matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WASHING CLOTHES OR OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Rayner, John Harrison, and
William Glendenning at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
12th January 1876.
•
GEORGE RAYNER, JOHN HARRISON, and WILLIAM GLENDENNING, all of Hunslet,"
near Leeds, in the County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WASHING
CLOTHES OR OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES."
Our Invention relates to a simple and effective means or apparatus for washing
clothes or other fabrics, this effect being produced by the action of the water, and
is obtained by the vertical motion in the ordinary wash tub of our improved
apparatus, which is as hereafter described.
We provide a deep dish which may be composed of tin, pot, or other suitable
material; within the dish are provided partitions, placed at an angle to each other
which may be made so as to form air chambers. The open space within the dish
forms a receptacle for water, and air which are forced through the material by
vertical motion. The air chambers are for the purpose of buoyancy, as the apparatus
is being drawn from the water. A current or currents of water and air are thus
forced through the clothes or other fabrics (by the vertical reciprocating motion of.
the apparatus), which motion may be imparted either by the attendant or by other
known mechanical means. The upward motion lifts the apparatus out of the water
to be refilled with air ready for the next stroke downward, and the downward
motion forces the air and water through the clothes and other articles, whereby
they are effectually cleansed with greater rapidity and facility than by ordinary
means.
AN IMPROVED LAMP LIGHTER
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Balcon at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd October 1876.
WILLIAM BALCON, of Kingsland, in the County of Middlesex. "AN IMPROVED
LAMP LIGHTER."
The object of this Invention is to provide an efficient means of lighting lamps,
such as street lamps, outside lamps as used by publicans, and the like, and for
lighting branch and chandilier jets in elevated positions, and also for all purposes
such as are effected by an ordinary taper.
The body of the apparatus consists of a light metal receptacle for oil or spirit,
and has at the foot thereof a screw or other means for attachment to a stick or rod,
and the upper end of the said receptacle terminates in a tube for the cotton or
wick, and at the lower part of the receptacle is an apperture which is tapped for the
reception of a screw plug. To the tube at the head of the receptacle a hood or
screen is applied or slipped thereon, said hood or screen being open on one side and
serving to screen the light.
In charging the lighter the wick is fed through the aperture at the lower end
and pusses out through the wick tube at the upper end, the receptacle is then
charged with the oil or spirit and the screw plug is turned into its place to close
the receptacle.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNALLING AND THE EFFECTS THEREOF
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thorsten Nordenfelt at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd October 1876. A communication
from abroad by Mr. Flakon Brunius, Engineer, of Youkoping, Sweden.
THORSTEN NORDENFELT, of 1, St. Swithin's Lane, London, E.C. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNALLING AND THE EFFECTS THEREOF." A communica-
tion from abroad by Mr. Flakon Brunius, Engineer, of Youkoping, Sweden.
This Invention consists of an arrangement for raising a semaphor and cause it to
fall for shutting off the steam on a locomotive, for applying the breaks on a railway
train, or for other purposes, by means of a combination of clockworks or springs
with the effect of electric currents. Semaphors on signal boxes or along a railway
line can thus be moved automatically up and down by electric currents created
either through the use of an earlier Invention of Mr. H. Brunius, described in the
Patent No. 1666, of 5 May, 1875, or by other reversing apparatus of the currents
created by electric batteries acting automatically or for the hand, placed at the
railway stations or signal boxes. The conduction of such currents to the earth can
be done either through points of contact placed on the train or through contacts
and studs, so arranged that the contact is given by a passing train. A clockwork
raise the semaphor, and it would fall when released by the effect of the electric
current, or vice versa, the semaphor thus showing that the tine is clear, until the
action of the clockwork has again reversed the semaphor motion to stop signal.
The clockwork can be so constructed that the signal always remains at "stop" for
one electric current, and can be moved to "clear" only by reversion of the current ;
or else the clockwork can be worked by the existence of electric current, while
absence of such current causes the semaphore to show stop signal.
For shutting off steam on a locomotive, or for applying the breaks to a train, this
combination of clockwork with the effect of electric currents can be arranged to act
in a similar manner, the motion of the clockwork acting directly or indirectly upon
the levers or excentrics which would perform these objects, or releasing catches put
upon movements effecting these objects, whether such movements are caused by
other causes, such as the impetus of the train.

page_text: In the instance of a swing bridge, a level crossing, or other dangerous places a
lock bolt in the bridge or crossing, &c., would act upon an apparatus for reversing
the electric currents in communication with a battery placed in proximity to it
for conducting the electric current to any point where it would act, as before
described, for the purpose of moving a semaphor, of shutting off steam from a 5
locomotive, for applying breaks, or for other purposes.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFES .OR APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING AND PRESERVING FOOD
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Henry Johnson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th August 1870. A communication
from abroad by Eugène Pierre Notré, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFES .OR APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING AND
PRESERVING FOOD." A communication from abroad by Eugène Pierre Notré, of
Paris, in the Republic of France.
This Invention relates to safes or receptacles to be employed in private houses,
restaurants, and other establishments, for containing food, and consists of a simple
apparatus enabling the aliments contained therein to be preserved in vacuo, and
thus protected from the decomposing effects resulting from contact with the air.
This apparatus is composed of a box of glass, sheet iron, tin, or other suitable
metal or material closed by a cover, which is surmounted by a handle. Inside the
box along one of its sides there is provided a pump for producing the vacuum, the
piston of which is worked by actuating its rod by means of a handle. The air
contained in the box enters the body of the pump by an orifice at one end, and
escapes by an outlet provided at or near the other end. When a satisfactory
vacuum has been obtained, a part of the handle suitably shaped is inserted into the
cover of the pump and secured there by a bayonet joint, so as to prevent the entry
of air. Through the piston rod passes a screw surmounted by a button, and
carrying at its lower end a head, which when the button is depressed is caused to
bear upon the valve in such a manner as to form a tight joint.
In using the safe, the lid which rests upon india-rubber washers is raised, and the
dishes which it is desired to preserve are arranged upon suitable shelves, the cover
is then replaced, and the vacuum produced in the apparatus by means of the pump,
the rod of which is afterwards secured in the manner before mentioned. The
internal vacuum causes the cover to be hermetically closed by the external pressure,
and the alimates contained in the apparatus are effectually preserved.
In order to open the box air is to be admitted to the interior through an inlet,
which is normally maintained closed by a plug or cork, and an equilibrium of
pressure being established between the interior and the exterior of the apparatus,
the cover may be removed without difficulty.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR FEEDING PRESSES AND SUCH LIKE WITH PAPER OR OTHER EQUIVALENT MATERIAL
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th November 1876. A communication
from abroad by Henry Weed Covert, of the City of New York, United States
of America.
8
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Patent Agents,
of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR FEEDING PRESSES AND SUCH LIKE WITH PAPER OR OTHER
EQUIVALENT MATERIAL." A. communication from abroad by Henry Weed Covert,
of the City of New York, United States of America.
The pile of paper is placed upon a feeding table attached to a printing press or
other machine, and submitted to the concussive and intermittently advancing
movement of one or more rollers journalled in a rotating feed wheel which is
attached to a vibrating arm and rests upon the paper.
The feed wheel is put in
motion by belts or other suitable gearing, and is connected with an electro-magnetic
or other suitable stop motion which arrests its rotation, and consequently the
forward movement of the top sheets of paper as soon as it touches the cylinder of
the press, holding it stationary until it is seized and carried forward by the grippers,
when the feed wheel again begins to rotate and brings forward the next sheet.
The various parts may be of metal or partly of metal and partly of wood.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN LIQUID METERS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Philip John Davies at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd May 1876.
"
PHILIP JOHN DAVIES, of King's Cross, in the County of Middlesex. 'IMPROVE-
MENTS IN LIQUID METERS."
My Invention relates especially to liquid meters constructed on the principle of
the "Barker's mill" or "reaction wheel." Liquid meters of this description as
heretofore constructed cease to register when the volume of liquid passing through
them is reduced to a comparatively small stream, such small stream is, however,
sometimes sufficient to amount to a considerable volume of liquid when allowed to
flow for a long period, and its passage through the meter without registration is
obviously a serious loss to the seller. In order to obviate or modify this defect I
apply to the ends of the arms of the meter reaction wheel flaps, valves, or such
like appurtenances so arranged and adapted that in proportion as the volume of
liquid passing through the meter is reduced they close more or less so as to contract
the passage and thus cause the liquid, although flowing in a very small stream, to
issue from the outlets of the meter wheel with sufficient velocity to produce reaction
enough to turn the said wheel and register the quantity, even when such quantity
is reduced to a mere fraction of what would flow through the meter without regis-
tering under the arrangement heretofore practised.
AN IMPROVED GLOVE FASTENING
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED
GLOVE FASTENING." A communication from abroad by Frank Gunn Farnham,
of Hanley, in the County of Wayne, and State of Pennsylvania, United States
of America.
Sealed the 21st March 1876, and dated the 25th January 1876.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Alexander Melville Clárk at the
Office of the Commissioners of. Patents, on the 25th January 1876.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "AN IMPROVED GLOVE FASTENER." Communicated to me from
abroad by Frank Gunn Farnham, of Hanley, in the County of Wayne, and State
of Pennsylvania, United States of America.
This Invention consists of a double spring key combined with a hasp and staple
in such manner that the key is permanently attached to the staple, and yet is
free to pass through the hasp and slide along the staple for fastening the hasp,
and the key has a contraction in the middle portion which binds it on the staple
and keeps it from displacing when adjusted to fasten the hasp.
In the accompanying Drawings,
Figure 1 is a top view of a glove fastened with the improved fastening.
Figure 2 is a plan of the hasp.
Figure 3 is a plan of the key and staple, and Figure 4 is a section of the hasp
and staple, and side elevation of the key.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
A is the hasp and B the staple, both having points C for fastening them to the
glove, and D is the double spring key for fastening the hasp on the staple, said
key being looped and fastened around the bar E of the staple, so as to be per-
manently connected to it, but free to slide along it from end to end.
The key
swings at one end on the bar E to pass through the hasp, when the latter is to
fitted over the staple, and then it swings down and slides along the bar over the
staple until its middle portion comes to the bar, in which position is a depression F
which pinches the bar so as to keep the key in place, and thus prevent the fastening
from working loose..
Having described the nature of the Invention and the manner of performing the
Price 41

page_text: same, I declare that what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,
the combination of the double spring key D having the middle depression F, with a
hasp A and staple B, substantially as specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
A M CLARK fra
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES
Year: 1876

page_text: HOW TO Tection only.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Stephen Child at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 17th May 1876.
STEPHEN CHILD, of 103, Upper Lewes Road, Brighton, in, the County of Sussex,
Builder. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES."
1st. The front and rear wheel axles are fixed to the blocks or axle beds which are
connected together by a blade or plate and by a screw on the top of the axle beds,
the blade or plate having a longitudinal rod rivetted on the top to give the rolling
motion to the foot stock, which is fixed on the rod with two staples.
2nd. The foot stock has a bevelled block fixed at each end and clips the end of
the axle beds, which are bevelled to the same angle, whereby the wheels are cramped,
to run a curve right or left.
3rd. An arched spring is fixed to each axle bed to ensure a steady motion to the
skate.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SPADES, SHOVELS, HAY AND MANURE FORKS, AND OTHER ARTICLES HAVING ELONGATED HANDLES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Henry Andrew at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th January 1876.
WILLIAM HENRY ANDREW, of Sheffield, in the County of York:
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SPADES, SHOVELS, HAY AND MANURE FORKS, AND OTHER
ARTICLES HAVING ELONGATED HANDLES."
My Invention relates to the manufacture of spades, shovels, hay forks, manure
forks, rakes, hoes, and other similar articles, and consists chiefly in forming the
handles or shafts of iron or steel either solid or hollow, and also in adapting certain
wood parts thereto, as herein-after described.
In carrying out my Invention as applied to the manufacture of hay forks (for
example) I take the usual prongs and weld or otherwise secure them to a bar or rod
of round steel of the desired diameter and length; I then slide a bandle of wood or
other suitable material over the steel shaft, and either leave it sufficiently loose so
that it will slide freely on the shaft or secure it at any desired position as a fixture;
a similar handle is then secured at the top of the shaft. In some cases I make the
shaft of larger diameter, but hollow, to preserve the requisite degree of lightness,
and in this case, the wood handles may. be dispensed with..
My Invention is also applicable to shears having elongated handles, in which case
the external wooden handles may be fitted at the extremity only of the shafts if
desired.
By means of my Invention I obtain great simplicity of construction combined
with increased durability by the substitution of iron or steel handles or shafts for
the wood handles or shafts in general use.
A NEW OR IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR GRAINING WOOD AND OTHER SURFACES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by
William Pearson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th December 1876. A communication
from abroad by I. R. Cross, resident at Cleveland, Ohio, United States of
America.
WILLIAM PEARSON, of Bethnal Green, in the County of Middlesex. " A NEW OR
IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR GRAINING WOOD AND OTHER SURFACES."
A communication from abroad by I. R. Cross, resident at Cleveland, Ohio, United
States of America.
This Invention relates to a new or improved method of and apparatus for graining
wood and other surfaces, such as tin ware, papier maché, floor cloth, paper hangings,
and others, and consists in transferring the pattern or configuration, or grain of
natural wood in its natural or other color to such surfaces.
The method whereby such natural grain is rendered capable of being so transferred
in color is as follows:-A slab of wood, say walnut, mahogany, or otherwise,
possessing the required grain, is to be planed smooth and rubbed with sand paper,
the pores are then to be brushed out, raw oil is to be freely applied, and afterwards
cleaned off with benzine or turpentine, the graining color is then mixed with raw
and boiled oil and japan (with or without turpentine) about the consistency of thin
cream, and brushed upon the surface of the board, which is then to be scraped with
a piece of sole leather or wood, so as merely to leave the pores filled with color,
the surface being perfectly clean, and thus the configuration or grain of the wood
becomes transferable by the apparatus, which consists of a roller composed of glue
and molasses similar to a printers' roller, having an axle or shaft with handles. The
surface of this roller being smooth and elastic, when pressed over the grained
surface enters into the grain, taking out the color with which it had been charged,
and the roller being applied to another surface reproduces the grain thereon. It
may even be applied to a paper surface, and reproduced on another surface by
pressing the paper thereon while the pattern is wet. The roller should be wiped
clean with benzine and dried before applying it to the prepared board.
For graining finished work in houses, such as doors, wainscoting, and panels, a
set of rollers should be used of various widths, narrower than for general unfinished
work, and they may be packed in a small box to be carried easily by the workman,
but these rollers should have their axles set in forked or saddle bearings, with one
[Price 211

page_text: projecting handle over the middle of the saddle piece; these rollers should have an
opening in the form of a jaw or notch cut out along their periphery right across the
roller, so as to enable the roller to be pressed completely from end to end of a
sunken panel of a door without mounting on to the moulding or beading, which
may be grained by a very narrow roller passed over its surface.
By the use of the notched roller the corners of a wainscoted room may be easily
grained, but not by a perfectly cylindrical roller.
IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO BATTERIES, ESPECIALLY USEFUL FOR SURGICAL PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Coxeter and Samuel Joseph
Coxeter at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th May
1876.
JAMES COXETER and SAMUEL JOSEPH COXETER, both of Grafton Street East, in
the County of Middlesex, trading under the style or Firmn of Coxeter and Son.
"IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO BATTERIES, ESPECIALLY USEFUL FOR SURGICAL
PURPOSES."
This Invention has for its object improvements applicable to batteries for surgical
or other purposes.
In the arrangements at present in use each set of the carbons is soldered or secured
to a frame, and each set of zinc plates is attached by rods or spindles to a cross-bar
and secured thereto.
In carrying out our improvements we prefer to adopt mainly the following
arrangements: Each set of zinc plates is attached to suitable framing, which secures
the whole set of zinc plates together, and from said framing a rod proceeds, said rod
passing through the supporting board of the elements, terminating in a screw nut,
which on being removed, allows of the separation of set of zinc plates from the battery.
The carbon plates, according to our Invention, we prefer to construct and secure
as follows-To each carbon projecting piece or pieces of wire or metal is or are
attached, same passing through openings made in the supporting board of the elements
through the collecting plates, to which they are secured by screws or other suitable
modes of fastening.
By these arrangements any plate which may become damaged may be replaced
without resorting to a skilled workman; also by the use of our arrangements the
battery is constructed cheaper than heretofore.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STUDS OR SOLITAIRES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Baxter at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th March 1876.
WILLIAM BAXTER, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, and THOMAS GREAVES,
also of Birmingham aforesaid. "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STUDS OR SOLITAIRES."
Our improvements consist in forming on the back disc a forked shank with two
reverse inclines at their apex, and two reverse recesses or detents, and in the centre
of the front shell we concentrically secure a plate of metal, the ends of which extend
slightly throught the edges of the front shell, and held in position by an internal
lateral spring or springs. This swinging plate is so fashioned that the inclines of
the shank of the back when put together causes the swinging plate to move both
right and left until the inclines of the back shank snap over the sides of the swinging
plate until the edge of the of the plate enters the recesses or detents before mentioned,
when the front and back part will be thoroughly secured together. To separate
which the thumb nail may be applied to the projecting end of the swinging bar,
when the separation may be effected.
As an equivalent for this arrangement adapted for links or solitaires we apply to
the back disc two tubular shanks, and to the internal part of the front shell we
secure a tranverse bolt working on a central axis, having as in the former case a
lateral spring to hold it in position at the end of the transverse central bolt, small
wire shanks are applied for entering the tubular shanks before described as secured
to the back part; when the two parts are put together the force of the spring holds
them in contact, but to relieve one from the other the front part must be slightly
twisted, when the parts will be liberated.
PROVED LIQUID COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION FOR BRONZING COPPER, BRASS, ZINC, AND OTHER METALS, AND FOR PREVENTING THE DISCOLOURING OF GOLD, SILVER, AND OTHER METALS."
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Louis Joseph Roucou at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th May 1876.
"AN IM-
LOUIS JOSEPH ROUCOU, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick.
PROVED LIQUID COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION FOR BRONZING COPPER, BRASS, ZINC,
AND OTHER METALS, AND FOR PREVENTING THE DISCOLOURING OF GOLD, SILVER,
AND OTHER METALS."
A composition of about six parts sulphur of potassium or similar sulphurs, six
parts of salt of lead, twelve of ammonia or similar salts, three parts acetic acid, six
of hydrochloric or similar acids when in combination form a mixture with which I
give to articles manufactured of copper, brass, zinc, and other metals the colour of
bronze as desired, by bath or application.
By altering the proportions and adding or taking away from any of the above
lescribed substances I obtain a different mixture, which when applied to the surface
of works or articles made of gold, silver, and other metals, whether by brushes or
otherwise, will preserve to the said works and articles their original colour and
prevent their oxidisation.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CARD CLOTHING
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Walker and Squire Roberts
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th November 1876.
WILLIAM WALKER, of Scholes, near Cleckheaton, in the County of York, India-
rubber Manufacturer, and SQUIRE ROBERTS, of Cleckheaton, in the aforesaid County,
Card Maker. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CARD CLOTHING."
The object of this Invention is to produce an endless ribbon, or band of india-
rubber or caoutchouc in combination with linen, cotton, jute, or other fibrous
material used in the manufacture of card clothing for woollen, cotton, silk, or other
fibres.
Hitherto the bands or ribbons have been jointed by splicing or jump joints
stitched together.
We accomplish our object in the following manner-We wrap the cloth, which
is in continuous length, round a cylinder the size we require to make the ring. Then
we cut it off and join to it an endless band of caoutchouc, and the ring is complete
after which we vulcanize in the ordinary way.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Ward at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 30th March 1876.
JOHN WARD, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Mechanic. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
This Invention relates to the "dobby," and has for its object the dispensing with
certain parts used in connection with the dobby, and the replacement of certain
other parts (of such apparatus) of a more simple and durable construction.
I dispense with the ordinary lever and its connections, also with the "blocks"
and leather straps, the latter being frequently worn out or broken.
"
I mount on the top shaft a lever, from the extremities of each arms of which
depend a link. To the lower end of cach link is attached a casting provided with
a slot hole. To the casting the "knives are secured by bolts, rods from the knives,
or the casting extend to and are directly operated by tappets on the tappet shaft of
the loom, so giving the necessary motion to the knives. There is a like lever, links,
casting, and connections with the other ends of the knives on the opposite side of
the dobby, but the connections with tappets on this side may or may not be used.
This construction admits, by means of the slot and bolts of the casting referred to,
of accurate adjustment, and the several connections as above described are durable
and permanent parts of the mechanism.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Walker at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 29th April 1876.
WILLIAM WALKER, of the Royal Crescent, Harrogate, in the County of York.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES."
The object of the Invention is an improved arrangement of skate adapted to afford
increased ease and comfort to the wearer.
For this purpose I form the foot plate or sole in two parts, one to receive the
heel the other the ball or fore part of the foot, these parts are connected together
by steel or other suitable flexible connection so as to admit of the free bending of
the foot at pleasure.
Each of these parts of the foot plate or sole is provided with a pair of supporting
rollers, and each pair of such rollers is by their axes connected to a sort of bridge
piece, which is supported to rock on a horizontal axis carried by a bracket affixed
to and with capability of rotation in the portion of the foot plate or part sole to
which they are applied. The upper part of each of these bridge pieces over the
supporting wheels is provided with a pair of smaller rollers or other suitable surfaces
in position to travel on inclined or suitably formed surfaces applied to or formed on
the under side of each part sole by which the motion of the bridges with the bearing
wheel is controlled for the turning of curves and for side turns when side pressure
is applied by the foot for such purposes.
I sometimes apply gutta percha or such like material to the sole plates at the
bottom of the inclines to soften the fall of the bearing wheels.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING THE TWISTING OF FLAX, Tow, WOOLLEN, SILK, COTTON, OR OTHER YARNS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bywater at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 21st September 1876.
WILLIAM BYWATER, of the Sweet Street Foundry, Holbeck, Leeds, in the County
of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING THE TWISTING
OF FLAX, Tow, WOOLLEN, SILK, COTTON, OR OTHER YARNS."
The object of the Invention is to effect the twisting of the slivers of flax, tow,
woollen, silk, cotton, or other yarns, as supplied from the condenser bobbin, without
at the same time producing a drawing on such slivers or yarns, and the Invention
is particularly applicable to the production of yarns for use in the manufacture of
canvas or linen, woollen cloths, pilots, blankets, surges, and such like goods, or other
heavy yarns made from flax, tow, cotton, wool, or silk material. For this purpose
whilst the twisting frame is arranged as heretofore to produce the desired twist on
the yarn the speed of the feed and holding rollers to the twisting means is timed so
as to avoid a draft being put on the yarn, or so that the draft may be a very slight
one thereon in its passage to the twisting means.
AN IMPROVED ENDLESS OR PORTABLE ARTICULATED RAILWAY FOR THE TRANSIT OF VEHICLES ON COMMON ROADS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edward Gedge at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th October 1876. A communication
from abroad by Charles Zanichelli, of No. 83bis, Rue Lafayette, Paris, France.
WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11, Wellington Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "AN IMPROVED ENDLESS OR PORTABLE ARTICULATED
RAILWAY FOR THE TRANSIT OF VEHICLES ON COMMON ROADS." A communication
from abroad by Charles Zanichelli, of No. 83bis, Rue Lafayette, Paris, France.
The object of this Invention is the circulation of all kinds of wheeled vehicles in
streets and on roads upon moveable chain rails without intercepting the circulation
of other vehicles, and at the same time without the necessity of laying down a per-
manent way as in ordinary tramways, that is to say, the vehicle carries with it the
rails upon which it runs.
This Invention is composed of a series of linked or jointed pieces forming an
endless chain, and presenting the form of a channel or furrow (as shown, Figures 2,
3 and 4 of the accompanying Sheet of Drawing) into which the wheels fit.
In front of each wheel is another small wheel A, not resting upon the ground,
which serves to keep the rail constantly stretched while placing it in a suitable
position to receive the wheel.
The mode of joining or linking is such that each piece, no matter what position
it occupies, cannot separate itself from that which precedes or that which follows
it, for to remove one, or to take the apparatus to pieces, two following pieces
must form between them an angle, which cannot take place while travelling.
The wheel A also permits travelling backwards as well as forwards. To facilitate
removal of the chain, and lengthening or shortening it, the bearings of the axle of
the wheel A are moveable, that is to say, they may be more or less raised or lowered
according to the irregularities of the ground.
It will be understood that this system may work equally well for horse, steam, or
other traction.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MODES OF AND APPARATUS FOR COUNTING OR CHECKING THE NUMBERS OF PERSONS ENTERING AND LEAVING OR PASSING A GIVEN PLACE
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Newbold at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th June 1876.
HENRY NEWBOLD, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN MODES OF AND APPARATUS FOR COUNTING OR CHECKING THE NUMBERS OF
PERSONS ENTERING AND LEAVING OR PASSING A GIVEN PLACE."
This Invention consists in a platform (like that of a weighing machine) or step
upon which the passenger or customer is obliged to step on entering the omnibus,
skating rink, theatre, ferry, pier, or other place where a charge is made on all
persons entering or leaving. This is connected with ordinary or electric counting
apparatus by means of levers or otherwise. The downward pressure on the step
depresses a spring, and thus rings a gong, showing also on the dials a fresh number
for each passenger. In case of electrical apparatus being used instead I put an
electric bell on the circuit, preferably one of those known as trembling or long
circuit bells that do not break the current. The principle upon which I prefer to
work it is an endless band, upon which the numbers are printed or fixed, each
depression of the stop bringing the band forward one half figure.
The step, platform, or box upon which the customer steps must be shaped so as
to suit the circumstances of the case, a very different one being required for the
steps of an omnibus used by passengers ascending to the roof and that required to
count people going into a theatre. The great point is to make it so that no one
can comfortably step overit entirely, and only one person can step upon it at
once.
A COMBINED BATH TOWEL AND DRESSING GOWN
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred James Hamilton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, on the 21st January 1876. A communi-
cation from abroad by Hugo Wernaer, of Berlin, Prussia, in the Empire of
Germany.
ALFRED JAMES HAMILTON, of Old Change, in the City of London, Commission
Agent.
"A COMBINED BATH TOWEL AND DRESSING GOWN." A communication
me from abroad by Hugo Wernaer, of Berlin, Prussia, in the Empire, of
Germany.
to
This Invention relates to an article of apparel for the bath room and dressing
room which may be utilized both as a bath towel and a dressing gown.
The garment consists of a cloak and hood composed of a twilled cotton fabric plain
on one side and having on the opposite side a fleecy surface. On leaving the bath
the user puts on the cloak with the plain side opposed to the skin, and draws the
hood over his head, using the inner surface of the garment as a towel, with which
to wipe the body, the hood also serving as a means of drying the head. After the
body and head are rubbed thoroughly dry with the plain surface the garment is
taken off and reversed and again put on with the fleecy side or surface opposed to
the skin, the hood being drawn over the head as before, but with the opposite side
in contact as in the case of the body of the garment. The user is thus enabled to
dry the surface of the body rapidly with the aid of the rubbing side of the garment,
whilst being at the same time protected from cold by being covered or encircled
with the garment. A glow or healthy reaction thus takes place which is further
promoted by means of the opposite or fleecy surface of the garment which is
brought into contact with the skin when the garment is reversed. Any liability
to cold which may attend the use of the bath in the case of persons of a susceptible
temperament is thereby obviated, as the body is covered and protected from the
atmospheric influence immediately on leaving the bath and before any sensation of
cold (which only follows when the surface of the body is not promptly dried and
covered) can possibly ensue.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICAL LEATHER
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James William Jeune at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th April 1876.
JAMES WILLIAM JEUNE, of 4, Idol Lane, Tower Street, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICAL LEATHER."
The object of this Invention is the production of an article to be used as a
substitute for leather, and which is suitable for most purposes for which leather is
now used, being very light and durable.
Firstly. I take very finely ground cork or any vegetable fibres which I mix
by machinery with a thick solution of india-rubber or gutta percha, thus producing
a.pulp.
Secondly. I form this pulp into a thin sheet with an open canvas or other fabric
on one or both sides of it. I then take a length of japanned fabric, and spread over
the back of it a layer of the pulp, and-afterwards unite the coated surface of this
fabric to the body cloth, made as previously described. The spreading of the pulp
and the joining together of the fabrics is effected by rollers. When joining the
fabrics together the roller which bears against the japanned fabric is heated in order
to cause the pulp to adhere well to it. Or in place of attaching japanned cloth to
the body cloth, as above described, one surface of the body cloth may itself be
japanned in any desired color to resemble leather, and be grained by being passed
between graining rolls.
Another way in which I manufacture artificial leather is as follows:-I take one
length or more of cotton or woollen fabric, these I dress with a solution of india-
rubber, and when sufficiently dried I spread the lengths of cloth with the pulp until
the required thickness is obtained; I then double the cloths face to face, and unite
them together by passing them between a pair of pressing rollers; the cloth is then
placed in a dying stove, and when ready is again calendered; the outside face is
then japanned in any color to resemble leather, or japanned fabrics can be united
to other fabrics in the same way. Oxidised oils may be used in place of india-
rubber or gutta percha for making up the pulp.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING, CONTROLLING, AND DIRECTING THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Holmes Barrett and Lloyd
Hargreaves at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st February
1870.
JOHN HOLMES BARRETT, Brass Founder and Finisher, and LLOYD HARGREAVES,
Pattern Maker, both of Halifax, in the County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR REGULATING, CONTROLLING, AND DIRECTING THE
FLOW OF
LIQUIDS."
This Invention relates to apparatus for purposes aforesaid consisting of two or
more taps and pipes, which latter intersect each other and terminate in one outlet
pipe. The separate pipes or branches being connected with separate vessels or
barrels from which liquids are to be drawn. Inasmuch as the vessels or barrels to
which the separate pipes are attached may contain unequal quantity of liquid or be
at varying levels, in order to prevent the flow of liquid from one vessel to another
it is necessary that means be adopted to prevent the back flow, and for such purpose
the apparatus as heretofore made and used was provided with a ball valve
contained within a cavity formed by an enlargement of a portion of the separate
pipes, such enlargement being at a point between the vessel and the tap of each
pipe. The result of such enlargement is to necessitate the use of enlarged "unions "
or screw joints, and the apparatus is thereby rendered both bulky and costly, or a
large plug tap and ball valve has been employed.
The object of this our Invention is to so construct apparatus for purposes afore-
said as to dispense with the ball valve and to render an enlargement of the separate
or feed pipes unnecessary, whereby the construction of the apparatus is simplified,
its bulk and cost is greatly reduced, and the ordinary or "standard" unions are
available.
In the construction of apparatus according to our Invention we employ a winged
valve and screw spindle, having a casing and entrance and exit ways, the valve and
spindle answers the purpose both of tap and check to back flow.
The flow being
from the vessel under the wing valve (which is thus raised,) and to the outlet or
discharge pipe, whilst the effect of back flow or flow of liquid from another vessel
is upon or on the top of the wing valve which is thus closed and the entrance of
liquid prevented.
AN IMPROVED CUSHION FOR BILLIARD TABLES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur A. Leaker at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 4th November 1876.
ARTHUR A. LEAKER, of Victoria Street, Bristol, in the County of Gloucester,
Manager to Messieurs Abbot and Company, of the same Place, Billiard Table Manu-
facturers. "AN IMPROVED CUSHION FOR BILLIARD TABLES."
This Invention relates to an improved cushion to be applied to billiard tables,
and consists in forming the cushion in the peculiar manner herein specified, that is
to say,
The said cushion is a tube of india-rubber, either in its native condition or vul-
canized or mineralized, of suitable diameter, and air tight. The ends of the said
tube or tubular cushion are made taper to adapt them to the curves of the billiard
table to which they are applied, and to form the pockets of the same. The said tube
or tubular cushion has along one side an internal longitudinal strip of india-rubber
or other suitable material which may extend partially or entirely through the
said tube, and which receives the blow of the balls when the cushion is struck
very hard.
The said india-rubber tubes or tubular cushions are to be inflated with air, gas, or
other fluid, and for this purpose are provided with a small feed pipe which has
an air-tight valve or stopper.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROPULSION OF STEAMERS, PART OF THE INVENTION BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Constantin Tringuetta and Paul
Damala at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th February
1876.
CONSTANTIN TRINGUETTA and PAUL DAMALA, of Boulevard Saint Denis, No. 1
at Paris. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROPULSION OF STEAMERS, PART OF THE
INVENTION BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES."
The object of our Invention is to effect a better utilization of motive power, more
particularly in driving screw propellers. Without changing the speed of the.
engines or that of the propeller we interpose between the engines and the propeller
a strong lever, the two arms of which are of unequal length, and its fulcrum a
rotular joint. The long arm is connected by a spherical or other suitable joint to
the fly wheel of the engines, and the short arm by a similar joint to a crank on the
propeller shaft.
The result of this arrangement is that the propeller is much more
powerful, its power being increased in a ratio directly proportionate to that of the
two arms of the lever. Thus if the long arm be, for example, six times longer
than the short arm, the power transmitted to the crank on the propeller shaft will
be six times that exerted upon the long arm of the lever.
Our mode of transmitting the power, although specially intended for screw
propellers, is also applicable to paddle wheels, and generally in all cases where it is
desirable to utilize in the best manner possible the motive power of steam or other
engines.
IMPROVED ELEVATORS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Joseph Bird at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th October 1876. A communication
from abroad by Benjamin H. Davis, of Foxcroft, Maine, United States of
America.
FREDERICK JOSEPH BIRD, of Kingsland, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVED
ELEVATORS." A communication from abroad by Benjamin H. Davis, of Foxcroft,
Maine, United States of America.
My Invention consists of the combination of a lever, ratchet, and sprocket wheels
and pawl, arranged in a suspended yoke. The yoke is suspended from any suitable
framework, as for instance, the tripod frame in common use.
Its lower and open
ends support a shaft, upon which is a ratchet wheel and a sprocket wheel rigidly
attached to each other and revolving together. The sprocket wheel is provided
with openings and spurs for the reception of the links of a chain, to which the
object to be raised is attached in any ordinary manner. Just above the ratchet
wheel is a pawl attached to the yoke and engaging with the teeth of the ratchet. A
rod extends from side to side of the yoke, which rod serves as a fulcrum for a lever
provided with a link at the end of its short arm, which link drops on to the ratchet
wheel and engages with its teeth, giving rotation to said wheel and to the attached
sprocket wheel as the lever is operated. The weight to be raised is attached to the
chain passing over the sprocket wheel, and as said wheel is revolved by the action
of the lever and link upon the teeth of the ratchet, its projections or spurs engage
with the links of the chain raising the attached weight while the pawl holds it as it
rises. The ratchet and sprocket wheels being united really form in effect one
wheel.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOLDING TABLES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Francis Smith and James Smith at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th December 1876.
FRANCIS SMITH and JAMES SMITH, both of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, Cabinet Manufacturers and Upholsterers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF FOLDING TABLES."
This said Invention has reference to a new or improved construction of folding
table, susceptible of various modifications and forms, most suitable for card tables,
Pembroke, Sutherland, or other such like tables, with folding side flaps, leaves, or
wings (with or without drawers), for enabling these to be more easily opened up for
use, or closed down to serve as side tables, than such like tables have been as
heretofore constructed; and the nature and novelty of this Invention consist in
making the lower main supporting frame and legs in two parts, the one fixed or
secured with its diametrically opposite legs to the centre or stationary part of the
top of the table, with the other part and its opposite legs swivelling on the centre
of the former under the table top and at the centre of the lower cross spars, and
fitted with a strong spring (preferably of the spiral class, with a very few coils)
acting circumferentially with the two ends as levers radially, and secured loosely at
the centre of oscillation on the stationary part of the frame, with one arm secured
to the stationary frame and the other to the oscillating part of the frame, all below
the centre or stationary part of the table top, concealed from view, so as to immedi-
ately swivel the moving part of the frame and legs round under the side wings or
flaps to support them. The moment these are raised simultaneously by the hands, or
vice versa, they close down the leaves or flaps again by drawing the legs of the
table round towards each other against the power of the spring, when the weight
of the flaps in their hanging position would hold the moving part of the frame and
and
legs close until the side wings were raised for use again, as before described;
when desired a small bell crank or other equivalent might be fitted to the stationary
part of the frame with a link attached to one of the side wings so that its motion or
weight in falling would cause the bell crank to turn and hold or fix the moving

page_text: part of the frame close. The lifting of the wings again unlocking it would allow
the spring to swivel and open the frame and legs to support them.
Although a radial acting spiral spring has been described as preferable it will be
understood that many other forms of springs might be used, acting near the centre
between the stationary and moving parts of the supporting frame to which the legs
are secured.