matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE-LIGHTERS OR FAGGOTS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Robins at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 6th February
1863.
I, WILLIAM ROBINS, of 4, Dame Street, Islington, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE-LIGHTERS OR FAGGOTS," to be as.
follows:-
The chief object of this Invention is to manufacture fire-lighters or faggots
with less liability than heretofore to fall to pieces while being handled or in
transport.
The Invention applies to many forms of fire-lighters, the manner of carrying
it out being modified to suit the various distributions of wood adopted in their
construction.
Thus, for example, when manufacturing what is known as the "wheel" form,
I now propose to make all the radial spokes of short pieces of split wood, and
connect these pieces together at the centre by inserting a key into a saw cut
made in the abutting inner ends of the spokes. The periphery I form as usual,.
and insert a tuft of bass or shavings in the centre to facilitate the ignition of
the faggot.
When forming rectangular faggots or fire-lighters, instead of using long.
pieces arranged parallel to each other, I use short pieces of split wood for the-
inner bars, run a saw cut through their inner abutting ends, and connect
them together by a long key, the ends of which butt against the side pieces;

page_text: similarly I run a saw cut through the outer ends of all the pieces, and tie them
together as heretofore by longitudinal keys. The inner key first mentioned
serves to increase the strength of the structure, and the disposition of the keys
admits of the parallel bars of one faggot packing in the spaces of an adjoining
faggot.
Another mode of effecting the locking together of the pieces forming the
framework of the faggot is to make in cross pieces saw cuts of a width equal
to the thickness of the wood used, and of a depth about equal to one-half the
breadth of the pieces; by bringing these notches of the cross pieces into coin-
cidence the pieces may be pressed one over the other, and will lock firmly
together. A convenient figure produced in this way will be a double or crossed
triangle, but any other simple straight-sided figure may be similarly produced,
and the interior filled with short pieces disposed radially or otherwise. A con-
derable economy will result from this improved mode of manufacturing
fire-lighters or faggots.
AN IMPROVED BURNER FOR BURNING PETROLEUM, PARAFFIN, OR OTHER HYDROCARBON OILS, CONSUMING THE SMOKE WITHOUT THE USE OF A DRAUGHT CHIMNEY
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Joseph Martin at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd October
1863.
I, ALFRED JOSEPH MARTIN, of 2, Vernon Terrace, Roman Road, North
Bow, in the County Middlesex, Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED BURNER FOR BURNING PETROLEUM,
PARAFFIN, OR OTHER HYDROCARBON OILS, CONSUMING THE SMOKE WITHOUT THE USE
OF A DRAUGHT CHIMNEY," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in constructing a perforated air chamber below the
cone or thimble of the burner, and so arranged that the air may freely pass
under the cone or thimble which pinges on the flame. The air chamber may
be constructed of glass, ceramic porcelain, or of metal, or of other suitable
material, with or without non-conducting rings or flanges of glass, ceramic
porcelain, or other suitable material, and so placed or inserted between the
air chamber and the cone or thimble as to cut off the heat given out at the
cone, and by this means prevent the air chamber becoming overheated.
The cone or thimble has the cut or aperture modified as required for the
flame, and may also be made together in one with the air chamber of fire
clay or of a suitable ceramic material, or it may be made of metal in the
ordinary manner, and may also be made to shift or slide on the top of the air
chamber. The tube or wick holder passes up through the air chamber to the
required height of the cone or thimble. This tube can be made of metal or of
any suitable material, and fitted with a suitable arrangement of rack and pinion

page_text: for adjusting the wick at pleasure. This arrangement of the air chamber and
cone may be made of any shape or size, and can be readily adapted to all
ordinary lamps now in use for burning petroleum, paraffin, or hydrocarbon
oils.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF Two-WHEELED VEHICLES OR CARRIAGES
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Francois Castelnau at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th
November 1863.
I, FRANCOIS CASTELNAU, of Villefranche, Haute Garonne, in the Empire of
France, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF Two-WHEELED VEHICLES OR CARRIAGES," to be as
follows:-
This Invention consists of certain improvements in the construction of
vehicles or carriages having two wheels, the objects being, firstly, to maintain
the level or horizontal position of the body of the vehicle whatever may be the
height of the horse; and, secondly, to prevent the body of the cart from being
thrown forward in the event of the horse falling. I propose to accomplish the
first purpose by connecting the shafts by hinges or pins to the sides of the
vehicle at the centres thereof, and by a hand screw passing through the front
portion or frame of the body of the cart, and through a cross bar joining the
shafts, by which means the level of the cart may be regulated by turning the
screw in the requisite direction. Should the horse fall down the screw may
be turned so as to elevate the front of the body and throw the weight more to
the rear, in order to relieve the front of the shafts from a great portion of the
weight.
The shafts when under the frame of the cart may be connected to the
central portion of the body by means of standards supported and strengthened
by tie rods; or the body of the cart may rest on the springs, and the shafts
may be attached underneath the body by curving their rear ends upwards, or

page_text: they may be attached to the sides of the frame of the cart by straight shafts
and hinges or pins.
The second part of the Invention consists in attaching to the under fore
part of the cart or cross bar two vertical rods descending towards the ground;
these rods are furnished with bearings at their lower part containing small
wheels, which are held a few inches from the ground, but when the horse falls
the shafts are allowed to drop down by means of slides in the rods, to which
slides the shafts are fixed or hinged, and the bearings of the small wheels
being held in the slides it will follow that the wheels will be brought in
contact with the ground, and so support the fore part of the cart.
The Invention may be applied to hand carts or trucks, or other varieties of
carriages running on two wheels.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINTING PRESSES
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Adams Knight at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 6th January
-
1863. A communication from abroad by Nathaniel Knight, of
Auburn, State of Maine, United States of America.
I, JOHN ADAMS KNIGHT, of No. 4, Symond's Inn, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, American Law Agent, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINTING PRESSES," a communi-
cation from Nathaniel Knight, of Auburn, State of Maine, United States of
America, to be as follows:-
These improvements chiefly relate to hand presses for printing circulars and
other small sheets. The frame of the machine consists of two parallel guide-
ways, in which the bed of the press slides, properly secured together, and
elevated to any convenient height. At the bottom of this guideways or sides
of the frame, about equidistant from the ends, are the bearings of the
driving shaft; on this shaft is fixed a gear wheel which works into a ratchet
formed on the under side of the bed plate. By turning the shaft in opposite
directions the desired movements of the bed supporting the form is obtained;
above the shaft an ordinary compression roller is placed. The tympan of the
machine is made self-acting by means of a dog or curved piece fixed on the
end of said tympan, and acting against a fixed cam on the end of said
tympan and acting against a fixed cam on the end of the frame to bring it
down upon the form before it comes to the roller, and by a spring to throw
it open as soon as it is clear of the roller on either side. When the

page_text: tympan is brought back, the roller depresses it to make the impression on
the sheet; the type is inked, and sheet laid on and delivered on each side
the roller.
The machine may be made self-inking by means of a roller carried by a
bent bar, and operated in any convenient manner, but in practice it is found!
more economical to apply the ink to the press with a hand roller.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS TO FACILITATE THE. CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS WITH CARRIAGES
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Carl Oppermann at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 14th July
1863.
I, CARL OPPERMANN, of King's Road, Peckham, in the County of Surrey,
Chronometer Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS TO FACILITATE THE. CONNECTING
AND DISCONNECTING HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS WITH CARRIAGES," to be as
follows:
The object of the improvements is to facilitate the easy connection and dis-
connection of horses or other animals with carriages.
In the case of shafts being used, the traces when placed in position are
retained by hooks or studs, each of which is affixed to or capable of turning
on an axis, and of being retained in position by a spring lever and stop or
stops; another stud or stop prevents the traces slipping off the moveable hook
or stud except when required.
In the case of poles being used, I connect the pole chain from the collar or
breast pad of each horse or other animal to the pole by passing it over a stud
or projection, and securing it there by a sliding plate or bar, which is capable
of being held in position to retain the pole chains by a retaining screw or
catch, or other suitable holder, the removal or releasing of which will admit
of either or both of the chains been released; or the hooks or studs carried by
the pole to receive the ends of the pole chains may be together or separately
capable of turning on an axis of motion, so as to release their ends and allow

page_text: of the chains dropping off, and they are retained in position by a catch or stop.
These parts are also applicable to pole straps and to the connection of pole
chains or straps with the collar or breast pad. I also form a hook adapted
to be used as the connecting means for the pole chains or other parts of the
harness to facilitate connection and disconnection of such parts. For this
purpose the hook is formed in two parts, or has two hooks bent in opposite
directions, and connected by a common centre with the points of the two
hooks when the parts are closed, meeting and overlapping one the other. In
this position they are held by a screw or sliding cap or other stop, on the
removal or release of which the parts open for disconnection.
These improvements, in addition to the facility given for readily putting
horses or other animals to and detaching them, will be found especially useful
in detaching them when they have accidentally fallen.
I also form a connecting hook or holder for connecting pole chains or other
parts of harness with one side or limb acting as a retaining limb to prevent
the slipping off of the part retained, and which retaining limb is capable of
turning on an axis carried by the other part of the hook or holder, and held
in position by a spring. This loose limb has a prolongation which prevents
its moving too far outwards. When disconnection is desired to be effected
this limb is pressed inwards, and the part held is released.
Im- PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Hawkins Simpson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th
December 1863.
I, JOHN HAWKINS SIMPSON, of Kilmeena, Westport, in the County of
Mayo, Ireland, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES," to be as follows:-
The first part of these improvements consists of a seamless metal toe sheath,
so constructed that it may be drawn over and affixed to the toe of a boot or
shoe when quite finished, and is intended to be used either as a guard for the
protection of the toe of the boot or shoe, or to be applied as a means of
renewal or mending of a boot or shoe which requires re-toeing. The upper
part of the toe sheath, which comes over the toe, is perforated so as to make
it more pliable and at the same time ornamental, the edge of the same having
a rim or bead, to prevent its cutting the upper leather. The lower part comes
under and crosses the sole, and is also perforated for affixing to the sole by
small nails or screws.
The second part of this Invention consists of a similarly formed metal toe
cushion, or interior support, to be inserted into the boot and placed at the
extremity of the toe, to prevent the upper leather from falling in and losing
shape externally at the toe.
The third part of my Invention consists of a metal casing for a boot or shoe
heel. This casing is intended to be filled in with leather or other suitable
material, and the heel so formed to be then screwed on to or otherwise attached

page_text: to the boot or shoe. The wall of the heel case may be formed with an
external flange at the lower edge, so as to protect the heel underneath, instead
of having a steel plate screwed on to the bottom of the heel, as now done; or,
if preferred, the interior of the heel case may be made thicker in parts, so as
to form internal ribs in a vertical direction, for the purpose of further
increasing the durability of the heel.
The fourth part of these improvements consists of a metal stiffener for the
upper leather surrounding the heel of a boot or shoe, to be inserted between
the outer leather and the lining. The lower part of the stiffener extends
either entirely or in part underneath the heel, and is prolonged under the
instep, so as to support the waist of the boot or shoe.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BRUSHES, INSTRUMENTS, OR APPA- BATUS EMPLOYED FOR PAINTING THE CENTRES AND BULLS-EYES OF MILITARY OR OTHER TARGETS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Douglas Monro Fyfe at the Office
the Commissioners of Patents, with bis Petition, on the 15th May
1863.
I, DOUGLAS MONRO FYFE, of Maidenhead, in the County of Berks, Adjutant
of the 19th Regiment of Berks Volunteers, do hereby declare the nature of
the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BRUSHES, INSTRUMENTS, OR APPA-
BATUS EMPLOYED FOR PAINTING THE CENTRES AND BULLS-EYES OF MILITARY OR OTHER
TARGETS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object the arrangement of brush apparatus to
facilitate the painting of the centres and bulls'-eyes of military or other
targets, by which means considerable time is saved and great accuracy insured.
For this purpose upon a central axis brushes are mounted on lever arms
fixed on the axis, the breadth of each brush corresponding with the radius of
the bulls-eye, the circle and the space intermediate of the bulls-eye, and tho
circle. The central axis is formed with a crank or bow, and with a rest
or breast plate at one end and pointed at the other. An open frame is con-
nected to the central axis, so constructed as to form circular spaces or races
corresponding to the surfaces to be painted, within which the movements of
the several brushes are controlled. In order to confine the action of each brush
to the clearly defined limits of the spaces of this frame, a "countersink" or
recess is punched or formed in the centre of the bulls'-eye, and when it is
desired to paint or repaint the central portions of the target (tho brushes
above referred to having been first supplied with paint of tho color required

page_text: for each section) the point of the central axis is placed in the central hole
or recess in the bulls'-eye with the open frame and brushes resting against the
face of the target; the central axis is then caused to revolve by means of the
crank or bow, and tho several sections of the target, upon which the brushes
are thus caused to operate will be readily covered with paint.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SPINNING COTTON, FLAX, WOOL, SILK, AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Howard, of Hyde, in the County of Chester,
Cotton Manufacturer, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY FOR SPINNING COTTON, FLAX, WOOL, SILK, AND OTHER FIBROUS
SUBSTANCES."
Sealed the 16th October 1868, and dated the 19th August 1863:
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Howard at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th
August 1868.
I, THOMAS HOWARD, of Hyde, in the County of Chester, Cotton Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SPINNING COTTON, FLAX, WOOL, SILK, AND OTHER
FIBROUS SUBSTANCES," to be as follows:--
This Invention is intended to simplify the process of spinning, and to
supersede much of the intricate machinery contained in throstles, mules, and
other spinning machines. In my machine I place an additional rail below the
usual roller beam for the purpose of holding and sustaining the fixed fly,
herein-after mentioned, which is of the usual construction save as herein-after
mentioned. This fly is made with a hollow neck, which heck is long enough
to pass perpendicularly upwards through this additional rail and to extend

page_text: about three-quarters of an inch above the top of such rail. On this neck,
about its centre, is fixed a wharve or pulley working in a slot in such rail-
The fly is made to work pendant from the under side of the rail, and being
firmly supported by the rail delivers the yarn with little or no vibration on
the bobbin placed on the bobbin rail beneath. The rotatory motion is com-
municated to the fly by the usual means of the roller and bands acting on the
wharve or pulley on the neck of the fly. There is a passage through the
centre of the neck of the fly through which I pass the roving delivered from
the front roller into the eye of one shoulder of the fly. The rotatory motion
of the fly communicated from the pulley on the neck spins the roving in the
usual way and winds it on a bobbin. The bobbin may be worked either on a
fixed spindle or on a revolving spindle. When I use a revolving spindle I
make the spindle to pass loose through the centre of the lifting rail and into
the centre of the fly into a socket, square or angled, or of any form which will
make the spindle revolve with the fly. By this process I am enabled to spin-
any number of counts on bobbins large enough for the warpers. I can also
make a cop by an alteration of the lifter in the usual mode called the scroll
motion, or by any other mechanical equivalent.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FINISH AND MODE OF PACKING CIGARS, AND IN APPARATUS. USED FOR THESE PURPOSES
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Lyon at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with bis Petition, on the 2nd January
1863.
I, HENRY LYON, late of Baltimore, State of Maryland, United States of
America, now of 81, Sidney Street, Commercial Road, London, Cigar
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FINISH AND MODE OF PACKING CIGARS, AND IN APPARATUS.
USED FOR THESE PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
The said improved finish consists in ribbing cigars lengthwise or crosswise,
or the ribs may run in both directions, forming the surface into squares. This
finish is made at the same time the cigars are pressed into the required shape,
the desired result being attained by means of a fluted or ribbed board placed
at the top and bottom of every layer of cigars.
It is proposed to put up these ribbed cigars in the ordinary manner; but
my improved mode of and apparatus for packing are especially designed and
adapted to cigars with the common finish. The apparatus used consist of a
simple block containing as many holes as there are to be cigars in a bundle,
the said holes being of a size to freely admit the ends of the cigars, and con-
veniently arranged in circles.
The cigars are packed in bundles of the desired size in the following
manner: After being placed in the block a string or ribbon is carried around

page_text: them for the the purpose of confining them while being laid on the wrapping
paper. The cigars are rolled up firmly in a sheet of strong paper or other
suitable matrial, the ends of which are tightly twisted and coiled up at each
end of the bundle, the ends of the twist being turned under the coil, and by this
means the bundle is firmly secured and ready for transportation or packing
in cases.
A NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR THRASHING OUT THE SEED OF FLAX
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Ernest Legris at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th March
1863.
I, ERNEST LEGRIS, of Bondeville, in the Department of the Seine Inférieure,
in the Empire of France, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR THRASHING OUT THE SEED OF
FLAX," to be as follows:-
The object of my Invention is to separate the seed from the stalk of flax
in a similar manner to the present system of hand labour, and the machine
by which I effect this purpose is composed of a bench or frame and an apron
or feeding cloth to spread out or lay the flax to be thrashed; also of beaters
or mallets having blocks at the end of about 20 inches long by about 16 inches
wide, which are made to fall upon the flax with a shock by means of a series
of cams placed spirally on a shaft. Any motive power may be used; if steam
or horse power, motion may be given to the driving shaft by means of fast-and-
loose pullies; if hand power be used, by a crank placed on the side of the
shaft near the pullies or on the fly wheel on the other side. A fly wheel may
be added to regulate the broken or checked motion of the cam shaft. The
beaters being raised by the action of the cams about 16 or 24 inches above
the bench, and suddenly abandoned to themselves, fall with a certain shock
similar to the blow of the workman in hand thrashing. The flax spread on
the feeding cloth may be easily turned during the working of the machine, and
a perfect thrashing be effected. The machine is fed with fresh flax as fast as

page_text: that previously supplied is beaten and removed, and therefore works con-
tinuously. That the flax may be more readily and rapidly turned, and that
the stalks do not mingle, I spread it on a bench or frame having as many
compartments as there are beaters, and a machine may be provided with 2, 4,
6, 8, or more beaters, according to the quantity of flax to be thrashed. The
weight of the beaters will vary with the toughness of the flax, and their eleva-
tion and speed may be varied without inconvenience; further, they may be
placed horizontally, turning round an axle by the centre or the end, or
vertically, and guided in channels, where space is limited.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SLEEPERS OR SUPPORTS FOR THE RAILS OF RAILWAYS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Archibald Brooman at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
27th July 1868.-A communication from abroad by Charles Marie
Pouillet, of Paris, France.
I, RICHARD ARCHIBALD BROOMAN, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SLEEPERS OR SUPPORTS FOR THE RAILS OF RAILWAYS," to
be as follows:-
This Invention consists in making the sleepers or supports for the rails of
railways of metal in manner hereafter described and represented in the
accompanying Drawings.
Figure 1 is a plan of a sleeper or support; a, b, c, d, is a metal plate or table
which is secured by rivets to a T-shaped bar or rod e, f, this bar should be
sufficiently rigid to resist the strain of a passing train and to maintain the
perfect gauge of the line. Figures 2 and 3 are elevations through the lines a,
b, and b, c, of Figure 1. The angle iron P placed under the table is optional,
its object is to prevent the slipping of the sleeper longitudinally. Upon each
table I fix a support g, h, i, k, l, m, n, o; this support is one of the chief features
of this Inventions it is secured to the table by rivets and may be more or less
raised above the table according as the table is more or less sunk in the ground.
On the upper part l, m, n, o, of these supports is fixed a rail by bolts and keys,
as indicated in Figures 1, 2, and 3, or a chair for receiving a double headed
rail, as represented in Figuro 4. To fix a rail with a broad base the method
shown in Figure 5 may be employed; a stop a, b, secures it on one side and a

page_text: hook wedged in by a key c on the other. When a lower rib is employed the
support is arranged as represented in Figures 6 and 7; the rail is secured by
the key A, B.
Figures 8 and 9 represent a method somewhat similar to that now in use
for wooden sleepers. I take a laminated metal shoe of about the length and
breadth of an ordinary wooden sleeper with a ribs underneath and a swelling c
on its edges. Near each end of the shoe I attach by rivets supports g, h, i,
k, l, m, n, o, for receiving the rails as in the preceding case, the rails are
secured by bolts or keys b, b. Figure 10 is a transverse section showing
the shoe formed with a hollow or sunken portion in the middle instead of the 1
rib s.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF COOKING AN EGG, AND AN IMPROVED PAN OR APPARATUS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Catherine or Katy Liddle at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with her Petition, on the 7th
August 1868.
I, CATHERINE OF KATY LIDDLE, of 7, Comely Bank, near Edinburgh, N.B.,
Cook and Housekeeper, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVED METHOD OF COOKING AN EGG, AND AN IMPROVED PAN OR APPARATUS
FOR THE SAME," to be as follows:-
I get a tinsmith or other competent person to make for me, of any suitable
material, an egg or sauce pan constructed with a second bottom placed on a
framing inside, two or three inches above the bottom of the pan, in which
second bottom are made one or more holes, according to the size of the pan
desired, to receive the bottom of as many small tea cups placed in the holes
made large enough to allow the tea cups to be immersed in the boiling water
up to about the middle of the cup. I place this pan on the fire, with water
sufficient to cover the upper bottom, and let it boil; I have ready the number
of eggs required to be cooked, with a small tea cup for each egg. This tea
cup I dip in boiling water, but without leaving any or very little of the water
in it, and I then break the egg in the usual way and place it in the tea cup,
and I do the same with all the eggs I have to cook. The tea cups with the
eggs in them are then placed in the pan in the holes made for them in the
second bottom, as above mentioned. I carefully watch to see the egg done to
the precise degree of doing it according to the taste of my master, which gene-
rally takes not quite so much time as does the ordinary method of boiling an

page_text: egg in the shell. My master considers this a very superior method of cooking
an egg. He says that it very much improves the flavour as compared with
the ordinary method of boiling an egg in the shell; it is also so nice and clean
looking, and you can also by it always and at once detect an unsound or
imperfect egg. As compared with the usual method of poaching an egg,
every one admits that my method is a decided improvement. My master is
at pains to shew it off to any friend or friends who may be visiting him, whether
it be at breakfast, or at dinner, or at supper, by having an egg cooked for
each friend after the manner I have described above. He likewise says that
it makes the egg so light and easy of digestion, that he thinks a man might
with ease eat half a dozen at a meal without any injurious consequences.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COVERS OR CAPSULES FOR BOTTLES, JARS, AND SIMILAR VESSELS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Alexander Pickering at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd:
May 1863.
I, JOHN ALEXANDER PICKERING, of Heath Cottage, Oatlands Park, in the
County of Surrey, Professor of Music, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN COVERS OR CAPSULES FOR BOTTLES, JARS,
AND SIMILAR VESSELS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to an improved cover or capsule for bottles, jars, and
similar vessels, and consists in the application and use for such purpose of an
elastic or extensible capsule of vulcanized or unvulcanized india-rubber or
other suitable elastic material made in the form of a flat or slightly concaved
disc, cup-shaped or otherwise, but having a rim or lip of greater thickness and
strength than the body or middle portion of the capsule itself. These elastic
capsules may be made in various ways as, for example, by moulding in a
plastic state in one piece or mass, and then vulcanizing, or by forming them
from sheet india-rubber, in which latter case the thickened rim may be
cemented on to the edge of the capsule, after which the entire article may be
vulcanized or not as desired.
In applying these elastic capsules or coverings it is simply requisite to
stretch the capsule over the neck of the bottle, jar, or other similar vessel, and
to bring the thickened rim of the capsule well under the lip or flange of the

page_text: bottle or jar neck, so that the neck itself will be firmly gripped by the rim on
the capsule, thereby forming an air and liquid tight joint, the body or central
part of the capsule being tightly distended or stretched across the mouth of
the vessel or over the cork or stopper when the latter is used. These elastic
capsules can be readily applied and removed without injury to them.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM, GAS, & WATER TUBE JOINTS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Frederick Spencer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th
June 1863.
I, JOHN FREDERICK SPENCER, Consulting Engineer, of Newcastle-on-Tyne,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEAM, GAS, & WATER TUBE JOINTS," to be as follows:-
Instead of making joints between the ends of the tubes and the tube plates
of tubular or tubulous vessels by means of screwed glands, compressed wood
ferules by rivetting over the tube end or expanding the end of the tube by
means of a ferule (taper or conical) inserted within the tube or any other of
the means heretofore employed for such purpose, I employ metal ferules of
the form and in the manner herein-after described.
The tube plate has holes, drilled or otherwise formed true, of a diameter larger
than the external diameter of the tubes, so as to admit of a ferule being inserted,
and such holes may either be parallel or be slightly taper or conical. Each
end of each tube being first made cylindrically true and smooth, and the tube
being sufficiently long to project through each tube plate to some extent, and
the iron, steel, or other metal ferule (therein described) is forced over or driven
on to the end of the tube and into the annular space left between the external
diameter of the tube and the interior surface of the hole in the tube plate.
The ferules which I employ for this purpose may be made of iron, steel, gun
metal, or any other suitable metal, according to the kind of metal employed
for the tube plates and tubes, and they are formed with a shoulder or bead at

page_text: A
one end of a sufficiently increased diameter to enable the ferule to be withdrawn
from off the end of the tube and out of the hole in the tube plate by means of
a fork-like instrument or suitable lever tool employed for that purpose. The
thickness, length, and diameter of the body of the ferule, and of the enlarge-
ment shoulder piece or bead will of course vary with the requirements of each
application.
The objects to be attained by the employment of this Invention are a simple,
cheap, and durable metallic tube joint, which is effective whilst in use, and
available for re-use after a tube has been withdrawn.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BALL Cocks
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Lambert at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 24th April
1863.
I, JOHN LAMBERT, of Sheffield, in the County of York, Brassfounder, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BALL
Cocks," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in constructing ball cocks as bereafter explained.
I make the inlet and outlet passages lead into and out of a cylindrical chamber,
the bottom of which forms the seat for a circular disc, under which a leather
or other like suitable washer is placed. The disc is formed or fixed on the
lower end of a spindle which works through an aperture made in the cover of
the chamber. A spring, by preference in the form of a disc, of vulcanized
india-rubber is also fitted to the spindle inside the chamber, balances the
valve, and prevents any liquids escaping through the top or upper part of the
chamber. The rising of the ball or float on the long arm of the float lever,
tho short arm of which is connected to the valve spindle, depresses the short
arm, which forces the spindle down and keeps the valve on its seat, so as
to close all passage through the cock. Upon the ball or float falling it raises
the spindle and the valve off its seat, and opens up a way through the cock.
MENTS IN THE MODE OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE PASSAGE OF FLUIDS TO AND FROM CASKS AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Michael Henry at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 21st December
1863. A communication from abroad by the Société Hermann
Lachapelle et Glover, of 33, Boulevard Saint Martin, Paris, France.
I, MICHAEL HENRY, of 84, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent
Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MODE OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE PASSAGE OF FLUIDS
TO AND FROM CASKS AND OTHER VESSELS," communicated to me from abroad by
the Société Hermann Lachapelle et Glover, of 33, Boulevard Saint Martin,
Paris, France, to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is an improved tap or appliance to be fitted to
casks and other vessels for stopping their orifices and drawing off their con-
tents, and this appliance, which is especially applicable to vessels containing
aerated and fermentable liquids, may be also adapted for filling or charging
the vessels with liquids or gas. For this purpose an appliance forming a fluid
way is fitted with a valve or plug opened inward by pressure or action from
without and restored to its closing position by a spring.
Apparatus may be arranged for the purpose as follows:-A tube or socket
perforated for the passage of fluid is fitted with a valve or plug pressed against
its seat by a spring. This socket is let into the vessel, and from it leads an
adjustable tube or fluid way, within which is a rod worked by a nut, key, or
otherwise, and connected with or extending to or towards the valve or plug.
At the outer end of the fluid way is a nose end or outlet, preferably of an

page_text: L-shape, one limb receiving the end of or arrangements for working the rod
and the other serving as an exit. The rod when worked inward will force
back the valve and open a thoroughfare for the fluid, which may thus be dis-
charged, raised, or forced out. The spring will force the valve forward and
stop the fluid way stanchly. The outlet may be applied as an inlet way by
connecting it with a supply of liquid or gaseous fluid, so that the same may be
forced into the vessel to fill it with liquid or charge it with gas, in which case
the vessel should be fitted with two such appliances, one for filling or
emptying it and the other for the escape of air or gas. The appliance may be
readily removed and the orifice closed by a screw or other plug.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF RENDERING ATMOSPHERIC AIR FIT FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND OF INCREASING THE ILLUMINATING POWER OF INFLAMMABLE GAS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Reynolds at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th June
1863.
I, HENRY REYNOLDS, of Fleet Street, in the City of London, Gentleman, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
RENDERING ATMOSPHERIC AIR FIT FOR ILLUMINATING PURPOSES, AND OF INCREASING
THE ILLUMINATING POWER OF INFLAMMABLE GAS," to be as follows:-
I partially fill a chamber or chambers with a porous or fibrous material,
such as sponge, cotton, horsehair, or some substance having
capillary quality, and then charge the chamber or chambers with a volatile
fluid hydrocarbon. I displace the hydrocarbon by atmospheric air or
ordinary gas, and allow the air or gas to remain in contact with the porous or
fibrous material, saturated or coated with the fluid hydrocarbon, by which
means the air or gas becoming impregnated with the vapor of the hydro-
carbon the former is rendered fit for illuminating purposes, and the latter has
its illuminating power increased. I find it convenient to employ two or
more saturating chambers, which are alternately charged with the volatile
hydrocarbon and air or gas, and these chambers may be made to revolve upon
an axis much in the same manner as the chambers of an ordinary wet
gas ineter, the water being replaced by a fluid volatile hydrocarbon of a light
specific gravity.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS TO BE USED FOR PUMPING WATER OUT OF MINES AND OTHER PLACES
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Jones, of Gorton, near the City of Manchester,
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS TO BE USED
FOR PUMPING WATER OUT OF MINES AND OTHER PLACES."
Sealed the 12th February 1864, and dated the 7th October 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Jones at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th October
1863.
I, EDWARD JONES, of Gorton, near the City of Manchester, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
TO BE USED FOR PUMPING WATER OUT OF MINES AND OTHER PLACES," to be as
follows:-
My Invention is particularly applicable in pumping water out of mines, and
it consists in the application of two series of pipes for conveying the water
from the bottom to the top of the mine; these two series of pipes are connected
to the force pumps in such wise that the columns of water in each series of
pipes are alternately assisting each other in raising the water from the bottom
of the mine. In performing my Invention the steam or other power is applied
to give reciprocating motion to a rod on which three pistons are fixed; these
pistons work in suitable cylinders or barrels, the centre one is an equilibrium

page_text: cylinder, and the upper and lower ones are the working barrels; the equilibrium
cylinder is in communication with the two columns of water in the pipes
above referred to, and the upper and lower working barrels are in communi-
cation with the said columns of water and with the cistern or pit containing
the water to be raised. When the pump is in operation the columns of water
in each series of pipes counterbalance each other, and the pistons force a
supply of water equal to the contents of each working barrel alternately into
each of the series of pipes, or a single series of pipes divided by a partition to
separate the columns of water may be employed.
AN IMPROVED VARNISH POR PRESERVING METAL AND WOOD
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Archibald Brooman at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
17th July 1863.-A communication from abroad by Messieurs Chaumont
and Company, of Paris, France.
I, RICHARD ARCHIBALD BROOMAN, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "AN IMPROVED VARNISH POR PRESERVING METAL AND WOOD," to be as
follows:-
This Invention consists in forming a varnish composed of a base and a
solvent, as hereafter explained. The base is bitumen, tar, galipot, colophany,
dry pitch, or other resinous matter, and the solvent sulphuret of carbon.
According to the quality of the bitumenous matter, the varnish may be formed
of 100 parts bitumen, and from 100 to 80 parts sulphuret of carbon. If tar
be used as the base, then for 300 parts of tar add 100 parts of sulphuret of
carbon. The varnish is made cold, and in manner following:-Pour or place
the bitumenous or resinous matter into a suitable vessel, pour over it the
sulphuret of carbon, and close the vessel hermetically to prevent the sulphuret
evaporating. In from 12 to 24 hours the dissolving action of the sulphuret
will have formed the solution, the vessel may be opened and the varnish will
be found in a semi-liquid state. It is applied by spreading in one or more
coats on the metal or wood to be preserved. The varnish will be found par-
ticularly suitable for all marine purposes, as its exposure to water has the
effect of hardening it, but wheresoever applied on wood or metal its pre-
servative effects will be found highly efficient.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR OPENING AND CONDITIONING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Wanklyn at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th
October 1863.
1, WILLIAM WANKLYN, of the Albion Mills, Bury, in the County of
Lancaster, Cotton Spinner, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR OPENING AND CONDITIONING COTTON AND
OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in certain improvements upon or additions to the
apparatus for which former Letters Patent were granted to me on the
Thirtieth day of July, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, N° 2162.
In the Specification of the said Patent a closed vessel is described containing
the cotton or other fibrous substances, this vessel is mounted on trunnions
through one of which steam is admitted from a pipe provided with a tap.
Now my present Invention consists in applying an outlet pipe to the other
trunnion, the object of which is to allow the air and steam to escape out of the
closed vessel. It provides for the speedy and effectual removal of the steam
which has permeated the cotton or other fibrous substances by certain means
which prevent the escape of steam into the apartment where the process is
carried on, and it also provides for the greatest economy in the use of the
Now this is effected by applying to the cylinder or chamber in which
the cotton or other fibrous substance is steamed, an internal side pipe con-
nected with an external one, through one of the trunnions which support the
cylinder or chamber, the mouth of the internal side pipe being covered with a

page_text: perforated guard, the external pipe is attached to a tap or valve which is
connected with the tap or valve which admits the steam into the cylinder, the
two taps being so connected as to effectually secure the simultaneous action
of both taps by the movement of one handle. When the tap is turned to
admit steam to the cotton or other fibrous substance in the closed vessel the
tap in the outlet pipe is closed, but a small hole is made through the plug
for the escape of the air that is expelled from the closed vessel by the entrance
of the steam; near the outlet tap is a safety valve which begins to blow off as
soon as the steam has penetrated through the fibrous substances, the inlet tap
is then closed and at the same time the outlet tap is opened.
Another part of my Invention consists in the mode of securing the lid to
the closed vessel. On the lid are six or other convenient number of pro-
jections which pass through openings in the vessel, the lid when turned partly
round in the vessel is secured by set screws passing through the flange of the
vessel.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGHTS FOR FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Brooke Price at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 9th January
1868.
I, GEORGE BROOKE PRICE, of Bedford, in the County of Bedford, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SIGHTS FOR FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the sights for fire-arms,
whereby the person using the weapon can at once see whether the sights are
perfectly vertical on bringing the weapon to the position for firing.
According to this Invention it is proposed to attach a small spirit or liquid
level to the slide of the flap of the elevation sight, such level being placed trans-
versely to the bore of the barrel.
The said slide is like the one ordinarily used, but with the addition of two
lugs or projections one on either side for the reception of a small glass level,
which level may readily be replaced in case of accident, as the one lug or pro-
jection is left open for that purpose, and then stopped by clay, wax, or any
other convenient substance.
It is proposed to attach a guard so that the level may not be broken when
not in use, which guard may be made in a variety of ways, either by having a
stationary piece of metal fixed to the flap below the slide, or by fitting a piece
of metal to slide over the level, or by having a piece of metal to fall down over
it, or in any other convenient way.

page_text: If the first proposed arrangement be used, I should make a V-slot at the
top, so that the bubble may be seen when firing at 100 yards or 150 yards;
at a greater range it would not be required, as the level would be raised
beyond it.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN PNEUMATIC MOTIVE POWER MACHINERY
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Whitehead at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th September
1863.
I, JAMES WHITEHEAD, of Calverley, near Leeds, in the County of York,
Mechanic, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN PNEUMATIC MOTIVE POWER MACHINERY," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in combining machinery of the construction herein-
after described with certain other machinery for which Letters Patent were
applied for on the 16th day of May 1863, No. 1239, for "Improvements in
Motive Power Machinery especially Adapted for Raising and Forcing Water
and other Liquids or Fluids, Parts of said Improvements being applicable to
Steam Engines and other Machines fitted with Pistons," and the intention of this
present Invention is to force air into a reservoir under pressure with a small
amount of power, and to employ such air in the cylinders of engines in lieu of steam
as a cheap and safe motive power. The following is the construction of the
aforesaid machinery and mode of combining same with the patented machinery
above referred to; that is to say, to each end of a long lever I connect a rod,
to which is also connected a piston or plunger working in a cylinder fitted
with suitable inlet and outlet valves communicating by pipes with a reservoir
to contain compressed air, which is supplied by a pipe to the cylinder of an
ordinary steam engine. The aforesaid long lever is actuated by the patented.
machinery above referred to and works the air pumps before mentioned for
charging the aforesaid reservoir.