quantity only of ink will flow into the latter from the pocket whenever the level of
the ink sinks below the lower edge of the tube.
In order to facilitate the filling and emptying of the inkstand it may have an
opening of large diameter, into which is fitted a stopper or plug containing the pen
hole and the said sealing tube.
AN IMPROVED SAFETY CASE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF EGGS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Redmond Tully at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th September 1877.
REDMOND TULLY, of 30, Grenville Street, in the City of Dublin, County Dublin,
Ireland. "AN IMPROVED SAFETY CASE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF EGGS."
This Invention is designed to enable eggs to be safely and expeditiously packed
for transportation; for which purpose I use in combination an outer box or case,
a series of removeable frames or holders constructed to fit in the said box or case,
and a series of removeable horizontal divisions arranged to be interposed between
the said removeable frames or holders; the whole being so constructed and arranged
that when the eggs are packed, according to my Invention, each egg will be wholly
enclosed and safely retained within a separate compartment or cell.
IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Taylor at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd April 1877. A communication from
abroad by Julius Hassler, of Steyr, in the Empire of Austria, Engineer.
THOMAS TAYLOR, of No. 20, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC ENGINES." A communication from abroad by
Julius Hassler, of Steyr, in the Empire of Austrin, Engineer.
This Invention has for its object to utilise water power more completely than has
hitherto been the case, as it is well known that much power is lost in the usual
constructions of water wheels and turbines.
The Invention consists essentially in arranging a bucket or other receiver at cach
end of an oscillating beam and alternately filling and employing the said buckets or
receivers. The beam is supported on an axle at its centre, and whenever the bucket
at the one end of the beam is filled, and the other bucket at the other end of the
bean is emptied, the one end of the beam will fall and the other will rise. In this
way a continuous oscillating motion of the beam can be obtained, and by connecting
the beam axle with a crank and connecting rod to a fly wheel, rotary motion
will be obtained, which can be conveyed by gearing to any machine to be set
in action.
The supply of water to the buckets may be regulated by a cam on the fly wheel
striking against levers connected with the supply valves.
The buckets may be emptied by striking against a device arranged at the point
to which they sink, and which device may be made either to tip the bucket over or
to open a valve in the bottom of the said bucket or receiver.
The fly wheel may be made to drive a governor regulating the main supply of
the water by causing a sluice valve to rise or fall.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BELTS AND ATTACHMENTS FOR PREVENTING SEA-SICKNESS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st December 1877. A communication
from abroad by John Commins, of Charleston, South Carolina, 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 BELTS
AND ATTACHMENTS FOR PREVENTING SEA-SICKNESS." [A communication from abroad
by John Commins, of Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America.]
The object of the Invention is to produce a simple, cheap, and effective appliance,
which, when properly located upon the body, will prevent the sickness usually
attending a voyage at sea, and ordinarily known as "sea-sickness."
The improved apparatus is constructed in view of the theory that the rolling
motion of the vessel disturbs the contents of the stomach, and it (the apparatus) is
designed to prevent the disturbance. It consists essentially of a belt, to which is
attached a properly formed projection. The belt is long enough to pass twice around
the waist of the user in order that it may be more easily drawn perfectly tight; and
when in use it should be so located that the projection shall press hard and firmly
against the pit of the stomach. By this means the stomach may be perfectly
confined, and thus the disturbing action prevented. The best form of the projection
is found to be something like a common plate, but having the edges bent up slightly
in order to prevent injury to the person, and it is found most advantageous to apply
the projection or plate with the concave side turned toward the body.
To give a finish to the appliance, the plate is preferably covered with a piece of
cloth; with this finish a plate of metal will be found to answer all the desired
purposes, besides being probably the lightest and cheapest material, which could
well be used. It is contemplated, however, to use wood, rubber, etc., accordingly as
it is desirable to make a finer or cheaper article.
The objects of the Invention would be fulfilled by turning the convex side toward
the body, and it should be observed that the belt may be made of any suitable
length, and provided with any ordinary buckle or coupling attachment.
PROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CARRIAGE LAMPS AND IN BURNERS FOR THE SAME."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred James Ford and John Macintosh
Macintosh at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th June 1877.
ALFRED JAMES FORD, of 40, Vernon Road, North Bow, and JOHN MACINTOSH
"IM-
MACINTOSH, of Barnard's Inn, Holborn, both in the County of Middlesex.
PROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CARRIAGE LAMPS AND IN BURNERS FOR THE SAME."
In constructing lamps according to our Invention, and in order to supply the
burner with a constant stream of cold air, we cause holes or apertures to be made
in the sides of the outer casing of the lamp, which holes or apertures admit of
the cold air passing through a tube or tubes placed at the side or sides of the lamp
direct to the under part of the burner. The ends of these tubes, where the air
enters, are furished with cylinders perforated at the sides in order to prevent a rush
of air.
In order to prevent the pipes supplying the burner with oil from becoming
clogged, we place, where the oil tank is filled by the filling screw, a piece of
perforated tube which acts as a strainer, thereby preventing foreign matter from
interfering with the free flow of oil in the pipes.
.
Lamps constructed upon this principle do not require the use of protectors at the
top, as in the ordinary railway lamps, and in making the top of the lamp we employ
a hollow cylinder perforated at the top which fits over the cone of the lamp. This
cylinder we encase in a wind guard furnished with handles as in the ordinary
railway lamps. On the top of the wind guard we place a disc of metal about
half-an-inch from the top of the perforations on the top of the cylinder.
In making burners we employ two pieces of brass or other metal, placed on each
side of the oil cup, the object of which is to cause an even flame. The top of the
burner is furnished with a hinged cone which falls back so as to clean the interior
of the burner.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WEIGHING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Thropp at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd February 1877.
JOHN THROPP, of Sheffield, in the County of Lancaster, Weighing Machine Maker.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WEIGHING."
My Invention relates to such weighing machines or apparatus as have steelyards
or levers, upon which poises or weights are fitted to slide or move. nearer to or
farther from the fulcra of the said steelyards, as is well understood.
According to my said Invention I form or provide the sliding poise with a nut or
with nuts, which engages or engage with the thread or threads of a screw, so that
when the said poise is slid or moved along the steelyard or lever the said screw is
caused to revolve. One end or each end of the said screw is provided with a
graduated wheel or disc, which indicates on its face or rim the portions of a revolu-
tion of the screw, or the end of the said screw imparts motion to a graduated wheel
or disc, or to an index which indicates the weights upon a fixed dial, or to a train
of gearing which gives motion to two or more graduated wheels or discs, or to two
or more indices.
In one arrangement the arm of the steelyard or lever is made of a tubular form,
or is otherwise formed with an internal space to receive the screw.
The said screw,
which is cut with a thread of a comparatively coarse pitch, in order that it may be
rotated by the sliding of the said poise, is mounted within the said steelyard upon
adjustable lathe centres or cones, or is formed with conical points which work in
adjustable bearings of a corresponding form, and is provided at one end with a
wheel or disc which is graduated upon the face or rim, a portion of the said face or
rim being exhibited at an opening in an enclosing box or part.
A fixed index is employed to indicate the weights upon the said wheel or disc.
The poise is fitted to slide upon the said steelyard, and is provided with a nut
which works upon the said screw. The said nut is made comparatively long in
order to lessen the back lash, or may be made in two or more parts, so that it may.
be adjusted at any time when required to take out the said back lash, or two
nuts may be employed, one nut being adjustable for the said purpose. The said
steelyard is marked or graduated to indicate the complete revolutions of the screw
[Price 2d

page_text: By way of example, I will suppose that one entire revolution of the screw cor-
responds to a movement of the weight equal to an indication of one cwt. In such
a case the aforesaid disc would be graduated to indicate the parts of a cwt., so that
by sliding the weight upon the steelyard until the balance is obtained the weight
may be "read off" upon the said steelyard in-conjunction with the said disc.
A NEW OR IMPROVED POLISHING MACHINE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Peter Jensen at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 15th August 1877. A communication from
abroad by Doctor Emil Jacobsen, of Berlin, Germany.
PETER JENSEN, of Chancery Lane, London. "A NEW OR IMPROVED POLISHING
MACHINE" (A communication from abroad by Doctor Emil Jacobsen, of Berlin,
Germany.)
This machine consists in a table, below which is, fitted a treadle for working a
crank shaft with fly wheel, whence motion is transmitted by strap or cord to a
small, quickly revolving spindle, mounted on the table in a suitable carriage or
bearings. Or this small spindle may be worked by strap or otherwise from any
suitable shafting or power. To the small spindle is fixed in continuation a short
india-rubber cylinder, to which is fixed in continuation a flat iron blade, on which a
circular wire brush may be fitted loosely, such brush having a loose ferrule for
taking hold of by the hand, while the brush revolves loosely therein. The india-
rubber connection between the blade and the spindle proper admits of great
flexibility, so that the blade with the brush on may be bent about, say, even to a
right angle with the spindle, while the brush at the same time can be shifted along
the blade as desired. Any article placed under or against the brush may thus be
polished or cleaned in all directions without necessarily moving it out of its place.
For polishing thin objects a loose table or flap may be placed on the table so as
to bring the object nearer to the brush.
.
Instead of a wire brush, any other brush may be used as required, for instance, a
hard or soft bristle brush, or a velvet, or cloth, or felt brush, or an emery wheel, or
other polishing or grinding disc or stone, or a sand paper disc.
The same machine can thus be made suitable for the polishing of glass and metal
surfaces, for the polishing of photographs and visiting cards, for the polishing of
buttons on a card, and for many other cleaning, polishing, or grinding purposes.
For greater power the india-rubber cylinder or connection must be made
correspondingly stronger.