IMPROVE- MENTS IN RENDERING SUBSTANCES IMPERMEABLE TO AIR AND LIQUIDS, AND IN THE PRODUCTION OF A COMPOUND SUITABLE FOR USE AS AN ANTIFOULING PAINT OR PRESERVATIVE COATING, AND IN ELECTRICAL INSULATION
Year: 1885

page_text: ww 13
Electrical Insulation.
We, TRUMAN JUNIUS PEARCE of N° 1455 Broadway Street, Inventor and
MELVIN WARREN BEARDSLEY, of N° 1320 Telegraph Avenue, 'Oil Refiner
in the City of Oakland, Alameda County, State of California, in the United
States of America do hereby declare the nature of our invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN RENDERING SUBSTANCES IMPERMEABLE TO AIR AND LIQUIDS, AND IN THE
PRODUCTION OF A COMPOUND SUITABLE FOR USE AS AN ANTIFOULING PAINT OR
PRESERVATIVE COATING, AND IN ELECTRICAL INSULATION to be as follows:-
Our Invention relates to the utilization of the solid residuum that comes from
the heavier petroleums in the production of a waterproof and weather proof
composition for coating permeating and otherwise treating various surfaces and
substances to render them impervious to water and capable of resisting the action
of acids and alkalies.
We have discovered that by uniting the solid residuum product (hereinafter
termed "Maltha") which is obtained in the distillation of heavy petroleum and
Bi-sulphide of Carbon to reduce this solid and hold it in solution a mixture or
composition is produced which has excellent qualities and properties.
It possesses the power of resisting the action of air and liquid, acids and alkalies,
of preserving many articles and substances from decay and rust and of imparting
to wood, metal, rubber, leather, cloth, paper, animal fibre and vegetable fibre of
various kinds and all products thereof, the quality of withstanding the action of
air, moisture and atmospheric influences and of resisting alkalies and ordinary
acids, except concentrated sulphuric acid.
We have further discovered that by painting coating, saturating, or impregnating
all such before described matter and substances with and by means of this new
compound we can impart water-proof and weather-proof qualities to such matter
D

page_text: and substances without materially affecting their elasticity, pliability, flexibility,
softness and other characteristics and natural qualities.
Surfaces of wood and metal in land structures that are subinerged in or exposed
to the action of fresh or salt water will be preserved from decay, rust and other
destructive influences and agencies and from the attacks of marine animals as well
by being covered, coated or impregnated with our said compound.
Electric wires and conductors for electrical purposes when covered or coated
with the new compound will be thoroughly insulated, and perfectly protected.
The nature of our said invention then consists in the production of the new
compound as aforesaid, and in imparting the before described qualities and
properties to various matters, substances and articles by the application and use
of the said compound as hereinafter set forth.
Wo proceed as follows to produce our said compound and to carry out our said
improvements.
When Bi-sulphide of Carbon is made and before it is redistilled it carries in
solution from five (5) to ten (10) per cent more of sulphur than pure Bi-sulphide of
Carbon contains. It is this unrefined Bi-sulphide of Carbon which we prefer to
use. It is cheaper and better than the refined Bi-sulphide of Carbon. It is called
Bi-sulphide of Carbon although it contains such excess of sulphur.
The pure Bi-sulphide of Carbon is always practically of the same consistency.
It is better to make our new compound of thicker consistency for some purposes
such, for instance as covering roofs, than it should be when intended for other uses
such as saturating wood, cloth, fibre and fabrics of various kinds to produce
water-proof and weather-proof surfaces and material.
Dirt and impurities in the hydro-carbon would tend to injure the compound if
allowed to remain, therefore such dirt and impurities if present should be eliminated
from the hydro-carbons, before proceeding to produce the compound.
By mixing together Bi-sulphide of Carbon and "Maltha
limpid compound suitable for saturating timbers and wooden structures.
we produce a very
A compound produced by mixing fifteen (15) parts of Bi-sulphide of Carbon
with eighty five (85) parts of "Maltha" (at twenty (20°) degrees Baumé) is well
adapted to saturate ordinary timber and wood surfaces, yarn, twine, rope and
cordage.
This form of the mixture is too thin and limpid to be the best form of the
compound for most purposes, but we give it as the extreme form of the compound
to be profitably used when made in the most limpid form and of the lightest
hydro-carbon we should ever use.
By combining forty (40) parts of bi-sulphide of carbon with sixty (60) parts of
refined Maltha in its solid form we make the compound very limpid and suitable
for saturating wood, leather, cloth, and fabrics and articles wherein animal or
vegetable fibre enters as the substance material or ingredient.
By mixing twenty-five (25) parts of bi-sulphide of carbon with twenty five (25),
parts of refined Maltha and fifty (50) parts of refined asphalt we make the
compound extremely heavy and stiff, as thick in consistency as could well be
applied with a brush, and of extreme hardness after its application.
This form of the compound will serve for the covering of metal roofs, and
surfaces exposed to the elements and not subject to abrasion. But even for such
purposes we would prefer the compound mixed with thirty four (34) parts of
bi-sulphide of carbon and sixty six (66) parts of refined Maltha. This last form of
the compound is adapted for painting wooden and metal roofs, ships bottoms, sub-
marine structures, and similar general use. It is also serviceable for producing
water-proof fabrics either by painting or saturating the fabric.
By using a larger proportion of Maltha than any hereinabove mentioned the
compound can be made in a plastic condition and so nearly solid that it will need
to be applied with a trowel or similar instrument. In such condition it is
tenacious but will saturate only slightly. In such condition it will be found a

page_text: good article to apply on the backs of old pictures to strengthen the decaying
canvas without saturating it, so as to injure the painting and for like uses when a
harder layer to any surface is desired.
When it is desirable to give the compound special characteristics for special
purposes such as increased tenacity and additional body or hardness and smooth-
ness of surface or more elasticity or increased flexibility we add a proportion of
asphalt, sulphur, rosin or paraffine employing each substance according to the
special quality to be obtained or increased.
The qualities and properties of hardness tenacity pliability and elasticity peculiar
to and inherent in the Maltha are obtained in the composition and may be varied
and different degrees of one or more thereof may be secured by adding to the
composition a proportion of some suitable substance possessing and capable of
imparting the desired quality or property, such as rosin, asphalt, sulphur and
paraffine.
By adding a proportion of asphalt we make the compound more tenacious and
add body to it.
The use of rosin in the compound gives hardness and makes the compound flow
more freely, sulphur added to the compound also increases the hardness of the
compound and gives a smooth surface, but it renders the compound more brittlo
when dry.
By adding paraffine to the compound we produce greater pliability and increase
the elasticity.
Therefore in practice we use these different substances in greater or less
proportions to give special characteristics and qualities to our compound and
according as it may be desired to increase any one or more of these qualities
for special purposes.
By means of this new compound produced by the combination of Bi-sulphide of
Carbon and "Maltha" as above described we proceed to impart water-proof and
weather-proof qualities to wood and metal surfaces, to animal and vegetable fibre,
and textile and felted fabrics both in the manufactured form and when made up
into forms and articles.
The character and texture of the surface, matter or substance being treated will
govern and determine the consistency of the compound and to a considerable extent
regulate the mode of treatment whether by painting, or by applying the compound
with a brush or other suitable implement, or by immersing, soaking or saturating
the matter or substance in the compound.
The articles and substances to which we impart the before described useful
qualities by the application of this compound are all spun and twisted products of
fibre as yarn, twine, cord, rope, cordage, cotton-fuse, ships rigging and fish nets;
all woven textile and felted fabrics, such as woolen, cotton, silk, linen, and mixed
fabrics, of the finer grades, and such coarse and heavy fabrics as canvas, sail cloth,
tarpaulins, duck, jute, hemp and burlaps, also rubber goods and compounds of
rubber and fibre as rubber hose and belting and articles of wearing apparel.
We also treat skins and leather of all grades and qualities with this new
compound to produce the before described qualities; and in this class of material
or substance we include the treatment of boots, shoes, harness and all manufactured
articles of leather.
By means of this compound we also produce thorough insulation of electric wire
and electric conductors.
Paper in all its various forms such as wrapping paper, roofing and sheathing
paper, and articles made therefrom such as boxes, barrels, bags, and vessels of all
kinds can be treated and an improved product made by applying or incorporating
our new compound to or with the substance thereof.
By mixing suitable pigments or coloring matter with this new compound any
suitable shade or color may be given to it. But as Maltha will produce an
extremely dark compound the coloring matter must be dark as well.

page_text: To produce light shades of color it is necessary to select light colored Hydro-
carbons, such as paraffine, rosins, or gums.
In the uses and applications of our said compound and the production of various
improved articles and substances by the application and use thereof as herein before
described it should be observed that the compound and all the various mixtures
thereof can be used and applied at ordinary or normal temperature; and therefore
the use of heat not being essential in any of the operations before described the
most delicate fibre and matter can be treated equally as well as the coarsest and
'heaviest without injuriously affecting the strength and character of the texture
or surface treated. Its application on the contrary has been found to add strength
to all fibre so treated.

page_text: I TRUMAN JUNIUS PEARCE of N° 1455 Broadway Street Inventor and MELVIN
WARREN BEARDSLEY of N° 1320 Telegraph Avenue Oil Refiner in the City of
Oakland Alaneda County State of California in the United States of America do
hereby declare the nature of our invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RENDERING
SUBSTANCES IMPERMEABLE TO AIR AND LIQUIDS, & IN THE PRODUCTION OF A
COMPOUND SUITABLE FOR USE AS AN ANTIFOULING PAINT OR PRESERVATIVE
COATING AND IN ELECTRICAL INSULATION" and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
Our invention relates to the utilization of the solid residuum that comes from
the heavier petroleums in the production of a waterproof and weatherproof com-
position for coating permeating and otherwise treating various surfaces and
substances to render them impervious to water and capable of resisting the action
of acids and alkalies.
We have discovered that by uniting the solid residuum product which is obtained
in the distillation of heavy petroleum and a fluid solvent of suitable character to
reduce this solid and hold it in solution a mixture or composition is produced which
has excellent qualities and properties.
It possesses the power of resisting the action of air and water, acids and alkalies,
and such powerful agents as lime, ammonia and glycerine; it will impart to
animal fibre and vegetable fibre, textile and fibrous manufactures thereof and
articles made from such fabrics, to paper, leather and rubber the qualities and
properties of withstanding the action of the atmosphere, and heat and cold, and of
resisting acids and alkalies except concentrated sulphuric acid; it will preserve
submerged surfaces of all kinds of marine structures from the action of sea water,
and it will form a thoroughly waterproof and weather proof paint or composition
for coating and permeating surfaces of wood, metal, cloth, paper and leather. It
will also protect and thoroughly insulate telegraph wires and other electrical
conductors.
The nature of our said invention consists then in the production of the improved
mixture or composition from the solid residuum obtained from the heavy
petroleums, and in the treatment of the before described matters surfaces substances
and materials, by the application and use of the said composition as hereinafter
explained and set forth.
We proceed as follows to produce apply and carry out our said invention :
In distilling the heavy grades of petroleum there is obtained a solid residuum
which we call Maltha Taking this substance for the base of our composition we

page_text: dissolve it and reduce it to the required degree of consistency by means of a fluid
solvent that will thoroughly dissolve the base and hold it in complete solution.
That solvent is best suited to the purpose which will both thoroughly dissolve this
residuum product and secure uniform density of the composition in the various
grades or degrees of consistency produced that may be found best adapted for the
different applications and uses of the composition. These essentials we find to exist
in Bi-sulphide of Carbon and it is recommended by us as the best and most
suitable solvent for all purposes of the invention. Bisulphide of carbon has also
great penetrating power and after evaporation when the composition has been
spread upon or otherwise applied to a surface it leaves a solid, dry, firm coat or
covering which is elastic and pliable and which will protect the surface or substance
it is applied to against the elements and against acids and alkalies.
By dissolving and mixing fifty parts (50) by weight of the Maltha with fifty
parts (50) of this solvent we produce a composition suitable for coating wood and
metal and for other purposes where a thin coat and a considerable degree of
penetration may be required. This mixture will be quite limpid and will therefore
saturate and penetrate surfaces and substances more quickly than a thicker
mixture.
This form of the composition can be used for saturating yarn, twine, rope and
cordage.
C
で
The proportions of sixty parts (60) by weight of the Maltha to forty parts (40) of
the solvent will be found more suitable where the composition is intended for
saturating wood, leather, cloth and fabrics and articles manufactured therefrom
wherein animal or vegetable fibre enters as the material or substance. But for
many purposes the composition is best produced by using the proportions of sixty
six (66) parts by weight of the Maltha and thirty four (34) parts of the solvent.
This form of the composition is suitable for covering surfaces of metal and wood,
for painting ships' bottoms, submarine structures and for similar use.. It will also
answer well for producing waterproof fabrics either by painting or coating or by
saturating the fabric. It is a good form of the composition for most of the uses
to which it will be generally applied. By using a larger proportion of the Maltha
the composition can be made of considerable thickness and so nearly solid that it
will require to be applied with a trowel or a similar instrument. In such condition
it is tenacious, but will not saturate unless very slightly.
The qualities and properties of hardness, tenacity, pliability and elasticity which
being peculiar to and inherent in the Maltha are obtained in the composition, may
be varied and different degrees of any one or more thereof may be secured by
adding to the composition a proportion of some suitable substance or substances
possessing and capable of imparting the desired quality or property; as, for instance,
Asphalt added to the composition will increase its body but will make it less
tenacious and more brittle: Rosin will add hardness to it; Sulphur will also
furnish hardness but will make the composition more brittle when it becomes dry;
while Paraffine added to it will make the composition more elastic and pliable.
Therefore to give the composition special characteristics for special purposes a
proportion of any one or more of these or similar substances may be added to it.
Also such other substances as white Lead, Red Lead, coloring matter and pigments
as are commonly used in mixed paints may be added to the composition with
results analogous to the usual results produced by using the same substances in
mixed paints.
From these illustrations and description a person skilled in the preparation and
manufacture of paints and compositions of the kind to which our invention pertains
will understand how to produce and make our said composition in any desired
form and grade of consistency.
In the production of waterproof and weatherproof fabrics and articles made from
textile and felted fabrics, as well as in the applications and uses of the composition
generally, the character and texture of the material, substance, article or surface
under treatment will govern and determine the consistency of the composition and

page_text: to a considerable extent will regulate the mode of treatment whether by painting
or coating, or by applying the composition with a brush or by means of rollers or
other implements, or by immersing or soaking in the composition until the
substance material or article is saturated.
The material substances and articles to which we impart the aforesaid useful
qualities of withstanding the action of the weather and the atmosphere of remaining
impervious to water and of not being affected by heat and cold, and the peculiar
property of resisting acids and alkalies are, all spun and twisted fibre as yarn,
twine, cord, rope, cordage, cotton-fuse, ships rigging and fishnets; all woven and
textile fabrics as woolen, cotton, silk, and linen and mixed fabrics of the finer
grades and such coarse and heavy fabrics as canvass, sail cloth, tarpaulins, duck,
jute, hemp and burlaps; also rubber goods, and compounds of rubber and fibre as
rubber hose and belting, and articles of wearing apparel.
The composition is also useful for applying to boots and shoes, harness, pump-
valves and buckets, and all manufactured articles of leather.
By applying it to telegraph wires and other electrical conductors the coating or
covering will not only protect and preserve the wire but it will produce thorough
insulation of the wire from other wires and adjacent conducting bodies and
surfaces.
It should be observed that as the Maltha or substance employed as the base of
our said composition is extremely dark in color the composition itself will be dark
and the material substances and surfaces coated or permeated with it will also be
dark. But as it can be used and applied at normal temperature without the
agency of heat in all the forms and applications herein mentioned the composition
can be employed to treat the most delicate as well as the coarsest and heaviest
fabrics, and without affecting the strength or the pliability or elasticity of the
texture or material so treated. Its application has on the contrary been found to
add strength to all fibre and fibrous material.
This Maltha or residuum product from which we produce our said composition
will be found to contain paraffine in greater or less proportion as an element or
ingredient thereof; but in cases of use and application of the composition in
accordance with our invention to the treatment of skins and in the manufacture of
leather having waterproof and other useful qualities we add to the composition a
sufficient quantity of paraffine to bring its proportion up to about fifteen (15) per
cent of the composition produced. Where little or no paraffine is present in the
Maltha we recommend the following proportions for a mixture suitable for use on
all kinds of tanned skins or leather after being put through the tanning process
and before the oiling and stuffing operations, viz:
Of Hard Maltha, twenty pounds.
Of Bisulphide of Carbon, ten pounds.
Of Paraffine, three pounds.
This mixture or form of the composition is substituted for the oil and
stuffing with which leather is treated in the course of manufacture to soften, fill,
color and otherwise finish it. The composition is thoroughly worked into the
leather in place of these substances in such manner as to penetrate and fill up the
pores and in some cases to thoroughly saturate it.
This form of the composition is also useful for applying to articles manufactured
from leather.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is-
1. The improved composition of matter produced from Maltha and Bisulphide
of Carbon substantially as herein before set forth.
2. The manner of imparting the herein before described properties and qualities
to wood, metal, animal and vegetable fibre textile and felted fabrics rubber paper

page_text: and leather and products and manufactures thereof by the application and use of
the said composition substantially as herein before set forth.
3. The manuer of insulating wire and conductors for electrical purposes by the
application and use of the said composition as a covering and an insulating medium
substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
4. Leather prepared and treated with the said composition as hereinbefore set
forth, as an improved manufacture.