matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR TOPPING AND TAILING TURNIPS OR OTHER ANALOGOUS ROOT CROPS, THE SAME BEING ALSO APPLICABLE FOR REMOVING POTATOES FROM THE GROUND
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Andrew Pollock at the Office of the
Cominissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1878.
"
ANDREW POLLOCK, of Mauchline, in the County of Ayr, North Britain. A.
NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR TOPPING AND TAILING TURNIPS OR OTHER
ANALOGOUS ROOT CROPS, THE SAME BEING ALSO APPLICABLE FOR REMOVING
POTATOES FROM THE GROUND."
This Invention relates to improvements in that class of machine at present in use
for digging potatoes, wherein the digging or potato removing instrument consists of
a series of arms carrying forks or prongs at their extremities arranged radially, so
that when revolving at right angles to the direction in which the machine is
drawn the prongs or forks successively knock or lift the potatoes from out of the
ground.
Under the present improvements by which the machine is adapted for cutting off
the tops and removing the tails from turnips and other root crops of an analogous
kind, the revolving arms in place of being formed with prongs or forks are fitted
with knives, which as they revolve cut off the tops of the turnips.
The knives are also capable of being lifted or lowered according to the height
above ground of the roots from off which the tops have to be cut,
The after or rear part of the machine is furnished with a combined lifting and
tail-cutting instrument of an angular shape, and which is formed with cutting
edges.
When the machine is being drawn over the ground this instrument passes under
the turnip or analogous root at a depth sufficient for the cutting edges to catch-
upon the upper or thick part of the tail and cut it through. The body of the

page_text: turnip or analogous root being thus removed from the tail, lies loose on the ground
ready for being picked up.
It is to be understood that by removing the arms with the knives and the rear
cutting instrument, and placing the ordinary arms with prongs upon the revolving
shaft, the said machine may be used for lifting potatoes or other roots, wherein
topping and tailing operations are unnecessary.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPING APPARATUS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Burrow Vercoe at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th February 1878.
HENRY BURROW VERCOE, of Holywell, Flintshire, North Wales, Mining Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPING APPARATUS."
My Invention relates to pumping apparatus for mines, wherein a bucket and a
plunger ram move together, the ram in a case communicating with a barrel con-
taining the bucket, so that as the bucket discharges during the up stroke, and the
plunger ram during the down stroke, a continuous discharge ensues.
In my improved apparatus the bucket and the plunger each obtains its supply of
water through a separate suction and valve. The pump stands on two perforated
suction pipes (windbores) fixed in a cistern, into which water flows from the mine.
In a double clack piece (or valve piece) are two clacks (or valves), one over each
suction, and two doors are provided, by opening which the clacks may be examined
and changed. On one side of the clack piece is fixed the working barrel containing
On the other side
the pump bucket, which is suitably attached to the engine rods.
of the clack piece is fixed the case containing the plunger ram; thus, the bucket is
vertically over one clack or valve and suction, and the ram is vertically over the
other clack or valve and suction. The ram is attached to the same engine rod as
the bucket. On top of the barrel is a changing door piece with door, by opening
which the bucket may be examined, and leather replaced when necessary.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TOBACCO POUCHES AND OTHER RECEPTACLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Macintosh Macintosh at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th January 1878.
JOHN MACINTOSH MACINTOSH, of 1, Barnard's Inn, Holborn, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOBACCO POUCHES AND OTHER RECEPTACLES."
In making tobacco pouches or other receptacles according to my Invention, I take
two pieces of india-rubber or other suitable material, and form them into a pocket
for containing the tobacco or other substance in the usual manner. On one side of
the pocket a flap is formed, and on the other side of the pocket I attach a piece, or
pieces, of india-rubber or other suitable material, by preference, of a thinner nature
than the material employed for making the pocket. The piece or pieces of india-
rubber or other material is or are attached to a portion of the sides of the flap,
which is furnished with holes or apertures which fasten on to studs or other suitable
fastenings placed on the pocket of the pouch or receptacle, which when made of
india-rubber is vulcanised in the usual manner.
I would have it understood I am aware that pouches for containing tobacco have
been made with flaps, but the principle of my Invention consists in the attachment
of a piece or pieces of india-rubber or other material to one side of the pocket and
to a portion of the flap on each side, so that when the flap is doubled over to close
the pouch or receptacle, the piece or pieces so attached fold over with it.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR IMPARTING VARYING VELOCITIES IN THE DRIVING GEAR OF MACHINERY
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th November 1878. A communica-
tion from abroad by Wilhelm Richard Schürmann, of Düsseldorf, in the Empire
of Germany.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR IMPARTING VARYING VELOCITIES IN THE DRIVING
GEAR OF MACHINERY." A communication from abroad by Wilhelm Richard
Schürmann, of Düsseldorf, in the Empire of Germany.
The improvements consist in the use of a driving belt communicator which is
intended for transfering the velocity given by any belt to which it may be applied
and increase or diminish the said velocity without disturbing the running of the
machine. The apparatus or communicator consists of a shaft working in a bracket
or wall hanger with a fast and loose pulley keyed together on the same shaft, and
actuating suitable gearing consisting of two or more cogged wheels and pinions
engaged with each other but so adjusted that their arrangements can be varied as
desired. A driving belt is passed over the fast or loose pulley drum, and by means
of a guide fixed both sides of the belt on to a convenient handle, the said belt is
moved from the fast to the loose pulley, or vice vered, and so the gear is put into
fast or slow motion. The various parts may be constructed of metal.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WASHING, WRINGING, AND MANGLING
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Bradford at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 9th July 1878.
THOMAS BRADFORD, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WASHING, WRINGING,
AND MANGLING."
The improvements which relate more especially to washing machines consist of a
new and improved method of gearing washing machines to work by hand or by
steam power with a combination of wheels and worms which exercise (more
especially upon such washing compartments as rotate horizontally) a more silent,
steady, and powerful force than has been obtained heretofore.
The improvements which relate to wringing and mangling consist of the combi-
nation with a spring of any suitable shape of one or more links and cams, so arranged
that any required pressure can be exercised upon the wringing and mangling rollers
by the direct action of the cam or cams upon the spring or springs, and by which
means the pressure required can be instantaneously exerted or released, which is a
great improvement upon the slow and very uncertain regulating screw and wheel
hitherto in general use.
A further improvement consists in the employment of an adjustable and reversible
bearing with differential sides, so constructed that rollers of various diameters, and
more especially what are known in the trade as "skimmed" rollers (that is, rollers
that have been returned or skimmed, and hence reduced in diameter), can be used
with the same castings and without altering the other parts of machine.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR SENDING MONEY AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES BY MAIL OR OTHERWISE."
Year: 1878

page_text: "
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Stephen James Menzies at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th October 1878.
STEPHEN JAMES MENZIES, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster. IMPROVE-
MENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR SENDING MONEY AND OTHER SIMILAR
ARTICLES BY MAIL OR OTHERWISE."
In sending money by post, if the coins rattle about, the package is refused, and
great trouble is experienced by those unaccustomed to it in fixing up a money
parcel so that the coils shall be safe. Now my Invention is designed to afford an
easy and safe way of accomplishing this work. It consists in stamping or embossing
in paper round depressions or shallow cups to fit the various coins, and putting a
layer of gum all over the paper not so embossed. Two sides of the paper similarly
embossed can then be folded over, the two cups exactly fitting. The paper being
damped the two will stick together, but not to the coins, each of which are enclosed
in a socket of paper, from which they can only escape by the paper being torn.
For carriage wholesale I make all the papers alike, so that the projections of the
one fit into the recesses of the next. In order to facilitate the accurate folding when
used, I sometimes stamp a crease down the centre. It is not absolutely necessary
that both sides should be embossed. One half the paper could be plane and the
other half deeply embossed. Again, there are other ways of accomplishing the
same result similar to this, which I wish to include as modifications of my Inven-
tion; for instance, cards out of which the wadds for guns or cardboard box ends
have been stamped can be gummed to one half or both halves of a sheet of paper
gummed, except where it is opposite the holes, and this perforated card or paste-
board will do instead of embossing the paper; again, the perforated board could be
gummed, and the cover be composed of ordinary ungummed paper or cloth; this,
on wetting the cardboard, would adhere to it.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PEELING AND DECORTICATING VEGETABLES, FRUITS, AND OTHER MATTERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th August 1878. A communication from
abroad by Moses Zagury, of Lisbon, in the Kingdom of Portugal.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
Patents,, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PEELING AND DECORTICATING VEGETABLES, FRUITS,
AND OTHER MATTERS." A communication from abroad by Moses Zagury, of
Lisbon, in the Kingdom of Portugal.
The improvements consist of a tank of water having within a shaft carrying an
inner and an outer cylinder of reticulated or perforated metal or other material with
the inner sides rasped. Vegetables, fruit, or other matters are placed between the
cylinders which have reticulated ends forming a chamber, and are revolved in the
water which passes freely into and through the said chamber; the rotation projects
the material towards the middle. The water covering the material prevents its
following the centrifugal motion of the shaft, the inside cylinder imparting a move-
ment in the opposite direction, whereby the material is projected against the rasps
and presents its different sides or surfaces to the rasping surface, and hence becomes
peeled and cleaned.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FULLING MACHINERY
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Craven at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 30th August 1878.
WILLIAM CRAVEN, of Sowerby Bridge, in the County of York, Cloth Fuller.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FULLING MACHINERY."
The object of this Invention is to regulate the cloth in its passage to the "eye"
of the machine as to render damage impossible.
For this purpose I fix in adjustable slides a board or bar, under which the cloth
must pass in the bottom of the machine. The adjustable slides are for the purpose
of enabling the attendant to raise or lower the board, according to the thickness of
the piece under operation.
By the use of this Invention the necessity for dividing the piece by slots is
entirely obviated.
The piece is allowed to spread over the full width of the machine, by which
means the liability to curled lists, broken gig bits, and other accidents is greatly
lessened.
IMPROVED SKYLIGHT ADAPTED FOR SHIPS, HOUSES, AND BUILDINGS OF ALL KINDS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Penny at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th March 1878.
"A NEW OR
GEORGE PENNY, of Southampton, in the County of Hants.
IMPROVED SKYLIGHT ADAPTED FOR SHIPS, HOUSES, AND BUILDINGS OF ALL
KINDS."
This Invention relates to improvements in skylights for ships, houses, and other
buildings, and consists in glazing the same without the use of putty or similar
compound, so that in the event of breakage or otherwise the glass can be removed
or replaced with the greatest facility without skilled labor, and the leaking so in-
jurious and inconvenient in ships' deck and other skylights in ordinary use will
be entirely prevented.
I construct the skylight as follows:-I make a hollow groove in the frame, with
india-rubber inserted between the edges of the glass and the frame, and tighten the
whole together by means of thumbscrews, so that no putty is required, the whole
surface of the skylight being level, the glass laying on the hollow bar, each edge
projecting over to the middle of the hollow with india-rubber between; the frame
has the groove sunk in an inch all round, with hollow sunk in about an eighth of
an inch from outside edge, a strip of india-rubber is placed all round the wood, and
thumbscrews fasten all the edges tightly together. If the india-rubber should
happen to leak, which is next to impossible, the watercourse under each edge of
glass would take the water away.
By this Invention any amateur having spare glass can loosen the screws and
replace the broken glass, and screw up again.
For skylights in roofs of private dwellings the advantage will be increased by
having a strip of lead round the outside frame, as it would never require any
painting, as no wood would be exposed.
For use by the navy in ships of war, before commencing firing the glass could
all be taken out and replaced with great facility.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TRACTION ENGINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Neale May at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th October 1878.
CHARLES NEALE May, of the Firm of Brown and May, of Devizes, in the County
of Wilts, Engineers. IMPROVEMENTS IN TRACTION ENGINES."
"
My Invention relates to traction engines to be used on ordinary roads, and
consists of improvements whereby the discomfort and inconvenience experienced
by the engine driver and attendant or other occupants of the engine in travelling
over rough and uneven roads is obviated or greatly diminished.
In carrying out my Invention I mount the foot plate on which the engine
driver or other occupant or occupants stand on a spring or springs of any
suitable construction, but so arranged as to absorb the shocks or concussions due
to the unevenness of the road, which are usually received by the occupants of the
vehicle. By this means I obviate the jolting ordinarily experienced, and contribute
greatly to the comfort in travelling on such vehicles.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Firth and James Conyers
Morrell at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th November
1878.
EDWIN FIRTH, of Oldham, and JAMES CONYERS MORRELL, of Leyland, both in the
County of Lancaster. IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES."
"
This Invention consists in a rotary engine, in which the steam is let in and
exhausted from the interior of the cylinder through a valve in the piston or its
equivalent.
We let in the steam or other motive fluid and also exhaust it through the
trunions upon which the engine works. These trunions or shaft have a large
increase of diameter between them, forming a barrel or cylinder. In a slot in this
barrel works the piston hereafter described, and another slot parallel to this forms
the exhaust port. Surrounding this barrel and concentric with it through a large
part of the circle is the steam cylinder. Through about a third of its periphery
however the cylinder is not true but preferably concentric with another centre of
the same diameter, or nearly so, the centre of this are always touching the internal
cylinder. The central portion of this are thus touching the centre boss, and forming
a variation from the true cylinder, we form of an adjustable hollow grease block
so contrived as to be adjusted by screws or otherwise, so that it shall always form a
close contact with the central cylindrical boss.
The piston takes somewhat the form or cross section of channel iron, a valve
being in one web, and the other web bearing against the outer cylinder; the space
between the two webs except when the piston is at nearly its lowest point being
always open to the steam in the cylinder. The webs are of course considerably
thicker than channel iron webs, and are armed with packing rings or their equiva-
lent to prevent the steam passing. The admission of the steam to the engine is
controlled by an excentric or other valve motion. Either the outer cylinder or
trunions can be made to rotate, the outer being stationary; but we much prefer the
outer cylinder as the rotary part.
The mode of action is as follows:-Steam being let in through, say, half the
revolution till the hollow block is diametrically opposite to and furthest away from

page_text: the piston, the eccentric closes the admission of steam and shortly after opens con-
nection between the chamber below the piston and the exhaust. The expanding
steam in the cylinder instantly closes the clack in the piston. The main cylinder
continues to revolve, and as the intruding curve of the cylinder comes in contact
with the piston it gradually presses down the piston till the latter passes the grease
block when the steam is let into and presses out the piston, and forms a propelling
medium between the grease block and piston. The steam in front of the piston is
exhausted by the exhaust port just in front of the piston. We use one, two, or
more pistons, but prefer one, preferably of cast iron; the grease box is preferably of
malleable cast iron. The clack on the piston is arranged to only open to such angle
that the steam shall quickly close it.
MENTS IN COMBINED METAL AND WOOD DRUMS, KEGS, CASKS, AND LIKE PACKAGES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Cope at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 9th October 1878.
DAVID COPE, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Oil Merchant. “IMPROVE-
MENTS IN COMBINED METAL AND WOOD DRUMS, KEGS, CASKS, AND LIKE PACKAGES."
The object of the said Invention is to so construct packages for containing liquid
or semi-liquid substances, such as oils, hydrocarbon compounds, paints, and pig-
ments, that blows and shocks arising during conveyance or transport from one
place to another, or from country to country, shall not materially damage or injure
them. The said packages are hence capable for being used time after time, are
durable, tight, so as to prevent loss of the inaterial contained, and consequently
cheap.
For the above purpose I construct a metallic drum, keg, cask, or like package
with the U hooped chimes invented by me and covered by Her Majesty's British
Letters Patent, No. 2429 of the year 1860, and I use in combination with the said
metallic drum, keg, cask, or like package, a protecting covering of wood staves
secured together and held in position by hoops in the manner usual in cask making.
By preference I form a groove at or near each end of the staves for the U hoop of
the chimes to fit into, and in any case I allow the staves to project so as to prevent
a blow or shock from injuring the metallic soldered chime.
Under my Invention I use as the protecting covering for the metallic drums,
kegs, casks, or other packages, the staves of petroleum barrels sent to this country
from abroad, which have hitherto been considered waste material.
MENTS IN HORSE-SHOE FASTENINGS."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Lawton Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th July 1878. A communication
from abroad by Jean Barbe, of Sauterne, in the Republic of France.
JOHN LAWTON HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
" IMPROVE-
Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westininster, Civil Engineer.
MENTS IN HORSE-SHOE FASTENINGS." A communication from abroad by Jeane
Barbe, of Sauterne, in the Republic of France.
The Invention consists in the employment of nails or fasteners of a spiral form,
which do not require clinching, and can consequently be removed and used again
with a facility similar to an ordinary wood screw in the hands of a carpenter.
The body of the nail is tapered from back to front, the point is bent to a peculiar
curve, and the point of the nail is also barbed or rather shouldered. There is no
head, properly speaking, to the nail, the hold being obtained by the taper.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR KNITTING HEALDS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Isaac Moorhouse Livsey at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd May 1878.
ISAAC MOORHOUSE LIVSEY, of Ashton-under-Lyne, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR KNITTING HEALDS."
My Invention consists in an improved combination of machinery for knitting
spaced healds, that is to say, healds in which the loops and spaces are placed in any
required position.
My improved machinery consists of a pattern plate or other equivalent of the
ordinary construction, having on its surface indentations and raised parts suited
and arranged as the patterns or healds and spaces are required to be knit on the
machine. This pattern is conveyed from the pattern plate or other equivalent by
means of a lever or levers, one of which is actuated by the raised parts or indenta-
tions on the pattern plate or other equivalent, the other lever performing the fol-
lowing motions, namely:-First, stopping the loop hook by breaking the connection
with the tappet lever; secondly, lifting or dropping the loop hook while the hook
remains at work, so that it misses the thread or yarn by going over or under the
same; thirdly, turning the loop hook a quarter of a revolution to miss the yarn.
All of which motions would stop the looper, and thereby cause the machine to knit
spaced healds as per design or pattern on the plate or other equivalent.
The pattern plate or other equivalent is worked by worm and change wheels
from the main shaft or braiding shaft or hollow spindle of the heald knitting
machine.
My Invention may be applied to the heald machines in which a scrolled hook or
corkscrew is used, instead of the loop hook. The corkscrew can be raised, lowered,
stopped, or pushed to one side to miss the yarn by the machinery above described.
AN APPARATUS FOR OPENING & DISPLAYING STOVE ORNAMENTS AND OTHER DECORATIONS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Atterton & Joseph Johnson
Mills at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st February
1878.
WALTER ATTERTON & JOSEPH JOHNSON MILLS, both of No. 15, Tibberton Square,
in the Parish of St. Mary's, Islington, in the County of Middlesex, Manufacturers.
"AN APPARATUS FOR OPENING & DISPLAYING STOVE ORNAMENTS AND OTHER
DECORATIONS."
The stove ornament of any pattern manufactured from satined and other papers
or fabrics is mounted on a frame similar to that of an umbrella made of cane, iron,
wood, or any other material. It is fastened by means of thread, glue, or any other
sticking substance; whereas stove ornaments have hitherto been opened by a hand
process very tedious, this Invention entirely does away with it, as by the simple
opening of the frame the stove ornament is opened and displayed instantly and the
frame serves as a back for the ornament while in the stove.
IMPROVEMENTS IN VESSELS OR VEHICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Robert McAteer at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th March 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT MCATEER, of Belfast, in the County of Antrim, in Ireland,
Builder. "IMPROVEMENTS IN VESSELS OR VEHICLES."
My Invention is intended to provide a carriage-boat or conveyance which is
available for use both on land and in water, and is applicable for service in various
ways, and especially as a transport on explorations, or as a life-boat.
It consists of a boat-shaped vessel or vehicle furnished with three or more wheels,
of which I employ one or more to guide its course, and the other or others as the
means of driving or propelling it.
The wheels are shod with iron, or with iron and galvanized rubber, and are made
to project below the plane of the keel or bottom of the vessel or vehicle, so as to
raise it off the road or surface.
The spokes of the driving wheel or wheels are provided with transverse blades,
which act as paddles when the vessel or vehicle is afloat in the water.
The driving wheel or wheels may be actuated by a steam engine or other motive
machinery with chain gearing, and I steer or direct the guiding wheel or wheels
by the aid of a rope or ropes and wheel, in the same manner as, and either
separately or in connection with, a rudder or helm.
The body of the vessel or vehicle may be supported upon springs in order to give
it smoothness of motion on land.
IMPROVEMENTS IN RENDERING FAT
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Fabien Jourdes at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th August 1878.
FABIEN JOURDES, of No. 4, Rue Riboutté, in the City of Paris, in France, Chemist.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN RENDERING FAT."
This Invention has for its object improvements in rendering fat.
In order to obtain an increased yield of purified fat and to lessen the losses
resulting from putrefaction and other changes borax is used in the treatment of the
raw material and in the process of rendering in the following manner:-The surface
of the rough fat is dusted or sprinkled over with refined borax in powder by the
aid of a dredger, or by bellows, or by other means, until a barely visible coating is
formed all over the fat, which should then be placed in a cool and airy place until
it is convenient to render it. The fat should be cut up in the usual manner, passed
through crushers, and melted by steani. About two pounds of refined borax is
placed in the water before commencing for each ton and a half of fat, and whilst the
fat is melting from about half a pound to a pound of carbonate of soda, or potash,
or other agent facilitating the melting is thrown into the fat as heretofore, which
should be continually stirred until it is completely melted. When borax is thus
employed the fat may be allowed to reach the temperature of 150 or even 170
degrees Fahrenheit instead of the heat being limited to 120 as is the practice at
present when the best quality is required; thus a greater yield of sweet fat is
obtained. About one pound and a half to two pounds of refined borax may
with advantage also be added to the fat whilst it is settling in the jacketted pan.
Where fat is melted by dry heat instead of by steam the rough fat should be
sprinkled more heavily than is described above, and about two pounds of refined
borax should when the fat is melted be added for every ton of sweet fat.
Iм- PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR DISENGAGING BOATS FROM THE LOWERING TACKLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Montagu Leeds at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th February 1878.
EDWARD MONTAGU LEEDS, of 15, Fawcett Street, Redcliffe Gardens, S.W. "Iм-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR DISENGAGING BOATS FROM THE LOWERING
TACKLES."
This Invention has for its object to provide an improved sure, safe, simple, and
efficient means of instantaneously detaching boats from their lowering tackles under
any circumstances at the will of the person in charge of the boat. For this purpose
there is substituted in lieu of the ordinary ring in a bolt or chain sling an apparatus
that may be called a jointed slip shackle which can be efficiently, easily, and
inexpensively fitted to any boat.
The hinged bar of the shackle passes through a long link which is attached to the
lower block of the lowering tackle, which bar is secured by a slip link made with a
perpendicular handle. The hinge bar is disengaged by means of a line, both ends of
which are attached to the said handle. The line passes round a roller fitted with a
lever handle fixed to a thwart in the boat, and also passing through a single block
attached to the stem and stern of the boat. By turning the roller the slip link is
pulled over the end of the hinged bar, and instantaneously disengages the boat from
her lowering tackles. Thus by letting the handle drop into its place, which forms a
lock, or holding it in your hand, the slip link of the shackle is held by the lines
that pass round the roller in such a position as prevents the possibility of the boat
becoming detached from her tackles until it is requisite.
Whilst the boat is being lowered the person in charge of the boat holds the lever
handle of the roller in his hand, and can at any moment instantly release her from
the lowering tackles by only giving a partial turn of the roller, and so causing the
slip link of both shackles simultaneously to be pulled over the ends of the hinged
bars of the shackles, thus allowing the bars to turn upwards, so that the links of the
lower blocks of the tackles can slip clear away.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SURGICAL DRESSINGS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Ford at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th October 1878.
ALFRED FORD, of No. 2, Cressingham Road, Lewisham, in the Coy. of
Kent, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SURGICAL DRESSINGS."
The object of this Invention is to produce a surgical dressing which shall possess
the combined advantage of lint and oiled silk in one fabric and at less cost; and I
effect my purpose in the following way-I take what is known as cotton fly or
cotton wool and subject it to the action of caustic alkali or alkaline earth, either
soda, potash, or lime, mixed in the proportion of about one part of such alkali or
alkaline earth to about forty parts of water, more or less, for about an hour, more
or less, so as effectually to cleanse it from all greasy or other impurities. I then
wash it in cold or hot water, and afterwards in water mixed with sulphuric, hydro-
chloric, or some other suitable acid mixed in the proportion of one part of such
acid to forty parts of water, more or less, so as effectually to remove every trace of
alkali. I then wash it in pure water, and either by suitable pressure or by centri-
fugal action express the fluid it contains. I then dry it and card it into sheets of
various thicknesses and sizes to suit my requirements. I chiefly use sheets of
30 x 20 inches, twelve of which will weigh one pound. By this treatment the
cotton acquires a power it did not possess before of immediately absorbing fluids.
These sheets I affix by means of an adhesive varnish. I prefer copal to the surface
of some thin paper previously rendered waterproof by varnishing with a solution
of india-rubber, oil, or some plastic gum or gum resin, and thus produce the
surgical dressing which it is the object of this application to secure.
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METALLIC RODS AND TUBES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Crow at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1878.
«IM-
WILLIAM CROW, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Machinist.
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METALLIC RODS AND TUBES."
This apparatus consists of a headstock to receive the rod or tube, provided with
a lever handle when a handle is required. At the top of the headstock is a boss,
tapped with a female screw, and grooved on one side to receive a flat sliding cutter,
which is kept in position by a metal plate screwed to the boss. The upper end of
the cutter is bent over at right angles, and is received by a collar formed on a male
screw which passes through the head of the cutter and through the female screw in
the boss on the headstock, so that by turning this screw the pressure of the sliding
cutter is brought upon the rod or tube which is in the grip of the headstock, and
turning the tool round effects the cut as in the usual tool with rotary cutters, the
sliding cutter being advanced upon the rod or tubo as greater depth is required by
the action of the screw through the boss carrying the cutter lower down, and thus
deepening the cut on the tube or rod.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Martin Musgrave at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1878.
WALTER MARTIN MUSGRAVE, of the Globe Iron Works, Bolton, in the County
of Lancaster, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES."
My Invention is applicable to all furnaces in which it is desirable to vary the
heat according to the work that has to be done; for instance, in steam boilers it
frequently happens that more steam is required at some parts of the day than at
others, and by the application of my Invention the amount of heating surface of
the fire-grate can be varied at pleasure.
In performing my Invention I make use of a fire-grate of the ordinary con-
struction, and I apply a moveable plate to vary the heating surface of the fire-grate
in the following manner :-The plate passes over the ends of the fire-bars, and it
can be moved to and fro so as to cover or uncover a portion thereof by means of a
screw taking into a nut fixed to the plate, the upper part of the bridge is fixed to
the front of the plate. The screw is brought under the grate bars to the front of
the furnace, and is turned round when required by a handle.
When the plate is brought forward it covers a portion of the fire-grate and reduces
the heating power in proportion to the surface covered. The mode of working the
plate to and fro can be varied, and in some cases the bridge is a fixture, and the
plate alone is moved to and fro.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO APPARATUS FOR WASHING CLOTHES AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Maude at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th November 1878.
"
JAMES MAUDE, of Hebden Bridge, in the County of York. IMPROVEMENTS IN
AND APPERTAINING TO APPARATUS FOR WASHING CLOTHES AND OTHER LIKE
ARTICLES."
My Invention consists in a churn washer which has a suction and a tendency to
draw up the clothes after it. I construct the face of a perforated disc of wond or
other suitable material, and behind this I place a chamber. This chamber is made
preferably with a wooden unperforated disc or body separated from the perforated
disc by a washer of smaller diameter, and with an outside metallic or other tough
or elastic ring; sheet zinc is a good material for this ring. This ring fits pretty
accurately, the unperforated disc forming the top part of the chamber, and is made
preferably a little tapered, so as not to project beyond the diameter of the
perforated disc. It does not touch the latter, leaving on the contrary an annular
opening for the escape of water. The stick goes conically through both discs and
washer and is firmly wedged in the perforated disc at the end.
In using the washer the operator presses it down into the clothes. The water
squeezed through through the clothes and the perforations in the washer, and with it
comes the dirt out of the interstices. As the washer rises it has a tendency to draw
the clothes up after it. Thus, while impervious washers simply push the water
aside, mine draws it up through the very texture of the clothes itself. Mine also,
instead of delivering the effluent water above it where there are no clothes, and
where the impact would be wasted, delivers it out in a clear annular side stream,
thus making it strike against the clothes as they rise up round the washer in its
descent.
I have described my washer as built ap; this building up is not actually
essential, as it could be made in one solid piece, and the chamber turned out in the
lathe.
As the washer has a tendency to splash I sometimes place round the stick a
loose disc, which floats on the top of the water.
AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF TURNIP CUTTER
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL. SPECIFICATION left by Frank William Bentall at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th November 1878.
FRANK WILLIAM BENTALL, of Heybridge, near Maldon, in the County of Essex,
Agricultural Implement Maker. AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF TURNIP CUTTER."
"
The object of this Invention is to effect the reduction in turnip cutters of what is
known as the "last piece." Many attempts have been made to attain this object,
but hitherto without entire success. The type of turnip cutter to which my In-
vontion applies is that known as Gardner's, and it consists in applying thereto a
segment shaped plate below the drum which carries the cutting knives. This seg-
ment plate practically closes the casing of the machine, there being, however, small
openings in it for the discharge of any dirt which may fall therein. The orifice of
this segment plate is to retain the "last piece" in the machine instead of its being
allowed to escape, as heretofore, and finally mix with the properly cut up portions
of the turnip. As the slices of turnip are taken off by the rotation of the cutter
drum they pass into the interior thereof and are discharged as usual out of the end
of the drum. The "last piece" remaining outside the drum will fall down on to the
segment shaped plate, and on a second set of cutters coming round it will be carried
up by them until caught by an internal projection on the side of the casing. The
ascending knives will now divide it up and the severed portion will enter the
interior of the barrel and be discharged therefrom with the other slices.
AN IMPROVED HOLDER FOR DRAWING MATERIALS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Kellett at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 30th December 1878.
JOSEPH KELLETT, of Laisterdyke, near Bradford, in the County of York, School-
master. "AN IMPROVED HOLDER FOR DRAWING MATERIALS."
The object of my Invention is to provide a holder for slate or lead pencils and
crayons, capable of taking a firm grip of the drawing material and suitable for use
in schools.
In carrying out my Invention I provide a solid cylinder of wood, horn, or other
hard material, and cut a groove longitudinally therein to a depth of about two
thirds of its diameter. To one end of this grooved cylinder I fit a metal or other
cap, and the other end is tapered off; a loose ring fitted to slide on the cylinder
is provided, and a length of slate, lead, or other drawing material cut or moulded
to fit the groove is inserted in the cylinder. The groove is then closed by the
insertion of a strip of wood or other material, which is held therein by means of
the cap and ring, the latter being drawn down towards the tapered end or point
for that purpose. In order to ensure a firm grip of the drawing material in the
holder, the strip is covered on its inner face (near the point) with some flexible
material, which as the ring is drawn down will bind as an elastic wedge upon the
drawing material and hold it firmly in place.
If preferred, the strip of wood may be made slightly deeper near the point, which
will have a wedge like effect when the ring is drawn down.
As a modification I may point the holder at both ends, and fix a ring at the
middle of the holder for holding the inner ends of two wedge shaped strips, and
provide two sliding gripping rings. This arrangement will permit of slate pencil
being placed at one end, and lead at the other.,
Or the cap at the end of the holder may be utilized to hold a piece of india
rubber or other eraser, or to form a penholder or receptacle for pens or drawing
materials.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS APPLI- " CABLE TO TURNING OFF MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Campion and James Bettney
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th October 1878.
WILLIAM CAMPION and JAMES BETTNEY, both of the Town and County of the
Town of Nottingham. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS APPLI-
"
CABLE TO TURNING OFF MACHINES."
Our improvements consists in applying an additional cam to the cam shaft of a
turning off machine; this cam operates a double ended rocking lever carried by a
stud or axle secured to the arm carrying the axle upon which the point cylinder of
the machine revolves; the end of the rocking lever nearest the cam is provided
with a stud capable of adjustment upon it; the opposite end of the lever is either
forked and clips or else is hinged to the outer end of a lever rocking upon an axle
secured in one end of the quadrant of the turning off machine, the lever being held
down by a coiled spring; the inner end of the lever terminates in or forms part of
the upper blade of a pair of cutting edges, the lower blade of which is secured to the
quadrant; there is also an arched bracket secured to the quadrant; the outer end of
such bracket is inclined so as to lift up the fabric ready for the cutting edges to
operate upon it. By such means we are enabled to cut off the superfluous portions
of the fabric parallel to the wale rum upon the points as fast as the machine joins
the adjacent edges together.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PACKING APPLICABLE GARDEN ENGINES AND SYRINGES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Williamson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th January 1878.
JOHN WILLIAMSON, of 40 and 41, Kirby Street, Hatton Garden, in the County
of Middlesex, Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PACKING APPLICABLE
GARDEN ENGINES AND SYRINGES."
FOR
This Invention consists in improvements in the packing especially for garden
engines and syringes.
Garden syringes at present in use frequently come unpacked, and the worsted or
other material now used for packing becomes loose and broken, and cannot be
repaired without being sent to an ironmonger's or garden implement maker. Now
by my Invention this is avoided; I construct my packing of vulcanite india-rubber;
the packing consists of an annular washer which is fixed between two plates of
metal, and so arranged that the said washer can be compressed by means of a wing
nut working on a screw fixed on the under plate, by which means the india-rubber.
is squeezed, pressed, or stretched out, so as to fit tightly the inside of the cylinder,
and thus effectually keeping the cylinder perfectly air-tight.
This arrangement of packing and plates is fixed to the end of the piston rod of
the syringe in the usual way.
The advantages of this mode of packing consists in that it can be always
regulated by means of the screw without fear of becoming loose or injured by wear
and tear.
MENTS IN WAISTCOATS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Michael John Keiller at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd July 1878.
MICHAEL JOHN KEILLER, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
MENTS IN WAISTCOATS.”
"IMPROVE
The objects of the said Invention are to improve the fit of the garment to
dispense with the usual back strap and buckle, so that a superfine cloth coat may
be worn buttoned without showing any unsightly projection caused by the said
strap and buckle, and also to give greater warmth and protection to persons with
delicate or weak chests and lungs, and thus prevent the liability to colds or chills,
and other ailments arising therefrom.
The novelty consists principally in the use for the entire back of the vest of a
knitted or woven elastic web similar to a stocking web, and made of either wool, silk,
cotton, mohair, alpaca, or a mixture of any two or more of these or other staples.
These elastic web backs are woven in one piece to the shape required, and thus a
great saving of time is effected in the making up of the garment; and a waistcoat
made in this manner will fit perfectly a man of 36 inches round the chest, or a
man of (say) 40 inches, and of the same shape, equally well without any alteration
whatever;
at the same time that it fits better and closer, is much neater in appear-
ance, and will not ride up when sitting, as ordinary vests do.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PACKING FOR STEAM AND OTHER MACHINERY
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Dan Pogson and Richard Burrows
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th September 1878.
DAN POGSON, Mining Engineer, and RICHARD BURROWS, Mechanical Engineer,
both of Cinderford, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
# IMPROVEMENTS IN PACKING
FOR STEAM AND OTHER MACHINERY."
The object of this Invention is the improvement of what is known as “metallic
packings" used for preventing the escape of steam, air, gases or water, from the
glands or stuffing boxes of machinery.
Under one modification or system of arrangement the packing is composed of
a series of rings of brass or other suitable metal, cut into parts or segments and
fitted externally with a conically shaped collar or sheath. This secondary part is
made to correspond exactly with the internal surface of the stuffing box through
which the piston rod or other moving part reciprocates.
Under a second modification the packing consists of two discs of metal, one of
which is fixed to the bottom of the stuffing box, and it has attached to it a spiral
spring or helical coil of metal. This spring is connected to the second disc near
the external rim of the box, and the several parts are adjusted to the required
degree of pressure by means of a screw and set pins, or other mechanical equivalent
therefor.
In a third arrangement, which is a modification of the first herein-before des-
cribed, instead of using the conical shaped collar or rings, the internal segments or
equivalent parts are caused to expand or contract by means of springs or steam
actuated wedge pieces, or other generally similar mechanical contrivance.
By means of these improvements the friction of the moving parts of engines and
other machinery is reduced to a minimum as well as the wear and tear, and
necessity of renewal.