matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
A NEW OR IMPROVED ROCKING SADDLE FOR BICYCLES AND OTHER LIKE TRAVELLING CARRIAGES."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Elliott at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th December 1877.
JAMES ELLIOTT, of Coventry, in the County of Warwick, Machinist. "A NEW OR
IMPROVED ROCKING SADDLE FOR BICYCLES AND OTHER LIKE TRAVELLING
CARRIAGES."
The object of this Invention is to provide such a saddle for the carriages named
or referred to in the title, as that by means thereof the carriage may be more easily
mounted by the rider than can now be done in the case of the permanently fixed
saddle with which bicycles are generally fitted.
Another great advantage my Invention presents is, that my improved saddle is
capable of such an adjustment on the carriage or vehicle being driven uphill, that
the weight of its rider is thrown forwards nearer to the centre of gravity; and
similarly when driven downhill the weight of the rider is by an opposite adjust-
ment of the saddle thrown backwards, and thus the motion of the machine is equally
assisted.
My improved rocking saddle consists substantially of the following parts or
arrangement of parts :—
The saddle proper, which provides the seat for the rider, consists generally of
leather, and is of the usual description and shape, and for it no claim is intended to
be made; but underneath this saddle I provide a metal bracket suitably secured
thereto. This bracket has a slot, in which is caused to work a second bracket,
which is secured to the spring or backbone of the bicycle (or other carriage) to
which it is applied. Attached to the inner side of the said second bracket is a
spring (by preference of a coiled or helical description), and the first named bracket
working upwards and downwards in a heart-shaped slot formed in the second, its
position is determined either at the top or bottom of the said slot by a stud or pin
(upon which is mounted a friction roller) which goes through the slot of the first
bracket, aided by the normal tendency of the said coiled or helical spring attached
to the second bracket, as before described. The effect will be that in riding down-
hill, the natural desire of the rider being to throw his weight upon the back part of
the saddle, this weight will throw the first or top bracket to the bottom of the slot
cut in the second bracket.

page_text: On the other hand, when riding uphill, the desire of the rider will be to throw
the weight of his body forwards, and this will have the effect of throwing the first
or top bracket to the upper part of the slot formed in the second; and thus in each
the weight of the rider is caused to be nearest to the contre of gravity, and the
motion of the carriage is assisted.
In mounting, the saddle is depressed to its lowest point, and is thus more easily
mounted by the rider than would be in the case if the saddle were permanently
fixed in its usual position.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPOUND STEAM ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Albion Vile, otherwise known as
Albert Vile, at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July
1877.
ALBION VILE, otherwise known as ALBERT VILE, of the Town and County of
the Town of Southampton. "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPOUND STEAM ENGINES."
My Invention relates to improvements in those steam engines in which the steam
after acting on the piston of a high-pressure cylinder is then worked expansively by
being passed directly into a low-pressure cylinder or cylinders.
By the improvements of my Invention I obtain great economy of fuel, and a more
direct and convenient application of the power.
In carrying out my Invention I make the high-pressure cylinder much longer,
and its piston much deeper or thicker than usual. I make ports or apertures in
the high-pressure cylinder at any angle of the crank of the high-pressure engine,
and I make the piston of the high-pressure cylinder to act as the valve to open and
close the said ports or apertures in the high-pressure cylinder for controlling the
passage of the steam from the said cylinder into the low-pressure cylinder or
cylinders.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES WITH THE OBJECT OF ECONOMIZING FUEL
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Konrad Wilhelm Jurisch and John
Henry Lewis at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th March
1877.
KONRAD WILHELM JURISCH, of Widnes, in the County of Lancaster, Doctor of
Philosophy, and JOHN HENRY LEWIS, of the saine Place, Manager of Chemical
Works. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES WITH THE OBJECT OF ECONOMIZING
FUEL."
Our Invention consists in forcing the exhaust steam of non-condensing steam
engines back into the boiler or boilers, thereby utilizing as nearly as possible the
full amount of the latent heat contained in the steam. To effect this purpose we
employ another boiler or boilers, generating steam of very much higher pressure
than that used for the engine. With this higher pressure of steam we operate a
suitably arranged steam pump or pumps, pumping the exhaust steam directly froin
the steam cylinders or through an intermediate reservoir (or we may by preference
employ a suitable injector) into the boiler or boilers supplying the engine, the
exhaust steam from the steam pump or injector being also forced into the lower
pressure or engine boiler. By these means we convert the exhaust steam not only
from the steam engine proper, but also from the steam pump or injector, into steam
of the pressure of the engine boiler, thereby requiring to evaporate a smaller
quantity of water than has hitherto been necesary to produce a certain result,
consequently effecting a saving of fuel.
IMPROVED TASSEL TIPS AND MOULDS FOR FRINGES AND OTHER UPHOLSTERERS' TRIMMINGS, AND FOR TIPS OF UMBRELLAS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Toft at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 19th October 1877.
JAMES TOFT, of Friday Street, High Street, Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Manufacturer of Tassel Tips and Moulds. "IMPROVED TASSEL TIPS AND
MOULDS FOR FRINGES AND OTHER UPHOLSTERERS' TRIMMINGS, AND FOR TIPS
OF UMBRELLAS."
The tips and moulds at present in use for upholstery are generally covered with
silk, and have to be sewn or stitched to the fringe or other trimming, and the
tips for umbrellas are covered with thread or are made of a comparatively expensive
material, and the object of my Invention is to manufacture tips or moulds having
an elegant appearance in a far more economical manner than has hitherto been
attained.
In all cases I make the tips and moulds of wood, and entirely dispense with the
costly operations of covering them with silk or thread, and also the sewing or
stitching, and take especial care that the central holes of the tips and moulds shall
be of such dimensions that they can be tightly fitted to the fringes or trimmings or
to the umbrella tassels, either with or without glue or cement, and to make them
elegant and ornamental I have them japanned or varnished in any simple tint or
colour, or in any combination of tints or colours, as may be desired, and in addition
to the economy in the manufacture these tips and moulds can be sponged or cleaned
in their places, or cleaned in quantities in any proper washing or cleaning apparatus,
and thus when the tips or moulds are soiled they can be made to appear as good as
new, and thereby avoid the great expense that would be incurred if they had to be
re-covered with silk and sewn or stitched in their places.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING RAILWAY CARRIAGES, CARS, AND TRUCKS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Dawson Camm at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st August 1877.
JOHN DAWSON CAMM, of Todmorden, in the County of York. " IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING RAILWAY
CARRIAGES, CARS, AND TRUCKS."
This Invention has for its object the self-acting coupling and uncoupling of
carriages in such manner as to effect saving and cost of construction, and also to
prevent accidents in working. On each end of the carriage is a bell-mouthed tube
having a slot on the under side, through which slot projects one end of a weighted
lever. The coupling of two carriages is effected by means of a rod having a knob
or enlargement at each end; one of the enlarged ends is inserted into the bell-
mouthed tube of a carriage, and is retained therein by the projecting end of the
weighted lever when the ends of the carriages to be coupled are brought into
contact; the other end of the connecting rod enters the tube of the second
carriage and is retained therein as above described, thus connecting the two
carriages together.
When it is desired to disconnect the carriages, the weighted lever is elevated so as
to remove the projecting end out of the way of the connecting rod end, which may
then be withdrawn from the tube.
The operation of the weighted lever is effected by means of levers or rods
from the side of the carriage in such manner that it is not necessary for a person
to go between the carriages to uncouple them.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joe Mackrell and George Holroyd
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th November 1877.
JOE MACKRELL, of Elland, in the County of York, Engineer, and GEORGE HOLROYD,
of Rastrick, in the County aforesaid, Engineer. " IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALS FOR
RAILWAYS."
This Invention relates to improved apparatus for signalling or communication
between signalman and driver or guard of railway trains during foggy weather, by
the use of which apparatus the detonating fog signal is rendered unnecessary.
According to this our said Invention we employ a bell or bells, a gong or gongs;
these are to be arranged at points or distances from the signal box at which the
warning is to be given to the driver and guard of the train.
The bells or gongs are to be operated by the engine and carriages when passing
either by means of the tires of the wheels operating a lever, or by means of a
projecting finger upon the engine.
The bells or gongs are arranged as stated at the desired points or positions at
which warning should be given, and by means of an ordinary lever connected by
wires with the bells or gongs; the signalman may "set" any one without leaving
the signal box; the necessity for stationary men for the purpose of depositing the
detonating fog signal is obviated. Or the bell or gong may be attached to the
engine, and by means of wire and lever or levers worked by the signalman, a
finger or fingers or arms may be brought into position for operating bell or gong as
the engine passes the joint.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM FOR STOPPING MACHINERY WHEN A SLIVER OR THREAD BREAKS OR BECOMES IMPERFECT, APPLICABLE TO DRAWING FRAMES AND OTHER MACHINES FOR PREPARING, SPINNING, OR OPERATING UPON THREADS FORMED OF COTTON OR OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Eli Dyson at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 19th November 1877.
ELI DYSON, of Little Hulton, near Bolton, in the County of Lancaster, Cotton
Spinner. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM FOR STOPPING MACHINERY WHEN A
SLIVER OR THREAD BREAKS OR BECOMES IMPERFECT, APPLICABLE TO DRAWING
FRAMES AND OTHER MACHINES FOR PREPARING, SPINNING, OR OPERATING UPON
THREADS FORMED OF COTTON OR OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS."
By my Invention I arrange the mechanism so that a portion of a sliver or thread
in passing through or from a machine will be weighed by a balanced lever, which
lever, when the sliver or thread is perfect, will be balanced in a middle position,
but when the sliver or thread is imperfect or breaks, or becomes absent or deficient,
the lever will move one way, and when in excess, or when a mote obstructs, the
lever will move the opposite way. In either case the stopping mechanism will act
to stop the machine, or that part of it causing the progression of the sliver or
thread through the machine. When the sliver or thread becomes imperfect by
reason of a thick place or mote, this is caused to act upon the balance lever by
having to pass through a tube or guage carried by the lever.
The balanced lever which I prefer to use is a straight lever with its fulcrum
between its two ends, such fulcrum being knife-edged, like that of a weigh-scale
beam, and I counterbalance this beam lever and the sliver or thread when passing in
a perfect manner by a weight adjustable upon one end of the beam lever by a screw
thread.
This beam lever when properly balanced for its work allows a vibrator to oscillate
unobstructed, but when it is over or under balanced by excess or deficiency, or
breakage, it comes in the way and obstructs the movement of the vibrator, and this
acts through other mechanism to stop the machine.
The arrangement of such vibratory and stop nechanism combined with my said

page_text: balanced lever, is or may be similar or acting in like manner to such mechanism
as is used with stopping apparatus hitherto used. Or my said balanced lever is or
may be combined with any suitable or well-known electric stop mechanism, by
causing the lever when over or under balanced to make or break the electric current
as desired.
A NEW OR IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR MEASURING CLOTH AND OTHER MATERIALS AND FABRICS MEASURED BY LENGTH, AND FOR REGISTERING THE LENGTH MEASURED
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Peter Jensen at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th June 1877. A communication from
abroad by Nils Modén, of Stockholm, Sweden.
PETER JENSEN, of Chancery Lane, London. "A NEW OR IMPROVED APPLIANCE
FOR MEASURING CLOTH AND OTHER MATERIALS AND FABRICS MEASURED BY
LENGTH, AND FOR REGISTERING THE LENGTH MEASURED." (A communication
from abroad by Nils Modén, of Stockholm, Sweden.)
The object of this appliance is to measure cloth and other materials and
fabrics measured by length, and to indicate the length measured therewith, so
that the measurer can read off how many feet, yards, or other measures he has
measured off.
The mode of using it is like that of using an ordinary yard measure. The
appliance has a handle at one end where it is taken hold of, and for each measure
(say a yard) measured off the user presses with the thumb that which is to be
measured against the zero of the measuring appliance, which here is fitted with a
projecting movable peg that by this pressure is forced in, and by a pawl turns a ten
toothed wheel arranged inside the appliance, and having a counter disc marked
with numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, one of which shows through a hole, and
indicates the number of yards measured; the aforesaid tooth wheel for every ten
revolutions causes another tooth wheel to be turned once, and this latter tooth
wheel has a counter disc marked with the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 0,
one of which shows through a hole; the first-named counter disc thus indicates the
ones, and the second counter disc the tens measured off, as is usual with counters.
The pawl is brought back by a spring, and the wheels have also springs acting.
against their teeth for giving a soft or even motion.
To bring the counter discs back to zero for communicating a fresh measuring
operation the wheel for the tens is turned by means of a knob or handle, and the
wheel for the ones by pressing a few times on the peg.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FUEL OR FIRE-LIGHTERS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Andrew Carr at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd May 1877.
ANDREW CARR, of 5, Parkfield Avenue, Birkenhead, in the County of Chester.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FUEL OR FIRE-LIGHTERS.”
I take peat, and after extracting all the surplus moisture by air drying or other-
wise, I dessicate it, if desirable, in a kiln or heating chamber, preferably by currents
of air on the regenerator plan, as in Perry's kilns; but I do not confine myself
to any one mode of dessication. I now take the dry peat and thoroughly impreg-
nate it with pitch, tar, creosote, animal, mineral, or vegetable oils, resins, or other
liquid, or preferably viscid highly inflammable material.
If pitch or resin be used, I compress the mass together at a temperature sufficient
to liquify or viscidify the same. The material, after being moulded to shape and
cooled or drained is then ready for market.
When using soft or liquid material, I find it best sometimes to line it in the
mould with a harder material, or one that will dry into a compact mass, so that it
shall retain the oily matter better in the centre and be more comfortably handled;
or instead of a harder material, a textile or paper lining can be substituted.
Sometimes, too, I mix culm or slack, or even sawdust, with the peat before or
after dessicating, especially when using pitch, tar, or resin,
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SULPHATES OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Storr Best and Richard Morris
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th April 1877.
ROBERT STORR BEST, of Goole, in the County of York, Manufacturing Chemist,
and RICHARD MORRIS, of Doncaster, in the County of York, Manufacturing Chemist,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SULPHATES OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM."
Our Invention consists in the production of sulphates of sodium and potassium by
the decomposition of the chlorides of those substances when in a fluid state and by
the aid of sulphurous acid, whereby the required substances are produced more
readily and at a cheaper rate.
The method of submitting the saline solutions to the sulphurous acid may be
varied, but the method we at present propose is as follows:-The decomposing
agent derived in the ordinary manner from pyrites or sulphur furnaces is conducted
to the bottom of a tower filled with fire-brick or coke, similar to the arrangement
known as Glover's, but other apparatus may be employed. From the top of this
tower or other structure the salt solution percolates in a descending stream, and by
meeting the sulphurous acid becomes decomposed, and the resulting hydrochloric
acid passes in a state of vapour from the top of the tower and may be condensed in
the usual manner.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Roberts at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 31st May 1877.
JOHN ROBERTS, of Caernarvon, in the County of Caernarvon.
IN RAILWAY BRAKES."
"IMPROVEMENTS
The nature of this Invention is mainly as follows:-The brake consists of a com-
pressed air chamber; cylinder for applying the brakes; a pump for forcing air into
the chamber; a cylinder for applying and withdrawing a friction roller; a small
cylinder containing a spring to act as a gauge for regulating the pressure and
governing the supply. Also levers for acting upon the brakes; an eccentric for
working the forcing pump; a friction roller by which the power is transmitted
from the axle; and a rope by which the guard or driver may act upon valves
connecting the chamber of chest with the brake cylinder.
The supply of chainber with air is effected by means of the friction roller, which
is put in contact with the axle by means of the spring in the cylinder, the axle
thereby putting the excentric in motion, which, by means of the pump, presses air
into the chamber.
The air in the chamber is kept at a pressure ranging, say, from 80 to 100 pounds
per square inch, by means of a small cylinder in which there is a diaphragm for the air
to be pressed against one side, and a spring against the other, this spring to be
strong enough to withstand the minimum pressure when in its normal position;
so that when the maximum pressure is attained, the spring shortens, and thereby,
by means of a rod and lever, acts upon a cock in the cylinder, which opens the
connection between it and the compressed air chamber, by which means the friction
roller is withdrawn and the eccentric ceases to work. Should the air in the air
chamber fall to its minimum pressure, the spring in small cylinder will regain its
normal position, thereby acting upon a cock in cylinder, stopping connection
between it and the chamber, at the same time loosing the air therein into the
atmosphere; then the spring on the other side of the diaphragm acts for putting
the friction roller in contact with the axle for regaining the maximum pressure or
replenishing the chamber.
To apply and withdraw the brakes, a rope runs along from one end of the train
to the other over pulleys, which rope acts upon a cock belonging to every brake

page_text: cylinder. When open it allows compressed air to run from the chamber into brake
cylinder, thereby applying the brakes. Winding the rope the contrary way will
close the passage between the chamber and the brake cylinder, at the same time
loosing the air from the brake cylinder into the atmosphere, when the spring in the
cylinder comes into action for withdrawing the brakes.
In case a part of the train breaks loose, this Invention provides that all the
brakes throughout the train shall be applied automatically on the part attached to
the engine as well as on the loose part. Likewise, that a cock or valve be fitted to
each air chamber for effecting intercommunication signals by sounding a whistle or
otherwise, the said valve or cock being attached to each carriage capable of being i
actuated by cords, levers, or their equivalents.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN GAS ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Louis Simon and Henry Leerhoff
Müller at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th July 1877.
LOUIS SIMON, of the Town and County of Nottingham, Engineer, and HENRY
LEERHOFF MÜLLER, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Merchant.
"IM-
PROVEMENTS IN GAS ENGINES."
This Invention consists in applying to gas engines, more especially to those con-
structed under the Patents of Gilles, No. 25 of 1874, and Humboldt, No. 1520
of 1876, certain apparatus by which such engines may be worked by hydro-
carbon or air gas instead of the carburetted hydrogen or common coal gas.
The apparatus we prefer to employ in the manufacture of the hydrocarbon or air
gas is that termed the Alpha, and by connecting to this machine at the air drum a
small air tube, and attaching this tube to the slide valve of the engine, the relighting
of the inner light is ensured. This tube is furnished at the end next the valve with
a perforated nozzle through which sufficient oxygen is supplied from the air drum,
and this prevents the choking of the inner light by foul air. The ordinary con-
nection pipes for introducing the gas are also required.
We have stated the description of engine and of gas apparatus we prefer to use ;
other forms of either may be employed so long as the means for driving out the
foul air generated by the explosions in the inner valve chamber be employed, the
principle being that of furnishing to the inner valve chamber by any suitable means
sufficient amount of oxygen to admit of the rekindling of the light after each
passage of the valve, the fact being ascertained that a result different from the
employment of coal gas arises in using hydrocarbon or air gas, namely, that unless
oxygen be supplied to the inner valve chamber, the light in that chamber is choked
by foul air and thus prevented from rekindling.
IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR WATER SUPPLY PURPOSES, WHEREBY WASTE IS PREVENTED AND REGULATION EFFECTED
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Howe and Robert Russell at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th May 1877.
HENRY HOWE, of Great Charlotte Street, Blackfriars Road, in the County of
Surrey, Metal Merchant, and ROBERT RUSSELL, of Rusholme, Manchester, in the
County of Lancaster. "IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR WATER SUPPLY
PURPOSES, WHEREBY WASTE IS PREVENTED AND REGULATION EFFECTED."
Our Invention consists of valve arrangements for regulating the flow and discharge
of water or other fluids from a cistern or otherwise, and also serves as a water-waste
preventer.
In carrying out our Invention we adopt substantially the following arrange-
ments: We make a screwed connection with the outlet pipe from the cistern, said
connection being at its upper part furnished with a seat.
Outside the connection,
and enclosing the same, is a chamber, between which chamber and the connection
with the outlet resting on the seat before described is a flexible diaphragm, said
diaphragm being held in position by screws passing through the connection and into
the sides of the chamber. The chamber is of any capacity, and at its upper part is
a second chamber, the two chambers being separated by a valve, resting on a seat
in the second chamber at the lower part thereof. In this second chamber works a
piston or plunger which is air and water-tight, same being furnished with a spindle
or rod, passing through the upper part of said chamber, and connected to the lever
which works the valve. The piston or plunger is furnished with weights, or in
some cases springs, to facilitate the working of the valve. To each of the chambers
regulators for the water or fluid are supplied.
The action is as follows:-The valve being put in position as described, to actuate
the same the lever is pulled, said action drawing up the rod and with it the piston
or plunger. The water or fluid in the first-mentioned chamber is drawn through
the valve into the second chamber, and thus creates a vacuum in the first or lower
chamber, causing the diaphragm to rise, and this allows the water to flow from the

page_text: cistern between the diaphragm and the seat to the outlet pipe, until the lower
chamber is again filled, and when filled the diaphragm resumes its former position
on the seat. In falling the water taken from the lower chamber issues through a
regulator in the piston again into the cistern, which piston cannot have a second
pull until the water in the upper chamber is discharged.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN BALANCE PUMPS FOR RAISING OR DRAWING WATER FROM DEEP MINES, AND OTHER PURPOSES."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Bourne at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 31st December 1877.
EDWIN BOURNE, of Shifnal, in the County of Salop, Accountant. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN BALANCE PUMPS FOR RAISING OR DRAWING WATER FROM DEEP MINES,
AND OTHER PURPOSES."
The object of this Invention is to reduce the cost of raising water either from
mines or pits, or in any other cases where large bodies of water have to be raised.
My improved pumps are necessarily worked in pairs, and they are constructed
substantially in the following manner: The lower valve and the bucket and clack
are of the ordinary kind, having a stuffing box or cover immediately above them;
the water is then diverted from the straight column by a branch pipe in a right
line with the lower pipe, having at its top or upper end a second valve. This
branch pipe then takes into a pipe which continues the main column which
has been broken, as before mentioned, and it is open at its lower end, and the water
is supported on the plunger working within it. Thus the water is lifted to the
desired elevation, and is by preference forced into a suitable tank.
As before mentioned, I work my pumps in pairs and I fit them with the
following arrangement of parts:-The pumps are fixed side by side, at a convenient
distance, and immediately above them I provide a suitable fulcrum, on which is
fitted a lever of the desired length, and to this lever I attach the pump rods. At
both the extreme ends of this lever I provide a suitable box or tank, which is fitted
with valves at the bottom.
When it is desired to commence pumping, water is raised into the first mentioned
tank by any convenient means, and is allowed to flow through a suitable valve
there provided into one of the boxes or tanks before described.
When a sufficient body of water has run into the said box, it descends and causes
the other box to ascend, and this in its turn is filled whilst the first one is emptying
tself by means of a valve in its bottom; the pump rods being connected with the

page_text: said lever, water is drawn at each descent and ascent of the before-mentioned boxes,
and the water so drawn by the said pumps is lifted and made to flow into the first-
mentioned tank, and is, after passing through the said tank and valves, caused to
flow into the before-described boxes, and so assist in raising other water from the
mine.
AN IMPROVED MACHINE FOR DIGGING POTATOES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Allan at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th September 1877.
WILLIAM ALLAN, of Prestonkirk, in the County of Haddington, North Britain.
"AN IMPROVED MACHINE FOR DIGGING POTATOES."
"
This Invention which relates to an improved machine for digging potatoes and
other roots is designed to effect this object in an economical, expeditious, and
efficient manner, and without the loss arising from burying the tubers which obtains
with those machines hitherto used for the like purpose. It consists in attaching to
a centre beam or pole a curved axle carrying the traversing wheels, to the insides
of which latter spur wheels are bolted, gearing with pinions, revolving on an axle
carried by the said beam or pole, and situated towards the rear end of the machine.
The axle carrying these pinions is bent, and that carrying the traversing wheels is
curved, as aforesaid, so that no obstruction is offered to the passage of the machine
by the "shaws" or stalks of the potatoes.
The knife or mould board is carried by a curved strap or bar, secured to a bracket
by a vertical screw in such a manner that the knife may be adjusted vertically to
suit the nature of the soil, whereby in cases where the latter is soft the sinking to
an unnecessary depth may be obviated. At the rear of the knife or mould board
are placed two riddles, which are connected by rods to crank pins fixed in the sides
of the pinions aforesaid, and the arrangement is such that the motion of one riddle
is the reverse of that of the other. The potatoes after having been raised by the
knife or sock pass back on to the riddles, and are separated by the action of the
latter from the earth with which they are mixed, and falling thence over the ends
of the riddles are at once visible and readily gathered up.
The machine is fitted with any well-known means of raising and lowering, as
used for reaping and other analogous machines. It is light in construction and
economical in cost, and reduces the labour of gathering the tubers to a minimum.
NUMBER OF AND FARES OF PASSENGERS BY TRAM CARS, OMNIBUSES, OR OTHER VEHICLES; ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Corp at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 11th May 1877.
"
CHECKING
JAMES CORP, 146, Jamaica Level, Bermondsey, County of Surrey.
THE NUMBER OF AND FARES OF PASSENGERS BY TRAM CARS, OMNIBUSES, OR OTHER
VEHICLES; ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES."
The seats of the tram car, omnibuss, or other veheicle are divided, each passenger
having a separate division, and each division having a wire or communicator
attached, communicating with a case or box which contains two or more rollers, on
one of which is coiled a piece of paper or other material. The rollers are put in
motion by means of clockwork, or by the revolution of the wheel or wheels of the
train car, omnibuss, or other veheicle, which coils the paper or other material from off
one roller on to another. Also a number of levers (corresponding with the number
of divisions in the tram car, omnibuss, or other veheicle), are placed behind one of
the rollers, and are brought into contact with the paper or other material (as it is
being coiled from one roller to the other) by the means of the wire or communicator
by the action of the passenger sitting in his seat, the points of the levers marking
the paper or other material.
:
IMPROVEMENTS IN FLAX SCUTCHING MACHINERY
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James McKean and Robert Hanham
Collyer at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th August
1877.
JAMES MCKEAN, of Laragh, in the County of Monaghan, Ireland, Manufacturer,
and ROBERT HANHAM COLLYER, of Eastbourne, in the County of Sussex, Gentle-
man. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FLAX SCUTCHING MACHINERY."
This Invention consists in forming the handles, beaters, or pallets, which are
employed in scutching flax in such manuer that instead of acting rigidly upon the
flax they have a resilient or spring action. This we effect by making the handle
either wholly or in part of metal, preferably steel, and attaching the handle to the
ring upon which it is mounted in a line, not radial, but inclining upwards from its
When the handle is made of wood or other non-resilient material and inetal,
axis.
the two parts may be bolted or otherwise secured together.
In making the handle entirely of metal the edges which meet the flax aro
turned round to forin a smooth edge to avoid cutting, and give sufficient rigidity
at that part. We also raise the stand or stock until the surface upon which the
flax rests is considerably above the axis of the ring.
IMPROVED MEANS OF RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS, OR FOR PREVENTING VESSELS FROM FOUNDERING AT SEA."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Henry Taplin at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th May 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY TAPLIN, of Pengo, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman.
"IMPROVED MEANS OF RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS, OR FOR PREVENTING VESSELS
FROM FOUNDERING AT SEA."
This Invention relates to an improved method of raising sunken vessels, or for
preventing vessels from foundering by the employment of more effective, simple,
and economical means than hitherto adopted for such purposes.
The Invention consists in the application and use of what I term expanding air
vessels or cases, which I make of metal and india-rubber, or of india-rubber alone,
or of any other suitable air-tight and water-tight material capable of being expanded
and of containing compressed air.
In order to effect the raising of a sunken ship or vessel, a sufficient number of
these air vessels or cases (according to the size or tonnage of the sunken ship) will
be taken down by divers into the interior of the sunken ship, and placed in any
vacant spaces therein under the ship's deck or decks.
Suitable tubes or pipes are connected with the air vessels, and also with air
pumps, which are placed in a convenient position either on board another ship or
vessel, if the vessel intended to be raised is away from land, or on shore if near land,
as in a river for instance.
The air vessels are sent down unexpanded or empty, and when fitted in the
sunken vessel they are expanded by means of the air pumps, the effect of which
will be (on a suitable number of the expanding air vessels being used, according to
the tonnage of the ship) that the sunken vessel will be raised to the surface of the
water.
In some cases it may be advantageous or necessary to apply and use similar air
vessels or cases outside the sunken ship or vessel in combination with those applied
and used inside the ship.
The same description of expanding air vessels or cases can be most advantageously

page_text: used to prevent ships or other vessels foundering at sea or in deep water, as in the
case of a ship springing a leak (or leaks) the parts of the ship affected thereby could
be filled or fitted with a suitable number of the unexpanded air vessels or cases,
and which by means of the air pump or pumps could be so expanded as to prevent
the water from entering the ship.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING HUMAN BEINGS, AND ENABLING THEM TO MOVE ON THE SURFACE OF WATER
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Yeldham at the Office of the
Cominissioners of Patents on the 23rd May 1877.
WALTER YELDHAM, of Chester Terrace, Eaton Square, in the County of Middlesex;
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING HUMAN BEINGS, AND
ENABLING THEM TO MOVE ON THE SURFACE OF WATER."
The Invention has for its object improvements in means or apparatus for sup-
porting human beings, and enabling them to move on the surface of water by the
muscular action of the legs.
Heretofore means for enabling persons to walk on the surface of water have
consisted simply of separate floats attached to the feet, but otherwise independent
of each other.
These arrangements require considerable skill in their use, as the person using
them is liable to fall over or capsize either forwards, backwards, or sideways, but
by the aid of iny Invention a person would be enabled to move or walk upon the
surface of water with perfect ease and security.
In carrying my Invention into effect I employ two floats, but instead of con-
necting them directly with the feet, I connect them together at a considerable
distance apart, so as to prevent the possibility of their capsizing sideways.
According to one arrangement these connections may consist of two links or
connecting rods pin-jointed or articulated to each end of each float in a somewhat
similar manner to those employed to connect together the two bars of a parallel
ruler. Intermediate of these two connecting rods and of the floats I place two bars
hinged or pin-jointed to the links, and provided with shoes or sandals, in which the
feet of the passenger are to be placed.
The floats will be of such dimensions as to support the weight they are required
to carry, and of such length as to obviate the possibility of their turning over or
capsizing in the direction of their length, and each float is provided with one or
more hinged paddles or flaps, which as the one float is moved forwards, fold up or
collapse, whilst those on the other float open out or drop down to obtain a hold
of the water, and thereby assist the action of propulsion.

page_text: If desired the apparatus may be provided with a seat, or with an upright inter-
mediate of the two floats to steady the passenger.
By these means it will be seen that the floats, instead of being placed imme-
diately under the feet of the passenger as heretofore, are placed at a considerable
distance apart, thereby providing a secure platform or support for the passenger.
A NEW OR IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF BALE TIE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Elsworth at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th March 1877. A communication from
abroad by John Henry Elsworth, Merchant, Galveston, Texas, in the United
States of America.
JOHN ELSWORTH, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Iron-
monger. "A NEW OR IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF BALE TIE." A communication
from abroad by John Henry Elsworth, Merchant, Galveston, Texas, in the United
States of America.
This Invention relates to the formation of bale ties, or metallic straps or bands
for securing bales of cotton or other fibres, piece goods, or bales of merchandise
generally, whereby such ties, straps, or bands are more expeditiously and cheaply
manufactured, as well as more simple, and easily secured around the bale than those
heretofore in use.
And the nature and novelty of the Invention consist in making the bale ties of
common hoop iron of any desired length, the one end being formed with oblong
holes punched out of it at any desired distance apart, into which a hook or feather
on the other end of the hoop or tie is slipped or pressed after the bale is com-
pressed tightly together, the expansion of the bale afterwards keeping the hook
firmly in position. This hook or feather is somewhat latch shaped in profile, and
bevelled on its entering edge, so that when the bale is compressed, and the two
ends of the hoop are pressed together, the feather or hook takes readily into one or
other of the oblong holes in the overlapping opposite end of the hoop or tie, and the
bale remains perfectly secure.
The hooks are simply punched out of sheets of thin plate metal or sheet iron by dies
or punches of the desired shape, which may punch through one or more layers at a
time, and they are fastened edgewise to the surface of one end of the hoop or tie by
a slight projection left on one side of their shank, which enters a punched-out hole
in the hoop, through and into which it is firmly rivetted, and is then ready for use;

page_text: thus, the books for the one end of the bale tie, and the holes in the other end being
all punched out in the simplest manner possible, without any after finishing or
shaping, these bale ties may be manufactured in large quantities by the most simple
construction of apparatus or tools, and without the use of skilled labour, whereby
the cost of production will be reduced to the minimum.
AN IMPROVED SAFETY ROCKING-HORSE CHAIR
Year: 1877

page_text: "
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Cornelius Washington Pike at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1877.
CORNELIUS WASHINGTON PIKE, of Caversham Villa, Sir Harry's Road, Edgbaston,
near Birmingham, Printer. "AN IMPROVED SAFETY ROCKING-HORSE CHAIR."
My Invention relates to an improved combination of the toy commonly called a
'rocking-horse" with a chair or cradle in such a manner that it may be more
safely used for the amusement & recreation of a child or other person than the
ordinary rocking-horse.
To a frame which is placed upon rockers in the same way as the ordinary rocking-
horse, and which supports a seat or saddle on which the child or other person using
the contrivance sits, I attach a carving or effigy of a horse or other animal used for
riding purposes, or the head only of such anal, in such way that the said figure is
in the same position with relation to the person using the contrivance as is the case
in ordinary riding and driving, and to this figure or carving, reins, a bridle, or other
customary appliances may be added.
At a suitable distance above the saddle or seat I construct a guard or continuous
protective bar, which forms a hack upon which the rider may lean, and which
encircles him in such a manner that it is impossible for him to fall out of the chair
or cradle. This guard may be suitably padded for the greater protection and con-
venience of the child or other person using the contrivance.
In connection with the safety rocking-horse chair above described I construct a
wagon or wheeled platform on which the contrivance above described may be placed,
the said platform being made with recesses in which the rockers fit in such way
that the chair stands firmly upon it. The said platform being furnished with one or
more screws, or with other suitable means of attachment, the rocking-horse chair
may be fastened upon it, or removed at pleasure. When fastened upon the wheeled
platform it will form a vehicle in which the child or other person using the con-
trivance may be drawn or pushed along.
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EXHIBITING ADVERTISEMENTS." IMPROVE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Stansfield at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 25th September 1877.
"
JOHN STANSFIELD, of Halifax, in the County of York, Innkeeper.
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EXHIBITING ADVERTISEMENTS."
IMPROVE-
This Invention relates to improvements in mechanism for showing placards for
public exhibition, and the improvements consist in the use and employment of a
carriage or other vehicle. On the axle or shaft of the wheels of such carriage I
place one or more pullies, and resting on the face of these pullies is a rim or plate,
so that as the carriage is moved the pullies on the shaft turn the rim or plate around
by frictional contact, and to this rim or plate is a vertical shaft having arms pro-
jecting outwards therefrom. A box or wood partition is attached to these arms,
and the whole apparatus is hid from view. The placards are pasted to this box
or partition, and as the carriage is moved along the box is caused to rotate and the
placards are publicly exhibited.
The vehicle may either be moved by manual or horse power.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN THERMOMETERS AND HYGROMETERS.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Angelo Ludovico Negretti and
Joseph Warren Zambra at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
21st February 1877.
HENRY ANGELO LUDOVICO NEGRETTI and JOSEPH WARREN ZAMBRA, both of
Holborn Viaduct, in the City of London, Meteorological Instrument Makers. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THERMOMETERS AND HYGROMETERS.'
Our Invention is applicable to that description of thermometer in which the
degrees and figures of the scale are marked on the capillary tube itself instead of
upon a separate scale of wood, metal, ivory, glass, porcelain, or other substance, as
is most generally the case.
The object of the Invention is to protect these figures and degrees from being
injured or rubbed off the glass stem or capillary tube, and to this end the latter is
enclosed within another tube or cylinder in such a manner that the bulb of the
instrument is left exposed outside the end of the covering tube while the divided
capillary or scale tube is hermetically enclosed within the covering tube.
In carrying out our. Invention we find it necessary that the capillary tube should
be so secured in the other that the joint is perfectly air tight, and to this end the
two tubes are soldered autogenously together instead of forming the joint by
means of any cement or other extraneous substance as has heretofore been done.
Our Invention is applicable not only to simple or single thermometers, but
also to hygrometers and other instruments in which more than one thermometer
is used.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR ADDITIONS TO LOOMS FOR WEAVING.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Clayton Mewburn at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th November 1877. A communica-
tion from abroad by Edouard Mariage, of Lille, France.
"
JOHN CLAYTON MEWBURN, of 169, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent
Agent and Consulting Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR ADDITIONS TO LOOMS FOR
WEAVING.
[A communication from abroad by Edouard Mariage, of Lille, France.]
The object of this Invention is to enable two shuttles to be worked in one loom,
that is to say, to weave two narrow fabrics (each with two selvages) in a wide loom,
and the Invention essentially consists in the employment of an oscillating picker
and a central shuttle box, as hereinafter described. The ordinary batten is replaced
by a batten with a central box, which may in its turn be replaced by the ordinary
batten when it is required to weave only a single wide fabric.
For hand looms the lever of the picker is pivoted to a beam at the top of the
loom, and has a little play in order that the weaver by means of his feet may work
it from left to right, or from right to left like a pendulum.
To the ends of a cross piece on the said lever strings are attached, which are
connected to treadles, so that when the right foot acts, the lever receives impulse
from right to left, and reciprocally from left to right when the left foot acts.
The central box receives alternately the shuttles from the two outside boxes.
In the central box is a groove, through which the picker lever furnished with a
leather tappet passes, the lever passing through the said tappet; this tappet receives
the shuttles from the two outside boxes and drives them back.
For power looms the lever of the picker may be placed horizontally or vertically.
In either case the lever is held by a suitable support, works on. a pivot, and is
operated by an excentric communicating with the ordinary mechanism of the
loom.
The Invention can be applied to all existing looms; it is sufficient to remove the
batten and to fit the lever picker before described.