matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDOES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Albert Herbert Mosley and
Joseph Driver at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th July
1877.
JOHN ALBERT HERBERT MOSLEY and JOSEPH DRIVER, both of Leeds, in the
County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDOES."
Our Invention refers to a torpedo which can be fired from a gun in the same
manner as an ordinary shell without exploding; such explosion of the torpedo only
taking place on coming in contact with an object after being discharged.
We provide a metal case, by preference steel, into the end of which is secured a
conical shot; between the conical shot and the case is provided a socket which is
filled with denotating powder.
The case, when required, is filled with dynamite; this may be put in a short
time before using.
We pass a rod or spindle through the shot into the denotating powder socket, but
this is prevented coming in contact with the denotating powder by means of a cross
bar of wood or other material; this rod or spindle is allowed to project from the
shot a short distance.
The torpedo may be discharged without any danger from the gun; but after
coming in contact with some resisting body, the rod or spindle breaks the cross piece
and forces itself on to the denotating powder, causing it to explode, which, acting on
the dynamite causes it to explode.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING YARN TUBES UPON THE SHUTTLE PEG FOR Weaving
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Charles Hammer at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th March 1877.
RICHARD CHARLES HAMMER, of Bradford, in the County of York, Merchant.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING YARN TUBES
UPON THE SHUTTLE PEG FOR Weaving."
The object of this Invention is to secure the tubes containing yarn for weaving
upon the shuttle peg in a simple and effectual manner.
I accomplish my object in the following manner-Upon a shuttle peg, which may
be parallel or slightly taper and centred in the shuttlo block in the ordinary manner,
I place a frustrum or a cone formed of caoutchouc, which may be called a sheath,
having a hole up the centre of somewhat smaller dimensions than the diameter of
the peg
The weft is spun in the case of carded yarn on to a taper tube which is placed
on the shuttle peg, and the wide end of the yarn tube is pressed on to the sheath
of caoutchouc, by which means it is made secure.
A sheath of caoutchouc may be formed conical of various lengths to suit the
length of the yarn tube, which is shrunk on the shuttle peg. The periphery of this
caoutchouc sheath is raised in the form of a screw, so that when the taper yarn tube
is twisted or screwed on to the caoutchouc sheath, the same is secure and will not
move from its position in the shuttle whilst weaving the piece.
When the tube is parallel, as in the case of worsted yarn, I use a parallel caout-
chouc sheath on the shuttle peg, with the end next the butt end of the peg conical,
and a narrow projection is raised longitudinally on each side of this caoutchouc
sheath, the whole length of the tube. When the yarn tube is pressed on to the
caoutchouc sheath, the projections and conical end grips or holds the yarn tube, and
prevents the same from moving.
Another method of securing the parallel yarn tube is by means of a short sheath
of caoutchouc placed upon the shuttle peg. The short tube is made conical, with two
or four longitudinal projections placed opposite to each other; the yarn tube is
pressed on the same, and the other end of the tube is secured by means of a
metallic collar with projecting prongs that are pressed into the inside diameter of
the yarn tube; or in place of a metallic collar, a couical or V shaped washer of
...

page_text: caoutchouc may be used for securing the other end of the tube, and preventing the
same from moving on the shuttle peg.
In order to give additional stability to the taper yarn tube, when used on short
sheaths, I apply a taper metal tube and press the same on to the caoutchouc sheath.
The yarn tube is placed upon the metal tube and thereby rendered firm and
secure.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF DRIVING BELTS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Bernoulli Barlow at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th September 1877. A communi-
cation from abroad by Ludwig Starck, of Mainz, Germany, Engineer.
HENRY BERNOULLI BARLOW, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Patent
Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF DRIVING BELTS." A com-
munication from abroad by Ludwig Starck, of Mainz, Germany, Engineer.
In the place of the leather strapping now generally in use for transmitting power,
I intend to use belts made in the following manner :-Any convenient number
of wire ropes are placed parallel to each other, and these wire ropes are connected
by strips of leather, which effect the adhesion to the pulleys around which the belt
passes.
In order to fix the wire ropes in the strips of leather, holes are punched in the
strips;
these holes are then slit open on one side, and these slits allow the leather
to be sprung over the wire ropes. The leather strips are cemented together to bind
the whole firmly together. These improved belts can be made of any convenient
width and length.
A NEW AND IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR PUNCHING, PRESSING, OR CUTTING HOLES OR SLOTS IN IRON, STEEL, OR OTHER METALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Baker at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 9th February 1877
THOMAS BAKER, of New Street, Sudbury, in the County of Suffolk, Spring
Maker "A NEW AND IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR PUNCHING, PRESSING, OR CUTTING
HOLES OR SLOTS IN IRON, STEEL, OR OTHER METALS'
This Invention consists of a punching machine for punching, pressing, or cutting
holes or slots in iron, steel, or other metals without drawing, bending, or swelling
the metal to be used, which may be either hot or cold
This apparatus is peculiarly adapted for couch smiths, spring makers, boiler
makers, and the general work of a smith's shop, being fixed on an anvil, or in the
hole of an anvil, oi it can be fixed in any solid subtance, and is easily removed
The machine or apparatus is made in the form of a letter D, and is generally
made to fit into the square hole of an ordinary smith's anvil The seating or bottom
aim is made with a square pin which fits into the anvil The size of the seating is
about 3 inches square by about 2 inches deep, in which is a square recess about
/, inch deep for reception of the die
The upper aim is made with a square socket, in which the head or top part of
the punches work All the heads of the punches are made the same size, so as they
shall fit the same socket
The punches are fixed in the upper arm of the machine, and work perpendicularly;
and the lower arm or bed that the material rests upon contains a counter, with a
hole to correspond with the size of the punch in use, and on striking the head of
the punch the piece of iron or steel will be completely and cleanly cut out without
drawing, bending, or swelling the metal
On the bottom of each punch is a small point, which prevents the iron or other
metal shipping or moving out of its place. The die is placed on the bed or
seating of the lower arm, and the hole of the die corresponds with the size of the
punch
I make the top of die convex, which prevents the bending, drawing, or swelling
of the bar or sheet of iron or steel or other metal to be operated upon. The
punch can be taken out with the thumb and finger, there are no screws or springs,
or anything that can get out of order The space between the upper and lower
гр

page_text: arm is about 2 inches, thereby allowing room for the putting in and taking out the
dies
The advantages of this punching machine over those at present in use are the
rapidity with which it can be worked, and the economy in construction, and any
size punch and die can be adjusted in a moment with little cost.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OF AND APPARATUS FOR STOPPING LEAKS IN TUBES OR BETWEEN THE TUBE PLATE AND TUBE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Andrew Scott at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th April 1877.
ANDREW SCOTT, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MODE OF AND APPARATUS FOR STOPPING LEAKS IN TUBES OR BETWEEN
THE TUBE PLATE AND TUBE."
This Invention consists, 1st, of a tube stopper in which a disc composed of two
hinge flaps at the end of a rod is passed through the tube and then pressed against
the outside by being screwed up at the other end by means of a solid disc and nut.
The two semi-circular flaps fit right over the tube end, and are armed with a ring
or annular sheet of india-rubber to make a joint, and also act to a certain extent as
a spring. These flaps have each a lug, through which passes a pin into two other
castings or forgings with lugs, to which in turn are bolted the eye of the rod, the
whole forming a double joint bending freely sidewise and endwise. The other end
of the rod is screwed and fitted with a nut, and a solid disc, bigger in diameter than
the tube, fits over the latter, and stops all leaks at that end by its india-rubber
joint.
The mode of action is as follows:-The two semi-cylindrical flaps lying back flat
against the bolt are passed through the tube to the other end by means of the rod;
the rod is then turned round, when the flaps fall into a horizontal position, and
either of their own accord, by the resistance of the india-rubber, the jerk, or by
the pressure of screwing up, expand outward and cover the tube end and a little of
the surrounding tube plate. The solid disc is inserted into the bolt at the other end
and the whole screwed up by means of the nut, thus covering both ends of the tube
and the immediately surrounding surface of the tube plate.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF DRIVING MACHINERY BY MEANS OF MOTIVE POWER DERIVED FROM COLD AIR AND WATER
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William James Stevenson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th July 1877.
WILLIAM JAMES STEVENSON, Tea Merchant, of 9c, New Broad Street, City of
London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF DRIVING MACHINERY BY MEANS OF
MOTIVE POWER DERIVED FROM COLD AIR AND WATER."
This Invention has for its object a means of obtaining motive power for the
purpose of driving machinery otherwise than by steam and without the expense of
fuel, and consists in the formation and use of a powerful elastic vapour composed of
two or more elements (by preference air and water), which may be charged with
electricity, and which when subjected to a very high degree of compression give off,
upon being released, a power equal to that of steam.
The means I adopt for carrying out my Invention are as follows:-I fill a
reservoir or any convenient vessel with the elastic vapour composed of air and water
as already described, by the aid of ordinary air and force pumps; this is then
conducted to the cylinder in the ordinary manner to do the ordinary work of steain,
while the continuous supply to the reservoir is kept up by a series of pressure pumps
placed around, and receiving their motion from the main shaft or axle of the driving
wheels. In this manner I am able to provide a motive power which will give
motion to any machinery; and besides doing away with the expense attached to
the consumption of fuel, obviates the dangers often arising from the use of steam
boilers.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MANGLING OR SMOOTHING TEXTILE FABRICS AND ARTICLES OF DRESS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th September 1877. A
communication from H. Albers, of Hanover, in the German Empire.
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKI, of the Firm of J. Brandt and G. W. von
Nawrocki, Civil Engineers and Patent Agents, of No. 2, Koch Strasse, Berlin, in the
German Empire. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MANGLING OR SMOOTHING
TEXTILE FABRICS AND ARTICLES OF DRESS." [A communication from H. Albers, of
Hanover, in the German Empire.]
The present Invention relates to an improved construction of apparatus for
mangling or smoothing textile fabrics or articles of dress, wherein these articles can
be readily inspected during the process of mangling. For this purpose a strong
table is mounted on wheels running on horizontal rails in a framing, and receives a
to-and-fro motion by means of a pinion driven by any suitable power in gear with
a rack, formed either with teeth on both sides or with staves in place of teeth, such
rack being carried in guides on the under side of the table in such manner that it
can rise and fall vertically, according as it is travelling along the upper or under
side of the pinion. A strong pressing roller is mounted in uprights on each side of
the fabric in guides, in which its bearings are capable of sliding up and down.
The roller is pressed down on the table by means of levers hinged to the
uprights, and acting on the bearings of the roller, the free ends of such levers being
connected by rods with adjusting screw nuts to other levers that are weighted to
any required extent. These weighted levers can be raised so as to take the load off
the roller by means of a cord passing over a pulley, and connected to a hand lever.
When the load is taken off the roller this is raised to some height off the table by
the action of springs beneath the bearings of the roller. The materials to be
operated upon are then spread out flat upon the table, after which the roller is
pressed down on the latter again, and the table is then made to travel backwards
and forwards under the roller, whereby the materials upon the table are subjected
to the required pressure for mangling or smoothing them.
If cloth or other textile materials in long lengths are to be operated upon a box

page_text: is fitted to each end of the table, the one box serving to receive that part of the
material that has already been operated on, while the other contains the part of
the material that has yet to be mangled or smoothed.
The operation of mangling or smoothing being completed the pressing roller is
again raised for removing the materials from the table.
IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Pickles Constantine at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th November 1877.
PICKLES CONSTANTINE, of No. 18, Swaine Street, Bradford, in the County of
York, Umbrella Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS."*
This Invention relates to improved construction of "runner" and "notches" for
securing the "stretchers" and "ribs," and in the spring employed for holding the
2 runner "when the umbrella is open and when closed.
The ends of the stretchers to be secured to the runner are provided with a knob
or head, the latter being received in a cavity formed in the runner, there being a
slit formed in the runner to admit passage of knob or head and for free working of
the stretcher. The knobs or heads and stretchers are secured by means of a screw
cap. The "notches are formed to receive like knobs or heads at the ends of the
ribs, and secured by a cap and pin.
"
The springs I form after the manner of a blade spring, having a holding notch
therein, and secure the spring to the stick by means of a hook at one end thereof
engaging with a pin, the other end of the spring being attached to the stick by
means of pins. There is a recess under the spring, that when the latter is com-
pressed it enters the recess, allowing the runner to pass freely over the spring; a
like spring being applied in a reversed position for holding the runner when the
umbrella is open or expanded..
IMPROVEMENTS IN SET SQUARES OR "ANGLES" USED IN ARCHITECTURAL OR MECHANICAL DRAWING OR MEASUREMENT
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Carr Crofts at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th December 1877.
WILLIAM CARR CROFTS, of Adel, near Leeds, in the County of York, Architect.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SET SQUARES OR "ANGLES" USED IN ARCHITECTURAL OR
MECHANICAL DRAWING OR MEASUREMENT.”
The object of the Invention is to facilitate the operation of architectural or
mechanical drawing or measurement.
For this purpose the set squares or angles employed in architectural or mechanical
drawing or measurement are, in carrying out my improvements, of the ordinary
character, solid or open, or skeleton, but I generally form them with slightly bevilled
edges, so as to bring the upper surfaces towards such edges, as near as convenient
to the surface of the paper or other material on which the drawing is being
produced or measured, and on this upper surface of the set square or angle I
engrave or otherwise form scales by lines drawn towards the edges of such upper
surfaces, and at right angles or inclined to the respective sides of such set squares
or angles, and from angle to angle of the respective external and internal sides or
edges, and commencing with an unit of measure and its subdivisions in cach
direction.
By this arrangement not only will great economy of time and labor and increase
of accuracy and cleanliness in their application arising from the combination in
function of the two instruments, the set square or angle and the "scale," be
primarily secured, but incidentally considerable economy of space and material, and
increase of portability will be attained by their combination in structure.
There may be only one pair (for vertical and horizontal dimensions respectively)
or a series of pairs of continuously divided scales of any desired relative magnitude,
one of each pair to each side or surface depending on the side of the set square or
angle, and these scales are applied on both the internal and external surfaces of such
set squares or angles, that is to say, scales will appear on the angles' surfaces
whichever sides are for the time uppermost.
A NEW OR IMPROVED COURSE CORRECTOR FOR STEAM AND SAILING SHIPS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Bain at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 30th August 1877.
ROBERT BAIN, of South Shields, in the County of Durham, Master Mariner.
"A NEW OR IMPROVED COURSE CORRECTOR FOR STEAM AND SAILING SHIPS."
The object of my Invention is, as set forth in the title, the construction of an
instrument which shall at all times when in use correctly indicate the course of the
ship or vessel upon which it is applied, either the true course or the magnetic course,
as may be desired.
The Invention consists in making a compass dial in the reverse manner to that
upon which it is at present constructed, that is to say, if an ordinary dial were laid
upside down the north and south would occupy the same positions, but the east and
west and all intermediate degrees would be exactly reversed. Such dial is hung in
gimbols in the usual way, or fixed with thumbscrews, as may be desired. Centrically
on the dial is a hole or recess, in which a style, shaft, or pointer of convenient height
is fixed when it is desired to make use of the sun's light. In use the shadow of this
style falls across the dial, and thus indicates the true course.
In using this instrument take azimuth tables, such for example, as Burdwood's,
and find the sun's true azimuth bearing; place the same on ship's head, then the
shadow of the style will fall correctly on the true course the ship is making.
To find the magnetic course allow easterly variation to the right, and westerly
variation to the left, and put the sun's true bearing on the variation point, or place
the magnetic bearing of the sun to the ship's head, and the shadow will give the
magnetic course the ship is making.
To find the course the ship is making by any other object, such as a star or two
lights, I substitute for the style a vertical shaft or rod provided with a fork piece
carrying in bearings a cross piece carrying at each end a sighting piece or sights..
This cross piece may be elevated or deflected, as may be required. The vertical
shaft or rod carries also a pointer, and this pointer may be moved round and placed

page_text: in any desired position upon the dial of instrument. In finding the ship's course
place the bearings upon the ships' head, then the bearing of the object, star, or
lights, or otherwise will be the course the ship is making.
It will be necessary to allow for variation when taking pole star, and if the
same be off the meridian east, west; also to read ante-meridian bearings from south
to north round by the west point, and reverse for post-meridian.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR EXHIBITING BILLS OF FARE OR MENU AT HOTELS AND OTHER PLACES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Adams at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th August 1877.
GEORGE ADAMS, Printer, of 129, Packington Street, Islington, London. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR EXHIBITING BILLS OF FARE OR MENU
AT HOTELS AND OTHER PLACES."
A picture frame is first made with an ordinary backboard of wood, before which
is placed a white card, on which are fastened four pieces of white elastic, about two
inches from top edge of card to within an inch of bottom edge, the two outside
pieces about half an inch from the side edge of the card, and the two inner pieces
down the centre, according to the length of the strips, tacks being placed in the
elastic about a third of an inch apart, so as to allow the ends of the strips (which
are slightly less than a third of an inch in depth) to pass between the tacks and
under the elastic. A piece of pasteboard, about a quarter of an inch wide, is then
tacked down the centre of the board to drive the strips against, for the purpose of
keeping the strips regular one under each other. A white card, same size as back
of frame, and having the words "bill of fare this day" printed thereon, and other-
wise printed or ornamented according to taste, forms the front, out of which is cut
two oblong pieces of the card (similar to a passe partout used for pictures), so as to
show the strips and to hide the fastening of same. The above completed, the frame is
placed on its face, the glass put in, then the front card, and then the back fitted
with the slips, the whole being secured by small brass buttons, or any other simple
contrivance.
The part of the Invention which I claim is, the introduction of movable strips
for the purpose described, viz., to alter daily the bill of fare by sliding in the strips
containing the names of dishes adopted for the day instead of writing out an entire
fresh menu.
IMPROVEMENTS IN REVOLVING OR SELF-COILING SHUTTERS FOR CLOSING WINDOWS AND DOORS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Clark at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th April 1877.
WILLIAM CLARK, of Dunfermline, in the County of Fife, North Britain, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN REVOLVING OR SELF-COILING SHUTTERS FOR CLOSING WINDOWS
AND DOORS."
This Invention relates to shutters made of wood or papier-maché, and has for its
object to simplify their construction and repair, and so to arrange them as to occupy
only a small space.
I prepare strips of wood or papier-maché of suitable dimensions, which I joint
at their edges so as to fit each other, and nail or otherwise secure along the back
thereof one or more pieces of girth webbing, canvass, leather, rubber webbing,
metallic netting, or such like flexible materials, and fix the same to one or more
solid or hollow rollers mounted in suitable bearings, which rollers are counterpoised
or balanced with and are operated by weights attached to chains coiled up on
grooved pullies; these pullies are formed to receive or hold as much chain as is
required in winding up the whole of the shutter.
To save space, two rollers may be employed, and the shutters in winding up,
stretched across these two rollers, one of them being fixed nearly in line with the
inside of the wall, and the other roller nearly in line with the outside of such
wall.
To increase the strength and safety of my improved shutters, strips of iron, steel,
brass, or other suitable metal may be nailed or otherwise attached along the back
of such shutters every few inches, and the fastenings made lock-fast.
PROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO STOCKINGS, KNICKERBOCKER STOCKINGS, AND SOCKS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edith Annie Fox at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 31st May 1877.
"IM-
EDITH ANNIE Fox, of Birkenhead, in the County of Chester, Spinster.
PROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO STOCKINGS, KNICKERBOCKER STOCKINGS,
AND SOCKS."
Stockings, knickerbocker stockings, and socks, according to my Invention, are
manufactured in two distinct parts, namely, a foot piece extending to about the
lower part of the ankle with a distinct casting off or finishing in the knitting or
manufacture thereof, such casting off or finishing being so made that the loop of
the knitting or weaving can be easily taken up.
A leg piece for a stocking, knickerbocker stocking, or sock, is made independently
of the foot piece, but to correspond therewith, so that the casting or finishing off at
the ankle can be joined to and easily connected with the casting off or finishing on
the foot piece by taking up the loops thereof, and interlacing or connecting by
a thread of the same material.
In manufacture, the stockings, knickerbocker stockings, and socks, are made in
sizes with foot pieces and legs to correspond, and they can be sold as complete
stockings with any required number of independent detached foot pieces to suit the
size of stocking, or the foot pieces can be purchased as required to suit.
It is well known that in the wear of stockings, knickerbocker stockings, and
socks, the foot is the first portion to wear out, and this necessitates, according to
the present practice, uncomfortable and tedious darning.
By my Invention, at a slightly increased cost, the detached foot pieces can be
purchased separately and attached to the leg pieces as the original foot pieces wear
out.
The casting off courses can easily be taken up, and when joined by a thread
of the same material are scarcely distinguishable. The join is smooth and fits
exactly.
It will be evident that a great saving is effected by my Invention, as one pair
of legs or uppers will last several pairs of foot pieces or lowers, which detached
foot pieces can be purchased at least for one-third the cost of the complete
article.
BICYCLES AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Baker at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th April 1877.
JOHN BAKER, of Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex.
IN BICYCLES AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES."
"IMPROVEMENTS
According to this Invention I connect the treadle spindle indirectly with the
wheel spindle, that is, by means of wheels or pulleys, and girt chain or rope, gut
or bands, so that the latter, if desired, may be disconnected to allow the rider to
operate the treadle in direct connection with the wheel spindle; or in some instances
the addition may be permanent or part of the bicycle or velocipede.
The wheels may be frictional or toothed wheels, one working within the other.
By the aforesaid indirect connection, and by simply proportioning the wheels or
pulleys and the length of the treadle, facilities may be afforded for lightening the
propelling labour in allowing the rider to use the most advantageous speed of
action of the leg, whether adapted for lengthened journeys or for short or racing
purposes.
IMPROVE- MENTS APPLICABLE TO PIANOFORTES, FOR INCREASING THE POWER OR ALTERING THE TONE OR SOUND THEREOF AT WILL."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Washington Strong at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th March 1877.
GEORGE WASHINGTON STRONG, of Brixton, in the County of Surrey. " IMPROVE-
MENTS APPLICABLE TO PIANOFORTES, FOR INCREASING THE POWER OR ALTERING
THE TONE OR SOUND THEREOF AT WILL."
The features of novelty of this Invention consist of an improved method of
combining an harmonium with a pianoforte, whereby the two instruments may
be readily attached to or detached from each other, so as to produce a combination
of sounds from the two instruments, or the said instruments be played separately
as commonly practised.
The means by which these improvements may be effected are as follows, that is
to say, to the under side and near the end of each of the keys of the pianoforto I
connect by a hinge, swivel, or other suitable means a stout wire, the lower end
whereof is cranked or bent, and passes into, but not through, a long slot formed in
the key-board of the pianoforte; I also form two grooves or guides at the under
side of the said key-board, into which grooves fit or take corresponding pieces
fixed to or formed upon the outer edges or sides of the harmonium or other suitable
part thereof; I also adapt castors to the bottom of the harmonium to enable it to
be moved easily in the said grooves or slides, which should be so arranged as to
bring each key of the harmonium immediately opposite to and underneath each key
of the pianoforte, so that supposing the harmonium to be slidden by hand under
the said key-board, upon the performer pushing down the keys of the pianoforte in
like manner, the corresponding keys of the harmonium will be pushed down by the
crank or bent ends of the before-mentioned hinged or swivelled wires, and in this
manner, and by these means, a combination of sounds from the two instruments
may be simultaneously produced in a simple, efficient, and inexpensive manner;
and when it is desired to detach the keys of the two instruments from each other
the same may be effected by an arrangement in front of the key-board of the
pianoforte, which shall press and hold back the several hinged pins aforesaid so
as that they shall not act upon the keys of the harmonium, thus enabling the piano-
forte to be played independently of the harmonium.
IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE IN JOINTING PIPES FORMED OF ROCK CONCRETE, SILICATED STONE, CEMENT, OR OTHER MATERIAL."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Sharp at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th October 1877.
"
HENRY SHARP, of Loseley Hurst, Bournemouth, in the County of Hants.
IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE IN JOINTING PIPES FORMED OF ROCK CONCRETE,
SILICATED STONE, CEMENT, OR OTHER MATERIAL."
My Invention for improvements applicable in jointing pipes consists mainly as
follows I make the pipes (preferably of rock concrete) with spigot and socket
ends, so shaped that when fitted together they form practically a tight joint, while
leaving a deep rabbet or chase round the outside circumference. In laying the pipes
I place under each joint a length of hoop iron, which I bring tightly round the joint,
securing each end to clip, collar, or cup so formed as to fit on the crown of the
joint, and leave a hollow communicating with the passage or cavity round the joint
of the two pipes. This clip, collar, or cup is preferably an iron square one, and this
I fill up by pouring liquid cement of any suitable material (I prefer Portland cement)
through the clip, collar, or cup, the result being an absolutely sound and water-
tight joint.
The pipes I can also make with spigot and socket of such form that while making
a close joint at two points there is a cavity left between them, into which I run
liquid cement.
IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Frankland, of Chatburn, near Clitheroe, in the
County of Lancaster, Farmer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY
Sooled the 31st May 1878, and dated the 4th December 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Frankland at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th December 1877.
WILLIAM FRANKLAND, of Chatburn, near Clitheroc, in the County of Lancaster,
Farmer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY SIGNALS."
The object of this Invention is to remedy a defect in the existing arrangements
of signals. Heretofore signals operated by levers and wires or rods when situate at
a distance from the signal box, or when obscured by fogs, were not reliable, because
in the event of disarrangement of the signals or the connections there was nothing
to warn or indicate to the signalman the disarrangement, and serious accidents
have arisen notwithstanding the signal levers being previously and properly worked
and placed.
According to this my Invention I employ also a duplicate of the distance signal
apparatus connected with the distance signal, and the latter placed immediately in
front of or in close proximity and view of the signal operator's box.
The duplicate signal is connected with and operated by the same wires, rods, or
other contrivances employed for operating the distance signal, so that the two
signals need and can only work simultaneously, that on the signal lever being
operated, the true position of the distance signal is indicated by the duplicate to
the signalman.
2 siamola

page_text: combination with the distance signal A, as and for the purpose described and
illustrated.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Frankland, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of May, One thousand eight hundred
and savent eight
Witness,
WM. BALDWIN WARDLE,
Clerk to Mess. Robinson & Sons,
Solicitors,
Blackburn.
WILLIAM FRANKLAND. (L.S.)
IMPROVEMENTS IN RANGE-FINDERS, OR APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND MEASURING DISTANCES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Mauthé at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th June 1877.
66
HENRY MAUTHÉ, of 192, Euston Road, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN RANGE-FINDERS, OR APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING
AND MEASURING DISTANCES."
This Invention relates to those apparatus used for measuring and ascertaining
distances which are known as "range-finders," and has for object the quick and
ready reading of the distance measured, also to avoid all possible errors in calcula-
tion or report, and to dispense with pickets and other like means now employed
with such apparatus and with which more than one person is required for their use
before the required distance can be ascertained. Now according to my Invention
I mount on a base plate frames capable of being shortened so as to occupy less
space when the apparatus is to be carried, and between which I place two telescopes,
one fixed, and the other moveable. To the moveable one I attach a toothed
segment
in gear with a pinion on the shaft of which is another segment which communicates
motion by means of a pinion to a train of wheels placed in a box between the
frames, and as the moveable telescope is moved it imparts motion to the train of
wheels, thus causing an index or pointer which is fixed on one of the wheels to
travel over an alidade having various distances engraved on it, so that the fixed
telescope has only to be directed on the point or place to be measured, and the
moveable telescope to be then adjusted till the same point or place is found, when
the exact distance will be immediately indicated on the alidade.
The apparatus may be mounted on a tripod having an universal joint, or it may
be placed on a table or other support. It is provided with an air or spirit level,
a "reticule," or hair-cross, binding and levelling screws, and whether it be placed in
a vertical, horizontal, or oblique plane, the exact distance will be obtained, the base
line of the apparatus being always constant.
In another arrangement or modification the wheel carrying the pointer or index
is dispensed with and a rack is employed for the purpose.
A compass may be added if required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PROJECTILES
Year: 1877

page_text: +
LETTERS PATENT to George Wilson, of Banner Cross, Sheffield, in the County
of York, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
PROJECTILES."
Sealed the 8th February 1878, and dated the 23rd August 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Wilson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd August 1877.
GEORGE WILSON, of Banner Cross, Sheffield, in the County of York.
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PROJECTILES."
"IMPROVE-
This Invention has for its object improvements in the manufacture of projectiles,
For this purpose I form projectiles with a head of cbill-cast metal, and with the
body of steel.
I cast the projectiles in moulds having a metal chill at the head, as with the
inoulds now used for casting what are known as Palliser shells. Into these moulds
I first pour a sufficient quantity of cast iron to form the head of the projectile, and
subsequently I fill up the mould with molten steel. By this means I am able to
form projectiles with a chill-cast head, and with a far stronger body than has before
been obtained.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd February
1878.
GEORGE WILSON, of Banner Cross, Sheffield, in the County of York. " IMPROVE.
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PROJECTILES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in the manufacture of projectiles.
For this purpose I form projectiles with a head of chill-cast metal, and with the
body of steel.
I cast the projectiles in moulds having a metal chill at the head, as with the
moulds now used for casting what are known as Palliser shells. Into these moulds
I first pour a sufficient quantity of cast iron to form the head of the projectile, and
subsequently I fill up the mould with molten steel. By this means I am able to
form projectiles with a chill-cast head, and with a far stronger body than has before
been obtained.
In carrying out this my Invention I form a mould of the shell in the ordinary
manner.
A suitable mould is shown in section by the Drawing annexed; but instead
of filling this mould with cast iron, or one homogeneous material, I pour in first
pig iron of suitable quality for chilling in quantity sufficient to form the front and
point of the projectile. This iron fully occupies the whole of the chill at the
bottom of the mould. Then after this pig iron I pour in and fill up the mould with
molten steel, so as to form a tenacious material behind the chilled iron point.
In the Drawing the line A, B, represents the level to which the pig iron is
poured; it is allowed to stand and stiffen somewhat before the mould is filled up
with fluid steel.
What I claim is, the manufacture of projectiles with the head of chill-cast metal,
and with the body of steel, substantially in the manner described.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Wilson, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-first day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ለሰ WILSON (T.Q)
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND ADDITIONS TO REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Levi Scoffield at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th February 1877.
LEVI SCOFFIELD, of Sudbrook, Grantham, in the County of Lincoln, Implement
Maker. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND ADDITIONS TO REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES."
This Invention relates firstly and specially to fitting two reciprocating knife bars
with knives or sections upon them to work against and across each other within
the fingers of reaping and mowing machines, whereby the straws are severed by a
shear-like action by the travel of one edge of one blade over and across the edge of
the opposito blade.
The Invention also relates to driving two reciprocating knife bars and blades or
sections thereon by an endless or heart-shaped groove formed in the periphery of a
drum or disc driven direct from the main axle, or from some other part of the
mechanism, as desired.
In using the grooved drum or disc I purpose fitting it upon the inner end of the
finger bar, but it may be upon the inner shoe or in other convenient position.
The double set of knife sections which work in unison have their flat faces kept
in contact by spring or other plates fastened to and adjustable upon the finger bar,
the fore ends of the plates pressing upon a top lip of the fingers themselves for that
purpose. The spring or yielding or pressing properties of the plate and the finger
lip are arranged to cause a sharpening action by the rub of one knife against the
other while they are at work; they also prevent the knives opening or parting
(jumping) when hard straws or foreign bodies come into contact with them.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Brindle and Isaac Bradshaw
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th May 1877.
THOMAS BRINDLE and ISAAC BRADSHAW, both of Preston, in the County of
Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
This Invention relates to that class of looms known as "index" or "jacquards,"
wherein perpendicular hanging "links" or wires are employed for lifting the
"harness," which forms the "shed" for the pattern required. These links move up
and down through perforations in a foot board, which has a vertical reciprocating
motion imparted to it, and acts as a guide for the upper portions of the links; but
the lower parts (to which the harness cords are attached) are allowed to hang
loosely, the consequence being that they very often catch against each other or get
twisted, thereby breaking the harness cords and sometimes the warp threads which
form the pattern, thus causing considerable loss of time, labor, and material.
>>
Our Invention is designed to remedy this defect and consists in making the "links"
about twice the length they are usually made, and passing them through an
additional stationary perforated foot board or plate, which we place beneath the
other, at or near the bottom " throw or "fall" of the links, so as just to prevent
them passing through and clearing themselves; this additional stationary foot board
or plate will act as a bottom guide for the links or wires, and will keep them
working steadily through the perforations (in, the top and bottom boards) in a
perpendicular position, thereby preventing the possibility of their touching or
catching against each other, and consequently there will be no breakages of harness
or warp, and a more perfect pattern will be woven than heretofore.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTTLES, PARTICULARLY APPLICABLE FOR STOPPERING, FILLING AND DRAWING OFF THE CONTENTS OF THE SAME, AND IN STOPPERS TO BE USED THEREWITH
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Scholes, Thomas Chadwick,
and Henry McCraith at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th
March 1877.
JOSEPH SCHOLES, Mechanic, THOMAS CHADWICK, Mechanic, and HENRY MCCRAITH,
Gentleman, all of Rochdale, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BOTTLES, PARTICULARLY APPLICABLE FOR STOPPERING, FILLING AND DRAWING
OFF THE CONTENTS OF THE SAME, AND IN STOPPERS TO BE USED THEREWITH."
The object of this Invention is to effect improvements in the methods now
generally employed in stoppering, filling and drawing off the contents of bottles,
more especially those containing aerated, fermented, effervescing, and similar liquids,
and in stoppers for the same.
This Invention consists in the attachment of certain fittings to the necks of bottles,
whereby the same may be filled and stoppered, more effectually and conveniently
than is the case at present, and also the drawing off of the contents either wholly or
in part, greatly facilitated and so performed that small quantities may be drawn off
from a bottle at different times without affecting the quality of the liquid contained
therein. For this purpose we employ a bottle having the mouth or upper part of
the neck widened out, and of such concave form as to represent a portion of a
hollow sphere. We line this concavity with a washer made of cork, india-rubber,
or other suitable elastic substance, having a hole cut out of its centre of the same
diameter as the aperture in the neck of the bottle. Upon the elastic washer we fix
a stopper made of glass, stone, or other suitable substance, of a spherical form cor-
responding to and fitting into the concavity in the neck of the bottle. From the
sphere and with their axes at right angles to the said passage or bore project two
trunnions or pivots, by which the stopper is held tight down on to the elastic
washer and concave mouth of the bottle, by means of metal links or other fittings
connected with wire or other suitable material, which is fastened to the neck of the
bottle.
When the bottle is opened for the purpose of drawing off the contents the neck
of the stopper is pushed upwards, moving in the arc of a circle until it attains a

page_text: meeting of the two apertures, viz., that of the bottle and that of the stopper, the
bottle is opened.
When it is desired to close the bottle the neck of the stopper is drawn down to a
horizontal position, and at right angles to the neck of the bottle, the aperture in the
stopper being thus closed by the elastic washer.
By pushing the neck of the stopper to a more or less inclined position the area of
the aperture through which the liquid is drawn from the bottle may be regulated to
a nicety.
AN IMPROVED CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Robert Lake at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th June 1877. A communication
from abroad by Thomas Thomson, of Bluff Harbour, Otago, New Zealand,
Harbour Master.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "AN IMPROVED CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE."
[A communication from abroad by Thomas Thomson, of Bluff Harbour, Otago,
New Zealand, Harbour Master.]
This Invention relates to an improved clothes washing machine constructed as
follows, that is to say-It has a trough, in which rests a false bottom consisting
of a wooden grating, whose bars are placed across the trough, and have their faces
rounded. Over this grating a corrugated roller travels from end to end of the
machine, its motion being produced by means of rods connecting it to a swinging
framing moved to and fro by hand. This swinging framing is supported by a
fixed upright framing, and may be weighted to make its motion easier.
Both sides of each end of the trough are curved upwards, and the journals at
either end of the corrugated roller travel over them, and thereby give the said
frame an impetus in the opposite direction when it has reached the end of its stroke.
In this trough a sufficient quantity of strong soapsuds is so placed as to ooze up
through the grating, and the wet clothes are placed therein. The swinging framing
is then pushed to and fro over the clothes, and in a short time they will be
thoroughly washed.
The corrugations in the roller are considerably larger than the bars of the
grating.
A hole with a plug is provided in the bottom or at either end of the machine for
the discharge of the dirty water, and when required the aforesaid grating can be
lifted bodily out of the trough.