matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Peter Hindle at the Office of tho
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th June 1854.
I, PETER HINDLE, of Ramsbottom, in the County of Lancaster, Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING to be as follows:-
My improvements consist in the application to power looms of a small lever
or levers, or any other suitable substitute, for the purpose of lifting the weights
or springs, as commonly employed for giving tension to the warp and cloth
when used in connection with the cloth roller, whereby such tension weights
or springs are relieved at each pick, as the weaving proceeds, instead of always
hanging at full tension, and consequently breaking the warp threads, as now
frequently occurs.
I place upon the ordinary "tappet shaft" two small extra tappets or cams;
for this purpose the tappets are caused to act upon the lifting levers just at
the same time as the ordinary tappets act upon the "treadles," so as to let the
beam at liberty when the "shed" is forming, and when the "taking up wheel "
is in the act of "taking a tooth."
IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PULVERIZING METALLIC ORES OR OTHER SIMILARLY HARD SUBSTANCES
Year: 1854

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Reed Hill at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th August
1854.
I, JOHN REED HILL, of 39, Princes Street, Stamford Street, Lambeth, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PULVERIZING METALLIC ORES OR OTHER SIMILARLY HARD
SUBSTANCES" to be as follows:-
I use conical rollers, revolving on a horizontal bed plate, having a circular
depression fitted to the rollers, as shewn by the annex'd sketch; where A, A,
represents the rollers; B, B, a section of the bed plate; C, horizontal, & D
a vertical shaft, for driving the rollers; E, crank shaft; & F, the cylinder of
a steam engine.
The advantage of this kind of roller consists in the great amount of grinding
or twisting action which takes place between it & the bed plate in addition to
the merely crushing operation; as, for instance, suppose the rollers, &c. to be of
the dimensions shewn by the sketch, & that the rollers, on being driven around,
merely roll without sliding on the bed plate at the point a, it is clear that the
rollers will make two revolutions around on the bed plate to one on their axis,
& that the surface of the roller all along the line of contact, from a to b, will be
that of a sliding motion as well as that of rolling; so that the outer end of the
roller, having made two revolutions only on the bed plate, will have pass'd over

page_text: a space of four times its circumferential measure, thereby producing the
twisting or grinding motion so essential for pulverizing any hard substances.
Another advantage in the depress'd bed plate is in its containing water or
other fluids when found beneficial. The dimensions of this grinding machinery,
scrapers for moving the material, conical shape or proportions of the rollers,
& other matters of detail, will be determin'd by the kind & nature of
materials to be operated on.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PREPARATION AND ROASTING OF COFFEE AND OTHER SUBSTANCES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Curle Robertson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
18th May 1854.
I, JAMES CURLE ROBERTSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PREPARATION AND ROASTING OF COFFEE AND OTHER
SUBSTANCES" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the arranging machinery or apparatus for roasting
coffee and other substances, as well for drying various matters, that the heat
may be uniformly and effectively applied to the mass of matter under treatment.
In the apparatus, as contrived for roasting coffee, it consists of the ordinary
revolving roasting cylinder, as the actual vessel in which the coffee is placed
during the operation. This vessel is actuated in the usual manner as the
roasting goes on, but instead of being exposed to the direct heat of the fire, it
is encircled by another fixed cylinder, leaving an air space between the two.
It is to this external cylinder that the roasting heat is applied, so that a hot-air
bath is formed all round the internal roasting cylinder. This causes a uniform
diffusion of the roasting heat, and hence the roasting is conducted in a regular
and effective manner. Various forms of apparatus may be used in carrying
out this system in practice, the object being the interposition of an external
diaphragm and air space between the fire and the coffee. Malt and other

page_text: substances may be similarly treated. To test the coffee whilst the operation
goes on, a testing rod or scoop is fitted into the hollow revolving spindle of
the roasting cylinder. This rod is .so contrived that it may be inserted and
withdrawn, as is necessary, for the extraction of a portion of the coffee, to
indicate the progress of the roasting operation.
IMPROVED MACHI- NERY FOR REMOVING THE SEED FROM FLAX AND OTHER PLANTS, AND BREAKING THE BOLLS OR PODS
Year: 1854

page_text: sioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the 2nd June 1853.
(Void by reason of notice to proceed not having been given within the
time prescribed by the Act.)
We, NICHOLAS MARSHALL CUMMINS, of Cork, and JOHN DE COCK
KENIFECK, of Belfast, both in the Kingdom of Ireland, Gentlemen, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVED MACHI-
NERY FOR REMOVING THE SEED FROM FLAX AND OTHER PLANTS, AND BREAKING
THE BOLLS OR PODS," to be as follows:-
The machine which forms the subject of our Invention has for its
object to detach the seed bolls or pods from flax, hemp, and other
vegetable fibrous materials, and to break the said seed bolls or pods,
and remove the seeds therefrom. Ilitherto this has been a tedious
operation, and, unless care is employed, is frequently very inefficiently
performed. By means of our improved machine this object is effected
in an expeditious, economical, and most effectual manner. The head,
or that part of the plant where the seed bolls or pods are situated, is
placed upon a table, over which are made to pass a number of rubbing

page_text: surfaces or blocks, which are affixed to arms extending from a vertical
shaft, which is actuated in any convenient manner. The table on
which the plants are placed ought to be supported in such a manner
that it will yield to any undue pressure, such as when any extraneous
matter or too large a bunch of the plants is placed thercon. By this
means the entrance of any extraneons substances, such as a stick or
stone, would not materially derange the machine. The rubbing table
upon which the plants to be operated upon are placed is corrugated or
roughened on its upper surfaces, and forms part of a circle, and may be
from two to three feet long. The rubbing blocks may, if required, be
also corrugated or roughened on their under surfaces.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS AND TILES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Finlay at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 2nd September
1854.
I, WILLIAM FINLAY, of Aylesford, in the County of Kent, Superintendent of
the Aylesford Pottery Company's Works, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS
AND TILES."
This Invention relates to the manufacture of bricks & tiles, either solid or
hollow, by compression, in place of forcing the clay or other plastic material
through dies, and consists in the employment of a revolving door in com-
bination with a piston or plunger and chamber, the piston being worked by a
crank on the main shaft of the machine. This door turns on a centre at tho
end of the chamber, & consists of four pallets fitted or cast on to a central
base, through which is passed the axis of the door. Each pallet of the door,
when brought into a vertical position, completely closes the end of the chamber,
& is held secure & firm in that position by a lid on the top of the chamber,
such lid having an overhanging lip formed upon it, against which rests or bears
a vertical pallet of the revolving door when the compression commences.
The revolving door, herein-before mentioned, is actuated by an eccentric,
& is prevented making more than one quarter of a revolution at each stroke

page_text: of the piston by means of a pall & a ratchet wheel, having four notches in its
periphery, such wheel being fast on the axis of the door; in connection with
the piston rod is a cross head fitted with two key bolts, which take into lugs
on the sides of the upper lid of the chamber, & prevent it from rising during
the forming of the brick.
When the brick or tile is compressed, the key bolts are drawn back by the
piston rod, & the lid is freo to rise, by the aid of a spring & side lover,
thereby releasing the vertical pallet of the revolving door, & allowing it to
make a quarter of a revolution with the compressed brick upon it, which may
be then removed by an attendant. This movement brings another pallet into
a vertical position, & again closes the end of the chamber, when another
lump of clay is inserted & a second brick formed, in the manner herein-before
described.
In order to ensure perfect steadiness in the door, four studs are fitted into
the side of the ratchet wheel, which studs are kept steady by a suitable blade
spring when the door is at rest, thereby preventing any further movement of
the same, & ensuring that the door shall not make more than a quarter of a
revolution at one time. Another blade spring & ratchet wheel on the opposite
side of the chamber are employed to keep the door firmly in the place to which
it has been brought by the eccentric. In order to prevent the chamber being
clogged up by loose clay behind the piston, an aperture is left across the bottom
of the chamber, through which such clay is expelled by the back stroke of the
piston.
IMPROVED APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO THE VENTILATION OF SHIPS AND MINES AND OTHER USEPUL PURPOSES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Higgins at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th October 1854.
I, THOMAS HIGGINS, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Commander,
Royal Navy, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVED
APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO THE VENTILATION OF SHIPS AND MINES AND OTHER USEPUL
PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of two circular tubes or pipes, in which are placed
shafts with screws formed upon them, so as to fill the space within the pipes,
or nearly so. The screw shafts are mounted upon suitable bearings, and are
each provided at the upper end with a fan turncap, which is acted upon by the
wind, and which gives motion to the screw shafts. One of the screw shafts
rotates so as to carry a current of air down the pipe, and the other, travelling
in a reverse direction, will cause a current to travel up the pipe. By this
arrangement it will be seen, that if the fan caps be acted upon by the wind,
and the lower ends of the pipes be introduced into, say, the hold of a ship, a
constant current of air will be carried thereunto by one pipe, and discharged
therefrom by the other. A screen (or hood) is attached to the top of the
pipes, which is mounted so that it will shift round to protect the portion of
the fan cap or wind propeller not required to be acted upon by the wind.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS OR TILES FROM CLAY OR OTHER PLASTIC MATERIALS
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Ellis Rowland at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th March 1854.
I, ELLIS ROWLAND, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS OR TILES FROM CLAY OR
OTHER PLASTIC MATERIALS" to be as follows:-
My improvements apply to the manufacture of bricks and tiles, and consist
in a novel arrangement and construction of machinery adapted to such pur-
pose. Although my Invention is equally applicable to the manufacture of clay
and other plastic materials (when the pressure is modified in degree) into bricks
and tiles, or blocks of such forms, as compressing peat or other materials for
fuel, &c., yet the principal use of my improvements is in the manufacture of
bricks and tiles from dry, pulverized, or disintegrated clay, the particles of the
same being caused to adhere by a considerable pressure. The apparatus con-
sists of a feeding hopper for the clay, &c., which is introduced into the moulds
or recesses in a circular table, and as such table of moulds revolves, the brick
or mass of material in the mould arrives over a pallet or plunger, which is
caused ascend with considerable and instantaneous pressure, thereby com-
pressing the material in the mould into a solid brick or block. The pressure
is given to the rising pallet or plunger by the upward stroke of a piston worked

page_text: by the direct action of steam in a cylinder, exactly in a similar manner to the
ordinary steam engine, the steam being supplied by a slide valve, and with-
drawn by an exhaust valve, as required. After the rise of the plunger to the
full extent required for the manufacture of the brick, a further ascending
motion is imparted by cams or other means, and the brick is thereby forced
upwards entirely out of the mould, through the table, and ready to be removed.
This action is continuous, or any suitable number of moulds for bricks may be
made in the table, and by an arrangement of cams or tappets the steam valve
is opened to the cylinder, and the exhaust valve worked as required for the
piston to fall, and so on alternately; which cams may be connected to any
reciprocating motion, or other suitable arrangement of driving gear.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN PURIFYING GAS FROM AMMONIA AND OTHER IMPURITIES, IN OBTAINING AMMONIA AND CERTAIN SALTS OF AMMONIA AND SODA, AND IN TREATING CERTAIN SALTS OF AMMONIA
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Laming at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 8th September
1854.
I, RICHARD LAMING, of Carlton Villas, Maida Vale, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN PURIFYING GAS FROM AMMONIA AND OTHER IMPURITIES, IN OBTAINING
AMMONIA AND CERTAIN SALTS OF AMMONIA AND SODA, AND IN TREATING CERTAIN
SALTS OF AMMONIA," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates, 1st, to the use of a rotating sieve for distributing
liquids in gas purifiers, and to the purifying of gas from ammonia, by liquids
repeatedly returned to the purifiers with successive additions of sulphuric acid.
2ndly, to the purifying of gas from its carbonic and hydro-sulphuric acids and
ammonia, by a systematic application of water, and a suitable hydro-sulphate
of ammonia.
3rdly, to the obtaining of ammonia and hydro-sulphate of ammonia in a
state suitable for purifying gas, by decomposing any ordinary bydro-sulphate of
ammonia by oxide of iron or other cheap metallic oxide.
4thly, to the obtaining of ammonia and hydro-sulphate of ammonia in a
state suitable for purifying gas simultaneously with carbonate of soda, by
decomposing in heated retorts or chambers a mixture of a carbonate of ammonia

page_text: and sulphuret of sodium with or without oxide of iron or other cheap metallic
oxide.
5thly, to the heating of certain carbonates of ammonia for producing and
purifying sesquicarbonate of ammonia, and to the consolidation of certain salts
of ammonia by pressure, as a substitute for sublimation.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN COATING WITH ZINC BY GALVANIZATION
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Cleophas Person at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th
April 1854.
I, (CHARLES CLEOPHAS) PERSON, (Knight of the Legion of Honour,)
Professor, of Paris, Empire of France, and of 16, Castle Street, Holborn
(City), London, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN COATING WITH ZINC BY GALVANIZATION
follows:-
My improvements consist in a new process by which metals are coated or
galvanized with zinc in a cheaper and more effectual manner than can be done
by any of the modes now known or in use.
This process, which may be termed "voltaic zincage by the help of
alumina," is founded upon the intercession or use of alumina in the electro-
lytic bath; ie., the alumina acts as a medium and facilitates the reduction of
the zinc to a great extent. Thus, a single pair is sufficient even with the
sulphate of zinc, and the reduction is quite regular; i. e., the metallic layer
thickens in proportion to the time spent. For this purpose, the alumina is
introduced into the bath either as a haloid salt, or as a double or single acid
salt. Thus, alum, chloride of aluminum, simple sulphate of alumina, and the
different kinds of alum produce almost equally good results, the main point.

page_text: being to have a salt of zinc and alumina present in the electrolytical solution;
for instance, it is sufficient to dissolve alumina in a state of jelly in a solution
of sulphate of zinc. As amongst all the alumina salts potassic alum is the
cheapest, I have given to it the preference, and the following is the compo-
sition of the bath -I generally use 100 parts of water, 10 parts crystallized
alum, and one part of oxyd of zinc. The oxyd of zinc need not be hydrated.
The solution is prepared hot, and no precipitate will be formed if the tempera-
ture does not sink below 60° Fahrenheit. The article which is to be coated
with zinc is fixed on the negative pole of a single pair of a Brunsen's or Daniell's
battery. A sheet of zinc is fixed on to the-primitive pole, and the whole
immersed in the bath. The zinc then appears immediately with a blueish
grey colour, and although dull, may be easily rubbed into metallic brightness.
Strictly speaking, the oxyd of zinc is soluble in alum, but the oxyd quickens
the process. The reduction takes place on all metals now in use, viz., iron,
copper, platina, &c.; and the adhesion is complete if care has been taken
previously to make the surface of the article bright.
IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSETS
Year: 1854

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Henry Watson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Decla-
ration, on the 21st January 1854, pursuant to the 9th section of the
Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I HENRY
WATSON, of High Bridge, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, do hereby declare that
the nature of the said Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER CLOSETS," and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to
the Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
(that is to say):-
The object of this Invention is to simplify the arrangement of apparatus
for moving the pans or valves of water closets, and for supplying water thereto,
and consists of combining the axis of the pan or valve of a water closet with
the plug or valve of the water supply pipe, and using a box at the end of the
supply pipe, as hereafter explained.
And in order that the Invention may be more fully understood and readily
carried into practice, I will proceed to describe the means pursued by me.

page_text: 1
RAWING.
Figures 1 and 2 show two vertical sections (taken at right angles to each
other) of a pan water closet having my improvements applied thereto. B is
the basin, which may be either enamelled, metal, or earthenware; T is the
trunk; P is the pan which forms the usual water trap, and prevents the
effluvia rising from the soil pipe or drain. The pan P is attached to the axle
A, which on drawing up the handle H, is brought into the position shown by
the dotted line D, L. The cock key is shown as connected directly with the
axle A, and consequently the cock will be opened at the same time as the pan,
and the service box or reservoir S, R, will be filled, and the basin flushed with
On the handle 1 being shut down, the pan will be returned into its
place, and a sufficient quantity of water will be left in the service box or
reservoir S, R, to fill up the pan after the supply from the supply pipe is cut
off by means of the cock C.
I would state that the above-described combination of apparatus may be
applied to a valve closet. In both cases the axis A is to be conducted through
and move in stuffing boxes in the sides of the trunk or outer vessel T. The
handle H is connected by a rod to the weighted arm or lever W, which is
fixed to the axis; P is the supply pipe.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, I would have it under-
stood that what I claim is, the combination of the parts W, A, C, P, and S, R,
as herein described.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Henry Watson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Witness,
G. G. G. STABLE,
Sol',
Newcastle-on-Tyne.
HENRY WATSON. (L.S.)
A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION, APPLICABLE TO FORTS, FLOATING BATTERIES, POWDER MAGAZINES, BEAMS OR GIRDERS, AND OTHER STRUCTURES WHERE GREAT STRENGTH IS REQUIRED
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Arrowsmith at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st December
1854.
I, JOHN ARROWSMITH, of Bilston, in the County of Stafford, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION, APPLICABLE TO FORTS, FLOATING BATTERIES, POWDER
MAGAZINES, BEAMS OR GIRDERS, AND OTHER STRUCTURES WHERE GREAT STRENGTH IS
REQUIRED," to be as follows:-
My said Invention consists in combining together plates or bars of iron in
the following manner, that is to say:-I form, by rolling or otherwise, bars or
plates of iron of two kinds. One kind of the said bars or plates is provided
with longitudinal ribs or feathers running along their whole length and on
opposite sides; the other kind of bars or plates is provided with longitudinal
grooves or depressions running along their whole lengths; the figure of the
said grooves or depressions being the counterpart of the ribs or feathers in the
first-described bars or plates, I lay the said bars or plates upon one another
alternately, so that the ribs or feathers in the one engage in or occupy the
grooves or depressions in the other; the bars or plates thus piled on one

page_text: another are bound together by transverse bars, rivetted or otherwise fastened
to the said bars or plates. Or the bars may be all of one kind, each having a
feather or rib on one side and a groove or depression on the other. Walls or
plates formed in the way described are of great strength, and may be used for
all such structures as require to be of great strength.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLYING STEAM FOR OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE PURPOSES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Brindley at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th June 1854.
I, WILLIAM BRINDLEY, of Moorgate Street, in the City of London, Machinist,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPLYING STEAM FOR OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE PURPOSES" to be as follows:-
My said Invention relates to applying steam, particularly high pressure
steam, by means of metal and of flexible tubing, in such a manner that the
steam may be directed from a vessel, building, or other place, thereby serving
as an auxiliary mode of attack or defence.
For steam vessels, I recommend one or more main steam pipes to be laid
above deck in any part most convenient, and communicating with the engine
boiler, or a separate boiler, having also suitable steam cocks to shut off or let
on the steam as required. To the main steam pipes I attach branch pipes in
all directions they may be desired; and to the main pipes or the branch pipes
I attach other pipes, having ball and socket joints, or connected by vulcanized
india-rubber tubing, terminating in metal, wood, or other like nozzles, from
which the steam is to issue. These jointed or flexible tubes are to be covered
with felt, or have wood handles or other suitable means provided for manipu-
lating them safely by hand.
For merchantmen, steam boilers would have to be used specially for the

page_text: intended object, and so likewise with other vessels and buildings or places
not having boilers connected with steam engine power.
I
It is obvious that my said Invention may be very considerably modified, and
rendered available in protecting vessels against pirates or other enemies.
therefore sometimes arrange the steam pipes in such a manner that the steam,
just before its exit,. becomes charged with sand, or any cheap obnoxious
chemical preparation, to be propelled and dispersed by the velocity of the
steam. I do not limit myself to the dimensions, number, or situation of the
several parts.
The novelty of my said Invention consists in employing steam, particularly
high pressure steam, directly as an auxiliary means of offence and defence
in the protection of vessels, buildings. & other places, in the manner
described.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FURNACES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Quick at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th December
1854.
I, JOSEPH QUICK, of Sumner Street, Southwark, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FURNACES," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in the construction of steam
boiler and other furnaces, with a view to obtain better combustion of fuel,
and to prevent the passage away of smoke therefrom. For this purpose the
furnace bars are reduced in length, by preference about one-half, and such
is the case in respect to the ash-pit; and the space thus left in front of the
bridge is arranged with an inclined bottom, and is provided with a door in
front under the end of the furnace bars. In front of the ordinary bridge is
formed a stop or hanging bridge, in such manner that the products passing
from the fuel on the furnace bars are forced to descend below the top of the
ordinary bridge, and consequently to mix with the products passing from, and
be heated by, the fire in the space beyond the ends of the fire bars and in
front of the bridge.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TILLS
Year: 1854

page_text: I, WILLIAM SYMES, of Pimlico, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TILLS
to be as follows:-
My tills are divided into three compartments, each of which has a hinged
top. I place over the two compartments intended for the reception of gold
and silver a piece of glass or wirework, and connected to the under side of
each top is a box, into which the coins fall, and remain visible until passed
into the lower part of the till, as hereafter explained. The bottom of this box
is a slide or tray, which may be drawn out by a rod passing through the front
of the till, when the cash will fall into a bowl placed in the bottom of the
till. The slide may be made to resume its place by an india-rubber or other
suitable spring. I propose to let my tills into the back of a counter and flush
with the top and side. Space will be saved by no drawer having to be drawn
out behind the counter in order to give change or to empty the till.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN Looms
Year: 1854

page_text: (This Invention received Provisional Protection, but notice to proceed with the
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Louis Bois at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th June 1854.
I, Louis Bois, Stockholder, of Paris, Empire of France, and of 16, Castle
Street, Holborn (City), London, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN Looms" to be as follows, viz. :-
My improvements consist in a new kind of lathe or batten which works
without a shuttle, and without passing the cops between the warp threads. For
this purpose, the weft threads required are wound upon bobbins, which are
placed on skewers in a suitable position near the batten; they may be made to
pass between small glass cylinders, and from thence through glass guide rings.
They then enter the eye or hook of a needle, which is fixed on a bar sliding
on the former shuttle race; the number of needles or slide bars used is pro-
portional to the number of different weft threads. These slides thus carry in
succession the thread through the shed and back, being set in motion by a
jacquard machine, by the help of cords and springs or weights, or the thread-
carrying needles may receive their reciprocating motion by any other suitable
means. The weft, as it is thus passed through the shed, is taken up by one or
more needles on each side of the warp. These needles take hold of the loop
as it is carried over by the weft needle, and keep it till the next pick or picks
is or are shot. These needles thus form the selvage of the salvage of the
fabric. They may be actuated by the slide bars, above mentioned, by means

page_text: If
of bell crank levers, or else by means of any other suitable mechanism.
it be desired to draw out the loop to different lengths, so as to form fancy
fringes or trimmings, the holding needles may be actuated by a jacquard
apparatus, the needles either receiving periodically a different angular travel,
or else several needles, placed at different distances, being acted upon
periodically, so as to form the design required. My improvements consist in a
system of thread-carrying needles, by which the weft is crossed through the
shed, another set of needles holding the weft thus shot, for the purpose of
forming a selvage or fringed border.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING (WHILE RIDING) WITH THE DRIVERS OR GUARDS OF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE VEHICLES
Year: 1854

page_text: was not given
Pr
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Banfield at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 24th February
1854.
I, JOHN BANFIELD, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Organ
Builder, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING (WHILE RIDING) WITH THE DRIVERS OR GUARDS
OF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE VEHICLES" to be as follows (that is to say) :-
My Invention consists in applying to carriages or vehicles used for street or
common road travelling, a means whereby the occupant or occupants may
communicate with the driver or guard of such carriage or vehicle, and the
manner in which I purpose carrying my Invention into effect will be under-
stood by the following description:-I propose using two tubes, secured together
for convenience, one about one inch in diameter in the bore, and the other
about half an inch in the bore. Those tubes I propose to make of gutta
percha, that material being a good conducter of sound, but it may be necessary
at the part that passes through from the inside to the outside of the vehicle to
use tube more flexible or pliable than gutta percha, and in that case I prefer
using tube composed of india-rubber, to which the gutta percha both outside
and inside must be securely fixed. To the outer end of the small tube I
attach a whistle, and to the end of the larger tube I attach a suitable mount-

page_text: ing of a trumpet form for the guard or driver to apply his ear to receive the
instructions from the occupant, the inner end being fitted with a suitable
mounting for the mouth of the occupant to speak through, while the smaller
tube is supplied with a mounting through which the occupant blows to sound
the whistle.
This being the main feature of my Invention, I may add that it is capable
of considerable modification, such as applying the apparatus on each side of a
carriage, the both tubes being connected in the roof to one outlet, and which
outlet may be more durable and convenient (for the use of public vehicles) if
made of metal, the whistle being connected with such tube in any convenient
part, so as not to interfere with its convenience as a speaking tube; or the
second or whistle tube may be dispensed with altogether by using a portable
whistle, such whistle being formed to fit the mouth-piece of the speaking tube,
and being portable may be removed after calling attention and any directions
given through the same tube; or it may be preferable, in lieu of using the
whistle, to substitute a string attached to. an alarm or bell. And in case of such
apparatus being applied to omnibuses, it may be necessary to have several
mouth-pieces and whistle stopper or bell pulls, all concentrated to one outlet or
bell to the guard or driver, as it may be desirable.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS FOR NAVIGATING SHIPS OR OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Isaac Pearse at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 6th January 1854.
I, ISAAC PEARSE, of Cawsand, in the County of Cornwall, Pilot, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS FOR
NAVIGATING SHIPS OR OTHER VESSELS" to be as follows:-
I make an instrument or apparatus for facilitating navigation in " great
circle sailing," to do which I take a hemisphere made to represent either
moiety of the globe (say, the Eastern hemisphere). I attach thereto a
meridian of brass or any other suitable material, in such way as to divide the
hemisphere north and south. I then fix or attach to the said meridian,
in such way as to permit of its sliding or being moved at pleasure, a compass,
that is to say, so much of the compass as represents the graduated points,
as in a compass card (the needle not being required by me). On the
graduated compass or scale a rod or wire (made to suit the form of the hemi-
sphere) is used, one end of which is connected to the centre of the compass,
the other pointing to the spot in the hemisphere (which may or may not be
mapped) where the port or place of destination of the ship would be. This
represents, by the angle made by the rod or wire on the meridian, the first
course on the great circle (great circle sailing); the second and other subsequent
courses are found by turning the hemisphere to the longitude of the place, and
the latitude under the brazen meridian; slide the compass up or down the
meridian till its centre covers the latitude and longitude of the ship.
AN IMPROVEMENT OR IM- PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BAYONET BLADES, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR THAT PURPOSE
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Lawrence, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVEMENT OR IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BAYONET BLADES, AND IN MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR THAT PURPOSE."
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Thomas Lawrence at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Declara-
tion, on the 11th August 1854, pursuant to the 9th section of the
Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
I, THOMAS LAWRENCE, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN
IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BAYONET BLADES, AND IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR THAT PURPOSE," and the manner
in which the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement, that is to say :-
My Invention consists in producing the concavities or grooves on the three
sides of bayonet blades, by the operations known as tilting or stamping by forge
hammer; and also in an improved hammer and anvil block, especially adapted
for the purpose, in place of the more laborious and expensive mode of forging
them by hand, as now practised.

page_text: I now proceed to describe the manner in which I carry out this operation.
In the bed of the anvil block of a tilt or forge hammer of any suitable descrip-
tion (but by preference I employ a forge hammer, working by perpendicular
action, and commonly known as Froming's Patent,) I sink a mould or groove
of a V form, its two sides presenting convexities exactly corresponding with
the concavities required in the sides of the bayonet blade, and on the face of
the hammer block I form a projecting rib or die of precisely the same con-
vexity which is intended to shape the groove on the third side of the blade.
The blade in its rough state, of a triangular or what is generally termed in
the trade a three square section, each side being perfectly flat, is laid in the
groove in the anvil block, and by repeated descents of the hammer is shaped
into the requisite form. It is then finished in the ordinary manner.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same is practically to be carried into effect, I wish it to be clearly under-
stood that I do not confine myself to these precise details, nor to any particular
form of tilt or forge hammer; but that which I claim is, the producing the
concavities or grooves in the sides of bayonet blades by tilting in place of
forging by hand labour, and also the improvements described in the hammer
blocks and anvil blocks of tilt or forge hammers by which they become adapted
to this purpose..
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Lawrence, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Tenth day of August, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
THOMAS (L.S.) LAWRENCE.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CRANES OR HOISTING APPARATUS
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Taylor Bellhouse and
Robert Thomas at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 11th December 1854.
We, EDWARD TAYLOR BELLHOUSE, of the City of Manchester, in the County
of Lancaster, Engineer, and ROBERT THOMAS, of the same Place, Oil Merchant,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN CRANES
OR HOISTING APPARATUS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a system or mode of actuating the winding barrels
or pulleys of cranes or machinery for hoisting bodies by means of ratchet gear,
whereby the vibratory movements of the attendants' hands are made to com-
municate rotatory motion to the hoisting apparatus in a series of detached
impulsive actions, instead of by a continuous and direct rotatory action, as in
the ordinary winch-handle winding. In carrying out this plan, in the con-
struction of crabs, or the generality of cranes, a powerful double-ended lever
is arranged to work upon a central fixed stud pin in the crane framing, or two
parallel levers may be fitted up with cross end handles for men to work on
each side, as in the lever-pumping action of a fire engine. The fixed centre
is generally placed over the centre of the winding barrel, or over the centre of
the first motion shaft, if the barrel is driven by the intervention of gearing,
but may be in other positions to suit particular circumstances. A short distance
on one side of the main lever centre a pendant hooked catch is hinged by its

page_text: upper end to the lever, its lower hooked end being retained in gear with a ratchet
wheel, set either on the winding barrel spindle or on the first motion shaft, as
the case may be. On the opposite of the main centre a pendant link is hinged
to the lever, which link is jointed at its lower end to the free end of a shorter
lever, set to work by its opposite end upon a fixed stud pin in the frame beneath
the ratchet wheel. To the central portion of this short lever is hinged by one
end a plain ratchet catch link, the free detaining end of which is made to
gear with the under side of the ratchet wheel by means of a spring. In this
way a powerful hoisting movement is obtained by simple mechanism of a
direct acting kind. Instead of a double lever, a single lever may be used for
working from one side only. This system of crane is obviously capable of
some modification in its ratchet details to carry out the ideas herein-before
referred to.
AN IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE
Year: 1854

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Homewood and John
Gregory, at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 31st March 1854.
We, HENRY HOMEWOOD and JOHN GREGORY, both of Mount Street, Lambeth,
in the County of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "AN IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE" to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object the rendering of machines employed for
preserving human life from fire more efficient in their action, simple in con-
struction, and less expensive than the machines as heretofore constructed and
employed for a similar purpose. The leading features of this Invention
consist,―
Firstly, in the use and employment of a box or chamber, which is open at
the top, and permanently closed at the sides and back, and temporarily closed
at the front by a door hinged thereto, said box or chamber being stuffed at
the sides, back, and bottom thereof, for the comfort of persons when placed
therein.
Secondly, in disposing and arranging the aforesaid box upon a folding
framework, and at the front thereof, instead of the back part, as usually
practised, whereby there is no obstruction offered to the descent of the afore-
said box or chamber, which is made to slide freely upon pullies running on

page_text: rods or rails attached to the front of the folding framework; and we raise and
lower said box by affixing thereto one end of a rope, chain, or other suitable
material to the upper part thereof; and we pass the other end of said rope
over a pulley placed at the top of the frame, the rope being of such length as
to reach the ground when the box or chamber is at the bottom of the frame-
work; and we place these parts upon wheels, for conveying the machine readily
from place to place, and dismount it therefrom when required for use.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES TO FACILITATE THE COMBUSTION OF SMOKE
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Fox and William Henry
Fox at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 19th August 1854. ⚫
We, WILLIAM Fox and WILLIAM HENRY FOX, of Compton St., in the
County of Middlesex, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES TO FACILITATE THE COMBUSTION OF
SMOKE" to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of one or more moveable valves or dampers, working
in frames in the interior of a furnace, and so constructed as to open and shut
during the process of firing. This valve, damper, or regulator of the draught
of air is to be kept closed until combustion has properly commenced, when it
is to be opened, and the fuel having become incandescent, little or no smoke
will be evolved. We reserve the right to vary details, the foregoing being
only a statement of the principle of our Invention.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COVERED CARTS AND OTHER LIKE VEHICLES, WHICH MAY BE USED AS DWELLING PLACES OR TRAVELLING HOUSES
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Day at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th March 1854.
I, WILLIAM DAY, of Beverley, in the County of York, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COVERED
CARTS AND OTHER LIKE VEHICLES, WHICH MAY BE USED AS DWELLING PLACES OR
TRAVELLING HOUSES," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists of the use of packing cases in the manner described
herein, for the construction of the body part of covered carts or carriages, the
cases being used to form the sides and ends, and the lids, the roofs, floors, or
other parts thereof. By this plan the use of framework, uprights, and other
cumbrous parts is entirely dispensed with.
Fig. 1 of the accompanying sketch represents a view of the side and
front of one of my improved covered carts, which may be used as a dwelling.
Fig. 2 is a view of the opposite end of Fig. 1. The sides A, A, and B, B,
are formed of two wooden packing cases, say, 10 feet in length, by 5 feet in
height, and 12 inches in depth; but I do not limit myself to any particular
size. The roof C, D, is formed of the lids or tops of the cases A, B, and is
supported by two or more rafters laid across the cases. The floor is formed of
plain boards to which the cases A, B, are secured; additional strength is given
to the structure by fastening it to the sleepers G, G. The door marked E,

page_text: and flap window F, formed in the front and back parts of the body, may be
made of plain deals or parts of packing cases.
Fig. 3 represents a framing mounted upon a pair of wheels, & fitted with
shafts H, H; the body is placed upon this framing, and firmly secured to it by
nuts and screws. The covered cart or dwelling may then be readily removed
from place to place. Two or more of these covered carts may be attached
together, and converted into a four wheel carriage, and either two or a single
shaft or pole may be used as required. By removing the body from the
framing, Fig. 3, the latter forms a useful dray for carrying purposes.
Fig. 4 represents one of the packing cases in which the wheels and other
matters may be packed, or they may be used for the transmission of merchan-
dize, clothing, &c. I reserve a right to vary the details of my Invention;
but substantially the foregoing is a description of the same.
A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE SCAFFOLDING AT PRESENT EMPLOYED IN AND FOR THE ERECTING AND REPAIRING OF BUILDINGS
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Nicholas Bennett at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 2nd October
1854. A communication.
I, NICHOLAS BENNETT, of Number Seven, Furnival's Inn, Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE SCAFFOLDING AT PRESENT EMPLOYED IN
AND FOR THE ERECTING AND REPAIRING OF BUILDINGS" to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in dispensing with the temporary scaffolding hitherto
employed in the erecting and repairing of buildings, and substituting in lieu
thereof more simple and inexpensive means for conducting the above or similar
operations; that is to say, I employ sockets of metal or other suitable material,
which I build in with the brickwork of the building, and I dispose such
sockets at suitable distances asunder for rendering them available for the
reception of projecting bracket pieces for supporting a temporary stage formed
of planks laid side by side. And in using the above substitute for scaffolding
in erecting buildings, I proceed as follows:-When the wall is built up to the
height of the first row of window sills, I then insert and build in one of the
before-mentioned sockets at each end of every window sill, and build the brick-
work or masonry over the said sockets, to the height of three or four feet; the

page_text: stage supporters may then be inserted into the sockets, the planks laid thereon,
and the building continued as high as convenient to the workmen. And
when the building is finished, I plug up the openings in the sockets with a
piece of wood or iron, suitably ornamented, and so formed as to be readily
withdrawn at any time, for the purpose of erecting a stage for repairs, as
above mentioned.