matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
A NEW OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR BUOYING SHIPS OR VESSELS, AND ALSO DRAWING THEM OUT OF WATER
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time. prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Simon Petit at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th December
1855.
I, SIMON PETIT, of Versailles, in the Empire of France, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR BUOYING
SHIPS OR VESSELS, AND ALSO DRAWING THEM OUT OF WATER," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in a new means of buoying vessels in distress, & of
setting afloat those that have sunk. For this purpose, I use around the vessel
a certain number of buoys, whose volume is sufficient to displace a volume of
water of a superior weight to that of the vessel. The buoys I use are prisms
or pyramids, whose fronts are formed by frames covered by tar cloth. When
the buoys thus constructed are not used, the fronts that compose them may be
folded up & placed inside the vessel on a small space, having but a small
volume and weight.
A certain number of those buoys, sufficiently strong to bear, if required, the
pressure of several atmospheres, & put into communication with the pumps by
flexible & strong pipes having been sunk near the vessel & fastened to her as
near as possible, the exhausting process takes place. That operation will have
for its effect to raise them, together with the vessel, rapidly to the surface of
the water, being worked upon by a power equal to the weight of the volume
of water which they displace, their specific weight being at the same time
considerably reduced by the exhausting process.
Im- PROVEMENTS IN TEMPLES EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILE FABRICS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Lancaster at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th January
1855.
I, WILLIAM LANCASTER, of Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Cotton
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN TEMPLES EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILE FABRICS"
to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a peculiar construction and arrangement of the
teeth or cloth-holding portion of temples, and also to an improved form of
cover to be used in connection with such temples. The improvements consist
in the employment of one or more small rollers composed of any suitable
material, brass, however, being preferred. These rollers are furnished with
several series of teeth or toothed discs, such series being situated at equal
distances along the entire length of the rollers, but so arranged as to occur
alternately on each roller, so that when the two rollers are working together,
the several series of teeth on the one roller will correspond to the intervening
spaces on the other roller. Over these toothed rollers is placed a cap or cover
of an improved form, the inner surface of such cap or cover being grooved
or fluted to correspond with the series of teeth on the rollers. The edge of
the cloth at each side of the loom passes between the rollers and the cap or
cover, which, being grooved internally, forces the teeth into the cloth as it passes
along to the beam, and thus keeps it to its full width, and prevents contraction,
while the forward motion of the cloth is not impeded. In making the toothed

page_text: rollers, they are first cast or otherwise formed with a number of projecting
beads or rims, according to the number of rows or series of teeth required, and
these rims are then cut into teeth by the aid of suitable revolving cutters
while the roller is held in a lathe. Another form of temple consists of two
plain rollers, situated some distance apart, and having an endless belt of
leather formed round them, such belt. being fitted with a series of pins pro-
jecting from its outer surface; and a cap or cover, which is grooved or fluted, to
correspond to the series of teeth in the belt or belts, is placed over them.
The selvages of the cloth pass between the pins and cap, thereby causing the
belts to revolve round the rollers, and keep the cloth at the required tension.
The frame which carries the temples is allowed to slip towards the front of
the loom by a friction spring, or other suitable friction apparatus, in case the
shuttle should come in contact with the temple. If the shuttle should strike
the roller frame, it will be forced back towards the front of the loom, and
there remain until the attendant restores it to its original position, when the
loom is set in motion again.
IMPROVEMENTS IN REINS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Henry Johnson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th August
1855. A communication.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, & of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN REINS," a communication
from Monsieur Sala, a foreigner resident abroad, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates more particularly to an improved construction of
rigido-flexible reins for saddle horses, though the same improvement may also
be applied, if found desirable; to other reins, whereby a greater controul is
obtained over a horse than can be effected by the ordinary flexible reins,
without at the same time inconveniently increasing the weight or bulk of
the bridle.
The improvement consists in adapting a thin steel rod or bar to each of the
straps of the reins, the bar extending from the bit to a considerable distance
along the bridle or straps, leaving that portion of the reins forming the two
sides perfectly flexible, as in the ordinary reins.
The bridle thus constructed will be comparatively rigid in one part &
perfectly flexible in another. By the aid of this bridle a greater controul is

page_text: obtained over the horse, as the reins may either be used by pulling or pushing,
as required, one rein being pushed forward while the other is pulled back,
thereby effectually turning the head of the animal. He may also be prevented
from springing up or throwing his head back by nipping his neck between the
two bars in the reins, their ends being grasped together in one hand whilst
the other is pulling them back.
AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNTAIN PEN
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Hermann Sachs at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 31st May 1855.
I, HERMANN SACHS, of Newgate Street, in the City of London, Warehouse-
man, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED
CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNTAIN PEN" to be as follows:--
The object of this Invention is to construct a simple and cheap pen holder,
which will provide a continuous supply of ink to steel and other pens.
This I propose to effect by making the stem of the pen holder a reservoir
for ink. The top is closed with an adjustable cap, which when raised will
admit air to the reservoir, and allow the ink contained therein to flow more
quickly out at the other end. To the bottom of the stem a hollow plug is
fitted, and into this plug is screwed what may be termed the pen holder
proper. This piece is furnished with a shield at its upper end, below which
holes are made for conducting the ink from the reservoir to the interior
of the pen holder.
The shield when the holder is screwed up will shut off the supply of ink,
and, according to the distance it is from the bottom of the stem, so will the

page_text: supply be increased or diminished. An opening is made in the clip of the
pen holder to permit of the discharge of the ink on to the pen, the amount of
which discharge will be determined according to the requirements of the writer
by the means already indicated.
IMPROVEMENTS IN RATCHET BRACES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Wormald and George
Pollard at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 21st August 1855.
I, JOSEPH WORMALD, and I, GEORGE POLLARD, both of 2, Bridge Foot,
Vauxhall, in the County of Surrey, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RATCHET BRACES" to be as
follows:-
Our improvements in ratchet braces consist in cutting the ratchet teeth on
the interior of the eye of the lever, instead of the eye of the lever enclosing the
ratchet teeth cut on the spindle as usual. We cut a slot through the spindle
at that part enclosed by the lever eye, and in it place two sliding palls or
catches, which slide to and from the centre of the spindle, and are projected by
a spring or springs placed between them, which causes the catches or palls to
take hold of the ratchet teeth, while the hand lever is moved in one direction,
and to slip over them while moved in the opposite direction. Thus the ratchet
teeth take hold of the spindle at two opposite points at the same time, pro-
ducing an equal strain on the spindle. The teeth and catches may be the full
depth of the eye of the lever, and the whole enclosed within the eye or boss of
the lever, so as to exclude dirt. The other parts of the brace are somewhat
of the ordinary description.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRAID
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Gedge at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st October 1855.
I, JOHN GEDGE, of No. 4, Wellington Street South, Strand, in the County
of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRAID," communicated to me
by Claude Aimé Termé, of Saint Chamond, France, to be as follows:-
Hitherto braid, whether of silk, cotton, or other, has been made principally
by hand, and in a well-known, but, from the time consumed, in an expensive,
manner. I propose to use a loom for the purpose. I take three spindles, of
form similar to those used in making stay laces, but a little stronger, and with a
pivot at their lower extremities. These spindles are furnished with bobbins, on
which is charged the material to be formed into braid. Below a toothed wheel
is fixed, and into this wheel gear several smaller cogged wheels, having their
locality at the side of the spindles. The whole being put in movement in the
usual manner as in lace looms, produces a rotary right and left movement in
the spindles. The threads having received the necessary twist singly, are
united in the axle of the apparatus, from which they are to receive the final
twist uniting them in one, called braid. This apparatus presents a hollow
beam, to which, by means of two wings or side pieces, is adapted a small
horizontal cylinder and a catch wheel. Rotatory motion is given by means of

page_text: an ascending beam, having adapted to it a toothed wheel gearing into the
catch wheel, above mentioned. The threads, after being united into one cord
as aforesaid, now roll once over the cylinder, and become thus twisted and
pass out of the apparatus as braid.
AN EXPANDING AND CONTRACTING SELF-FASTENING BAND
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Hunt at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th July 1855.
I, JOHN HUNT, of New Kent Road, in the County of Surrey, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN EXPANDING AND CONTRACTING
SELF-FASTENING BAND" to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to bands for binding or holding together articles, such
as drapery, hosiery, gloves, &c., and consists of strips of linen and paper,
cotton and paper, or other materials or material, put together or single, and
made with a row or rows of metal eyes at one end, secured in and to the
material by self-fastening perforated flanges, and at the other end (according
to the number of rows of eyes) with one or more hooks, which are secured to
the band by self-fastening perforated flanges. The row or rows of eyes are
put into perforations in the band from the end longitudinally, so that the band
can be taken up or let out by placing the hook through the different eyes
nearer to or farther from the end, and so as to adjust it as required for holding
or binding any number of articles within its capacity.
The hooks may be attached to the inner or outer side of the bands and with
the hooks downwards or upwards, and to fasten the end of the band down
under the hook, or to let the end of the band cover the hook, as may be
required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Jeremiah Murphy at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
7th August 1855.
I, WILLIAM JEREMIAH MURPHY, of the City of Cork, in Ireland, Distiller,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER" to be as follows:-
The application of the vapour or steam produced from alcohol, spirits of
wine, or any other spirituous liquors as a moving power in the boilers of marine,
locomotive, and other steam engines, and the condensation of such vapour or
steam after having been used, and feeding the boilers therewith, thereby also
preventing incrustation in boilers, to which purposes I adapt the present steam
engine boiler and condensing apparatus, or modifications thereof.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY TO BE USED IN FINISHING CLOTH AND TEXTILE FABRICS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Dick at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th December 1855.
I, DAVID DICK, Engineer, of Paisley, in the County of Renfrew, in
Scotland, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY TO BE USED IN FINISHING CLOTH AND TEXTILE FABRICS,
to be as follows; and consists in the passing of bands, cords, belts, wire, or
chains, with or without teeth, usually termed stentes teeth, over the ordinary
breadthener or breadtheners made expressly to suit. I prefer to use bands or
cords for the purpose, passing them over breadthener at an angle, so that in
stretching the cloth between the breadthener blades & cords they have the
same effect on the cloth as the hand-pulling to the width. These bands or
cords can be used single on each side of the breadthener, or several arranged
so as to admit different widths of cloth. One form of breadtheners may be of
blades, stretching alternately the opposite ways, so that the cloth passing
between the blades & cords is pulled to an angle, which has the effect of cross
breadthening or breaking for an elastic finish.
Light cloths, such as muslin goods & others of similar nature, may be
passed over a series of moveable rollers to shake, for the purpose of airing or

page_text: partially drying the cloth, & then passing between pressing rollers with
unequal surfaces, so as to wring the starch thoroughly into or over the cloth.
These improvements may be applied separately to machines already in use, or
machines may be made separately, according as the description of cloth to be
finished requires, or all may be combined in one machine.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF DYING
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Benjamin Hoyle at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 6th October
1855.
I, BENJAMIN HOYLE, of Stand, in Pilkington, in the County of Lancaster,
Dyer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF DYING," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in dying yarn and cloth in fast colours of a purple
tint, such colours having been hitherto loose and easily discharged. I shall
describe the process by which my Invention is carried into effect by giving the
proportions of each ingredient required for dying one bundle, or ten pounds
of cotton yarn, and the mode of dealing with the same, and the material to
be dyed, using the terms well known in the trade. The yarn is first subjected
to a mordant of spirits and ash, saturated to a specific gravity of twelve of
Twaddle's hydrometer, in which it has seven "turns," and is "wrung out." It
is next placed in a solution of three "burns" of water to one gill of sulphuric
acid, has three "turns," and "wrung out;" then placed in three "burns" of
boiling logwood liquor, has five "turns," and "wrung out;" next put into three
"burns" of water with four "dish" of schumac in solution, has five "turns,"

page_text: and "wrung out," and placed in a solution of two "burns" of boiling water
with one "burn" and six "dish." of logwood and. two "dish" of red wood,
five "turns," and "wrung out." The yarn is then "thrown" up, with a pre-
paration of four pints of alum to one gill of copperas, five "turns," and "wrung
out; then placed in three "burns" of water to three "dish" of schumac,
three "turns," and "wrung out." Lastly, it is removed to a bath of three
"burns" of boiling water with eight ounces of soap and three of ash, five
"turns," and "wrung out." A gill of spirits is then added, and the yarn has
five more "turns," and "wrung out," washed in two clean waters preparatory
to stoving, when the yarn will be found dyed in a fast purple colour. The
above proportions may be slightly varied, but those here given I have found
to answer best.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BEARINGS, BUSHES, AND OTHER SURFACES IN OR UPON WHICH SHAFTS, AXLES, OR OTHER BODIES MOVE OR REVOLVE, ALSO IN THE SAID SHAFTS, AXLES, AND OTHER MOVING OR REVOLVING BODIES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bull at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th April 1855.
I, WILLIAM BULL, of Lupus St., Belgrave Rd., Pimlico, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BEARINGS, BUSHES, AND
OTHER SURFACES IN OR UPON WHICH SHAFTS, AXLES, OR OTHER BODIES MOVE OR
REVOLVE, ALSO IN THE SAID SHAFTS, AXLES, AND OTHER MOVING OR REVOLVING
BODIES," to be as follows, that is to say :-
My Invention consists in forming the said bearings, bushes, and other sur-
faces in or upon which shafts, axles, or other bodies move or revolve, of any
suitable hard wood cut into sections, put together and fitted in such a manner
that the grain of the wood is endway to the shaft, axle, &c.
In heavy
bearings, & when necessary, I saturate the wood with any suitable metallic
compound, and then compress the same. For the more perfect lubrication
of the bearings, I leave interstices between the sections in which I insert the
unguent matter.
I make the journals of shafts and axles in a tapered form, or larger in the
centre and diminishing towards each end, for the double purpose of increasing
the strength, and preventing the bearing, &c. from leaking. I als use a mixture
of black lead and grease for lubricating.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HAT PLUSHES' OF SPUN SILK AND OTHER SPUN YARNS
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Husband at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th April
1855.
I, RICHARD HUSBAND, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Hat
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HAT PLUSHES' OF SPUN SILK AND OTHER
SPUN YARNS" to be as follows:-
My improvement is effected by producing a "nap" or pile by cutting instead
of raising. This Invention secures a "nap" or plush of greater substance or
body, and better fitted for the retention of color, and makes as nearly as
possible the whole of the shoot or weft available for "nap" or plush;
whereas under the existing processes much of the silk is lost upon the
raising instruments, a large portion is left unraised, and what is raised is
so much divided as to render the attenuated fibres incapable of receiving,
and especially of retaining, a proper body of color. The "nap" or plush,
after having been cut, may be opened out, if necessary, by means of "cards,"
hard brushes, or other suitable instruments. By the above Invention many
varietes of spun yarns not hitherto available for such purposes may be
employed to produce "nap" or plushes for hats.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CASTERS FOR FURNITURE AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Samuel Twist at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th December
1855.
I, SAMUEL TWIST, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Cabinet
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN CASTERS FOR FURNITURE AND OTHER PURPOSES to be as follows, that is
to say:-
My improvements consist in making castors used for the feet of articles of
furniture capable of adjustment to suit uneven surfaces, such as inequalities
in floors; this I effect by fitting on the foot of a table or other piece of fur-
niture a cap, which may be of metal, if preferred; I find brass most suitable;
and round which cap is turned a screw. The socket of the castor is also
tapped in the inside with a female screw, and the foot of the table thus screws
in the socket of the castor. By turning the socket of the castor, you can
thereby raise or lower that leg of the table, according to requirement.
In some instances it will be sufficient to turn a screw upon the foot of the
article, or to fix a screw upon such foot, which will work in the tapped socket
of the castor without the cap, before named. For iron or other metal furniture,
this mode would probably be the best.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MOTIVE POWER
Year: 1855

page_text: wwww
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Weber at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd October 1855.
I, HENRY WEBER, Mechanician, of Zurich, Town in the Swiss Confedera-
tion, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MOTIVE POWER" to be as follows:-
My apparatus consists of a half cylinder (which may be made to rotate on
a centre), placed in an inclined position, and supported on drums or friction
rollers on which it travels in circular guides. To the upper part of the half
cylinder is attached a weight in such manner as to press by means of a lever
on its upper edge. The weight pressing on the half cylinder imparts to it a
continued revolving motion in the guide circles..
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFAC- TURE OF IRON RODS, BARS, HOOPS, MERCHANT AND GUIDE IRON
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Hocroft and Richard
Forrest at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 30th October 1855.
We, THOMAS HOCROFT, of Tividale, in the County of Stafford, Iron Roller,
and RICHARD FORREST, of Tipton, in the same County, Manager, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFAC-
TURE OF IRON RODS, BARS, HOOPS, MERCHANT AND GUIDE IRON," to be as follows,
that is to say:-
Our improvements consist in piling together iron bars, and then rolling
them down into one bar; this we slit into rods either of one size or of various
sizes, and at the same heat pass them through rolls having grooves on them
of any required section, and by varying these grooves on the same rolls we can
produce various descriptions of iron, such as two lengths of hoop iron and one
of round simultaneously. By these means we are enabled to dispense with
the bolting or breaking down processes, and thereby save much waste and
many heatings.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PIPES AND TUBES FOR THE USE OF SMOKING TOBACCO AND CIGARS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Onions at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th January
1855.
I, JOHN ONIONS, of 44, Wellington Place, Blackfriars Road, in the Boro
of Southwark, Ironfounder, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PIPES AND TUBES FOR THE
USE OF SMOKING TOBACCO AND CIGARS" to be as follows:-
The application of certain pistons or slides to cylindric or other shaped
pipes, for the purpose of the more effectually causing the combustion of
tobacco & cigars during the process or operation of smoking; and also to
obviate the nuisance of sparks & dust falling therefrom, as shewn by the
annexed Drawing.
A is a cylinder or pipe to contain tobacco or cigar; B is a moveable cap
or nozzle, perforated with holes in front to admit air, and fits on the end
of cylinder or pipe A; C is a piston or slide, with passage through it, and
enlarged at one end to receive the tobacco or cigar, and is used, or intende

page_text: so to be, for the purpose of compressing the cigar or tobacco against the cap
or nozzle B, thereby causing proper combustion, and dispensing with the
ordinary mode.of using the finger or pipe-stopper for the purpose of pressing
it down as it burns away, which object is attained by pushing the piston
or slide C up.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AXLE-BOXES FOR RAILWAY CARRIAGES
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Horsfield at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th August
1855.
I, WILLIAM 'HORSFIELD, of Langley Mill, in the County of Derby, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF AXLE-BOXES FOR RAILWAY CARRIAGES" to be as follows:-
These improvements are designed for the purpose of simplifying the con-
struction of axle-boxes and for rendering them stronger, more durable, and
less expensive than heretofore. The means by which these improvements are
to be effected are as follows:-Instead of forming the principal part of the
axle-box of several separate pieces of metal, as heretofore practised, I cast
the same in one entire piece of metal, and of such shape as to dispense with
the necessity for employing hinges, pins, rivets, or screws, or other fittings
commonly employed in the construction of axle-boxes. The top of the axle-
box is likewise peculiarly formed, so as to receive and securely hold the weight
spring upon which the body of the truck or carriage rests without the use of
screws or such like ordinary fastenings; the cover of the grease box is also
maintained dust-proof by means of a spring, so contrived and applied as to
require neither fitting or fastening to the axle-box, said spring being held in
proper position solely by the superincumbent pressure upon the weight spring,
which rests upon the spring of the grease box cover.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN CARTRIDGES FOR FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederic Prince at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th January 1855.
I, FREDERIC PRINCE, of No. 3, South Parade, Chelsea, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN CARTRIDGES FOR FIRE-ARMS" to be as follows:-
These improvements are designed for the purpose of simplyfying the
construction of cartridges, and for rendering them more effective and certain
in their action than the cartridges as heretofore constructed and employed in
fire-arms. And the principal feature of novelty in these improvements consists
in a new and peculiar mode of combining together an expanding cone ball, an
elastic wadding, and the cartridge containing the necessary charge of powder,
so as to dispense with the necessity of biting off or tearing away any part of
the cartridge when using the same. The nature of these improvements will,
however, be better understood by the following explanation of the means by
which they may be effected according to this Invention, that is to say:―The
case for the cartridge is made of paper, in the form of a long tube, cut to the
required length for the cartridge; or it may be formed by pasting together
the edges of the paper. The tube thus formed is then tied at one end, and the
charge of powder introduced. The unfilled portion of the paper tube is then
passed through a hole formed through the centre of an elastic wadding, the

page_text: outer circumference of such said wadding to be saturated with mercurial, grease.
The mouth of the paper tube is then opened, and an expanding cone ball
inserted therein, with the hollow part downwards, and pressed home against
the elastic wadding. The projecting part of the paper tube is then cut to the
required length, and afterwards twisted over the point of the ball, thereby
enclosing it within the paper tube, and thus combining together the powder,
the wad, and the ball. The cartridge thus formed is then ready for use, and
only requires to be pressed into the muzzle of the gun without previously
biting off or tearing away any part thereof.
The elastic wadding keeps all in its place, and the mercurial grease which is
placed thereon prevents "leading," or the adhesion to the bore of the barrel
of any particles of lead from the cone ball, and thus enables the fire-arm to be
used pleasantly for 100 shots or more without cleaning.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES WITH A VIEW TO THE PREVENTION OF SMOKE
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Christopher Thompson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th July
1855.
I, CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON, of South Shields, in the County of Durham,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES WITH A VIEW TO THE PREVENTION OF SMOKE" to be as
follows:-
On cach side of the furnace I form a flue, which I connect with a hollow
bridge near the bottom of the furnace, the said bridge being perforated in the
front and upon the top, whereby two currents of heated air pass into the bridge
and issue from the perforations thereof, when they combine with the combus-
tible gases given off by the fuel, and ensure their combustion increasing the
amount of heat, and preventing the formation of smoke.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MAKING AN IMPROVED FABRIC, CALLED DRAP DE SOIE
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Louis Narcisse Dupont at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 31st July
1855.
I, LOUIS NARCISSE DUPONT, Manufacturer, of Louviers, Town in the
French Empire, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MAKING AN IMPROVED FABRIC, CALLED DRAP DE SOIE," to be
as follows:-
The Invention consists in making a new fabric from the waste arising from
the combing of silk, as well as the waste from the cocoon. The warp and
weft being entirely of this material, without any mixture of cotton or wool,
form a beautiful material.
The method of manufacture is as follows:-The first operation is that of
carding and spinning. The material is carded in a dry state, without the
addition of fatty or other bodies, upon three cards, from the latter of which it
issues in the forin of a roving. This is spun by any of the processes in use
for the spinning of carded wool. The second operation is that of dyeing. The
threads are placed in a bath of soap and water, and are then dyed in skeins
by any of the processes applicable to the dyeing of silk. Third operation,

page_text: twisting; as the best effects will be obtained from the mixing of threads of
different colors, all those twists which will give party-colored threads should
be adopted. Twists in different directions produce novel effects. Fourth
operation, warping; this I effect in the ordinary manner. Fifth, weaving; the
threads are woven without undergoing any preparation, such as gumming, &c.
Sixth, burling; great care must be taken in removing any knots, not to leave
large holes in the fabric. Seventh, dressing; for winter fabrics one side is
napped to afford warmth, while for spring and sunimer both sides are plain.
Every endeavour must be made to remove all knots contained in the substance,
which will occasionally remain after the most efficient carding. The knot is
brought to the surface by a brushing cylinder. The rotation of the cylinder
brings up the knot on the surface, removes a part, and so much as may not be
drawn out must be subsequently cut off.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HAT PLUSH
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Husband and George
Mallinson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 7th April 1855.
We, RICHARD HUSBAND, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Hat
Manufacturer, and GEORGE MALLINSON, of the same Place, Pattern Designer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF HAT PLUSH" to be as follows:-
The pile or nap of hat plush manufactured according to this improvement
is formed from the weft threads or shoot, instead of as at present from the
warp, and consequently a more uniform and regular appearance of the pile
when cut is produced, (free from "steps" or irregularities, which are not of
unfrequent occurrence in the hat plush at present manufactured,) by a peculiar
arrangement of the weft threads. An important feature of this Invention is
to allow the weft thread in the said manufacture to float over any given
number of warp threads, and then to bind through such a number of alternate
warp threads as required. The "cutting" up" of the race or the producing of
the pile is effected by similar means to those at present employed in cutting
ordinary fustians, and is to be performed exactly in a similar manner.
PROPELLING VESSELS BY MEANS OF PISTONS, WHICH I CALL ANTIFRICTION PROPELLERS, TO SUPERSEED PADDLE WHEELS, SCREWS, AND ALL OTHER CONTRIVANCES AT PRESENT INUSE
Year: 1855

page_text: www ww
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Geyelin at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th
November 1855.
I, GEORGE GEYELIN, Civil Engineer, of 18, Melville Terrace, Torriano
Avenue, Camden Road, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for PROPELLING VESSELS BY MEANS OF PISTONS,
WHICH I CALL ANTIFRICTION PROPELLERS, TO SUPERSEED PADDLE WHEELS, SCREWS,
AND ALL OTHER CONTRIVANCES AT PRESENT IN USE, to be as follows:-
I affix to the stern of the ship, or to any other part that may be deemed
preferable, and flush with the outer side of the vessel, steam cylinders, or
cylinders worked by means of steam or other powers. These cylinders being
open on the side of the water, the piston is in immediate contact with the
water, and by its forward and backward motion the propelling power is obtained,
avoiding any back draft.
THE EMPLOYMENT OF A NEW MATERIAL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Giovanni Martenoli de Martinoi
and Juan Francisco O De Lara at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents, with their Petition, on the 20th June 1855.
We, GIOVANNI MARTENOLI DE MARTINOI, of Valesolis, Tuscany, and JUAN
FRANCISCO O DE LARA, of Spain, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention
for "THE EMPLOYMENT OF A NEW MATERIAL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER" to
be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in the manufacture of paper,
by the application of sea weed in that manufacture by means of the following
process: Sea weed in a dry or partially dry state is first deprived of the seeds
and impurities, then well washed in fresh water, after which the sea weed is
cut into short lengths by any suitable machine and subjected to the action of
dilute mineral acid, preferring sulphuric acid. The sea weed is next boiled
in an alkaline, or alkaline salt solution, preferring carbonate of soda. The sea
weed is then to be crushed or pulped to some extent and well washed in fresh
water, then bleached by chlorine or suitable bleaching agent, and then rendered
into pulp for use.
IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERPROOFING SKINS OF ANIMALS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edwin Tomlinson, of Barns Cray, Crayford, in the
County, of Kent, and, Alfred Mortimer Job, of Islington, in the County.
of Middlesex, Waterproofers, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATERPROOFING SKINS OF ANIMALS."
Sealed the 8th January 1856, and dated the 27th October 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edwin Tomlinson and
Alfred Mortimer Job at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 27th October 1855.
We, EDWIN TOMLINSON, of Barns Cray, Crayford, in the County of Kent,
& ALFRED MORTIMER JOB, of Islington, in the County of Middlesex, Water-
proofers, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN WATERPROOFING SKINS OF ANIMALS" to be as follows:
The improvements relate to means for preparing skins of animals to receive
a coating of india-rubber, in combination with means of applying that coating.
We prepare the skins, which have been previously subjected to a tanning
process, by first subjecting them to heat in a close chamber, in order to draw
to the surface of them the greasy or oily matters they contain, when we apply

page_text: thereto 'suitable absorbents to absorb and thereby remove such oily or greasy
matter. The absorbents which 'we have found to answer well are the fumes
of sulphur, or combinations of sulphur with other matters, or the vapour of
quicklime, which we place in suitable trays or vessels on the floor of the heating
chamber, by which the heat employed to draw out the oily or greasy matter
from the skins will also produce the evaporation to the absorbent employed;
but in place of employing simply the fumes or vapours of the absorbents used,
we sometimes apply the absorbents in a dry or solvent state to the surface of
the skins; and although we have mentioned sulphur, and lime, or their com-
bination with other matters, as the absorbents we have found to answer well,
we do not confine ourselves to them. When the skins have been freed from
the oily or greasy matters they contained, we apply to their surface or surfaces
india-rubber in a plastic or pulpy state, or india-rubber combined with other
matters, by passing them together with such india-rubber between surfaces
of cylinders or rollers, which we prefer to be heated. Skins of animals thus
prepared, by the application thereto of the coating of india-rubber, as
explained, are suitable to be made into wrappers, coats, boots, shoes, and
other articles.
A NEW OR IMPROVED TAP FOR HOT AND COLD FLUIDS, STEAM, AND GASES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Barr at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th February
1855.
I, DAVID BARR, Commercial Clerk, of 52, Dale End, Birmingham, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED
TAP FOR HOT AND COLD FLUIDS, STEAM, AND GASES," to be as follows:-
A plug tapered down at one end is fitted or ground in a cylinder or barrel
as a substitute for the ordinary valve. A chain, hook, or other handle is
attached to the plug to draw it back, so as to form a passage or outlet. The
plug on being loosed is immediately made to close up the aperture by the
pressure from within, or by means of a spiral or other spring placed inside the
tap, when this is required. A screw key working into the plug may be used
when necessary to fasten or lock the tap. This method simplifies the con-
struction, reduces the expense, and removes the possibility of leakage, (an
increased pressure only making it the more secure,) and of its being left open.
The recess or cavity for the plug is lined with vulcanized india-rubber, leather,
or other similar substance, and a layer of the same is attached to the top of the
plug so as to cover over the passage or outlet, in addition to the spring above
referred to, when the pressure within does not sufficiently close the tap.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FIXING OF METALLIC ORNAMENTS UPON PAPER, FLOCK, LEATHER, COTTON, SILK, OR ANY OTHER FABRICS TO WHICH SUCH ORNAMENTS MAY BE APPLICABLE
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Pierre Francois Rioux and Leon
de Pariente at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 21st June 1855.-A communication.
We, PIERRE FRANCOIS RIOUX, of 103, Faubourg St. Denis, near Paris,
and LEON DE PARIENTE, of No. 123, Rue de Brabant, in the Faubourg of
Schaerbeck, next Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FIXING OF METALLIC
ORNAMENTS UPON PAPER, FLOCK, LEATHER, COTTON, SILK, OR ANY OTHER FABRICS TO
WHICH SUCH ORNAMENTS MAY BE APPLICABLE," to be as follows:-
We take, in the first place, the article to which we wish to apply the metallic
impression or figure, either paper, linen, silk, velvet, and other textile fabric;
we place the same upon an elastic or flexible bed which is placed on a table,
which flexible bed must be made of vulcanized caoutchouc, or any other.mate--
rial which will bear heat; we then have blocks, cylinders, or dies of metal, upon
which are engraved the designs we wish to represent. These blocks, cylinders,
or dies are heated and pressed upon the fabric, giving the fabric a slight im-
pression of the design. We then place upon the place where the design has

page_text: been so printed dry albumen in powder, gum lac and rosin, each in powder,
spirit varnish,, or copal varnish, or any other suitable body that will cause the
metallic surface to adhere. After any of these preparations are carefully sifted
over or painted on with a brush upon the surface of the part impressed, we
take the metallic leaf, (say, gold or silver, for instance,) and place it over the
powder or varnish so put on, and dab it down with a piece of cotton, wool, or
cloth. The block, cylinder, or die is now again pressed over the surface in the
same place it was in the first instance, and the design is fixed upon the fabric.
When leather or such substance is used, we require the albumen and attaching
bodies to be wet, or in a liquid state.
AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF SPRING FOR RESISTING SUDDEN AND CONTINUOUS PRES- SURE
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Ellis Clowes at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 29th May 1855.-
A communication.
I, ELLIS CLOWES, of King's Bench Walk, Temple, in the City of London,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN
IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF SPRING FOR RESISTING SUDDEN AND CONTINUOUS PRES-
SURE" to be as follows:-
In the ordinary manufacture of metal buffer springs, draw springs, and
bearing springs, it is well known that when any one of the plates composing
such a spring is broken, the spring box has to be removed from the carriage
to which it is applied in order to permit of the spring being restored to its
proper shape; and this operation, besides causing considerable inconvenience
as respects the time consumed in effecting the repair, is somewhat costly.
Now, the object of the present Invention is to obviate these inconveniences, by
the employment of an improved construction of spring, composed of several
plates of steel, bent to the form of a bow and placed together loosely in pairs,
their ends being confined in suitable guides, which sufficiently expose the
spring to permit of any broken or defective plates being replaced by other
plates without it being requisite to remove the whole spring from the carriage.

page_text: In this construction of spring several plates might be broken without inter-
fering with the working of the carriage. The curved steel plates are tapered
at each end from the centre, and are formed with a small portion of their
extremities flat at their points of junction. About ten minutes will suffice for
repairing this spring, even should several plates get out of order or be broken,
and the reparation can be effected without removing the carriage from the line
of rails.
By the use of the improved spring (which the Inventor terms the variable
flexion spring) long buffer rods will not be required, supposing a maximum
length of about nine inches to be adopted as the stroke of the buffer. This
may be limited by bolting the hinder part of the spring box to the framing
in such a manner as to bear against the first intermediate traverse, so as
to diminish the number of spring plates required, which shall be determined
by the length of stroke required for the buffer rod. .
A PROCESS OF AUTOGRAPHIC ENGRAVING
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Barthélemy Pont at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 9th
February 1855.
. I, BARTHÉLEMY PONT, of No. 1, Rue Bourdaloue, in the City of Paris, "
in the Empire of France, Photographic Artist, do hereby declare the nature
of the Invention for "A PROCESS OF AUTOGRAPHIC ENGRAVING" to be as
follows:-
The Invention consists in making the plate reproduce the artist's original
work without the use of the instrument called daguerreotype. For the great
difference that exists between the present system of photography and my
Invention is this: in the photographic system, the object glass plays the
principal part, for it is by means of the instrument that a picture, existing in
nature, or in any drawing whatever, is produced upon the collodion plate;
whereas my Invention entirely supersedes the object glass, and it is the plate
itself on which the artist has made his engraving which gives the most faithful
impressions.
In this circumstance the instrument only serves to give a fancy background
to the object traced by the artist on the collodion plate, and in the striking off
it is no longer the light passing through the collodion which gives the impres-
sion, but, in reality, the light passing through the parts of the collodion carried
off by the artist who produces the picture.

page_text: MODE OF OPERATING.
Take a plate of glass, prepared with collodion, and sensitived by nitrate of
silver, then expose it in the dark chamber to receive the impression, white
or shaded, according to the desire of the operator; after which operation the
plate undergoes the ordinary manipulation of photography until it presents
a completely smooth surface, and of an intensity in harmony with the tint
for the positive proof. The plate in this state is to be completely fixed
with byposulphate of soda after an often repeated washing, in order to give
more body to the collodion; a solution of dextrine must be poured on the
plate, which is then allowed to remain twenty-four hours before being made
use of.
EXECUTION OF THE AUTOGRAPHIC ENGRAVING ON THE PLATE.
The plate on a black ground, the part prepared with collodion uppermost,
the artist, with points, pens, or any other instrument fit for taking off cleanly
the collodion, is to draw all the tracings which are to serve as a model for his
engraving; he will easily be able to judge of the effect of his work, for each
part removed presents black tracings, as is the case in a pen and ink or pencil
drawing. Should the black masses appear to him too heavy, he can lighten
them by using silver white diluted in water, and applied with a very fine brush.
If he wishes to obtain spots completely white he has only to lay on a thicker
The striking off impressions is produced by the same means as in
photography, but only more rapidily.