IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Claude Adrien Bernard Chenot, of Paris, 29, Boule-
vard St. Martin, in the Empire of France, and of 16, Castle Street,
3
Holborn, (City) London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Claude Adrien Bernard
Chenot at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 20th March 1854.
1, CLAUDE ADRIEN BERNARD CHENOT, of Paris, 29, Boulevart St. Martin,
in the Empire, of France, and of 16, Castle Street, Holborn, (City) London,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF STEEL, IRON, AND DIFFERENT ALLOYS, CAST, WELDED, AND
MOULDED," to be as follows, & to relate,
Firstly, to the selection & preparation of ores, when such are required,
and the use of an electric sorting machine..
Secondly, to the reduction of these ores into metallic sponge.
Thirdly, to the pulverization of the sponge.
Fourthly, to the mixture of the sponge with different substances, before or
after this pulverisation, which mixing may sometimes be substituted with
advantage for the process of cementation.
Fifthly, to the compression of the sponge before or after the pulverization.
Sixthly, to preserving the sponge from being altered before or after com-
pression.
Seventhly, to the cementation of the compressed sponge, if previously the

page_text: sponge has not been combined with the substances, which constitute good steel,
as stated under the fourth head.
Eighthly, to the fusion or welding of the compressed sponge, either in the
open air, or in crucibles, or in a charcoal fire. In the selection & prepara-
tion of the ore, it is necessary that it should be of a kind to yield good steel; it
is subjected to the action of an electric sorting machine, which deposits on one
side the ferriferous substances, and on the other the precious and other metals
than iron, and is also employed for sorting the sponges, which may have
become mixed with foreign matters. An important feature is the employ-
ment of an electro-magnet in a continuous manner, as hitherto the permanent
magnet only has been used in such operations. Thus may be turned to
advantage all kinds of waste iron, which may be oxydized to convert into
artificial ores for making 'sponges.
To effect the reduction of ores into metallic sponge, I place the ore in boxes
with perforated sides, made of any suitable material, or I cover the ore with
or steep it in lime water. As to the gas used, I produce pure oxide of carbon
from a volume of pure carbonic acid, prepared either by calcining chalk, or by
the reaction of an acid upon a carbonate. I pass this acid into a retort con-
taining charcoal heated to a red heat. By introducing this oxide of carbon
into the apparatus containing the metallic oxide, it is changed into carbonic
acid, which is again pumped back into the retort, for converting it into oxide
of carbon. The sponge thus obtained may be cemented either by carburetted
gas or by charcoal; but the above-described means are preferable. If the
minerals are not such as to produce the desired product, the sponge is
pulverised, by grinding or other suitable means. After pulverisation, if
necessary, the matter is passed to the electro sorting machine.
Manganese or
other metal may be added to the powdered sponge. If the mineral contain the
required conditions it need not be pulverised, and as the sponge properly
prepared is porous, that property is used to incorporate the carbon necessary
to the constitution of steel. To this effect the sponge is plunged into a fatty
preparation, so that it absorbs equally throughout. The excess of fat is driven
off by distillation carried almost to carbonization, & the sponge then con-
tains all the constitutive parts of steel, and hard in proportion to the density of
the fatty body employed. The carbon may be drawn from the fatty matter as
above described; it may also be found in any powdered carbonaceous matter,
or from salts of iron, from manganese or other metal, or from alkali in the
state of cyanures; it can also be taken from cast iron. The necessary melting
liquids, more especially calcined boric acid, are mixed with the sponge; if it be
desired to make alloys, dust or precipitates of metals are added to the sponge.

page_text: All these matters are thoroughly mixed with the sponge by any suitable
When the sponge has not been pulverised. it may pass direct into
the compressing machine, but it may be necessary to break it previously.
When the sponge has been pulverised, and the mixtures have been made, it is
submitted to compression, which is an operation of the greatest importance for
the more perfect manufacture of iron and steel; as iron sponges are bodies
easily affected. especially when ther contain metallic manganese, and this
proceeds from their porousness, which is favourable to the capillary action of
the absorption of air and gas, but compression destroys this porousness. As the
metallic sponges have a large volume in comparison to blocks of metal, and
that compression brings them to about one-fourth of their natural size. a great
economy is thus obtained in the fuel that is employed. By means of this
compression articles may he moulded either in iron. steel, or alloys. The
sponges may be preserved by plunging them into oils. resinous substances.
pitch. or fatty bodies melted. and then by submitting them to carbonization.
or oil colors with a basis of oxide may be employed. It will sometimes be
necessary to cement the sponges by the usual means, or by placing them in
continuous apparatus of reduction. When the steel is melted, without pre-
vious compression of the sponge, it will be necessary to fill four times the
same crucible for the same quantity of melted metal, and moreover the
sponges would be exposed to become oxidised at a high temperature. As to
the fusion. I effect it by heating the crucibles by means of gas. in the manner
described in my Patent of 1st of February 1854. The compressed sponge
may be melted through coal or charcoal in a Wilkinson grate. the bottom of
which is raised to a high temperature by means of another grate. To obtain
a common kind of steel, the sponge may be thrown into melted cast iron and
well stirred together.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Claude Adrien Bernart Chenot. in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 1st September 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I. CLAUDE
ADRIEN BERNARD CHENOT. of Paris. 29. Boulevart St. Martin. in the Empire
of France, and of 16. Castle Street, Holborn. (City) London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the seventeenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me the

page_text: said Claude Adrien Bernard Chenol, Her special licence that 1, the said Claude
Adrien Bernard Chenot, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I. the said Claude Adrien Bernard Chenot. my executors, administra
tors: and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time, to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend: within the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands. and Isle of Man... an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF STEEL, IRON, AND
DIFFERENT ALLOYS, CAST; WELDED, AND MOULDED," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I. the said Claude Adrien Bernard Chenot, by an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascer-
tain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to
be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Claude Adrien Bernard Chenot, do
hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement (that is to say):-
My improvements consist of certain new and useful means, herein-after set
forth, for effecting the following operations relating to the production, treat-
ment, and use of metallic sponges, or of such metallic bodies as are found
in a state of division, either in nature, or which are reduced to such state by
artificial means. My improvements hence relate.-
Firstly, to the selection and preparation of ores, and in connexion with these.
operations to an electric sorting machine.
Secondly, to the reduction of these ores into metallic sponge by any
reducing agent, but particularly by pure carbonic oxyd. as derived from the
carbonic acid resulting from reduction.
Thirdly, to the pülverization of the sponge.
Fourthly, to the mixture of the sponge with different substances. before or
after pulverization. which mixing process may sometimes be substituted with
advantage for cementation, which is a hot process, whilst the former is a
cold one..
Fifthly, to the compression of the sponge before or after pulverization..
Sixthly, to moulding metals in a divided or spongy state by means of com-
pression.
Seventhly, to preserving the sponge from being altered before or after said
compression.

page_text: Eighthly, to the hot cementation of the compressed sponge, in case, pre-
viously the sponge has not been combined with those substances which
constitute good steel, by imbibition or mixture, as stated under the fourth
head.
Ninthly, to the fusion and welding of compressed sponge or other sub-
stances, either in an open fire or in crucibles, or else through coal.
Tenthly, to a combination of the melting and cementing processes to be
carried on simultaneously.
.
As to the first head of my improvements, viz., the selection and preparation
of the ores, it is necessary that the same should be pure and of such nature as
would' yield a good quantity of steel or iron. In selecting the ores. preference
should be given to those which contain manganese and iron well mixed
together; these ores are 'chiefly found amongst carbonates. As even the best
ores contain, besides the usual earthy matters. other metals which impair
their good qualities. I subject them to the action of an electric sorting
machine. This machine, which is applied to the ores' or sponges of these ores.
after the roasting and pulverizing' process, acts in such manner as to deposit
on one side in a continuous manner the ferriferous substances, and on the
other; the gangue and other metals than iron. This machine is also used in
the course of operations for sorting the sponges, which may have become
mixed with foreign matters. The chief feature of this machine is the use of
of an electro-magnet, employed to sorting in a continuous manner, whilst
hitherto natural or permanent magnets have been used on a small scale to
free brass filings from iron particles. By these means, all ferriferous sub-
stances can be brought to a great purity: and may be made useful. Hence:
by this method, I use, besides iron ores, all kinds of waste iron, such as scales:
scraps, cast and wrought iron turnings and filings. which may be oxydized, in
order to convert them into artificial ores for making sponges.
As stated
above, the main feature of my sorting machine is the use of electro-magnets.
suitably contrived. so as to produce a continuous and energetic action.
Starting from this main feature, the electro-magnets may be constructed and
arranged in a great variety of ways; but whatever of these arrangements may
be adopted; the novelty of this plan will be twofold in any of them. viz., firstly;
inasmuch as electricity has never been used for sorting iron ores: secondly.
inasmuch as for separating iron from any other metals. permanent magnets
only have been used hitherto. The following arrangement will sufficiently
illustrate the way in which electro-magnets may be advantageously used for
the sorting operation;-A series of electro-magnets, forty for instance, are
Betwixt and around the electro-
fixed upon a metal disc having a shaft.

page_text: magnets on the disc a continuous girdle or crown of second electro-magnets' is
placed in such manner that their poles form a cylindrical ring, or nearly so.
and the whole of the cylindrical surface of the ring would act as magnets, if
the electricity were sent through the two poles of each circle of electro-
magnets. This is, however, obviated in the following way-One of the poles
of four or five piles of a Bunsen's battery, which will be sufficient' to work a
machine. is connected with the metallic disc. upon which the electro-magnets
are fixed in a circle: these electro-magnets, hence, are under the influence of
this pole of the battery. and can only act as magnets when the second pole is
connected with one of the coils of each electro-magnet. For this purpose, the
extremity of one of the copper wires, which form the helix of the double coil
of each magnet. is produced towards and attached to a commutator of wood
or other non-conducting substance. this commutator being placed on the axis
of the disc, upon which the electro-magnets are fixed. It consists of a hoop
or ring, having as many holes on its circumference as there are electro-
magnets. viz. forty in this case. One of the copper wire ends of each
electro-magnet is fixed by stiff friction in these holes. in such manner as to
project a little (one-eighth of an inch say) on the opposite side to that on
which it enters the hole in this manner the projecting wires will form on the
surface of the commutator a small spur wheel. as it were. If several points
of this wheel are alternately connected with a pole of opposite sign to that
which is already in communication with the whole of the system, a current
will be produced. and the wires of the electro-magnets thus connected
will magnetize them, and cause them to attract magnetic substances. Thus.
if the system of electro-magnets described is set to rotate above an endless
feeder or feeding apron. carrying the ore in a tangent line or plane to the
circle described by the electro-magnets. the magnetic ore is picked up from
the feeding cloth by three or four rows of electro-magnets rotating past it in
succession, being magnetized or rendered active before they reach the tangent
point or line of the feeding cloth, which will allow the non-magnetic matter to
drop at the tangent line or point, if the last roller which carries it is placed
at that point or line. The ore which has stuck to the magnets will be carried
by them about 4 or 6 inches from the point where the waste matter is dis-
charged, and will drop successively as the magnets cease to be active, when
others above the endless apron will succeed them, being rendered active as the
necessary current is formed by the commutator wheel, the projecting teeth of
this wheel touching three or four metallic wires connected with the opposite
pole.
Having thus sufficiently described an electric sorting machine, I wish it to

page_text: be understood, that I do not mean to limit myself strictly to the arrangements
described, as they may be varied indefinitely, without departing from the prin-
ciple stated, which is the use of electro-magnets. In order to shew the utility
of the electric sorting machine, it will be observed,---
Firstly, that the sulphurets, phosphurets, and arseniurets of iron are hot,
picked up by the magnets; they are thus separated from the ores which
become available for metallurgic purposes. Secondly, in many ores, the
phosphurets, sulphurets, arseniurets. instead of being iron salts, are salts of
copper, lead, &c., which are often mixed with iron ore in great quantities;
thus the latter is not only improved by separating from it any hetero-
geneous matters, but I at the same time obtain ores of metals which would
otherwise have been lost. Thirdly, the electric sorting machine is applicable
to separating magnetic matters from those which are not magnetic.
It may
also be useful to add, that before passing ores to the electro-magnetic sorting
machine they have to be roasted and pulverized; the roasting process must
be carried on carefully, and at a low heat, so that no melting, softening, or
even contraction to a considerable extent may take place.
As to the second head of my improvements, viz., reducing ores into
metallic sponge; it is well known that oxyds of iron can be reduced by coal or
charcoal, thus yielding carbonic acid; or by hydrogen, thus yielding water; or
by carburetted gases, thus yielding carbonic acid and water. Different patents
have been taken for reducing ores by carbon and gases, amongst these I may
mention a patent, which I have obtained, A.D. 1846, for reducing metallic
oxyds by these agents. The reduction itself may be effected in many ways
and by different apparatus; hence, neither the principle of reducing, nor the
furnace employed thereto, can be claimed as novel. If coal or charcoal is
used for the reducing process, the coal being stratified along with the ore,
takes up a good deal of room, for which reason the use of gases is to be pre-
ferred. The selection of the gas employed, however, has to be well considered,
both in point of economy, and with respect to its reactive results. Thus, pure
or carbonated hydrogen, besides being rather expensive, generates water, which
produces counteracting effects. Oxyd of carbon would be the most suitable of
all gases for the operation, but its reducing power is very much diminished by
any impurity. Thus, contrary to the assertions of metallurgists, it is impos-
sible to reduce an ore by oxyd of carbon as obtained by combustion, i.c., mixed
with four times its volume of nitrogen. In conclusion, if gases are used with-
out the interposition of any matter, the spongy particles are liable to stick
together during the operation of reduction, which is thus impeded or paralyzed.
To obviate this inconvenience, I use either one or the other of two patent

page_text: means, which I claim as forming part of my present improvements. The first
of these means consists in placing the ore in small boxes with perforated slides,
these boxes being made of sheet iron or any other lasting material; or,
secondly, in covering the ore with or steeping it in lime water, which prevents
the particles sticking together, and comes off after reduction. Another means
consists in charging the ore together with lime or coal. As to the gas to be
used, produce pure oxyd of carbon in the following manner:-After having
prepared a certain volume of pure carbonic acid, either by calcining chalk or
by the reaction of an acid upon a carbonate, I pass this acid into a retort con-
taining carbonized matter at an incandescent or red heat. The acid is thus
changed into pure oxyd of carbon. By introducing this oxyd of carbon into
the apparatus containing the metallic oxyd it is changed into carbonic acid,
which, by proper apparatus, is pumped back again into the retort for convert-
ing it into oxyd of carbon. In this manner I obtain a rich source of pure
carbonic acid, and hence of pure carbonic oxyd. By using this source of
carbonic acid, I soon get twice the quantity required for the operation; 1
therefore construct the pumping.and forcing apparatus in such manner as to
'lose the surplus produced. Whatever may be the apparatus used for reduction,
whether vertical, or horizontal, or inclined at different angles, they must be
shut hermetically, letting in the gas at one end as carbonic oxyd gas, and
letting the same exit in a state of carbonic acid. By this means the use of
gas, which has hitherto been impracticable, is made very easy and effectual.
The sponge thus obtained may be cemented, either by some carbonated gas or
by carbonized matter, but the herein-after described means are preferable for
obtaining any desired quality of homogeneous metal, besides direct cementation
being a very slow, difficult, and imperfect process..
Relating to the third head of my improvements, viz., pulverization of the
sponge; if the ores are not naturally such as to produce metal of the
quality and fusibility desired, the sponge is pulverized by any suitable appa-
ratus; however, such apparatus are preferred as act by friction rather than by
shock, as the latter mode is liable to produce clods which it is difficult to
break up. After pulverization the matter is passed to the electric sorting
machine.
Respecting the fourth head of my improvements, viz., the mixture of the
sponge with different substances; if the ore have all the qualities required for
melting or welding, as the case may be, it need not be pulverized, and as the
sponge properly prepared is porous, that property is used, thoroughly to incor-
porate with the sponge the carbon necessary to the constitution of steel. To
this effect the sponge is plunged into a fatty preparation, whose composition is

page_text: calculated according to the density or absorptive power of the sponge, which
latter absorbs equally throughout, and the excess of fat is driven off by distilla-
tion almost carried to carbonization, and the sponge then contains all the con-
stitutive parts of the quality of steel desired. the hardness of this steel varying
according to the density of the fatty preparation employed. This method.
constitutes an entirely new principle, by means of which I obtain carburets of
iron with exact doses of carbon incorporated throughout their. mass without
the use of heat. If the ore do not at once possess the necessary qualities, the
sponge is pulverized, and I add to it either the necessary manganese. or..any
other metal, or even the carbon with which it is desired to be carburetted.
This carbon may be drawn from the fatty matter as above described, or it may
also be found in any powdered carbonaceous matter.. or derived. from salts of
iron, of manganese, or of other metals, from alkalies in the state of cyanides, or
from cast iron. The sponge has to be mixed with the necessary flux, for which
purpose I prefer using calcined and powdered boric acid...If it be desired
to make alloys, dust or precipitates of the metal required are added to the
sponge. All these matters are thoroughly mixed with the sponge by any
suitable means, such as bolting and agitating, or stirring and sieving.
Relating to the fifth head of my improvements, viz., the compression of the.
sponge when the sponge has not been pulverized it may be passed directly into,
the compressing machine, but it may be necessary. to break it previously.
When the sponge has been pulverized and the above-mentioned mixtures have
been made, it is submitted to compression, which is an operation of the
greatest importance for the more perfect manufacture of iron and steel, for
the following reasons:-Firstly, iron sponges are very alterable bodies, and the
more easily affected as they are of good quality, and such as contain, amongst
others, metallic manganese. This sensitiveness arises from their porosity, which
facilitates capillary absorption of air and gases, and which is destroyed by a
powerful compression, rendering the metallic sponges almost as unalterable as
solid metal. Secondly, as metallic sponges are very voluminous, compared to solid
metal, compression brings them down to about one-fourth of their natural bulk,
and a great economy is thus attainable both with regard to apparatus, fuel, and
manual labour; owing to this compression the waste of metal is considerably
diminished, especially in open fire work. Thirdly, as regards mixtures and
metallic alloys, the contact established by compression gives more energy to
subsequent reactions, which will thus be found more complete than if the
sponge had not been compressed. Fourthly, the method of compression gives
rise to a new art, viz., the manufacture of articles moulded directly either in
iron or in steel, or alloys of these metals with any other metals. For this

page_text: purpose, if, after having been compressed in dies or moulds of the desired shape.
the sponge be exposed to a strong heat, either in coal, or rather surrounded by
a reducing gas, pieces of iron, steel, & alloys of any variety of shape are
obtained, having the same material strength as if the article had been cast. As
to iron, fusion would have been impossible in any other way: hence, for all
these reasons compression is of the highest importance in the treatment of
mineral sponges.
Relating to the sixth head of my improvements, viz., moulding metals: com-
pression is here again applicable to moulding metals in a divided state, such as
clippings, filings, &c., either alone or mixed with sponge, for the purpose either
of producing articles of vertu, or of rendering waste iron more compact in
volume. By this method the difficulties of packing iron turnings are overcome.
and besides using powerful compressing machines. instead of compressing in a
cold state, compression may be carried on in large heated vessels of metal into
which the heated turnings are put.
With reference to the seventh head of my improvements, viz., preserving
the sponge from being altered: for instance, when it has to be carried to
great distances, it may be plunged into oil, pitch. resinous substances, or other
fatty bodies, which are then carbonized on the sponge, or else oil colours may
be used which do not contain oxyds, impairing the quality of the metal.
Respecting the eighth head of my improvements, viz., the hot cementation
of the compressed sponge as compressed sponge absorbs with difficulty even
the most fluid oils, and as it is only by successive immersions and carboniza-
tions that it would admit of the necessary carbon, it will sometimes he
necessary to cement the sponges by the usual means, or in continuous appa-
ratus of reduction: cementation then proceeds very favourably owing to
previous compression, and, as the case may be, owing to previous imbibition
also.
Respecting the ninth head of my improvements; viz., the fusion and welding
of compressed sponge: compression enters here again as an essential part of
the operation, which could not be carried on without it; for instance, in cast-
ing steel from uncompressed sponge, it would be necessary to fill the same
crucible four times for obtaining a certain quantity of metal corresponding to
one charge of compressed sponge; besides, the uncompressed sponge would be
subject to a very powerful oxydation at the melting heat. As to fusion in crucibles,
I perform it by. heating them with the gases by methods for which I have
obtained Letters Patent (for "Improvements in Accumulating, Conducting, and
Treating Gases of Combustion, and also in Generating and Applying the same
to Metallurgic and other Purposes,") bearing date the-First February, A.D..

page_text: 1854. The compressed sponge may also be melted through coal, and par-
ticularly charcoal, with which the sponge is stratified in a cupola, the bottom
of which is heated to a high temperature by an extra furnace; I also melt
compressed sponge in refining furnaces, the soles of which are heated if it is
desired to run the metal, and left cool when it is desired to produce a piece of
steel to be brought under the hammer directly. In both these cases, the furnace,
instead of having a running hole at the bottom of the bath, is cut in two parts
on a level with the bath's surface, in such manner that the upper part can be
lifted off, and a grate being slided in the proper place for keeping the coals in
the upper part, the lower part may be lifted out by means of a crane or lifting
machine, and the metal may be run into iron moulds in the same way as is
now done with ladles in running pig iron. The compressed sponge may also
bé melted on the sole of a reverberatory furnace, heated either as usual or from
underneath; but, in particular, by the methods given in my Patent, above
quoted, for generating and using gases of combustion. In conclusion, both
iron and steel sponges, being compressed, may be welded in any fire or furnace
at present used for those operations. In all these melting and welding opera-
tions the sponge may be mixed with any suitable substance; thus, the sponge
may be immersed in liquid cast iron, and by stirring the whole a common sort
of steel may be obtained.
Respecting the tenth head of my improvements, viz., melting and cementing
processes: the above-described methods for melting sponge are equally appli-
cable to common steel, on account of the cementation which takes place
whilst melting through charcoal, this cementation being more or less complete
according to the length of time in which the fusion is carried on. This cir-
cumstance is taken advantage of by carrying on slowly the melting process,
which is simultaneously attended with cementation. The bottom of the furnace
used is heated as above described, so as to prevent the metal from getting solid.
In order to retard fusion to any desired extent, the furnace is charged with
coal at the top part only, instead of being charged, as usual, with alternate
layers of coal and sponge or other ferriferous matter opposite the blast-pipe,
about three feet above the same. I leave a small hole in the furnace for intro-
ducing the sponge in small quantities by pushing it against the coal as the
latter descends. Respecting this head of my improvements, I wish it, however,
to be understood that I claim, as the principle of the Invention, not only the
simultaneous fusion and cementation of steel or ferriferous matter, but the
method of melting the same in a more or less elevated furnace, heated at the
bottom, and which, if worked without a running hole, has a ladle bottom. The
method of dividing the furnace into two parts on a level with the bath is

page_text: founded upon the practical observation that steel cannot be run too carefully-
so as to avoid the action of air, and flaws in the ingot or bar, which cannot
easily be got rid of in the usual way of running. In order to obtain this.
result, the steel has to be poured into the running mould at the will and under
perfect control of the founder. This object may also be attained in the follow-
ing manner: The whole furnace is placed on trunnions, like a cannon, so as
to be kept in the vertical position by gravity, and to be able to swivel, upon.
being pushed from one side or the other. In this arrangement, the operator
taps the furnace at the upper part of the bath, instead of tapping at the bottom;
he then turns, the vertical furnace gradually down into the horizontal position..
The coal has to be prevented, by a lid, from tumbling out of the mouth of the
furnace.
.
From what precedes, it will appear that the above-mentioned furnaces are
also applicable to the manufacture of iron by welding through. the coal and by
considerably accelerating the operation. It is also obvious, that in the manu-
facture of steel there are a great variety of combinations to be adopted in the
apparatus betwixt iron sponge and metallic iron at different stages of carbura-
tion; this carburation may be effected either by mixture or by imbibition, as
herein-before explained. It is also expedient to melt metallic sponge in a com-
pressed or loose state, and with a certain quantity of cast iron of select quality,
and to obtain thus cast steel, which may be moulded as described under the
tenth head.
The main features of the apparatus under the tenth head of my improve-
ments are, firstly, heating by an external extra fire the bottom or sole of
reverberating furnaces, smiths' and refining fires, of the so-called German or
Catalonian system, for the purpose of preventing the metal from solidifying,
whatever quantity may be accumulated in the furnace before running the
metal, thus allowing the obtainment of very big ingots; secondly, dividing
cupolas into two paris; thirdly, mobility of the apparatus about trunnions, so
that the metal can be poured out from the apparatus itself, this method being
intended as a substitute for common moulding, in which a running hole is
made at the bottom of the furnace for the metal to run first into the ladle,
which modus operandi must needs viciate and render improper even the best
steel.
With reference to the preceding description, I claim,-
Firstly, a system of machinery which I call electric sorting machine, the
novelty in said machine being the use of electro-magnets for sorting, enriching,
and purifying mineral matters.
Secondly, different systems of reducing ores into metallic sponges by any

page_text: reducing agent, and especially by pure oxyd of carbon obtained from the pure
carbonic acid as resulting from the reduction.
Thirdly, the pulverization of the sponge.
Fourthly, the thorough mixture of the sponge with different bodies before
or after said pulverization, for the purpose of obtaining different combinations
or alloys of metals, this mixing process being especially intended to be applied
instead of the usual cementing process, thus substituting a cold process, which
lasts several minutes, for a hot one, which lasts several weeks.
Fifthly, the compression of sponge or divided metallic bodies, either alone
or mixed with different substances, before or after pulverization.
Sixthly, moulding metals in a spongy or divided state; this moulding process
being carried on by the help of compression, either for obtaining artistic pro-
ductions, or for giving to mineral matters such form and volume as will render
them more suitable for manufacturing purposes.
Seventhly, preserving the metallic sponge or mixture of metallic sponge and
other substances from being altered before or after compression.
Eighthly, hot cementation of compressed sponge, and particularly, in case
the sponge has not been previously combined with those substances which
constitute good steel, by imbibition or mixture, as stated under the fourth
head.
Ninthly, the different systems of fusion and welding of compressed and
loose sponge, either alone or mixed with different substances, these operations
being carried on either in an open fire, or in crucibles, or else through coal or
carbonized matter; and in connexion with the same, the novel means of casting
steel, as described under the ninth head of my improvements.
Tenthly, a system of simultaneous fusion and cementation of compressed or
loose sponge, either alone or mixed with divers substances; this system being
applicable to other bodies besides metallic sponges.
In witness whereof, I, the said Claude Adrien Bernard Chenot, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-eight day of August, in
the year of our Lord 1854.
C. A. B. CHENOT. (L.S.)