matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF RAILWAY AND OTHER SPRINGS, AND IN THE TOOLS USED FOR THE ABOVE PURPOSE
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Mitchell at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd July 1878.
JAMES MITCHELL, of Sheffield, in the County of York, Engineer. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF RAILWAY AND OTHER SPRINGS, AND IN THE
TOOLS USED FOR THE ABOVE PURPOSE."
This Invention relates to improvements in the shaping of the ends of spring
plates and in producing them direct from the bar instead of first cutting the bar
into lengths, the operations of pointing, slitting, and studding being effected
without heating the bar, and also in the construction of the tools used for the
above purpose, the objects being economy in labour, saving of fuel, and a diminution
of scrap or waste.
In carrying out my Invention as applied to the production of pointed plates
with the slit and stud direct from the bars of steel suitable for railway springs,
for example, I use one or more powerful punching machines adapted to the purpose,
and provided with specially arranged tools or beds and punches, one set for each
end of a plate. The tools for the slitting and studding are so arranged that one
has finished its work before the other commences; neither of them are working till
the operation of pointing is completed; by this means both ends of a spring plate
are pointed, slitted, and studded, and also cut off the bar in two operations of the
machine; the slitting and studding may, however, if preferred, be performed by
a separate operation.
The improvements in the tools for pointing the plates consists principally in
making the top cutter with a guide fitting in the bottom cutter, and carrying
a guage for the end of the plate to abut against. The back of the bottom cutter
is provided with set screws bearing against the back of the guide of the top cutter,
so that when the cutters are worn they can be properly brought together again.
מי

page_text: The bottom cutter is so arranged that different breadths of plates can be pointed
by one pair of cutters. The various parts are made of sufficient strength that they
will cut or operate on the plates cold, thus saving fuel, and by the arrangement of
the tools the operation of pointing is effected with a smaller amount of scrap or
waste than is produced when the ordinary method is adopted.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WIRE CARDS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Walton, of the Haughton Dale Mills, Denton, in
the County of Lancaster, Wire Card Manufacturer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WIRE CARDS."
Sealed the 25th June 1878, and dated the 6th April 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Walton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th April 1878.
WILLIAM WALTON, of the Haughton Dale Mills, Denton, in the County of Lan-
caster, Wire Card Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANufacture of WIRE
CARDS."
In machines for setting card teeth into india-rubber and other similar founda-
tions it is customary to pass the wire through or over a piece of cloth or felt
saturated with naphtha or other lubricant, in order to facilitate the passage of the
wire through the holes made by the prickers in the foundation. The use of
naphtha is objectionable, owing to the expense, the vapours given off, and the fact
that in hot weather it sometimes evaporates before the wire is passed into the
foundation.
Now my Invention consists in the use of finely ground French chalk, farina, or
other suitable powder in lieu of the naphtha or other equivalent heretofore used.
I put the French chalk or other powder in a vessel having slots in the sides,
through which the wire is drawn, and in passing the powder adhering to the wire
is carried forward into the foundation, the powder assisting the passage of the wire.

page_text: The vessel containing the powder is surrounded by a second vessel to catch the
droppings.
By this Invention a great saving is effected in the cost of production, a better
result is obtained, and the atmosphere of the room in which the operation is per-
formed is not vitiated.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN BUTTONS AND FASTENINGS FOR RAIMENT
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Sperring Wathen at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th March 1878.
THOMAS SPERRING WATHEN, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN BUTTONS AND FASTENINGS FOR RAIMENT."
My Invention relates to improvements in buttons and button fastenings, and it
consists, First, in uniting the disc or head of the button to the shank, or stem, or its
equivalent, on the principle of the ball-and-socket joint, so that the disc or head
will be free to oscillate on the stem, or shank, or its equivalent, in the act of but-
toning, whereby to facilitate the said act. According to this part of the Invention
the button consists of a disc cupped at the centre with a cavity of semispherical
form, and having a central aperture for the passage of the stem, or shank, or its
equivalent.
The stem or shank, when of metal, is formed with or has fixed to it at its front
end a ball or section of a sphere corresponding to and fitting in the cup of the disc,
so that the latter can oscillate freely on the former to a certain extent, the aper-
ture through which the stem or shank passes being of sufficient size to admit
of this.
This so-called ball or section of a sphere may be merely a cupped disc rivetted or
soldered to the stem or shank. The other end of the stem may have a plate or
disc soldered to it to be attached to a garment like a stud, or instead of a disc it
may be a ball, or knob, or its equivalent, received in a cupped disc like the front
disc of the button, the ball-and-socket principle being thus similarly applied both
to the back and front of the button. Or instead of a cupped disc the ball or knob
may snap into a spring catch disc, being a disc with a button hole shaped slot
through which the knob passes, and in the narrow part of which it is locked or
retained by a spring catch, or any modification of this fastening, or any other form
of fastening plate may be adopted; or the shank may be an ordinary looped wire
shank.
When a metal stem or shank is not employed, and the button is to be attached
to the garment by sewing, holes are made for the passage of the thread in the

page_text: ball or segment of a sphere above mentioned, as fitting in a hemispherical cavity
in the centre of the disc of the button. In this case the button merely consists
of a disc cupped at the centre, and with a central aperture as above described,
and a ball or segment of a sphere fitting in the cavity of the disc, and on
which the latter oscillates as before, and perforated for attachment to the garment 5
by sewing.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ICE SAFES FOR THE PRESERVATION OR TRANSPORT OF MEAT AND OTHER ARTICLES OF FOOD
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Imray at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1878. (A communication
from abroad by Jean Charles Keesen and Albert Paul Georges Daumesnil, both
of Paris, France.)
JOHN IMRAY, of No. 20, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ICE SAFES FOR THE PRESERVATION OR TRANSPORT
OF MEAT AND OTHER ARTICLES OF FOOD." [A communication from abroad by Jean
Charles Keesen and Albert Paul Georges Daumesnil, both of Paris, France.]
This Invention relates to ice safes or cooled receptacles for preserving meat and
other articles of food, either in a warehouse, or in transport by vessel or railway.
As an example of the construction and arrangement of such receptacles, that for
transport by railway may be described as follows:-It is constructed either as a
complete goods' van, or as a separate box to be placed on a truck, the latter form
rendering it more suitable for change of transport as from a railway to a vessel. It
is made preferably of wood, with a double casing, and having non-conducting
material between the inner and outer walls. Within it hooks are provided for
hanging the articles to be preserved, and these are arranged on bars or frames
which are slid in along fillets secured to the interior walls, or to uprights, suitable
catches being arranged to hold them in place. After charging the receptacle with
the articles to be preserved, a box containing ice is introduced, and also a box con-
taining crystallised chloride of calcium, or of magnesium, or other substance
absorbent of moisture, or there may be several boxes of ice and of the absorbent
material arranged according to the form and dimensions of the receptacles, and the
quantity and character of its contents.
In order to maintain circulation of the air within the receptacle fans are mounted
within it upon spindles which extend through stuffing boxes to the exterior, where
DI

page_text: they have vanes arranged as in rotary ventilators, so that the motion of the truck
through the air causes the spindles, and with them the internal fans, to revolve.
When the receptacle is in a warehouse or vessel the fans can be worked by hand or
other convenient power.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN CENTRIFUGAL FLOUR-DRESSING MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Carl Pieper at
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th December 1878.
from August Christian Nagel and Reinhold Hermann
Hamburg, Germany.
the Office of the
A communication
Kaemp, both of
CARL PIEPER, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, resident at 74, Belle-Alliance-
Strasse, Berlin, S. W., Prussia. "AN IMPROVEMENT IN CENTRIFUGAL FLOUR-DRESSING
MACHINES." A communication from August Christian Nagel and Reinhold Hermann
Kaemp, both of Hamburg, Germany.
This Invention relates to an improvement in centrifugal flour-dressing machines,
and more particularly in the one described in the Specification of the English
Patent No. 649, A.D. 1870, granted to Julius Allman, of Manchester.
According to the arrangement described in the said Specification, the sifting-
cylinder is provided at the ends with hollow gudgeons revolving in bearings, while
the fan-shaft passes through the said gudgeons and is mounted in other bearings
placed outside of the former. This arrangement involves certain inconveniencies,
which the Inventors have avoided in the following manner :-
The sifting cylinder, which has no gudgeons, is carried at its ends by four rollers
or discs, two of which are fixed on one shaft and two on another, both" shafts
being parallel to the axis of the cylinder and mounted in bearings. One of these
shafts is driven by any suitable gearing from the fan-shaft or otherwise, so that
the corresponding rollers or discs (or one of them) acting as friction-wheels cause
the cylinder to rotate. If preferred, however, the said shafts may both be operated
upon by the gearing.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CHILD'S CRIBS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Gray Bellairs at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th July 1878.
WALTER GRAY BELLAIRS, of Dalkeith House, Englefield Green, Surrey, Stock-
broker. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CHILD'S CRIBS."
This Invention of improvements in child's cribs is designed to furnish an
economical crib, easy of transportation, folding up in small compass, and capable of
being mounted and put together in a few minutes.
In the first portion of the Invention, the folding frame, I take two pieces of wood
or other material the required length of the crib; this forms the upper portion of
the frame of the crib. Within these two sides of the frame, at the bed head and at
the foot, are attached the legs; these are composed of two legs with two cross
frames or bars, one at the upper part connecting the legs together, and one half
way down the legs, also connecting the legs together. The legs are attached at the
upper end by a screw or pin so that the legs fold within the two upper bars of the
frame of the bed for packing, and together form a rectangular frame. To mount
the bed these legs are folded down till the end of the legs rest on the ground, the
upper portion of each leg turning on the pin or other fastening in the side frames.
As the frame in this position requires strutting I provide for this by two other bars,
nearly the size of the two upper ones. These fit in exactly opposite the mid cross
bar of the legs, and then when attached to the legs by a thumbscrew or other
fastening a completely rigid and firm bed frame is made.
The second part of the Invention consists in giving to this frame a canvas bottom,
formed in this manner :-A piece of canvas of suitable length and the width of the
crib is sewn up at each end to leave a loop or hem through which I pass a small
cross bar, each end projecting about an inch. As the crib legs are preferably not
perfectly at right angles with the frame, but stand out at the lower extremities a
little, I am enabled to put the canvas and the two small cross bars at the upper
part of the frame at the head and the foot of the crib, and then by pressing them

page_text: down form a tightly stretched and highly elastic bottom for the support of the usual
mattrass, and entirely dispense with the necessity of a spring mattrass or crossed
webbing.
To the bars may be attached any suitable cotton print or other vallance, and
then the child is safely protected from any risk of falling from the crib.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF PAPER FOR PREVENTION OF FRAUD
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Anthony Nesbit at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd May 1878.
ALFRED ANTHONY NESBIT, of 38, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF PAPER FOR PREVENTION
OF FRAUD."
The object of this Invention is the manufacture or treatment of paper for cheques,
bank notes, deeds, law documents, or other instruments of a similar character, so as
to prevent alterations being fraudulently made thereon by the use of chemicals,
including acids and cyanide of potassium. For this purpose I mix with the paper
pulp, or pass the manufactured paper through an alkaline solution of peroxide of
iron (or any salt of peroxide of iron) and ferrocyanide of potassium or other base, in
which the iron is kept from precipitating by the addition to the solution of tartaric
acid, citric acid, sugar tartrates or citrates, or other organic substances having the
power of preventing the precipitation of oxide of iron by an alkalie.
Sulphocyanide may be substituted for ferrocyanide, or ferricyanide may be
substituted for ferrocyanide, and the salt of protoxide of iron for one of peroxide
of iron.
Where it is desired to avoid treatment of the paper after manufacture, if a slight
color in the paper be not objectionable, I during the process of manufacture add to
the paper pulp red ochre, oxide of iron, ferrocyanide of potassium, or other base, and
an alkali, or, in other words, Prussian blue, from which the color has been discharged
by an alkali.
In this case no addition of tartaric acid or its equivalent is
needed.
Sulphocyanide may be substituted for the ferrocyanide or used therewith.
Upon the application of a chemical to paper manufactured or treated according
to my Invention a colour or stain will be produced, whether the chemical be applied
over ink or not.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BENCH VICES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Gustavus Rollins at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th July 1878. A communication from
abroad by William X. Stevens, of East Brookfield, in the County of Worcester,
in the State of Massachusetts, in the United States of America.
JOHN GUSTAVUS ROLLINS, of Old Swan Wharf, London Bridge, in the City of
London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BENCH VICES." A. communication from abroad by
William X. Stevens, of East Brookfield, in the County of Worcester, in the State of
Massachusetts, in the United States of America.
The object of this Invention is to hold work in either a vertical or horizontal
position, or at any angle of inclination between those two points, by means of a
bench vice arranged to turn on an axis inclined to the plane of contact of the vice
jaws.
The bed plato is either cast as a part of the body of the vice, or it may be made
separate, to be attached to the body of the vice in any suitable manner.
The base piece is secured to the bench, and the bed piece is arranged to turn
upon the base piece on an axis inclined to the plane of the jaws, and the two parts
may be secured together at any desired point of revolution, thus fastening the vice
to the bench in that position.
There are many ways in which the two parts can be arranged to operate on this
principle, but the one here described is preferred as the most simple and efficient..
The lower face of the bed piece, and the upper face of the base piece come to a
bearing in a circular form on a plane at right angles to the axis of revolution.
The bolt fixing the two parts together is concentric with the axis of revolution,
and when it is loosened the bed piece revolves freely upon it, but it may be
tightened by the usual screw and nut, securing the bed piece to the base piece in
any desired position. This kind of attachment is commonly called a swivel; and
should greater range of adjustment of positions to the vice be desired, the vice may

page_text: be attached to the bed piece by such a swivel. The axis of revolution of the vice
will be usually fixed at 45° inclination to the plane of the vice jaws, that being the
angle required to revolve the vice jaws from a vertical to a horizontal position.
For special purposes, vices may be made on this principle with the axis fixed at
other angles.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAMWAY RAILS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Gowans at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 29th June 1878.
JAMES GOWANS, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North Britain,
Railway Contractor. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAMWAY RAILS."
This Invention which relates to improvements in tramway rails, has reference to
that class of such rails which are not secured to timber supports or analogous
fastenings..
The object of the present improvements is to produce a continuous line of
metallic tramway, and to give a steadier vertical support to the rail, immediately
under that part of the table or surface of the rail on which the wheels of tramway
cars tread, and in general to produce a lighter and therefore cheaper continuous rail
than hitherto.
The improved tram rails constituting the present Invention consist of a vertical
web with a continuous flat foot projecting as a flanch on either side. The vertical
web is situated immediately under the top table or flat wearing surface of the rails,
and the flanch of the foot nearest to the table or wearing surface of the rails is
broader than the flanch at the opposite side, in order that a larger area may be
disposed at that side of the foot where the load principally presses.
The flanch in both cases is made broad enough to constitute a foundation for
the concrete or paving setts on either side of the rail.
The web of the rail is formed with openings preferably equidistant, so as to
diminish the amount of metal therein, and therefore lighten it.
The rails are jointed together either by plates under the feet with bolts passing
therethrough and through the joint plates, or a portion of the body of the rail
can be cut away, and the flanch foot of one rail or a portion thereof made to
overlap the flanch foot of the next rail or a portion thereof, with bolts passing
through the overlapping portions.

page_text: The rails may also be jointed by overlapping a portion of their webs, bolts being
passed through the overlapping portions, and having pieces of the ends of the
upper surface of the rail and the foot correspondingly cut away.
The rails may also be joined together by fish plates, but the foregoing arrange-
ments are preferred as being less costly.....
CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENDS FOR BLIND ROLLERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Jeal at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 5th November 1878.
JOHN JEAL, of Croydon, in the County of Surrey.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENDS FOR BLIND ROLLERS."
<
'IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
I make the pulley end of a blind roller of two half sheaves as heretofore, but
according to this my Invention I mount this pulley on a square (or other not round)
spike, one end of which serves for driving into the end of the roller, and the other
end of which fits with a shoulder against the pulley, and is round or rounded in
order to work in the roller bracket. The inner half sheave may be formed or fitted
with one or more short points or pegs, which, when driven into the end of the roller,
serves to keep it still more secure and prevent it from turning round in the roller ;
or one or more spikes or screws may be put through it with the same view. The
other "end" is also mounted on a similar spike, and may also, if desired, be fitted
or formed with one or more small points or pegs.
The spike is by preference made taper.
Roller ends constructed as above are easily centred, and are secured quickly and
conveniently by driving into the roller.
APPLIANCES OR GARMENTS FOR CURATIVE PURPOSES."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Wilson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th September 1878.
WILLIAM WILSON, of the City of Cork, Ireland.
APPLIANCES OR GARMENTS FOR CURATIVE PURPOSES."
IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETIC
My Invention relates to improvements in magnetic appliances or garments, such
as belts, spinal bands, leggings, vests, knee caps, and other garments, applicable for
the relief or cure of diseases, in which a constant current of magnetism is main-
tained, the object of the Invention being to have at disposal the principle of
galvanic chains or bands in combination with magnetism, so that a galvanic current
may be maintained at the same time that a magnetic current is kept up.
In carrying out iny Invention for the manufacture of appliances or garments for
curative purposes 1 employ india-rubber cloth, one side of which may be covered
with woollen, silk, cotton, or other suitable material, but by preference silk or wool.
On this india-rubber cloth I fix a suitable number of perforated plates of silvered
steel or other magnetised metal, and through the perforations in these plates I
insert a number of eyelets, either of copper or zinc separately or combined to keep
the herein-before described plates in position. Through these eyelets I pass copper
or zinc tapes or wires in close connection running through the whole or part circuit
of the appliance or garment, so that a galvanic current is kept up at the same time
that the magnetic current is present.
The eyelets (which may be covered from view or not as desired, the outer faces
being visible) serve as a means of ventilation for the natural exhalations of the
body, as well as for the connecting joints or fastenings of the copper or zinc tapes
or wires.
The fastenings of my improved appliances or garments may consist of tapes,
buckles, or other suitable fastenings.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS. TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF NIGHT SOIL, REFUSE, EARTH, OR OTHER SUBSTANCES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Robinson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th September 1878.
JOSEPH ROBINSON, of Aston, in the County of Warwick, Sanitary Inspector.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS. TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF NIGHT SOIL,
REFUSE, EARTH, OR OTHER SUBSTANCES."
This Invention refers to the removal of night soil, refuse, earth, or other substances
by the employment of apparatus into which the substance to be removed is deposited
between the point from which it is taken and the vehicle by which it is to be
conveyed away.
'
The apparatus consists of a box into which the night soil or other substance is
loaded from the barrows or other hand vehicle, which box when filled is caused to
slide up inclined ways into the cart or removing vehicle, the box being so balanced
that when it reaches the upper end of the incline the fore end being heaviest is
easily tilted and the contents thus discharged into the cart. The frame consists of
two inclined bars and standards, and at the top end two pulleys over which pass
cords, ropes, or chains, which pass again over winding pulleys. The box is furnished
with flanged wheels working on the inclined bars, and by means of the ropes before
named it is drawn up the inclines by a winch handle on the winding pulley until
it reaches the top of the frame, when it is tilted and the contents deposited in the
cart.
AN IMPROVED AUTOMATIC PURGING OR RELIEF COCK OR APPARATUS FOR STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edward Gedge at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th April 1878. A communication
from abroad by Pierre Schrabb and Auguste Terrien, both of Paris, France.
WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11, Wellington Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "AN IMPROVED AUTOMATIC PURGING OR RELIEF COCK
OR APPARATUS FOR STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES." A communication from abroad
by Pierre Schrabb and Auguste Terrien, both of Paris, France.
The object of the very simple apparatus, the subject of this Invention is, to let
out automatically the water which forms by condensation in the cylinders of steam
engines in apparatuses heating by steam and others. It may also effect a similar
purpose in gas, air, and other conduits whenever it is desired to obtain the discharge
of a liquid automatically.
In steam engines this apparatus is screwed in the place of the actual pet or purge-
cock, which is worked by hand, and absolutely prevents the accidents occasioned by
neglect of this manoeuvre when the cock remains closed; as also the overcharge of
the machine when the water cannot issue freely during the working. Further, it
prevents the waste of steam which takes place when the ordinary cock remains
open too long.
The accompanying Sheet of Drawings shows an apparatus embodying this
Invention,―
Figure 1 representing a section at E, F, Fig. 3.
C, D, Fig. 3; and
Figure 2
Figure 3
"
"
"
"
A, B, Fig. 1, and a bottom view. of the appa-

page_text: Assuming this apparatus to be screwed on to a steam engine and the engine at
rest, the washer d falls by its weight to the bottom of the cap, air may re-enter the
cylinder, and the condensed water runs out.
Directly the steam-cock of the engine is opened the air shut in the conduits and
the cylinder escapes freely, the steam drives all the water before it to the outside,
and directly the dry steam arrives it causes the washer d to rise and come against
61, cl, so as to permit nothing more to issue excepting the water which oozes drop
by drop, according to the condensation that takes place in the working of the
engine.
The water condensed during the working issues freely without loss of steam.
The steam shut in the cap e cools by degrees in consequence of the introduction
of a few drops of water which lodge in it, and when it is full the apparatus opens
entirely.
In condensing engines the channel c communicates with the condenser.
To ensure proper working the flanges of the orifices b' and c', and the washer d,
should be well prepared and carefully fitted to each other; the washer d may be of
any shape ordinarily used in valves; preference is, however, given to the shape
shown in the Drawing as being the most convenient.
The orifices b¹, c¹, may be arranged as shown, Figs. 4, 5, and 6; this arrangement
is most suitable for gas; it goes well with steam, but for steam preference is given
to the arrangement first described.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU- FACTURE OF SHAWLS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Millar at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 19th July 1878.
ROBERT MILLAR, of the Firm of J. and R. Millar, of Paisley, in the County of
Renfrew, North Britain, Shawl Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF SHAWLS."
This Invention has reference to a new or improved mode and means of manu-
facturing reversible shawls (of the class known as Paisley shawls), whereby the
large central or body part of the shawl can all be woven as plain, repp, or twilled
cloth of one uniform coloured weft, and with much less of the expensive many-
colored wefts, whether of silk, wool, or cotton, required to make the ornamental,
figured, or border part. And the nature and novelty of the Invention consist in
weaving the central part of the shawl with its broad and narrow cross borders
at its opposite ends in long webs with narrow selvedges without a pattern or figured
border at the sides, the central part being thus all plain twilled cloth of the same
colour on both sides, all so that the shawls can be cut off in length or squares from
the web, and afterwards hemmed or bound at their cut ends.
The borders for the sides of the shawl are woven separately in long webs, of a
width sufficient to correspond with the length of each shawl, with a plain strip of
cloth between each, through which they are cut separate off the web, and sewed on
to the selvedged edges of the said central or body part and end borders of the shawl,
all woven in one piece, as before mentioned, thus obtaining the fancy side borders
without requiring to weave it into or carry it right across the whole body part or
shawl. The outside edges of these side borders are either hemmed or bound with
narrow braid of a colour harmonizing with the pattern or colour of the shawl, and
the fringe might be sewed or worked on to either the end or side borders of the
shawl so formed; or the fringe might be made on the shawl itself out of the warp

page_text: or weft material forming the borders, the chief novelty of the Invention consisting
in weaving the side borders separately from the body of the shawl and its end
borders or figured part, and afterwards sewing them thereto so as to make a com-
pletely reversible shawl, the central part or ground of which is of the same colour
on both sides.
IMPROVEMENT IN LADIES' SADDLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Stewart at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th June 1878.
ALEXANDER STEWART, of St. Marylebone, in the County of Middlesex.
IMPROVEMENT IN LADIES' SADDLES."
"AN
My Invention relates to ladies' saddles, which, as is well known, are liable to
cause sore withers by the saddle being pulled over to the near side so far that the
gullet of the saddle-tree presses on the withers.
My Invention has for its object to avoid this objection, and it consists in dis-
pensing with the ordinary pommel and gullet, and connecting the bars of the saddle-
tree by an iron bridge placed quite behind the withers, so that there is no part of
the saddle-tree that can press on the withers.
The off head rises from the top surface of the bar instead of being a continuation
from its upper edge, and thus no matter how much the saddle is pulled over by the
weight of the rider, the off head cannot touch the withers.
By dispensing with the pommel as above described a straighter and softer seat
is obtained in addition to the more important advantage above referred to.
AN IMPROVED INSTRUMENT FOR SHOWING THE EARTH'S ORBIT
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Ernest Phillips at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th November 1878.
THOMAS ERNEST PHILLIPS, of Saint Mary's Schools, Polygon, Somers Town, in
the County of Middlesex, Schoolmaster. "AN IMPROVED INSTRUMENT FOR SHOWING
THE EARTH'S ORBIT."
The improvement has for its object the economical illustration of day and night,
seasons, solstices, equinoxes, eccentricity of the earth's orbit, together with inclination
and parallelism of the earth's axis, which have hitherto been shown by a com-
plicated and expensive machine called an orrery, and consists in the use of a pedestal
surmounted by an opaque globe of glass furnished with an internal light, such
globe representing the sun. Around the pedestal is worked a rotary disc
carrying a radiating arm furnished at or near its extremity with a terrestial
globe mounted on an axial pin; said pin is controlled by a rod pivoted on and
worked from the rotary disc, which is furnished with a milled headed screw and
worked by the fingers. The mechanism is best made of metal; the globe as at
present. The instrument being properly set to time and place and in a darkened
room, the various illustrations as above can be readily given by lighting the light
and turning the milled screw.
Iм- PROVEMENTS IN TENTS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Conway Rencher at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th April 1878. A communi-
cation from abroad by James Cary French, of Colorado, in the United States
of America.
WILLIAM CONWAY RENCHER, of Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex. "Iм-
PROVEMENTS IN TENTS." [A communication from abroad by James Cary French, of
Colorado, in the United States of America.]
This Invention consists in so constructing a tent and its appurtenances that the
ordinary central pole or poles may be dispensed with, and any rough pole, fence,
rail, extension pole, or ordinary piece of timber of suitable length may be used in
lieu thereof.
In carrying out the Invention a cap, thimble, or socket, made of strong leather,
cloth, or other suitable material, is sewed, rivetted, or otherwise firmly attached to
the cloth or canvas of the tent, so as to form the apex of the tent when it is raised
and in use.
If it be desired to provide an opening at this part for the purpose of ventilation,
an open metal cap or a ring may be secured to the apex of the tent. Into this
thimble, cap, or ring is inserted the end of a pole or wooden strut, which may be
placed either inside or outside the canvas, and stands at an inclination corresponding
roughly with the slope or inclination of the canvas when erected.
The lower end of the pole is thrust into or made to bear firmly against the earth,
to which end a guy rope is attached to the upper end of the pole, and by drawing
this rope tight and securing it by means of a pin to the ground, the pole will be
firmly held in the inclined position and will properly support the centre part of the
tent.
If desired the tents may be pitched in couples, and one guy rope used for securing
both tents. In this case the poles or struts of the two tents must be inclined in
opposite directions and from each other. The guy rope will then be stretched from
the top of one pole to the top of the other in a horizontal direction, and tightened
or strained in any convenient manner.

page_text: When the tents are used for military purposes, the horizontal guy ropes will
serve as clothes lines.
Although any rough poles of sufficient length may be used for the purpose of the
Invention, it will be obvious that if desired special poles may be provided, and for
the sake of convenience they may be made in short lengths and jointed like a
fishing rod.
A NOVEL APPLIANCE FOR FACILITATING WALKING AND MARCHING, SPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR THE USE OF PEDESTRIAN TOURISTS AND INFANTRY SOLDIERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Octavius Paget at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th February 1878. A commu-
nication from His Serene Highness Rudolf Prince of Liechtenstein, residing at
Neulengbach, near Vienna.
CHARLES OCTAVIUS PAGET, of the Firm of Paget Brothers, Engineers and Patent
Agents, of Stadt, Riemergasse, 13, Vienna, in the Empire of Austria. "A NOVEL
APPLIANCE FOR FACILITATING WALKING AND MARCHING, SPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR
THE USE OF PEDESTRIAN TOURISTS AND INFANTRY SOLDIERS." [A communication
from His Serene Highness Rudolf Prince of Liechtenstein, residing at Neulengbach,
near Vienna.]
This Invention relates to an appliance for facilitating walking and marching,
specially suitable for the use of tourists and infantry soldiers in the ascent and
passage of mountainous districts. It consists essentially in the use of an elastic
support for the back of the pedestrian, and in the combination of the said support
with arrangements for connecting it to a cord or rope drawn by a horse or other
animal, or other source of energy.
It is preferred to construct the said support of two curved slips of wood, each
about one foot long, two inches wide, and one-eighth of an inch thick, connected
together at their ends so as to form a double bowspring. This double bowspring
is fixed crosswise to a semicircular bent rod, and the arrangement is such that when
the apparatus is worn by a person the said bowspring will lie vertically in a line
with and form an elastic support for the spine of the wearer, while the bent rod will
pass around the back and sides of his waist.
The two ends of the bent rod may be provided with any suitable arrangement
for rapidly and conveniently connecting and disconnecting them with the cord or
rope to be used for drawing the wearer along, and thereby aiding his progress.
APPA- RATUS FOR THE INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF ALL KINDS OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Young and Colin Maltby
Dale at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd October
1878.
FREDERICK YOUNG, of Powell Road, Clapton, and COLIN MALTBY DALE, of
Saint George's Square, Regent's Park, both in the County of Middlesex. "APPA-
RATUS FOR THE INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF ALL KINDS OF ARTIFICIAL
LIGHT."
I. Our Invention has its object, as set forth in the title, and consists, firstly, in
constructing a reflector of a peculiar and improved shape. This reflector is of an
oblong or rectangular shape, but curved so as to be somewhat leaf-like in section,
as shown,
so as to present one concave and one convex surface.
The
thickest or broadest part of the leaf we sometimes cut away at its lower extremity,
that is to say, at the lower extremity of the rectangle for about one-third of its
length at an angle of about twenty-five degrees. This reflector may be made of
hollow glass, with its reflecting surfaces either plain, corrugated, or figured, and be
coated either internally or externally with silver or other suitable reflecting
material.
II. Our Invention consists, secondly, in arranging around the light any conve-
nient number of arms or other supports for the purpose of carrying or holding the
said reflectors in the required position immediately before, in front, and around the
light, and at such an angle as to catch the rays of light, each reflector upon its
concave surface, and transmit them, the said rays of light, to the convex surface of
its neighbour, and the light from the latter surface is diffused into the space to be
illuminated; or the sectional shape of these reflectors may be such as to transmit
the rays of light across to each other and back again any required number of times.
The corrugated or figured surfaces of the said reflectors, as likewise the reflectors
themselves, greatly enlarge the apparent magnitude of the light, thus increasing its
illuminating powers, the reflectors having the appearance of an unbroken circle of
brilliant white light.
III. That part of the said reflector where cut away as herein-before described we
utilise more particularly for the purpose of throwing the light downwards, and thus

page_text: destroying the shadow or shadows which would otherwise be created or made by
the said apparatus.
IV. The said reflectors may be made of glass, metal, earthenware, or any other
material suitable for the purpose. They may be made solid, hollow, or built up in
ninasy
V. The section thereof may be curved, as herein-before described, or may be
formed in angles; or may consist of plates bent to the required shape, or of a com-
bination of curves, angles, and plates.
VIIn lieu of forming-the-said-reflectors-in-an-oblong_or_rectangular shape they
may be round, oval, curved, angular, or square, or of any suitable combination of
these forms.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BUTTONS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th May 1878. A com-
munication from Karl Brandt, the younger, of Gössnitz, in the Empire of Ger-
many.
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKI, of the Firm of J. Brandt and G. W. von
Nawrocki, of 124, Leipziger Strasse, Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, Civil
Engineer and Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BUTTONS." A communication
from Karl Brandt, the younger, of Gössnitz, in the Empire of Germany.
The improvements consist in fashioning buttons of any material, so that the
sewing thread to be used for attaching them to garments and such like shall not be
visible, by and through the arrangements of the oblique stitching holes formed in
oblique channels in the said buttons.
The improvements are performed by cutting an oblique channel or groove all
round in the upper or front face of the button, and in the bottom of such channel
(which is not visible to front view) drilling two or more stitching holes.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MICROPHONIC SPEAKING APPARATUS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles François Varey, of Ruo Saint Lazare, Paris, in
the Republic of France, and now of 5, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MICROPHONIC SPEAKING
APPARATUS."
Sealed the 20th December 1878, and dated the 4th October 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles François Varey at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th October 1878.
CHARLES FRANÇOIS VAREY, of Rue Saint Lazare, Paris, in the Republic of
France, and now of 5, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MICROPHONIC SPEAKING APPARATUS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in microphonic speaking apparatus.
For the purpose of transmitting spoken words to a distance through a telegraphic
line wire or conductor, I employ an instrument similar to the microphone, and this
instrument I enclose in a case in such manner as to protect it from all disturbing
vibrations and leave it to be influenced only by vibrations set up in the air confined
in the case. One side or portion of the case consists of a thin plate or diaphragm,
which vibrates to the voice of a speaker and imparts similar vibrations to the air
within the case. The microphonic apparatus consists of a cylinder of carbon, pointed at
the ends, and two plates also of carbon having small depressions in them, into which
the points of the first-mentioned piece are received, so that the cylinder is held
loosely between the plates. The case may be of wood, and the carbon plates are
attached to its sides, a thickness of caoutchouc being interposed to check the trans-
mission of vibrations. I prefer to make these plates from the carbon or graphite
taken from gas retorts, whilst for the pointed piece of carbon which is sustained
....1
•

page_text: between them I prefer to employ the prepared carbon known as carbon carrè. The
thin plate or diaphragm which completes the enclosure may be of thin iron or of
mica or other material, which will respond to the voice tremour. A mouth-piece is
provided immediately over this plate or diaphragm to concentrate the voice upon
it. The microphonic apparatus with its case arranged as described is supported
upon a base, within which a dry pile is enclosed. The pile I employ is composed of
chloride of silver, zinc, and carbon, and the current derived from this pile is led to
two metal standards, between which the case containing the microphonic apparatus
is held. The standards receive pins projecting from the sides of the case and serving
as axes, about which the instrument may be inclined.
Sometimes I vary the arrangement by enclosing both the microphonic apparatus
and the dry pile in the same case, which may be so formed as to be conveniently
held in the hand whilst in use.
Sometimes in place of arranging the microphonic parts in the same circuit with
the pile, I employ an induction coil, the primary of which is in connection with
the pile and the secondary with the microphone.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Amédée Thornton de Mouncie, of Hill Street, Rutland
Gate, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN FIRE-ARMS.'
"
Sealed the 23rd August 1878, and dated the 30th May 187
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Amédée Thornton de Mouncie
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th May 1878.
AMÉDÉE THORNTON DE MOUNCIE, of Hill Street, Rutland Gate, in the County
of Middlesex, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS."
The first part of my Invention relates to a modification of the construction and
arrangement of the mainspring of the lock of fire-arms generally, with the object of
giving greater softness or a more gentle movement to the trigger, while at the same
time obtaining a more powerful percussion. For this purpose I propose to make a
slot, opening, or groove in the mainspring of the lock to receive a pin, stud, or
projection upon an arm or lever, by which I propose to make the spring act on the
lifter.
I may support this arm or extension of the spring by the central pivot and a
bearing in the cover plate, or I may rivet the pin of the said arm, or secure the
said arm or extension of the spring in any suitable manner, so that it is left free
to move in the slot, groove, or opening in the spring.
The second part of my Invention relates to an extractor for revolvers. I propose
to dispense entirely with springs, making the axle or rod carrying a star or other
form of extractor to pass through the cylinder, and bear against or enter the breech
of the arm when closed, providing the said axle or rod with a slide piece having a
stud or projection outside of that part of the body of the arm in which the extracting
rod is held, which part of the body or case is slotted to permit the said slide to

page_text: travel to and fro in pushing out the empty cartridge and returning the rod by the
stud..
The third part of my Invention relates to the breech-closing and locking arrange-
meut. I propose to combine the breech-closing arrangement so that it may form
at the same time locking device and plate or partition, preventing escape of gas
into the lock.
IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPLIANCES FOR FACILITATING THE TRANSPORT OF COAL, COKE, MINERALS, AND OTHER SIMILAR BODIES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Snowdon at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th July 1878.
THOMAS SNOWDON, of 10, Saint Mary Axe, in the City of London, Civil and
Mechanical Engineer. "IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPLIANCES FOR FACILITATING
THE TRANSPORT OF COAL, COKE, MINERALS, AND OTHER SIMILAR BODIES."
The Invention consists in providing-hexagonal-boxes or vessels (preferably made
of steel), in which the material to be transported is placed. These boxes or vessels
may be placed in the hold of a vessel, and are of gradually decreasing sizes or
dimensions, so that when empty they may fit into each other.
By this means the coal or other material when once placed in the hexagonal box
or vessel can be transferred to the ship or vessel by means of steam cranes or other
suitable apparatus and conveyed to its destination, thus avoiding all labor, loss of
time in discharge, and breakage of material.