matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF ĞUN COTTON
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Eustace Carey Prentice, of Stowmarket in the County of
Suffolk, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF ĞUN
COTTON."
Sealed the 29th September 1877, and dated the 20th July 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Eustace Carey Prentice at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1877.
EUSTACE CAREY PRENTICE, of Stowmarket, in the County of Suffolk.
MENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF GUN COTTON.
IMPROVE-
My Invention relates to the treatment of gun cotton in such a manner as to
render it waterproof, and to retard its explosive action; and this treatment is
applicable to gun cotton in the condition of fibre, pulp, granules, or in other forms
in which it is usually prepared.
For this purpose I prepare a solution of beeswax in benzoline, and I soak the
gun cotton therein, taking care that it is thoroughly and uniformly moistened with
the solution. The gun cotton thus impregnated is afterwards dried, for which
purpose moderate artificial heat may be employed, when it will be found that the
fibres throughout the mass are coated with a minute filin of wax, which has the
effect of preventing them from absorbing moisture and of diminishing the rapidity
of their combustion.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Archibald Shanks Schaw at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th August 1877. A communication
from abroad by Dr. John Stenhouse, at present residing at Aix-la-Chapelle.
ARCHIBALD SHANKS SCHAW, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Merchant. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS."
A communication from abroad by Dr. John Stenhouse, at present residing at Aix-
la-Chapelle.
This Invention has for its object to improve explosive compounds of the kind
formed by combining nitro-glycerine with other materials in any of the modes
described in the Specifications of Letters Patent granted to William Edward
Newton, and dated 7 May 1867 (No. 1345); of Letters Patent granted to William
Edward Newton, and dated 12 February 1869 (No. 442); and of Letters Patent
granted to Alfred Vincent Newton, and dated 30 April 1873 (No. 1570); and is
also applicable to other nitro-glycerine compounds.
The Invention consists in employing carbonate of ammonia in the said manu-
facture; and in carrying it out, according to one modification, from one to three
parts by weight of carbonate of ammonia, which may be the ordinary commercial
carbonate, are taken for every hundred parts of the nitro-glycerine employed, and
are mixed with the kieselguhr or other ingredients, preferentially prior to the
combination of the nitro-glycerine therewith. The proportion of carbonate of
ammonia may be varied in different cases, and it may be mixed with the kieselguhr
or other ingredient in any convenient way.
•
The mixture may be made sufficiently intimate by mixing the ingredients in a
finely powdered state by hand, or by rubbing or passing them through a sieve.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bell and Charles Blagburn at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th March 1877.
WILLIAM BELL, of Great Suffolk Street, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, and
CHARLES BLAGBURN, of the Town and County of Newcastle-on-Tyne, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPS."
Our Invention relates to pumps for domestic use, agricultural, and other purposes,
and has for its object obviating all liability of the valves of the pump being
obstructed during frosty weather by the freezing of an accumulation of water
collected above them, thus preventing the bursting of the barrel of the pump and
suction pipes in frosty weather.
In carrying out our Invention, in order to effect this object, we form on the suction
valve a stem or neck extending upwards therefrom and provided with a flange on
its extremity, which stem or neck is embraced immediately beneath the flange by
the arms of a bifurcated tumbler or rocking lever mounted on a centre or fulcrum in
a guard piece fitting the barrel of the pump. The guard piece is made of such a
form as to control the lift of the valve and also act as a guide for the stem in its
motion, and the tumbler or rocking lever is provided with a projection of such a
shape that when the bucket is lowered by the act of raising the handle of the
pump, which is connected to it to its full height, when the pump is at rest the
bottom of the bucket will come in contact with the projection of the tumbler or
rocking lever and depress it, thereby elevating the arms and consequently the
suction valve by their acting upon the flange of the stem, and allowing of the
escape of any water which may have remained above the suction valve, any water
which may have collected above the valve of the bucket being discharged simul-
taneously, or nearly so, by the lifting of the bucket valve, by its bottom being
brought into contact with the flange of the stem of the suction valve during the
same downward movement of the bucket or upward movement of the suction valve.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY FUSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bickford-Smith at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th June 1877.
WILLIAM BICKFORD-SMITH, of Tucking Mill, in the County of Cornwall, Safety
Fuse Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY FUSES."
This Invention is for improvements in safety fuses, such improvements consisting
in the preparation and use of a cotton or other yarn or similar material impregnated
by coating, saturation, or otherwise, with some suitable combustible or explosive
substance or mixture, the material so prepared being used in the place of the core
of gunpowder now commonly employed in fuses for conveying ignition to the charge
to be exploded.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS FOR STEREOSCOPES AND GRAPHOSCOPES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frank Bishop at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 25th October 1877. A communication from
abroad by James Cremer, of the City of Philadelphia, in the State of
Pennsylvania, United States of America.
FRANK BISHOP, of Soho, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
STANDS FOR STEREOSCOPES AND GRAPHOSCOPES." [A cominunication from abroad by
James Cremer, of the City of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, United
States of America.]
This Invention relates to portable stands for stereoscopes and graphoscopes, and
has for its object to provide a support, which may be readily adjusted in any
required position for viewing the pictures, and which shall at same time be less
cumbrous than those at present in use, so that the instrument may be readily moved
from place to place.
According to this Invention the stand consists of a base or foot, from which rises
a stem supporting a horizontal bar on which the lens and picture holder are mounted,
the said stem being made in three sections, consisting of a handle rigidly attached
to the under side of the horizontal bar, a central or socket piece in which the handle
is received, and a connecting link jointed by one end to the lower end of the socket
piece, and at the other end to the foot, the said connecting link being provided with
binding screws to maintain the support in any position in which it may be set. By
means of this articulated stem, the graphoscope or stereoscope may be readily
depressed or elevated as required.
Instead of jointing the connecting link to the foot, the link may be a straight bar
received in a hollow post or socket rising from the foot and clamped in position by
a set screw. The lower end of the handle portion of the stem which is received in
the central portion or socket is slightly tapered, and forms a vertical pivot on which
to rotate the instrument laterally without moving the stand.
The stereoscope or graphoscope may be altogether removed from the stand by
lifting this handle out of its socket when it is desired to hold the instrument in the
hand.

page_text: The horizontal bar carrying the lens and picture holder is of rectangular section
and is rigidly secured on the handle at or near the end supporting the lens. The
picture holder is fitted to slide along this bar for adjusting the picture to the
focus of the lens, and is retained in place by a spring pressing on the bar, or by a
set screw.
The graphoscope lens is mounted on a vertical stem fitted to slide up and down in
a socket piece attached to the end of the horizontal bar by a thumbscrew, and is
held in place by means of a flat spring.
The stereoscope lenses and shade are constructed in the usual manner, and provided
with a socket, also fitting on the end of the horizontal bar, so that either the
graphoscope or stereoscope lenses can be used on the same stand at pleasure.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMOUR PLATING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles William Siemens at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th December 1877.
CHARLES WILLIAM SIEMENS, of No. 12, Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster, in the
County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMOUR PLATING."
My Invention relates to a mode of constructing armour plating for defence of
vessels, forts, turrets, and the like, in such a manner as to attain great power to
resist projectiles by the use of a moderate weight of material. I build up such
armour plating of comparatively thin plates, preferably of tough mild steel, arranging
them so that they stay each other and present faces such that some of them must be
struck obliquely by any projectile that may have penetrated the outer skin. For
this purpose, to a plate which may be flat, or curved to the form of a vessel's side
or to that of a fort or turret, I attach a second plate, bent to a vandyke form, pre-
senting a series of apices, to which I attach a third plate, generally parallel to the
first-mentioned plate. To this third plate in like manner I attach a fourth plate
bent to vandyke form, and to its apices I attach a fifth plate, parallel, or nearly so,
with the first and third. The said fifth plate may form the outer skin of the
plating, but if desired for greater strength a like combination of flat and vandyked
plates may be repeated outside of it. I thus form an armour plating or target con-
sisting of plates stayed by diagonal plates between them, the whole structure being
thus divided into triangular cells, which I prefer to make of sufficient size to admit
workmen or their tools for the purpose of internal painting or repair. When this
plating is applied to a vessel the cells may be filled with cork or other light material
to ensure buoyancy even if their walls be penetrated. It is obvious, however, that
one or more of the cells might be filled with water without destroying the buoyancy
of the whole structure.
From the construction above described it will be seen that a projectile, when it
bas penetrated the outer skin, has to meet oblique surfaces of the vandyke plate,
and after penetrating these it has still to meet other skins and other oblique surfaces
in succession, all offering great dynamical resistance.
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CARTRIDGES FOR MINING PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Christopher Heslop, William France,
and William Walton at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
13th September 1877.
"
IMPROVE-
CHRISTOPHER HESLOP, of Lingdale, WILLIAM FRANCE, of Loftus, and WILLIAM
WALTON, of Upleacham, in the County of York, Mining Engineers.
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CARTRIDGES FOR MINING PURPOSES."
This Invention has for its object to assist those engaged in mining operations to
carry out the provisions of the Coal Mines' Regulation Act, 1872, whereby the use
of loose powder is prohibited after gas has been found in the pit, by manufacturing
and using an improved cartridge, by the use whereof the danger (if any) is reduced
to a minimum.
We make such cartridge of brown paper of a suitable description, whereby it is
specially adapted for the miner inserting his copper pricker to attach the ordinary
"squib to the powder after the cartridge is driven home; also in an unskillfully
drilled hole, or where there may be knots, it yields more towards the shape of the
hole during the process of charging, hence its superiority over all other cartridges
made of harder material. It is also specially designed to suit the peculiarly shaped
holes usually drilled in the Cleveland district, or any other district where blasting
is similarly done, and can be made of suitable lengths for any blast the miner may
require during a shift.
By the use of our improved cartridge the following advantages are secured to the
miner :-
1st. A saving of time in charging the holes than by using loose powder.
2nd. Less risk and loss with damp holes from hanging fire or having to bull with
clay, as they can be easily pitched.
3rd. Less risk in charging, as there is no danger of sparks by striking a piece of
fossil or other hard substance in the hole.
4th. Less smoke after a damp hole.
Another advantage is that it can be manufactured at the mine where there is a
magazine or factory license.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROPE-MAKING MACHINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Henry Johnson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th July 1877. A communication
from abroad by Stievenart Cambier and Sons, of Alens, Pas de Calais, in the
Republic of France, Ropemakers.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROPE-MAKING MACHINES." A communication
from abroad by Stievenart Cambier and Sons, of Alens, Pas de Calais, in the Republic
of France, Ropemakers.
This Invention relates to rope-making machines, and consists of a peculiar
arrangement and combination of mechanism, whereby ropes composed either of wire
or of fibrous material may be manufactured in one and the same machine.
Hitherto the laying or mechanical combination of strands of wire has necessitated
the employment of a separate and distinct machine to that used for laying strands
of fibrous material, by reason of differences in the laying, and the torsion of the
strands of such different material, whereas by means of this Invention these two
descriptions of work may be effected in one and the same machine.
In carrying out this Invention it is proposed to add to machines at present
employed for laying wire strands into rope, and also to machines at present employed
for making rope of fibre, certain mechanism to be herein-after described, which will
admit of the speed and torsional motion of such machines being altered for the
purpose of laying strands of wire or of fibre as required.
The torsional motion is effected and altered in the following manner-Upon the
rotating frame which effects the laying of the strands there is fixed a plate carrying
a train of gear wheels for transmitting motion from a fixed wheel on the central
shaft of the machine to the spools or bobbins carrying the material of which the
rope is to be constructed, and to the mechanism for imparting the torsion to the
strands.
One of the wheels of the train is in gear with the fixed wheel on the central
shaft, and is carried on a centre which is capable of being adjusted, in order to admit
of different sized wheels being fitted in the train for the purpose of increasing or
diminishing, as required, the speed of rotation of the bobbins, and also for altering
the torsion of the strands.
"

page_text: The strands from the spools or bobbins pass round pullies situate above the
bobbin, thence through guides to the point where the strands are laid; and the rope
or cord as it is formed is passed over a pulley on the top of the machine, thence
round a drum (the speed of which may be adjusted), and is finally wound upon
a reel or bobbin mounted in the frame of the machine at any convenient part
thereof.
When it is desired to make wire ropes the train of gearing herein-before referred
to is thrown out of action by removing or throwing out of gear one of the wheels of
such train.
CONSTRUCTION OF LID OR COVER FOR SANITARY TUBS OR RECEPTACLES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Benjamin Shaw at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th February 1877.
"AN IMPROVED
BENJAMIN SHAW, of Huddersfield, in the County of York.
CONSTRUCTION OF LID OR COVER FOR SANITARY TUBS OR RECEPTACLES."
This Invention consists in constructing such lids so fitted that they can be secured
to the tub or receptacle, and a perfectly tight joint effected, without the necessity of
any part of the fastening apparatus being fixed permanently to the tub.
I construct the lid of such size that it will easily enter the top of the tub or
receptacle, and I provide an india-rubber or other flexible ring, which, by means of
curved segments and levers or cams, actuated by handle in the centre of the lid, can
be forced outwards from the centre, and press against the inside of the tub,
so that a perfectly tight joint is effected, the flexibility of the india-rubber
readily accomodating itself to any irregularity in the form of the tub or receptacle.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR COOKING, STEWING, OR BOILING UNDER PRESSURE, ALSO SUITABLE FOR MAKING CHEMICAL DECOCTIONS AND SOLUTIONS, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Howard Blamires and James
Henry Reddan at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th
February 1877
THOMAS HOWARD BLAMIRES, of Huddersfield, Manufacturer, and JAMES HENRY
REDDAN, of Manchester, Merchant "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR COOKING,
STEWING, OR BOILING UNDER PRESSURE, ALSO SUITABLE FOR MAKING CHEMICAL
DECOCTIONS AND SOLUTIONS, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES"
This Invention has for its object the construction of a suitable apparatus for
cooking, stewing, or boiling under pressure, suitable also for making solutions or
decoctions of baiks, herbs, resins, or other substances, and generally for treating
valious substances requiring to be treated by heat under pressure
The apparatus consists of a strong outer vessel (by preference of a cylindrical
form) open at the top, and within which is placed a second vessel of loss diameter,
so as to leave an annulai space between them A cover capable of being made
steam tight covers the two vessels in such a way that steam under pressure may be
admitted into and to fill the annular space, on the outer vessel itself may constitute
a steam boiler either to set on an ordinary fine-place or to be built up in a furnace.
The food to be cooked or substance to be treated is placed in the inner vessel,
and the cover being screwed down steam is turned into or produced in the
annular space, and retained therein during the desired length of time, when
the cover may be taken off and the cooked food or other substance being treated
removed
In the case of certain cooked food the inner vessel immediately upon removal
may be plunged into cold water, so as to condense and thus retain the valuable
essences or vapours, and at the same time prevent all smell escaping into the apart-
ment.
AN IMPROVED SELF-ACTING COUPLING FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER CARRIAGES, WAGONS, AND VANS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Macdonald at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 21st February 1877.
WILLIAM MACDONALD, of North Berwick, in the County of Haddington, North
Britain. "AN IMPROVED SELF-ACTING COUPLING FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER
CARRIAGES, WAGONS, AND VANS."
This Invention, which relates to an improved self-acting coupling for railway
and other carriages, wagons, and vans, is designed to effect the coupling of these
vehicles with rapidity, while it at the same time obviates the danger to attendants
arising from the system of coupling and uncoupling at present employed.
At one end of the carriage, wagon, van, or other vehicle, at or near the centre,
and below the headstock is attached a socket, having a slot in its uppermost side,
in which freely works one end of a pawl or lever catch, which lies in the socket
when in its normal position. This pawl or catch is pivoted on a fulcrum fixed in
the end of the vehicle, the end opposite to the socket projecting beyond the side of
the vehicle in a manner enabling it to be actuated by an attendant, a check being
provided to hold it stationary when desired. At the opposite end of the vehicle is
attached a rod or plunger, the outward end of which is pointed or conical, and is
provided with a groove cut in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
At its opposite end it is preferably held in a guide, and either to the latter or to the
rod or plunger may be fitted a buffer spring.
The positions of the socket and rod or plunger respectively are so arranged that
when two vehicles are opposite each other the rod or plunger on the one enters the
socket on the other, and raises the head of the pawl or lever catch until the rod or
plunger presents to the pawl a vertical slot, in which it at once falls, and the
coupling of the vehicles is effected.
In order to uncouple the vehicles the attendant lowers the outer end of the pawl
or lever catch to disengage it, and it may be held stationary as long as required by
means of the check aforesaid.
Under this Invention any desired number of vehicles may be made to couple
themselves at one time.
A NEW OR IMPROVED NON-ALCOHOLIC UNFERMENTED AND NON-INTOXICATING LIQUID
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Hogben at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 28th March 1877.
THOMAS HOGBEN, of Woodstock Road, Poplar, in the County of Middlesex,
Manufacturer of Fruit Juices and Syrups. "A NEW OR IMPROVED NON-ALCOHOLIC
UNFERMENTED AND NON-INTOXICATING LIQUID."
1. This liquid is non-alcoholic, unfermented, and non-intoxicating, and is a brain
and nerve tonic.
2. To manufacture the same I use either grape, lemon, orange, or lime juice,
according to the flavour desired, and I also use either malt, hop, or Peruvian bark
tonic, according also to flavour desired. I then further flavour the mixture with
either spice or peels, whichever will best mingle with the other ingredients.
3. I ensure the inherent value of the compound by an admixture of a liquid
preparation of phosphorus, equal to about one-tenth of the specific gravity of the
compound.
4. I preserve the whole from fermentation by an injection of salycilic acid.
5. I also improve the flavour of the compound by carbonizing the same.
6. I also use juices and tonics other than those above mentioned, and also other
articles for flavouring the same, liquid phosphorus being introduced, fermentation
being prevented by the injection of salycilic acid, and with or without carboniza-
tion, as above mentioned, and I also claim to give other names to the said wines as
occasion may require.
PROVEMENT IN UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS, AND LIKE ARTICLES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Mellis at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 29th October 1877.
WILLIAM MELLIS, of Woburn Square, in the County of Middlesex.
PROVEMENT IN UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS, AND LIKE ARTICLES."
"AN IM-
This Invention relates to an improvement in umbrellas, parasols, and like articles,
the object being that the article shall remain open when expanded without 'the aid
of stick springs, rib springs, or other appliances, as are now generally adopted for
the purpose.
According to my Invention I arrange each stretcher, when one stretcher to each
rib only is used, on a part of each rib, that when the two are together the eye at the
end which has to be connected to the runner is not in line with the eye on the top
notch end of the rib; the consequence is, when the umbrella or like article to which
my Invention is fitted is opened the runner passes the horizontal line and abuts
against a stop, against which it is held by the tension of the fabric.
By the employment of my Invention the umbrella or like article remains open
without the aid of spring contrivances in the ribs or springs, or other contrivances in
or on the stick handle.
My Invention can be carried into practice by making the stretchers shorter than
usual, and attaching them to the ribs by "gets," "middle bitts," or other appliances
at the usual places, or I can affix the "gets," "middle bitts," or other attachments
lower down the ribs, as found convenient.
"
If I fit two stretchers to each rib I arrange the "middle bitts close together and
attach the opposite ends to the stretcher to separate runners, one of which in closing
the umbrella or like article would run up the stick and the other run down it; the
lower one always passing the horizontal line to retain the umbrella or other article
open.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SHOVELS AND SCOOPS FOR DOMESTIC USE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Newbold at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th September 1877.
HENRY NEWBOLD, of Number Eight, St. Helena Place, Bermondsey, in the County
of Surrey, Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SHOVELS AND SCOOPS FOR DOMESTIC USE."
I form a partition or division at the handle end of a shovel in the following
manner, viz., by fastening a lid or fixed covering, extending for about a quarter the
length of the shovel from the handle. On to this lid or fixed covering I fix or
suspend by hinges a swinging door, opening inwards towards the handle end of the
shovel; consequently when the shovel is full of dirt & is tipped up, the said dirt
falls through the door into the partition, and is prevented returning on account of
the door only opening inwards.
The bottom of the shovel is pierced with holes to close or open, on to which I
fix an ordinary sliding shutter, either pierced or not with holes similar to the
bottom of the shovel. This makes the shovel an ordinary dust pan or riddle.
I claim the combination of the partition and shifting bottom as entirely new.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR ROLLING AND PLANISHING SHEET IRON OR OTHER METALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Tinn and John Harris at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th October 1877.
JOSEPH TINN, of the Ashton Iron Rolling Mills, Ironmaster, and JOHN HARRIS,
Ironworks Manager, both of Bedminster, in the City and County of Bristol.
"IM-
PROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR ROLLING AND PLANISHING SHEET
IRON OR OTHER METALS."
This Invention relates to a peculiar combination and arrangement of machinery
or apparatus for rolling and planishing sheet iron and other metals, and consists
essentially in the employment of three high rolls or cylinders of equal diameters
working in contact, and placed parallel and horizontally one above another between
suitable housings or standards, the said rolls being either solid or made hollow, with
equal or unequal bores throughout, and provided with spray water pipes inside,
when hollow, for the purpose of cooling the same, thereby preventing undue
expansion, maintaining the true contour of the rolls, and preserving the polished
surface thereof. The diameter of the said rolls may range from, say, 16 inches to
20 inches, but we do not confine or restrict ourselves to these dimensions. The
middle and top rolls are worked by friction, and may be made, whether solid or
hollow, of suitable steel or cast iron chilled on the surface; we prefer however to
make them hollow throughout with a bore of about 3 inches, more or less, at the
wabblers and necks, and about inches, more or less, in the barrel, or the bore may
be uniform throughout. Through the top and centre rolls a spray pipe is fixed,
perforated with a number of openings, through which a constant stream of cold
water impinges against the roll for the purpose herein-before specified.
In some cases if desired auxiliary water spray pipes may also be used, in order
to cool the outer surface of the rolls. The water spray pipes should be provided
with cocks to enable the attendant to turn on or shut off the water at pleasure.
For rolling strong "singles" all the rolls should be turned parallel and true
throughout, but when thin sheets are to be operated upon the centre roll should be
turned slightly concave, and the top and bottom rolls parallel and true throughout,
and the rolls kept moderately warm.
In rolling thin sheets, after the pack is doubled, the ragged ends should be cut off

page_text: evenly by an ordinary sheet ehears which may be worked by a cam off the leading
spindle or off the crank shaft.
By the employment of three high rolls of equal diameters, as already explained, it
becomes impossible for the rolls to cross or get out of their true position, which not
unfrequently happens with three high rolls of unequal diameters, whilst from the
fact of the rolls being cast hollow and provided with the appliances for cooling the
same, wear and tear and breakages are reduced to a minimum, and the polished
surface of the rolls maintained which imparts a fine lustre to the surface, and ensures
a perfectly flat sheet free from buckles, thereby materially enhancing their mercantile
value.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MELTING OF ASPHALTE OR BITUMEN
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Heaton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 17th July 1877.
EDWARD HEATON, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Boiler Maker.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MELTING OF ASPHALTE OR
BITUMEN."
My Invention relates to the portable apparatus employed in the melting of
asphalte or bitumen for use in the formation or repair of roads, and for other uses.
When the said material is melted vapours which are offensive to some degree are
discharged from the melting or melted mass. To remedy this defect the covers of
the pan in which the asphalte has been melted have been bolted down, and the
joints have been luted to render them gas-tight to some extent.
According to the first part of my Invention I dispense with the bolted covers,
and I make the pan of a cylindrical form with a close top; or I make the said pan
of such other form as will permit the entry of a man into the pan when repairs are
required, or when it is necessary to cleanse the interior of the said pan, and I
provide a man-hole, through which access to the interior may be attained, the said
man-hole being closed with a suitable lid or cover. The asphalte or other matters
may be introduced through the said man-hole, or through a separate opening, also
provided with a lid or cover. The cover of the feed opening may be rendered
vapour-tight by means of a sand or fluid-luted joint, or by other suitable means. I
may permit a pressure of vapour to obtain within the pan, so that the vapour will
issue therefrom under pressure and be consumed or disposed of as considered to be
most advisable.
According to the second part of my Invention I provide the pan with a stirring.
implement, which may be actuated without removing any part of the cover of the
pan. In one arrangement I mount a shaft to rock in bearings within the enclosed
pan, one end or both ends of the shaft passing through a stuffing box or stuffing
boxes, or through sufficiently tight apertures, to the outside of the pan, and being
provided with a lever or appliance, or with levers or appliances, whereby the shaft
may be rocked to and fro. To the said shaft are fixed arms which carry a paddle

page_text: or blade, which moves near to the curved bottom of the pan, or suitably shaped
stirrers, paddles, or agitators may be fixed to the said shaft.
In lieu of the continuous shaft, short shafts or gudgeons connected together by
means of arms, and of a paddle or stirrer, may be employed, and other modifications
in the arrangement may be made so long as the stirrer can be actuated without
opening the closed pan.
AN IMPROVED SKIRT ADJUSTER OR PULL-BACK' FOR LADIES' SKIRTS OR DRESSES
Year: 1877

page_text: "
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Lawson Johnstone at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1877.1
A communi-
cation from abroad by Alonzo S.. Gear, of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. A.
JOHN LAWSON JOHNSTONE, of Liverpool, County of Lancaster.
AN IMPROVED
SKIRT ADJUSTER OR PULL-BACK' FOR LADIES' SKIRTS OR DRESSES."
My Invention relates to appliances employed to impart a backward tendency to
the dresses of females.
To effect the object of my Invention I employ a flexible spring which is suspended
from the waist by means of straps, or is otherwise suspended by suitable means, and
is so shaped as to press back the skirts and cause them to project behind the wearer.
The spring I prefer to employ is curved inwards in the front and central part, so as
to press the skirts to some extent inwards between the thighs, and is curved at each
end so as to partly encircle each thigh.
The spring may be covered with any suitable material, and may be padded on the
side which is towards the limbs of the wearer, either throughout its length or at
suitable parts which are opposite the fronts of the thighs of the wearer. The
appliance is worn inside the outer dress or costume.
AN IMPROVED METHOD AND MEANS OF FASTENING THE LEATHER POINT UPON BILLIARD CUES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Carl Seymer at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 1st September 1877.
CARL SEYMER, of Berlin, Germany. "AN IMPROVED METHOD AND MEANS OF
FASTENING THE LEATHER POINT UPON BILLIARD CUES."
In
Hitherto the usual manner of fastening the leather point or tip upon the stick
has been by means of glue. The leather or tip however very frequently comes off
by the shock, and must be replaced by a new one when worn by frequent use.
all such cases the stick must be carefully cleaned first from the old dry glue, as if
this is not done very carefully the surface becomes uneven and sloping, and the new
leather does not take a straight central position, which is essential for good playing.
Moreover the glue on a new leather will take about half a day or more for the glue
to become dry enough to permit the cue to be played with. In consequence it
often happens that part of the billiard cues are out of use because their leather points
or tips are worn or pushed off the stick, and the proprietor must keep a large stock
of cues in reserve.
My Invention provides the means for putting on a new leather or tip very
quickly without any glue or similar substance, and this facility of replacing a
leather by a new one offers great convenience to the players as well as to the pro-
prietors of billiard rooms.
To carry my Invention into practice I fasten a shell of any convenient material,
metal, horn, wood, bone, ivory, or hard vulcanized india-rubber upon the point of
the cue or stick. Within this outer shell I place an inner shell conveniently made
of one of these materials, but preferably of one of the least weight. The inner shell
is fastened into the outer one by means of a pin and a slot, and another pin con-
nected with a spring bearing in a hole in the outer shell.
The top of the inner shell carries a smooth plate formed to receive the flat bottom
of the cue leather or tip. The round surface of this shell has a convenient number
of grooves in the direction of its length, these grooves or slots being cut through the
shell, except at its bottom. In every groove I adjust a spring, the top of which has
a sharp catch turned towards the inside of the shell.
By means of an india-rubber or other elastic core the upper part of the springs is
pressed asunder; but when the inner shell is placed in the outer one the catch points

page_text: unite and seize the leather, and hold or grasp the same firmly. For this purpose
a slight ring is cut from the bottom of the leather.
As soon as the inner shell is lifted from the outer one the springs and catches
open or spread asunder and the leather is free; but as soon as the inner shell is
adjusted into the outer one the leather is fixed more securely than would be practi-
cable to secure it with glue.
The leather can be put on and removed from the cue in a moment, and is better
fastened than by any other method heretofore known.
AN IMPROVED MINCING APPARATUS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Jean Nadal at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 11th October 1877.
JEAN NADAL, of No. 94, Southampton Row, in the County of Middlesex, "AN
IMPROVED MINCING APPARATUS."
My Invention consists in an improved mincing apparatus which can be con-
veniently used both for culinary purposes and to assist the mastication of food at
the table by infants and invalids.
This apparatus consists of a kind of pliers formed of two forks of steel or other
metal suitable for cutting purposes. One fork is jointed above the other in such a
nanner that the prongs of the upper fork will fit into and exactly fill up the spaces
between the prongs of the lower fork.
The substance to be cut or minced is placed on the upper surface of the lower
fork, and the handles being pressed together the prongs approach one another and
cut up or mince the intervening substance. The handles are separated again by
means of a spring fixed between them or at the joint.
0
MEANS OF SECURING CRANKS TO THE DRIVING AXLES OF BICYCLES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Isaac Thomas Townsend at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1877.
«IM-
ISAAC THOMAS TOWNSEND, of Nuneaton, in the County of Warwick.
PROVED MEANS OF SECURING CRANKS TO THE DRIVING AXLES OF BICYCLES.""
My Invention of improved means of fixing the cranks on the driving axles of
bicycles has for its object to strengthen the connection between the cranks and the
axle, and to enable the cranks to be applied and removed when desired with greater
ease than when fixed in the ordinary way.
The usual mode of fixing the crank is by a key received in a keyway cut in the
eye of the crank arm, and pressing against a flat surface on the axle. This keyway
considerably, weakens the crank eye, which is liable to break under a sudden strain
or otherwise become loose, but when fixed by the improved means of my Invention
such accidents are impossible.
My Invention consists in screwing the crank arms on to the axle, the one by a
right-hand and the other by a left-hand thread, and securing each by a tangent pin,
screw, or key, in the following manner-A right-hand screw thread is cut on one
end, and a left-hand screw thread on the other end of the axle, and similar threads
are tapped in the eyes of the corresponding cranks, which are then screwed up tight
against shoulders on the axle, so that the cranks tend to screw tighter the greater
the pressure applied to them; a hole is then drilled across the boss of each crank at
right angles to the axle, and sufficiently near thereto for the drill to cut a shallow
groove therein in making the said hole. A slightly tapered steel pin, screw, or
key is then driven into the hole; this pin lying in the groove in the axle effectually
prevents the unscrewing of the crank until the said pin is withdrawn, which can be
easily done when required. The groove in the axle being very slight, and the hole
in the crank for the pin being at right angles to the eye, neither the axle or the
crank are materially weakened.
.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Longworth and John Mercer
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th December 1877.
THOMAS LONGWORTH, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Cotton Manu-
facturer, and JOHN MERCER, of Blackburn aforesaid, Mill Manager. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
E
This Invention relates to an improved arrangement of levers and weights for
weighting" the warp beam of the loom.
According to this our said Invention we mount one of the weighting levers upon
a fulcrum stud, leaving a length of the end of the lever projecting beyond the
fulcrum stud; the other weighting lover has for its fulcrum the protruding end of
the lever first referred to.
In some cases an arm projecting from each lever is employed for carrying the
weights, instead of attaching or hanging these upon the levers direct.
The arrangement above described enables the weaver to raise both weights
(without assistance) when necessary, and less weights are required than heretofore.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTTLES FOR CONTAINING AËRATED, FERMENTED, AND OTHER LIQUIDS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Hector Aylesbury at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th March 1877.
HECTOR AYLESBURY, of the City and County of Gloucester.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN BOTTLES FOR CONTAINING AËRATED, FERMENTED, AND OTHER LIQUIDS."
My Invention has special reference to bottles for containing aërated waters and
other aerated liquids. I form the bottom or base with a recess, and at or near the
central position of this recess I provide a nipple or contracted neck, having aperture
therein for the inlet and outlet of the liquids instead of the aperture being in the
neck as in bottles of ordinary construction. An india-rubber or other suitable
washer is inserted in a grooved recess in the rim of the aperture, a ball having been
introduced into the bottle prior to the insertion of the india-rubber or other washer
in its groove.
For some purposes the aperture may be stopped by cork, but I prefer the ball or
ball valve. I lay no claim however to the appliance for stoppering the bottle
filled in the bottling machine. The ball, when such is used, comes against the washer
and hermetically closes the aperture, or the stoppering may be otherwise effected.
The rim of nipple or neck of the aperture is below the base of the outer rim or
bottom surface of the bottle, so that when the bottle is removed from the bottling
machine and is placed to stand in an upright position the aperture is protected from
dirt, insects, or other injurious effects. A label or capsule may however be also
used in addition to the aforesaid protection. I prefer to make the other end of the
bottle with a neck resembling an ordinary bottle neck for convenience of handling,
although other shaped neck may be adopted without departing from my Invention,
which substantially consists in forming the aperture for admission and exit of liquid
in the portion now forming the bottom of bottles as now made instead of in the
neck. The neck, besides forming a handle, prevents the bottle being placed the
wrong side upwards.
To discharge the contents press on the ball and pour in the ordinary way.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Alfred Craven and John
Greenwood at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th January
1877.
WILLIAM ALFRED CRAVEN, of Todmorden, in the County of York, Mechanic,
and JOHN GREENWOOD, of Todmorden aforesaid, Coal Merchant. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
This Invention relates to the apparatus employed for stopping the loom when the
shuttle fails to "box" properly, and our improvements consist,-
Firstly. In loose reed looms we connect the "frog" catch by means of a link to
the brake rod, and adjust the said catch so that it shall be sufficiently high above
the "frog" to clear it at every "beat up" of the reed, and yet when released the
weighted "break rod" shall pull the said catch down, so as to ensure its striking the
frog without danger of slipping.
Secondly. In fast reed looms in addition to the above arrangement we employ a
projecting finger hinged under the slay board, which finger when the shuttle does.
not "box" properly comes in contact with a projection on an upright lever, and
causes the said upright lever to release the knocking-off lever and stop the loom.
When the shuttle " boxes" properly, the "swell" in the shuttle box operates a
spring or arm which raises the end of the projecting finger clear of the projection
on the upright lever and prevents it from "knocking off" the loom.
By our Invention we dispense with the use of check straps and springs in the
shuttle boxes, and thereby render the "picking" process more easy and with much
less wear and tear of apparatus.
AN IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL APPLIANCE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Jewitt at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 30th November 1877. A communication from
abroad by William W. Rose, of New York, U.S. America.
HENRY JEWITT, of Kentish Town, in the County of Middlesex.
"AN IMPROVED
EDUCATIONAL APPLIANCE." [A communication from abroad by William W. Rose,
of New York, U.S. America.]
This Invention relates to an improved educational appliance, and consists of a
slate mounted in a rectangular or other shaped frame which is extended at its top
side and formed thereat with a tray of wood or other material in which are divisions
or compartments for holding separately slate and other pencils, water bottle, tin
containing sponge, and other requisites. To the tray is fitted a hinged lid or cover
of tin or other material for covering up its contents when not required for use, and
which is secured when closed by a finger catch hinged to the frame of the slate.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN PRESERVING MEAT, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREFOR
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Mary Welton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th July 1877. A communication from
abroad by Thomas Welton, of Havre, in the Republic of France.
MARY WELTON, of Grafton Street West, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN PRESERVING MEAT, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREFOR." [A
communication from abroad by Thomas Welton, of Havre, in the Republic of France.]
This Invention relates to improvements in preserving meat by saturating or
impregnating it with a solution of common salt or other suitable preserving agent;
and to improvements in apparatus to be used for the purpose of so preserving
meat.
The meat to be preserved or salted is placed in a dish or other suitable vessel, and
the common salt or other preserving agent, dissolved in water in the usual way, is
placed in a vessel of metal, preferably galvanized or enamelled, india rubber, or
other waterproof material, which is suspended or fixed at a considerable height
above the meat which is to be treated. From the lower part of this vessel a tube
of sufficiently flexible material, such as vulcanized india rubber, is conducted to the
meat, its lower end being provided with a short tube, preferably of metal coated
with silver, nickel, or other little oxidizable material, and the outer end of this
metal tube is closed and brought to a sharp point, a series of small. openings into
the tube being made near this point.
A regulating cock or valve is provided at or near the inner end of the metal tube
where it is connected to the flexible pipe.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-The upper vessel being filled with
salt brine or other preserving fluid, the pointed end of the metal tube is inserted for
a sufficient distance into the meat, and the cock being opened, the fluid is forced by
its own weight into and through the meat. This process may be repeated as often.
as required by the size of the meat or the extent of salting desired.
By the improved process and apparatus as described, the meat is salted more
quickly, cheaply, and effectively than has heretofore been the case.
AN IMPROVED PORTABLE FOLDING MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Elizabeth Frances Kelly at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th April 1877.
ELIZABETH FRANCES KELLY, of Colville Road, Notting Hill, London. "AN
IMPROVED PORTABLE FOLDING MUSICAL INSTRUMENT."
My Invention of an improved portable folding musical instrument consists of
combining in one small case some of the mechanical arrangements by which the
pianoforte is actuated, together with four or more sounding boards. There is a
key board adjusted for a compass, say, of five octaves, and touching these keys
actuates levers, which causes hammers to strike slips or strips of steel or other
sonorous metal, or wood, or stone, or glass, or whatever material may be found best
adapted to give out musical tones. These slips or strips of metal, or other material,
are placed on and over the various sounding boards, and their length and breadth
will regulate the intensity of their sounds.
The instrument is made in two sections, and can be taken apart and fixed in
order in a few seconds of time, so that it is easily portable, and will be found useful
by invalids or persons travelling about, or by teachers of music for conveying
instruction to the young.