matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVED BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARM
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Martin Joseph Grandjean at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
1st June 1875.
I, MARTIN JOSEPH GRANDJEAN, of Cherotte, Province of Liège,
(Belgium), do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVED BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARM," to be as follows:-
.
My Invention has reference to that description of fire-arm in which
the closing of the breech is effected by means of a hinged obturator.
The mechanism is extremely simple, the opening of the breech, the
extraction of the cartridge case, and the cocking of the gun being pro-
duced at one movement by the trigger guard. The percussion is central
and is caused by means of a cock or hammer striking upon a pin lodged
in the obturator.
The obturator is a metal block shaped so as to form the bottom of
the chamber and the face of the breech. This block is jointed or hinged
at front on a transverse pin. At the back it has a tail piece, and is also
hollowed out to receive a roller. In its upper part is the central-fire
channel in which the exploding pin is lodged; this pin has a head which

page_text: limits the extent of its entrance into the base of the cartridge, and it
is prevented falling out by means of a small pin in the obturator taking
into a groove therein.
The trigger guard or lever turns on an axis or pin at its front end, and
it is held in place by its rear end engaging with a notched projection on
the gun. It is its elasticity which keeps it in place, and which at the
same time allows of its being disengaged. Near its pivot the trigger
guard has a nose, and its front end has a projecting finger. The nose
acts upon the tail of the obturator, and the finger on the claw of the
cartridge extractor. This extractor is of the ordinary semicircular form
with a bar or frame which slides along the bottom of the chamber, being
guided by a screw.
The action is readily understood. In the forward movement of the
trigger guard the obturator is lowered by the nose coming against the
tail of the obturator, while the finger of the trigger guard striking
against the claw of the extractor forces the extractor back, and con-
sequently ejects the cartridge case. The roller of the obturator also
lifts the hammer which remains cocked.
IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Shaw at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th
December 1875.
I, JAMES SHAW, of Brighton, in the County of Sussex, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
VELOCIPEDES," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to improvements in velocipedes, and chiefly to
that class known as bicycles, and consists in an improved combination
of mechanism for driving the same.
The velocipede may be arranged for one or two persons; the front
wheel is of large diameter, and is guided by the ordinary steering fork.
Instead of being operated directly by cranks on its axis as usual it is
drawn by bands from a cranked shaft mounted in bearings rising from
the perch or reach in rear of the wheel, the bands passing round small
drums or pulleys on the axis of the wheel, and round larger drums on
the extremities of the crank shaft; this shaft is driven both by hands &
feet. It has three cranks from two of which depend stirrups or treadles
for the feet, the third crank being for the hands. A steering handle

page_text: extends backwards from the steering fork to a point in convenient
proximity to the crank shaft, or the machine may be steered by the
hind wheel instead by a suitable arrangement.
:
When arranged for two persons the second assists in driving the
machine by means of an oscillating hand lever mounted on a vertical
axis rising from the perch or reach, and coupled at the extremities by
connecting rods with crank pins on the drums of the crank shaft. A
detachable forked frame is provided fitting into a socket in the rear end
of the perch, and serving in one position as a support to keep the
machine upright when at rest, and in another position as a pair of
handles by which to steady the machine when used by a beginner.
A NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR REAPING AND Mowing
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Florian von Grubinski at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
26th July 1875.
I, FLORIAN VON GRUBINSKI, of Warsaw, Poland, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR
REAPING AND Mowing,” to be as follows :—―
This Invention which relates to improvements on machinery for
reaping and mowing consists in a novel method, as hereafter described,
of transmitting motion to the knives, and also to improvements
in the several parts of such machines whereby the tear and wear
are diminished and the mechanism rendered more compact and less
liable to get out of order.
According to these improvements the employment of chain and
toothed gearing are entirely dispensed with, and the knives (which are
of the ordinary type) are reciprocated by means of a friction roller

page_text: Curved arms are placed at the outer end of the casting-off table
which divide that part of the corn which is to be cut from the rest of
the crop, while opposite to them, and at the other end of the knife bar,
other curved arms are arranged to keep the grain from the drum
mechanism, a seat for the driver being provided in the usual manner.
AN Improved InstrumeNT OR APPARATUS for Drawing or EXTRACTING NAILS AND OTHER ARTICLES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arvid Henry Elliott at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
12th May 1875.-A communication from abroad by Marischal D.
Converse; of the City of New York.
I, ARVID HENRY ELLIOTT, of New York City, in the United States
of America, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "AN Improved InstrumeNT OR APPARATUS for Drawing or EXTRACTING
NAILS AND OTHER ARTICLES,” communicated to me from abroad by Marischal
D. Converse, of the City of New York, aforesaid, to be as follows:-
The object of this apparatus is the extraction of nails, screws, corks,
teeth, and other articles.
handle. The other
The apparatus consists of two portions, which I call respectively the
first portion and the second portion. The first portion consists of a
narrow plate arm or plunger having at one end
end is curved or otherwise shaped to form a jaw. On this portion is ‘a
pivot, axis, or stud, which travels and work in a groove formed in the
second portion. This second portion is a socket case or sheath, open at
both ends, and has at one side of its end or base a curved angular or

page_text: otherwise shaped projection forming a jaw. When the first portion
is inserted into the second portion so as to bring the jaw of the
former, which may be called the moveable jaw, opposite the jaw of the
latter, which may be called the fixed jaw, the jaws form a nipper,
pincer, or extractor. The moveable jaw is easily worked by its handle,
the studs or pivots acting as guides, stops, and fulcra of leverage. The
first portion impinges on the top edge or shoulder of the second portion
when driven down. It is capable of both vertical and lateral or vibrating
movement in the second portion. One end of the second portion is.
extended to form an arm for leverage, scraping, or other purposes.
.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SOLDERING IRONS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Asher at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd.
· February 1875.
I, GEORGE ASHER, of Balsall Heath, near Birmingham, in the County
of Warwick, Designer and Modeller, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SOLDERING IRONS," to be as
follows:-
:-
My Invention consists in constructing and arranging in the manner
herein-after described the parts of soldering irons to be heated by gas
or by a gaseous mixture. I make the head of the soldering iron in
which the soldering bit is fixed of a hollow bulbous figure, and
perforated at its side so as to admit air to the said hollow head. The
soldering bit passes through the summit of the said head and is fixed
therein by a set or binding screw,
the inner end of the said soldering bit
projecting some distance into the head. At the back of the said hollow
and perforated head is a hollow stem, and to the said stem a handle is
affixed by means of which handle the soldering iron is held while in use.
The said handle is hollow and through it the gas is conveyed. I make

page_text: the said handle of a wooden grip having in its axis a tube screwed at its
ends, the top or inner end of the said tube terminating in a fine jet or
hole. The screw at one end of this tube serves to screw the handle to
the stem of the soldering iron, and the other screwed end receives a
nozzle piece on to which the end of the elastic tubing conveying the gas
is passed. In the hollow stem and near its junction with the handle are
holes through which air passes into the said stem. The inner or jet end
of the axial tube of the handle conveying the gas projects a short
distance beyond the air holes described in the stem; gas being admitted
to the hollow handle it passes through the fine jet in the said handle
into the stem, where it mixes with atmospheric air supplied to the stem
by the holes described. The gaseous mixture passing through the
hollow stem enters the hollow and perforated head of the soldering iron
where it is ignited and forms a colourless or nearly colourless flame jet,
which jet is is projected upon the inner end of the soldering bit secured
in the head and the said bit is thereby rapidly heated.
I prefer to make the hollow and perforated head of the soldering iron
carrying the soldering bit together with the hollow stem in one piece by
the process of casting, but the said parts may be otherwise made.
Soldering irons constructed according to my Invention are convenient
in use, the consumption of gas is small, an intense heating flame is
produced, and the soldering bit may be readily removed and replaced.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF- ACTING TEMPLES FOR LOOMS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John O'Neil and Richard Bond
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 3rd April 1875.
We, JOHN O'NEIL, of Bury, in the County of Lancaster, Manufac-
turer, and RICHARD BOND, of the same Place, Machinist, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-
ACTING TEMPLES FOR LOOMS," to be as follows:—
Our improved self-acting temples for looms consist of two bars of
wood or other material, which are connected together by a joint pin, and
the distance between the ends of which can be varied by means of a
rack and catch or other equivalents.
At the outer end of each bar are one or more spiked rollers which
catch hold of the selvages of the fabric, and the selvages are held on
the spikes by sheet metal guards.

page_text: The outer ends of the rods are supported in hooked studs, which are
free to slide to and fro in brackets bolted to the breast beam, and each
stud is acted upon by a spring. The object of these hooked studs is to
allow the temples to yield in case the shuttle should be trapped in the
shed.
IMPROVED MEANS OF PRESERVING RAW OR COOKED MEAT, AND OTHER RAW OR FRESH OR PREPARED PROVISIONS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Percy Oldfield Francis at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
22nd February 1875.
I, PERCY OLDFIELD FRANCIS, of Nine Elms Wharf, Bridge Foot,
Vauxhall, in the County of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVED MEANS OF PRESERVING RAW OR COOKED MEAT,
AND OTHER RAW OR FRESH OR PREPARED PROVISIONS," to be as follows:—
This Invention relates to improved means of preserving raw or cooked
meat and other raw, or fresh, or prepared provisions, and consists
in embedding such within Portland cement, plaster, or other cementa-
ceous body of a similar character.
The cement or plaster is plastered or otherwise coated upon the meat
or other provisions in a wet state and when set will be found to be
sufficiently hard and compact to prevent the entrance of air or other
agent that would produce decomposition.
AN IMPROVED LUBRICATING Apparatus
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Jeyes and Charles
Hamilton Turner at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 19th January 1875.
WC, JOHN JEYES, of Richmond House, Plaistow, in the County of
Essex, Chemist, and CHARLES HAMILTON TURNER, of Great Winchester
Street, in the City of London, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED LUBRICATING Apparatus,” to be as
follows:-
Our Invention relates to an apparatus for lubricating in an economical
and convenient manner shafts, axles, and other working parts of steam
engines, and other machinery where it is desirable to have a constant and
uniform supply of oil or other fluid lubricant.
The said apparatus is constructed as follows, that is to say, we use a
cup or vessel of any convenient and suitable form, the lower part of the
same being preferably funnel-shaped or round, with a neck or tube for
conducting the oil from the said cup to the part to be lubricated, and in
or immediately over the said neck or tube we place a collar or washer of
leather, metal, or other material. Through this collar we pass a plug or

page_text: conical piece of pumice stone, cane, charcoal, or other similar substance,
that is to say, any suitablo substance whose structure or formation
permits of a capillary action at the exterior of the plug between it and
the sides of the holo in which it is inserted; or we may form the said
plug of wood, metal, or other like material, and roughen the exterior of
the same to give it the required capability of capillary action.
The said plug must be very accurately fitted to its hole in the afore-
said washer or collar, so that the oil can pass only through the small
interstices or channels formed naturally or artificially along the surfaco
of the said plug.
We prefer that the said plug should be a double cone or double plug,
so that it may be inverted when necessary, that is to say, after using it
for some time with one end or cone inserted in the hole in the washer or
collar, it may be reversed and have its other end or cone inscrted in the
said hole. By this contrivance any accumulation of dregs or other
impurities which would obstruct the passage of the oil along the small
interstices or channels of the plug will be removed, and a proper
and regular supply of oil to the part requiring lubrication will bo
insured.
In constructing our lubricators we adapt the size of the plug and its
aperture to the quantity of oil required for lubrication, that is to say, if
a great quantity of oil is required we make the plug and hole larger
than when only a small quantity is to be supplied by the said lubricator.
Instead of the said conical plug we may use a cup and ball made of
either of the aforesaid materials.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RELEASING BOATS FROM SHIPS, READY FOR LOWERING SAME INTO THE SEA
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Edward Lester, and
George Hallett at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 4th January 1875.
We, HENRY EDWARD LESTER, junior, of the Firm of Lester and
Perkins, of Victoria Docks, in the County of Essex, and GEORGE
HALLETT, of Millwall, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
RELEASING BOATS FROM SHIPS, READY FOR LOWERING SAME INTO THE SEA," to be
as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to enable the lashings of boats to be
released with dispatch and safety.
In carrying this Invention into operation we prefer to adopt the
following arrangements :-A rod with a lever attached is fixed on the
side of the chocks and skids worked from the inside on the deck of
the ship, and tumblers are fixed on each end to rod in such a manner
that in throwing the lever before mentioned down the lashings of the
boat are instantly released. Balanced hooks are secured to skids at each
end fitted in tumblers taking the lashing link.

page_text: The lock for the outer chock consists of a single joint and stud, which
is unlocked by one movement of the said lever.
In working the said arrangements we proceed as follows:-In releasing
the boat lashings the lever is thrown down, and by this action the two
tumblers are thrown out of gear, the balanced hooks released, and boats' 5
lashings are then all adrift. And as regards the boat's chocks first place
the lever back in place and then pull lever towards you. This will
unlock the chock and clear boat for lifting. Throw the lever down and
boat's chock is thrown down and clear.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SECURING RAILWAY POINTS TO PROTECT TRAINS IN PASSING OVER THEM
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Hargreaves Bailey at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 2nd November 1875.
I, JOSEPH HARGREAVES BAILEY, of Barnsley, in the County of York,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR SECURING RAILWAY POINTS TO PROTECT TRAINS IN PASSING OVER
THEM," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improvements in apparatus for securing the
points of railway crossings firmly when in position during the passage
of a train of carriages over them. For this purpose levers are arranged
so as to be acted upon by the wheels of the carriages passing over them,
such levers acting to raise or move bolts or other locking instruments
into such a position as to lock or retain the points or switches in correct
position until the last carriage of a train has passed over the crossing.
IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THEATRICAL OR GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Guillermo Antonio Farini at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 22nd December 1875.
I, GUILLERMO ANTONIO FARINI, of Lewisham Road, Forest Hill, in
the Country of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THEATRICAL OR
GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to apparatus to be employed in a novel scenic
effect or gymnastic performance, consisting in the shooting of the actor
or performer from a gun, cannon, or mortar, so constructed that the
gradation of the powder can be controlled to throw the artist to any.
given distance without danger.
。
The tube or body of the gun, cannon, or mortar, is made of iron, brass,
or gun metal, of any length required, and is arranged as a breech-loader.
The required quantity of powder is placed in a small tube or cylinder
which is fixed in the centre of the breech of the gun, and projects
from the inside of the centre of the breech, and within the gun as far
as it is necessary in order to hold sufficient powder. A packed disc or

page_text: wad is placed tightly in the gun immediately against the muzzle of the
tube containing the powder, and it is upon this disc that the performer
or actor places his or her feet, and when the explosion takes place the
performer is ejected, and the disc or wad comes in contact with a
padded shoulder or rim at or near the mouth and is there stopped.
The packing of the disc or wad will prevent any escape of gas
injuring the performer, and the gases and smoke escape immediately the
disc strikes, and the performer is clear of the gun, and in connection with
this cannon, and to prevent all possibility of danger from falling, a net is
employed and suspended by india-rubber springs or ropes in connection
therewith, thereby preventing all possibility of danger.
0
A NEW OR IMPROVED COMBINED TRACTION ENGINE AND STEAM PLOUGH, THE SAME BEING APPLICABLE FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN PLOUGHING
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Turner at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th
December 1875.
I, WILLIAM TURNER, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
of "A NEW OR IMPROVED COMBINED TRACTION ENGINE AND STEAM PLOUGH, THE
SAME BEING APPLICABLE FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN PLOUGHING," to be as follows,
that is to say:—
This Invention relates to a new or improved combined traction engine
and plough, and which may also be used for other agricultural operations.
When used as a steam plough, istead of being hauled or drawn over the
surface to be ploughed by the action of a winding drum upon a rope or
chain passing round one or more anchors, the chain or rope being
operated by an engine in a fixed position as is the case with steam
ploughs at present in use; the improved combined traction engine and
steam plough constituting the present Invention has all its mechanism
attached to itself, and the entire apparatus is propelled over the ground
to be ploughed.

page_text: The improved engine and plough consist of a boiler carried in a
framing supported at either end upon broad carrying rollers, these being
provided with gear for steering, turning, or altering the course of the
plough. At or near the central part of the framing a broad corrugated
driving drum is situated, this being actuated from one or more steam
cylinders and pistons operated by the steam from the boiler.
The ploughs and coulters of which there are two sets are attached to
arms radiating from a shaft carried on the framing, and they are set in
opposite directions for the purpose of enabling the ploughing operation to
be effected in whichever direction the ploughs are or may be moving; 1
those ploughs and coulters which face the direction in which the machine
is travelling being for the time lowered. A stop quadrant or its equivalent
is provided for holding the ploughs in the required position:
When the mechanism is not in use as a plough as herein-before
described, the engine forming part thereof may be used for propelling a 1
reaping machine, the reaping machine being attached to the side thereof
at or near to the shaft of the driving drum. The engine may also be
used for drawing harrows and for rolling land.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STOVES FOR HEATING LAUNDRY IRONS, AND IN UTILIZING THE WASTE HEAT FROM SUCH STOVES FOR DRYING AND AIRING PURPOSES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Taylor at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th
December 1875.
I, EDWARD TAYLOR (of the Firm of Thomas & Taylor), of Salford,
in the County of Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STOVES FOR HEATING
LAUNDRY IRONS, AND IN UTILIZING THE WASTE HEAT FROM SUCH STOVES FOR
DRYING AND AIRING PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to construct a stove capable of heating
a very large number of smoothing irons, and at the same time so to
arrange the stove that it shall be handy, but not in the way of the irons,
nor make the laundry itself too hot, and that the waste heat therefrom
may be utilized for the purpose of drying or airing clothes or other
articles.
In the first place I construct the stove with a fire-place at one end of
a long horizontal flue with fire-brick walls, and a long iron plate or
plates running over the top of the furnace and flues. This plate is for
heating the smoothing irons, and with one fire-place will heat about one

page_text: hundred irons at a time sufficient for about thirty irons, but if a larger
number is required a fire-place may be used at each end of the flue
with a down take flue at the centre leading to the chimney.
.
A drying closet is built at one end or corner of the laundry, and this
stove is placed inside this closet and against the partition wall so that
the flue with its iron plate at the top lies along just inside the partition
wall, and the door of the furnace opens into the laundry. In this wall
I have one or more openings provided with iron sliding doors for
removing and replacing the irons. It will thus be evident that the
whole length of the hot plate over the furnace and flue is available for
heating the smoothing irons, and that the latter are easily accessible by
means of the sliding doors at the same time that the stove not being
actually in the laundry but in the hot drying closet will not make the
laundry too hot, but all its waste heat will be utilized in the drying
closet for drying or airing the clothes or other articles.
1
IMPROVEMENTS IN NOBLES' AND OTHER COMBING MACHINES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Whitehead and Isaac
Best at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 22nd April 1875.
We, THOMAS WHITEHEAD, of Holbeck, in the Parish of Leeds, in the
County of York, a Partner in the Firm of Taylor, Wordsworth, and
Company, of the same Place, Machinists, and ISAAC BEST, of Little
Horton, in the Parish of Bradford, in the said County, Carder and Comber,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN NOBLES' AND OTHER COMBING MACHINES," to be as follows:-
Our improvements consist in raising the noil in the comb and cleaning
the outer rows of teeth of the comb after the top or cleaned fibre has
been drawn from the comb by means of a small roller or rollers armed
with leather or other suitable wings set at right angles to the comb and
driven in any convenient manner at a suitable speed. The noil knives
by this means are enabled so to lift the noil that it may be more
thoroughy taken away by the noil rollers, thus preventing any fibre of

page_text: noil going round with the comb and accidently getting into the cleaned
fibre and spoiling it.
It will be understood that by these means the comb is thoroughly
cleaned, thus saving the attendant the trouble of stopping the machine
to occasionally clean the comb.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR BRINGING CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS IN ACTION
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Axel Hjalmar August Ekström
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
the 20th January 1875.
on.
I, AXEL HJALMAR AUGUST EKSTRÖM, Engineer, of Hamburg, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR BRINGING CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS IN ACTION," to be as follows:-
The purpose of this Invention is to effect a starting of centrifugal
pumps when put in motion by means of a jet of steam, and to do away
with the putting of water into them as formerly done.
My apparatus consists of a cover plate hinged to the flange of the
mouth of the delivery pipe, which plate can be turned up in front of the
latter to shut it. In the middle of this plate a short pipe is fastened,
through which the atmospheric air outside the pump communicates with
that of the delivery and suction pipes, when the former is shut by the
cover plate. In the interior of this short pipe a small bent tube is fitted,
the tube ending in the direction of the outlet of the short pipe, and
communicating on the other end with the steam of the boiler which can
be turned on or off by means of a stop-cock.

page_text: When the pump has to be started the same is put in motion by the
engine or other driving power and the cover plate is shut and the steam
inlet to the bent tube is opened. The steam in rushing with power
through the short pipe into the open air takes air with it and reduces
the pressure of air in the delivery and suction pipes, in consequence of
which the water rises in a very short time to the body of the pump,
which now begins with the delivering of the water. The cover plate is
then turned down from the delivery pipe, and the steam to the bent tube
apparatus is shut off.
-My apparatus can be applied to the pump itself or to any part of the
delivery pipe, the construction of it being modified accordingly..
The application of my apparatus with centrifugal pumps enables me
to do away with the ordinary foot valves of the suction pipes, a feature
of importance, as these valves are often very objectionable and cause a
delay of much time at first starting a pump, they not keeping water and
air tight from one cause or other. As my apparatus brings the water
nearly instantaneously, there is no necessity to keep a column of water
within the suction pipe as formerly, and 1.thereby prevent the pump
becoming frozen in winter time if out of work.
The cover plate when shut is pressed by the outer atmospheric air
tight against the flange as soon as the steam enters the pipe, it therefore
needs no mechanical shutting pressure.
°
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMARINE TUNNELS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Waterhouse Roberts at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 10th September 1875.
I, THOMAS WATERHOUSE ROBERTS, of Bramley, near Rotherham, in
the County of York, do hereby declare the nature of my said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMARINE TUNNELS," to be
as follows:
My Invention relates to an improved method of constructing tunnels
intended to be submerged, and consists chiefly in building the body of
the tunnel which may be made of cast or wrought iron, or other
suitable material in an excavation or dry dock, to be subsequently
utilized as an approach to one end of the tunnel. The ends of the
tunnel so constructed when it is completed are blocked up or closed and
made watertight, and the dock is then filled with water which will float
the tunnel. The partition, earthwork, wall, or gates, between the dock
and the river, or other water intended to be crossed by the tunnel being
opened or removed, the floating tunnel is moored forward over the
desired position, and is sunk by means of balasting or other methods of
weighting.

page_text: In some cases an improved "stay" may be used with advantage as a
foundation upon which the tunnel is to rest. The "stay" consists of
two arms jointed to a stay plate placed crosswise under the bottom of
the tunnel, and so-arranged as to admit of the arms assuming either
of two positions as required, viz., either depending-vertically, as-for-
example, when passing through the opening from the dry dock, or lying
horizontally, as when lowered to its position to the bed of the river.
These stays are to be placed at intervals along the bottom of the tunnel,
and raised from the vertical to the horizontal position by a windlass and
chain or equivalent means.
.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHERS' HEAD RESTS, APPLICABLE ALSO TO STANDS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Johnson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 13th
May 1875.
I, CHARLES JOHNSON, of Leeds, in the County of York, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN
PHOTOGRAPHERS' HEAD RESTS, APPLICABLE ALSO TO STANDS USED FOR OTHER
PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
My Invention of an improvement in photographers' head rests and in
other kinds of stands, such as book and music stands or desks, relates
to improved means of enabling the rest or stand to be adjusted in any
desired position and at any desired height.
In such rests the upright
rod on which the rest or stand is carried has generally been fitted to
slide in a corresponding socket, provided with a set screw to enable it to
be fixed at any required height, a separate joint being provided to admit
of the rest or stand being adjusted at the required inclination.
Now my Invention consists in providing for this vertical and Ïateral
adjustment by one and the same means, and to this end I employ a ball-
and-socket joint of the following construction:-The ball through which

page_text: the upright rod passes is made in two halves, clamping the upright rod
between them so as to grip the rod tightly when the socket in which the
ball works is tightened up. This socket is also made in two parts
hinged together and provided with a thumbscrew, by which the socket
may be tightened up or loosened as required. By loosening this thumb-
screw the upright rod may be slid through the ball, and at same time
inclined by the ball working in its socket, whereby the rest is adjusted
both as regards height and position at one and the same action, the
whole being firmly secured by tightening the screw.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING STEAM
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Randal Plunkett at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
30th September 1875.
I, JOHN RANDAL PLUNKETT, of 10, Belle Vue, in Dublin, in the
County of Dublin, Ireland, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING STEAM,”
to be as follows: :-
This Invention is designed to produce a simple, cheap, and highly
efficient condenser, which shall occupy but a small space and be readily
adaptable to stationary and other engines. For this purpose I carry the
exhaust or waste steam pipe into a suitable chamber or vessel, in which
I arrange above the extremity of the said pipe a series of shelves or
partitions in such manner as to leave a space between the end of each
shelf or partition and the corresponding end or lateral portion of the
chamber or vessel, such spaces being alternately at opposite ends or
sides of the vessel or chamber. Above the upper shelf I provide a pipe,
through which cold water is caused to flow on to and along the upper
shelf, thence by the space between its end and the end or lateral portion
of the chamber or vessel on to the next lower shelf, along which the

page_text: water travels to the opposite end or side of the chamber or vessel, where
it falls on to the succeeding shelf, and so on according to the number of
shelves or partitions, which may be varied to suit circumstances.
The steam issuing from the exhaust or waste steam pipe is caused to
impinge against the under side of the lower shelf or partition, along i
which it travels to the opening between the end of that shelf or partition
and the end or lateral portion of the chamber or vessel, thence upward
and along between the two lower shelves, and so on traversing the
apparatus in a contrary direction to, and being consequently met by the
stream of cold water flowing downward; thus the steam is condensed, 1
the heated water collects in the lower portion of the chamber or vessel
and is carried off by a suitable pipe, and may be fed to the boiler by a
pump or otherwise utilized. The chamber or vessel is provided with a
pipe and blow-off cock for clearing the apparatus, and with a water
gauge. A pipe is also provided for carrying off the steam when the 1
apparatus is not working.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SURFACE CONDENSERS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Leighton Mills at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th June
1875.
I, LEIGHTON MILLS, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SURFACE
CONDENSERS," to be as follows:-
The object of my Invention is to facilitate the cleaning of the tubes of
surface condensers, the putting together of the parts after they have been
cleaned and examined, and to obtain a greater cooling surface in a given
space.
In performing my Invention I arrange the tubes by preference in sets
or nests, and fix the ends of the tubes in tube plates either with or
without packing, each pair of plates are so proportioned as regards
dimensions (either in diameter if circular, or if rectangular in superficial
area) that the smaller of the two will pass through the opening of the
larger end of the condenser, the other end of the condenser being
provided with an opening suitable to the size of the smaller plate, by
which means the whole nest or set can be taken clear out of the

page_text: condenser. The plates are fastened to the condenser either by screw
studs and nuts, or by means of conical joints or other suitable device.
Again the plates can both be made of the same superficial area, so that
the set cannot wholly leave the condenser, but can be taken far enough
out for the purpose of cleaning and examining.
When it is preferred to dispense with the use of packing the tubes can
be placed closer together than is usual in the present practice, thereby
obtaining greater cooling surface. This facility in cleaning allows the
engineer to apply more lubricant to the pistons and valves of the engine,
thus reducing friction, and for the same reason a better vacuum can be :
maintained.
NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR CUTTING COAL AND OTHER MINERALS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Foulis at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th March
1875.
I, WILLIAM FOULIS, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention of "NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR CUTTING COAL AND OTHER
MINERALS," to be as follows, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to new or improved machinery for cutting coal
and other minerals;
The mechanism constituting the Invention consists of a hydraulic
cylinder and ram mounted upon a truck or carriage which runs upon
rails laid on the floor of the working, out of or from which the coal is to
be cut.
The ram of the hydraulic apparatus is fitted with a chizel or cutter,
and as the ram is reciprocated by the action of the water admitted to
and escaping from its alternate sides in the cylinder by the action of a
slide or piston valve or the equivalent thereof, the chizel or cutter is

page_text: forced into the coal or other mineral at the under side of the seam, and
the "holing" or removal of the quantity of coal or other mineral
necessary to the bringing down of the main body of the seam is thereby
effected.
The mechanism may be provided with a self-acting pawl and rack 5
arrangement for traversing it on the rails as the "holing" or cutting.
progresses, or this may be dispensed with, in which case it may be
advanced in front of the working face through being pushed by an
attendant.
In order to provide an abutment against which the force applied to 1
the chizel or cutter bears, the cylinder itself or the carriage or truck
upon which it is borne has a flanch formed thercon, which bears against
one of the rails, or the opposite side of the working may be used as an
abutment.
The pressure of water for working the mechanism is in most cases 1
supplied by the height of the column represented by the depth of the pit,
but when this is insufficient an accumulator may be used.
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING FLOUR FROM MIDDLINGS OR SHARPS, SEPERATING AND CLEANSING WHEAT OR OTHER GRAIN
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Pritt at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 24th
December 1875.
I, RICHARD PRITT, of Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Corn
Miller, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING FLOUR FROM MIDDLINGS OR SHARPS,
SEPERATING AND CLEANSING WHEAT OR OTHER GRAIN," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to an apparatus for the better seperating of
flour from middlings or sharps, dispensing with the vibrating screen so
destructive to the framing and injurious to all mechanical movements.
The same apparatus with different clothing is also applicable to the
cleansing and seperating wheat or other grain also. I use the ordinary
cylinder, inside of which works the ordinary shaft, arms, and beaters,
or their equivalents. This cylinder for flour is clothed with silk, but
for wheat or other grain I clothe the cylinder with zinc, wire, or other
equivalent. Longitudinal with this said cylinder outside the silk I
employ a rotative brush (in motion) to keep it clear. Likewise outside
the same on the other side or in any convenient position I fix a

page_text: distributor which distributes the flour so as to subject it to a current of
air. This current of air I may take from any part of the machine.
Inside the before-mentioned cylinder and within a few inches of the
clothing I fix an inside cylinder of tin, zinc, or any such like material,
or its equivalent, in order to keep the grain or flour more upon the
inside surface of the cylinder. This I may or not use according to my
requirements.
IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY SLEEPERS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Samuel Aldred at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st April
1875
I, SAMUEL ALDRED, of No 5, Maryon Road, Charlton, in the County
of Kent, Inspecting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY SLEEPERS," to be as
follows:-
-
This Invention has for its object improvements in railway sleepers,
and relates especially to sleepers of the class known as bowl or pot
sleepers.
I cast the sleeper clliptical or oval, the major axis being at right
angles to the rail, within the bowl passing across it on either side of the
major axis I provide two parallel wrought-iron strengthening bars, the
bowl is cast upon them and their ends enter its sides
2
1

page_text: form with corresponding elevations and depressions, so that when they
have been driven they cannot shake loose The sleeper is strenghened
along its minor axis by a web cast within the bowl underneath the part
where the rail takes its bearing.
The two parallel wrought-iron bars pass through this web which is
cast upon them.
The side or rim of the bowl is deeper on the outer side of the sleeper
so as to penetrate some depth into the ballast to obtain a better hold.
In the centre of the sleeper on its upper surface are two jaws between
which the rail is received; it rests on a cushion of wood and is secured
with a wooden key.
I curve the jaw of the chair at the part where the key bears upon it
and I give something of a similar curved form to the key so that the
key as it is driven in follows a curved course.
IMPROVEMENTS IN GOVERNORS FOR STEAM & OTHER ENGINES
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John William Hartley at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
29th June 1875.
I, JOHN WILLIAM HARTLEY, of the California Works, Stoke-upon-
Trent, in the County of Stafford (Engineer), do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN GOVERNORS FOR STEAM & OTHER
ENGINES," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in governors for steam
and other engines. For this purpose I employ a cylinder mounted by
preference horizontally; it is filled almost or entirely full with water or
other liquid. An axis passes through the cylinder, and a screw of
nearly the same diameter as the cylinder is fixed upon it. The axis is
driven from the engine by a belt and pulley or in other convenient way.
The action of the screw on the liquid causes a longitudinal thrust on the
axis. The axis is able to yield to the thrust, but in doing so it has to
lift a weight mounted on a bent lever so arranged that the higher the
weight is lifted the greater the leverage with which it opposes the
thrust of the axis. This lever is also coupled with the throttle or
controlling valve of the engine and closes it as the weight rises.

page_text: Between the two ends of the cylinder a side passage is made, which
when open allows the liquid put in motion by the screw to circulate.
The freer the circulation which is thus allowed, the less (at any given
velocity) is the thrust upon the axis of the screw. The amount of
circulation through the side channel can be adjusted by means of a cock
provided for the purpose, and so the governor is set to keep the engine
at the speed which it is desired to maintain.
In place of allowing the axis of the screw to move in a longitudinal
direction, the axis may be fixed and the screw be caused to force the
water against a piston or disc which is able to move, and on moving
alters the position of the throttle or controlling valve.
Another part of the Invention relates to ball governors. The throttle
or controlling valve is geared with an axis having a bevilled tooth wheel
upon it which engages with two other toothed wheels one opposite the
other. Between these wheels is a double cone on an axis which revolves
with the governor and receives a longitudinal motion as they diverge or
converge. The bevilled wheels between which the cone is placed have
corresponding hollows into which the cone fits. When the governor
balls diverge from their normal position, the cone comes in contact with
one of these bevilled wheels and rotates it, turning at the same time the
axis which controls the valve. When on the contrary the governor balls
converge the other bevilled wheel with which the cone works is rotated,
and the axis which controls the valve is turned in the opposite
direction.
IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS CHANDELIERS
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Charles Mcason at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
28th July 1875.
I, JOHN CHARLES MEASON, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Designer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS CHANDELIERS," to be as follows, that is to
say :—
The object of my Invention is to dispense with the usual water cup,
and slide of gas chandeliers, and also to obtain increased security from
gas explosions I attach the chains of the weight to the vase, husk, or
mount which is secured at the top of the neck, and the vase and neck
so connected are attached by screwing or otherwise to the top of the
body the vase and neck from a slide, and also a support to the body and
arms, thus allowing the body and arms to slide with the vase and neck
up and down the rod or gas tube, which is screwed to the ceiling and
remains rigid, and has the weight and chain pullies fixed thereon below
the ceiling plate, the down rod or gas tube passes through the vase and
neck into the body, and supplies the gas to the arms of the chandelier,
which is effected by securing lengths of flexible tubing to the down rod

page_text: or gas tube, and to the screwed connections of the arms inside the body;
each length of flexible tubing is, by preference, separately connected to
the down rod or gas tube by means of a joint screwed into a nose piece
fixed to or forming the bottom end of the down rod or gas tube, and in
the nose piece are formed separate gas ways to each flexible tube from
the down rod or gas tube to each arm, thus I only employ one tube
forming down rod and gas way, and the vase and neck with the body
and arms slide upon the down rod and gas tube a sufficient distance,
which is regulated by a collar or stop upon the down rod and gas tube,
and the flexible tubes are of a length to allow of the vase, neck, body,
and arms being pulled up and down the down rod or gas tube without
strain or pressure upon the flexible tubes.