IMPROVE- MENTS IN ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTIONS."
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thaddeus Hyatt, of Gloucester Gardens, Hyde
Park, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTIONS."
MENTS IN ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTIONS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thaddeus Hyatt at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
18th October 1873.
I, THADDEUS HYATT, of Gloucester Gardens, Hyde Park, in the
County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of my said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTIONS,"
to be as follows:-
-
According to one part of my Invention I make a cellular structure or
honeycomb of hexagonal shaped cells (not confining myself however to
the hexagon shape, but giving it the preference). These honeycombs I
form by either building them up from separate cells made singly, or I
make them by the union of crimped or corrugated sheets of whatever
A

page_text: material may be selected for the purpose, the material mostly used being
metal, and among the metals iron, "lead plated" iron having the
preference; but I contemplate the use of asbestos for this purpose,
papier mache, or other equivalent material moulded or made under
pressure.
I also make the honeycombs of wood, and when making them of wood
in sheets or boards I steam and bend them into the required crimp or
corrugation in moulds under pressure.
I also use wire netting for the manufacture of the cells, which when
used in sheets I crimp as described, but as this material requires the
addition of a body of some kind I put one on by means of Portland or
other cement or some equivalent material, which I run upon the netting
around suitable cores, the cores being removed when the cement has
turned to stone.
I also use earthen brick or pottery cells, each cell at the time of
making having suitable metal holders incorporated within its structuro
at given points to receive bolts or rivets for the purpose of fastening
them together, and being likewise provided with suitable apertures near
the base for the passage of a metal tie rod through them when in
position, and incorporated with each other into a floor or roof.
When I build up a honeycomb out of separate cells I sometimes for
the purpose of securing additional strength and stiffness. incorporate
blades of metal in the comb, these blades where cells of hexagonal form
are used being properly crimped to match the angular sides of the cells,
the same bolts which unite any two adjoining cells likewise uniting the
blade with them.
An additional method of strengthening the cells which I employ is to
use diaphragms in imitation of the little discs of wax with which bees
stop up the cells of their honeycombs. In all these modes of con-
struction I use either materials in themselves fireproof, or I combine
fireproofing materials with them so as to secure effectual protection, the
cells of both metal and wood being for this purpose lined or overlaid
with asbestos or its compounds or other equivalent material.
In some cases I not only fireproof but also stiffen the sides of the
cells when made of thin metal by the insertion of hollow earthen pots
therein.

page_text: .
I construct bridges of honeycomb materials as follows, videlicet,―
First. The Arch.-When I construct an arch bridge upon the honey.
comb principle I prefer to use the material with all the cells standing
upright, the longest cells at the abutments and the shorter cells at the
centre or key of the arch. The arch bridge may be made however with
horizontal cells, and these may run either with or across it.
Second. The Tubular Bridge.-I prefer to make this form with the
cells of the sides horizontal and parallel with the bridge in cross section,
the cells of the bottom and those of the top being vertical, but the bridgo
may be made of cells lying horizontally throughout, all longitudinal or
all cross wise, or some in each direction.
Third. The Girder Bridge.-I prefer to make the girders with their
cells horizontal and cross wise like the natural honeycomb, the cells of
the flanges being vertical.
;
Floors and Roofs.-I construct floors & roofs of material in honey-
comb form with the cells placed vertically, making the cells deepest at.
the walls when designed to support great weights.
Steamships and other Vessels.-In constructing vessels of honeycomb
material I use it to form the entire hull of the ship in lieu of "framing,"
the external planking and internal sheathing being fastened to the
network of cells. The plan which I contemplate as casiest of adoption
is to map out the model into as many sections as there are cells, thic
sections being all numbered, and each cell numbered to correspond;
then the outlines of the vessel being known each cell is so formed as
that when in position according to its number the combination of the
whole will produce a hull of exactly the form required. The cells may
be united to each other in direct contact or with the aid of interposing
blades, as in making the other honeycomb constructions described. By
the use of lead plated iron for diaphragms and cells each separate cell
may be made perfectly water-tight; and by the use of lead plated.
sheathing outside and inside additional security may be secured. This
mode of construction also secures perfect uniformity of outline in any?
duplication of the original.
According to another part of my Invention I make a honeycomb-
structure in which the strength or integrity of the construction is
dependent mainly on the diaphragms, the structure being of a superficial.
A 2

page_text: character and intended to be used chicfly for a walking surface, such as
floors and pavements, or as a substitute for light partitions, and for roofs.
In this construction the chief feature is the diaphragm or filling-in
block, which in this connection I term a quarry. These quarries I make
of various materials, but prefer the lead plated iron for roofs because of
the facility which it gives for securing water-tight joints. The form of
the quarry is preferably the hexagonal. Each quarry is formed with a
rim, upon the depth of which, when a number of them are united in the
honeycomb, depends the stiffness, and to some extent the strength of
the comb. When made of sheet metal they are stamped up in a die,
but when of cast they are made in moulds. When made of waterproof
concrete, cement, brick, or pottery of any kind, or of any other answering
material, the rim at the time of being formed upon the quarry is of
preference provided with suitable strengthening rivet or bolt plates of
metal at the points where they are intended to be joined with each
other; or as in the case of slate and stone where no rim can be con-
veniently had I make cast-iron rims, which I lead plate, and in which I
insert the slate or stone upon a suitable bedding of waterproof mastic,
and then bolt the quarries together. These quarries may in this way of
themselves, and without the aid of any interposed blades of metal, be
formed into a honeycomb, and thus into roofs, floors, and other
supporting and walking surfaces, but in general I prefer to combine
them with strengthening. blades of metal interposed between the
quarries. These quarry honeycombs I sometimes sct with glass for
illuminating purposes.
According to another part of my Invention and which has reference
in part to the "all-beam" principle as secured to me by Patent, No.
3124, 1871, I shape and combine timber in a way to obtain a material
or structure cheaper, more reliable, and more fire-proof than either
stone or naked metal for roofs, floors, and foot pavements of streets, and
cheaper and better than asphalte or stone for the carriage ways of
streets, and for the hulls of vessels a stronger combination of wood than is
now.employed, besides furnishing no hiding places for foul air to produce
dry rot. Contrary to theory and general expectation the wood pave-
ment of Chicago was the only fire-proof thing in that ill-fated city. The
developed fact of that terrible experience was this, videlicet, that wood
unfed by air protects itself in a short time by its own charred surface!
to have fire-proof wood it is therefore only needful to have enough solid

page_text: material. Acting upon this theory instead of cutting up the wood into
thin timbers and boards put together with air spaces I lay the beams in
conjunction side by side, and then confine them in one united pack or
slab by means of several iron rods 'which pass entirely through them at
the centre of their depth or thickness. For floors or roofs of great span
I place the timbers end to end in line, the second line "breaking joints"
with the first, the third line breaking joints with the second, the fourth
with the third, and so on, all being held together by the lateral rods, as
described.
To construct floors of great strength and span, especially without the
employment of columns and cross girders, I make two solid floors of the
above description, one of which forms the floor of the apartment above,
and the other a ceiling to the room below; these floors are separated by
such distance and held together by such connections as to produce the
strength and stiffness required. In this construction I think it desirable
to coat the whole of the interior surfaces and connections with asbestos
or other equivalent fire-proofing material. Upon this same plan of con-
struction I also make bridges.
In constructing roofs upon the all-beam principle it is evident that no
framing is required. As a foot pavement for streets the solid timber
previously burnetized is durable and cheap and non-slipping in all
weathers, and while answering as a footway above may at the same timo
also be employed for a roof to an apartment below the street. As a
pavement or carriage way in place of stone, asphalte, macadam, and
other pavements, the all-beam pavement has the advantage of not being
liable to sink in ruts and holes; whatever surface difficulties may arise
will be due to fair surface wear and hence easily repaired. In laying
this pavement I prefer to place the timbers diagonally to the line of
travel over it, the seams between the timbers being caulked as the
timbers of a ships' deck are. In this way the foul gases and smells that
under the present systems pollute the air may be kept down, like-
wise as no dirt will be able to work up through the caulked seams no
mud will be formed in the surface from this cause.
To allow of getting
at the sewers and water and gas pipes "man-holes
this deck road at suitable intervals. I also make an additional or
wearing surface of wood, with which I overlay the main body, by which
means the under layer is converted into a permanent road bed that need
never be disturbured. This wearing surface for convenience of repair I
"
are to be framed in

page_text: prefer to make in sections casily handled, and they are made .firm in
position by suitable attachments holding them to the road bed. In
some cases I coat these removeable sections with asphalte..
In constructing vessels upon the all-beam principle I prefer to make
the hull by two layers of timber, one standing upright, the other lying
horizontally, but both in contact.
My plan of proceeding is as follows:-The model of the vessel being
determined on is mapped off in sections, there being as many sections as
timbers to be employed. Each section being numbered and each timber
numbered to correspond. the timbers are steamed and placed in a mould,
where they are pressed into the required form. When in position
according to their respective numbers and bolted together in the manner
already described there will be a complete hull corresponding in outline
to the model. The timbers for the interior hull are treated in the same
Each hull is caulked on its outer face, the inner one being
placed within the outer after completion. When this plan is deemed
impracticable the inner hull may be put together in loco, in which case
a waterproof lining may be interposed between the two hulls.
manner.
I also make a composite hull for vessels by combining a hull made of
honeycomb material, as already described, with an outer one of wood
made on the all-beam principle, as just stated.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Thaddeus Hyatt in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 18th April 1874.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THADDEUS 21
HYATT, of Gloucester Gardens, Hyde Park, in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Eighteenth day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three; in the 30
thirty-seventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Thaddeus Hyatt, Her special
license that I, the said Thaddeus Hyatt, my executors, administrators,

page_text: די
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Thaddeus Hyatt, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTIONS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Thaddeus Hyatt, my executors or admi-.
nistrators, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same
to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thaddeus Hyatt, do hereby declare.
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
According to one part of my said Invention I make a cellular struc-.
ture or honeycomb of hexagonal shaped cells (not confining myself
however to the hexagon shape, but giving it the preference). These
honeycombs I form by either building them up from separate cells made
singly, or I make them by the union of crimped or corrugated sheets of
whatever material may be selected for the purpose, the material mostly
used being metal, and among the metals iron "lead plated," iron having
the preference. But I contemplate the use of asbestos for this purpose,
papier mache, or other equivalent material moulded or made under
pressure.
I also make the honeycombs of wood, and when making them of wood
in sheets or boards I steam and bend them into the required crimp or
corrugation in moulds under pressure.
I also use wire netting for the manufacture of the cells, which when
used in sheets I crimp as described; but as this material requires the
addition of a body of some kind I put one on by means of Portland or
other cement or some equivalent material, which I run upon the netting
around suitable cores, the cores being removed when the cement has set
or become hard,
.
.

page_text: I also use earthen brick or pottery cells, cach cell at the time of
making having suitable metal holders incorporated within its structure
at given points to receive bolts or rivets for the purpose of fastening
them together, and being likewise provided with suitable apertures near
the base for the passage of a metal tie rod through them when in position
and incorporated with each other into a floor or roof.
When I build up a honeycomb out of separate cells I sometimes, for
the purpose of securing additional strength and stiffness, incorporate
blades of metal in the comb, these blades when cells of hexagonal form
are used being properly crimped to match the angular sides of the cells,
the same bolts which unite any two adjoining cells likewise uniting the
blades with them.
An additional method of strengthening the cells which I employ is to
use diaphragms in imitation of the little discs of wax with which bees
stop up the cells of their honeycombs. In all these modes of construc-
tion I use either materials in themselves fireproof, or I combine fire-
proofing materials with them so as to secure effectual protection, the
cells of both metal and wood being for this purpose lined or overlaid
with asbestos or its compounds or other equivalent material.
In some cases I not only fireproof but also stiffen the sides of the cells
when made of thin metal by the insertion of hollow carthen pots therein.
Although the form of the cell is not essential under all circumstances it
is essential in honeycombs made of cast iron.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, of my Drawings is a perspective view of a portion
of a cast-iron honeycomb plate five feet long, one foot wide, inch thick :
at bottom, and with cells 1½ inches wide, 1% inches high, and the sides
or walls like the bottom of an inch thick. This plate under a load
may be depressed five inches without fracture, and return to its original
level on the removal of the load, a degree of elasticity known only to
tempered steel.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of a joist or beam made on the same plan,
but with the cells highest at the middle, but when I use a concrete
filling for the cells I prefer to make the cells deepest at the end of the
plate or beam.
In employing concrete to take the compressive strain I arrange and a
proportion the metal with as little of it as possible in the upper part of.

page_text: the construction, its chief value in such a combination of materials being.
to resist the tensile forces.
For some purposes I economise metal by omitting four of the angular
sides of each cell. Figure 3 is a longitudinal section, and Figure 4 a.
corresponding plan of a portion of a metal plate of this construction. The
two parallel and opposite sides a, a, of each cell are arranged longitu-
dinally across the plate or beam in order to afford the requisite grip or
retaining hold of the metal on the concrete, to prevent the latter from
breaking up under the strain of a load. The metal of these two-sided
cells I prefer to thicken at the top so as to form a wedge (as shewn in
Figure 3) to give still greater holding power. By forming the bottom
plate with openings, as shewn by the dotted circles in Figure 4, and at
b, b, in the longitudinal section Figure 5, the concrete will pass through
to the under side of the plate, so as to key itself thereto, as shewn at c, c,
Figure 5, whereby a still greater holding power is given to it.
In some cases I prefer to place the concrete in thin metal cells, as
shewn in Figure 6, which represents a single cell, a, a, being the metal
and the concrete.
Figure 7 is a plan, and Figure 8 a longitudinal section on the line x, x, .
in Figure 7 of an arrangement wherein the cells a are fitted into a per-
forated metal plate b, the spaces c, c, c, on the under side of the plate
between the parts of the cells which project through it being filled with
mortar or some fireproof cement, or plaster capable of cementing and
securely holding the feet of the cells, which feet are made wedge shaped
for that purpose, as shewn in Figure 8.
In some cases I make the cells of material other than concrete, such
as moulded and hardened cement, carbonite, artificial stone, or other
similar strong material, but give the preference to good baked brick.
To prevent the shearing strain of the metal plate from cutting off the
wedge shaped or lower portions of such stone or brick cells under the
influence of a load, I protect the cells at those parts by a collar of metal,
as shewn at e, e, Figure 9, which is a longitudinal section of a hexagonal
brick.
I propose to use small cells of fire-brick about two inches diameter
and one inch thick, more or less, according to the place and purpose for
which they may be employed, whether in the form of a fire-proof roof or

page_text: for light partitions, or as a sheathing to protect wood or metal surfaces
against fire. They are shaped and set in the manner of the load bearing
brick herein-after described, and may be solid or hollow, and filled (or
not) with some steam generating substance, according to my Patent,
No. 3124, 1871.
"
Instead of incorporating them together by means of the perforated
metal plate described, I prefer to use both for them and for load bearing
bricks an arrangement of metal cells. formed by ribbons or blades of
metal like "hoop iron," placed edgewise, and rivetted together, as shewn
by Figures 10 and 11, Figure 10 representing hexagon shaped cellular
openings or spaces, and Figure 11 openings more nearly circular.
Figure 12 is a longitudinal section shewing such a metal construction
when set with bricks. A, A, are the bricks; a, a, the feet or lower
sections thereof; B, B, the metal ribbon or blades between the feet a, a ;;
and b, b, the cement or filling between the feet of the bricks, in which
filling of cement or plaster the metal B is imbedded, covered up, and
protected from fire.
In the load bearing cellular constructions I make for floors and heavy.
roofs of great span I use cellular bricks of different sizes, in some cases
as large as nine inches broad and nine inches high. These large hollow
bricks, even when made with as thin sides as possible for the work
required of them, weigh from twelve to twenty pounds each, which
illustrates the necessity and advantage of making hollow floors where
the span is very great.
Figures 13 and 13ª are full size.sections of a two inch hexagonal fire-
proof sheathing brick.
Figure 14, a full size section of a roof brick, and Figure 15 a similar
section of a brick intended for floors. These bricks may be entirely-
hexagonal in shape both above and below the shoulder a, or the lower
portion may be circular.
In constructing floors of great span I think it important to dispose the
material in the top of the bricks which lies within the plane of the
compressive strain in dome form, that is to say, I make the top of the
brick of such shape on the underneath side as to produce a hollow or -
space within the brick of a dome form, as shewn in Figure 15. In
putting these bricks together I sometimes use crimped blades of metal,
as shewn in sectional elevation and plan respectively at Figures 16 and,

page_text: 17. A, A, are the bricks, and a, a, the crimped blades of metal between
them; tie rods B, B, being in some cases employed, which pass through.
holes made in the bricks for this purpose. When these tie rods are used-
the bricks may be bolted together as shewn or not as found desirable.
Figure 18 is a longitudinal section of a cheap and convenient tubular
bolt for connecting the bricks. This bolt consists of two tubes a and b,
the one fitting loosely inside the other, and each formed with a flange or
rim on one end thereof. To use these bolts or fastenings, the holes in
the sides of the bricks are filled with cement, and then the tubes are
inserted one from one side and the other from the other, they thereby
become filled, surrounded, and imbedded in the cement, which when set
or become hard holds the bolt or tubes securely in position and complete
the union of the two bricks through which they pass.
. Figures 19 and 20 represent respectively a sectional elevation and plan.
of one of these cellular bricks set with a glass B as employed for making
illuminating structures.
Cellular bricks may be employed with the solid end upward to form
the walking surface of a floor in a building or the footway in a street.
over a basement extension, or to form the weather surface when used for
roofs, or the solid end may be placed below and the open end above, as.
illustrated by Figure 21.
When I use the bricks last mentioned in forming roofs I sometimes
close the open ends with discs or diaphragms B in imitation of the bee's
mechanism, or the roof surface may be crossed by furring strips overlaid
with slate or tiles in the ordinary way. Or if discs are used, they may
be so formed as to give the appearance to the roof of ornamental slate
work of any design.
Figure 22 represents in perspective a portion of a 1 beam or girder
with cells A formed upon the flange and web, those upon the flange
standing vertically and those upon the, web lying horizontally after the
manner of a bee's honeycomb. The cells B formed on the under side of
the flange are designed. as mere holders of fireproofing material to
sheathe the metal and protect.it against the effects of fire. The cells for
this purpose may be of any shape that will answer the purpose, and if
arranged in a longitudinal direction may be made to extend the entire
length of the beam which indeed would probably be the form most
convenient if made of wrought iron by means of rollers. Double flanged

page_text: or I beams, box beams, and box or tubular bridges I make cellular upon.
the same plan as that shewn and described in reference to the 1 beam
or girder, but for tubular bridges I prefer to leave the cells forming the
sides of the tube or bridge open.
Figure 23, Sheet 2 of my Drawings, is a perspective view of an
arch-shaped girder in which it will be seen that I make the cells deepest
at the ends or abutments.
When I form honeycomb walls, floors, and roofs in loco, I prefer to
make them of concrete upon the method of what is known as beton
coignet. Figures 24 and 25 represent in vertical section and plan a
portion of a floor so constructed. The cells in the floors and roofs are
vertical, the sides A, A, of the cells being proportional in thickness to the
depth and diameter of the cellular spaces B, B, and these again to the
span of the roof or floor. These floors and roofs may be constructed of
concrete, pure and simple, or the sides of the cells may be cast upon metal
of any desired form, but for dwellings of cheap construction I use the
simple concrete alone. When casting such floors, roofs, and walls, I find
it convenient to leave the cells entirely open from end to end to secure
a circulation of air to dry them as soon as possible, one or more closing
discs or diaphragms for the cells in imitation of the bee's mechanism,
being easily inserted after the cells become dry, or if desired the
diaphragms may be moulded with the sides of the cells, either at the top,
as shewn at C, Figure 24, or at the bottom as sliewn at D in the same
Figure, or the diaphragm may be in the centre of the cell midway
between top and bottom.
When I make floors and roofs of cellular structure by means of thin
metal, crimped blades, or sheets on edge, as shewn in plan at Figure 26,
I sometimes give them support by inserting in the cells earthen pots, as
shewn at a, Figure 27, one of which pots is shewn detached at Figure 28.
These pots are placed one in each cell, leaving sufficient space around
them for cement or concrete, as shewn at 6, Figure 27.
In some cases in lieu of pots I use more concrete which I mould
around suitable cores placed in the cells, the cores being afterwards
removed.
Instead of solid sheet metal the sheets may be perforated if desired,
or they may be made of strong wire netting or metal "wattling," the
walls of the concrete or cement being made proportionately thicker.

page_text: According to another part of my Invention I make a honeycomb
structure in which the strength or integrity of the construction is
dependent mainly on the diaphragms, the structure being of a superficial
character and intended to be used chiefly for a walking surface, such as
floors and pavements, or as a substitute for light partitions and for roofs.
Inthis construction the chief feature is the diaphragm or filling-in
block which I term a quarry. These quarries I make of various
materials, but prefer lead plated iron for roofs because of the facility
which it gives for making water-tight joints. The form of the quarry
is preferably the hexagonal. Each quarry is formed with a rim, as
shewn at a, Figure 29, upon the depth of which (when a number of
them are united in the honeycomb) depends the stiffness, and to
some extent, the strength of the comb. When made of sheet metal
they are stamped up in a dic, but when of cast they are made in moulds.
When made of waterproof concrete, cement, brick, or pottery of any
kind, or of any other similar material, the rim at the time of being.
formed upon the quarry is by preference provided with suitable
strengthening plates of metal at the points where they are intended to
be joined with each other, or, as in the case of slate and stone when no
rim can be conveniently formed with it, I make cast-iron rims which I
prefer to lead plate and in which I insert the slate or stone upon a
suitable bedding of waterproof mastic and then bolt the quarries
together. These quarries may in this way of themselves and without
the aid of interposed blades of metal be formed into a honeycomb and
thus into roofs, floors, and other supporting and walking surfaces,
but in general I prefer to combine them with strengthening blades of
metal interposed between the quarries as shewn at 6, Figure 29.
These quarry honeycombs I sometimes set with glass for illuminating
purposes.
By the foregoing description I mean to be understood as describing a
cellular structure of exceedingly shallow cells as compared with the ones
herein-before described. In these shallow honeycombs the disc,
diaphragm, or closed end of the cell is the chief clement of tho
construction, for which reason. I call them quarry cells.
When I make them of metal and form them into honeycomb structures
made by rivetting or otherwise uniting them together at their abutting
sides or rims, as shewn in Figure 29, with or without metal blades, my
Invention relates to this new method of uniting metal quarries to form

page_text: roofs and other surfaces. But when I make the quarry cells of baked
clay or other similar or analagous earthy material, or from unbaked and
hardened clays of any kind, or concrete, or compressed paper, papier
mache, cement, carbonite, artificial stone, or materials of kindred
character, answering the purpose of brick or pottery for such con
struction, my Invention then relates to such cellular structures as
new manufactures by whatever method they may be united to one
another.
For illuminating purposes I set these earthen quarry cells with glass
according to my Patent, No. 2116, 1871.
In constructing vessels of honeycomb material, I use it to form the
entire hull of the ship in lieu of "framing," the external planking and
internal sheathing being fastened to the network of cells.
The plan which I contemplate as easiet of adoption is to map out the
model into as many sections as there arc cells, the sections being all 1
numbered and each cell numbered to correspond; then the outlines of
the vessel being known, cach cell is so formed as that when in position
according to its number the combination of the whole will produce a
hull of exactly the form required.
The cells may be united to each other in direct contact, or with the 2
aid of interposing blades, as in making the other honeycomb con-
structions described. By the use of lead-plated iron for diaphragms and
cells each separate cell may be made perfectly water-tight, and by the
use of lead-plated sheathing outside and inside additional security may.
be obtained. This mode of construction also secures perfect uniformity 2
of outline in any duplication of the original.
According to another part of my Invention, and which has reference
in part to the all-beam principle, I shape and combine timber for floors,
roofs, foot pavements, and carriage ways, in a way to secure peculiar
advantages, especially with reference to protection against fire.
30
The "all-beam" principle is involved but partially in this Invention,
and is incidental and subsidiary in floor and roof constructions to the
more important one of timber in mass, that is to say, a sufficiency of
material is employed to admit of the burning or charring of all that the :
fire is capable of reaching, enough remaining intact for the needed 35
strength or load-bearing function of the structure. To accomplish this!

page_text: end in floors and roofs, I prefer to lay the timbers side by side so as to
expose to flame only the upper and under surfaces.
The Chicago experience having shewn that only about an inch or so
of surface was burned off from the wood pavements of its streets in the
great conflagration, it is clear that a roof or floor of timber laid upon.
the all-beam principle of construction would require to be only about
two inches thicker than necessary for strength to withstand the force
of any flames against it.
:
:
It is equally evident that if the sum total of the timber were concen-;
trated in a number of beams of greater depth and of width equal to,
depth, and set at such distances apart as to divide up the space equally,
half being space and half timber (space and beam alternately), and.
overlaid by a covering of some earthy fireproof material, like asbestos,
artificial stone, large slabs of fire-brick; or other equivalent material,
that such a floor or roof would be substantially fireproof and carry out
the principle of my Invention, which is the opposite of the common..
method of using wood by cutting it up into thin timbers and boards.
and putting them together with air spaces between them.
To use timber in a way to have it fireproof, as already stated in the
Provisional of this my Specification, it is only necessary to have enough
solid material. I adopt the all-beam method of laying floors and roofs.
of timber shaped and proportioned to successfully resist fire while main..,
taining and retaining its strength to support the required weight;.
because such a method is not only directly cheaper than any other, but 1
also to avoid the extra or dead load of additional fireproof material, extra
wood on the surface of the floor or roof to be burned to charcoal, being
cheaper, lighter, and better than the weight of any stone, brick, metal,
or other substance or material which would be required upon any other
plan of laying the timber.
I also adopt the all-beam principle of making floors and roofs of wood.
shaped and proportioned to resist fire, as more economical, because by
such a method no portion of the floor or roof is a dead weight upon the .
other portion, as for example, a floor or roof of wood may be constructed
so as to be fireproof by using wood girders at great distances apart,
crossed by beam planking sufficiently thick to withstand flame. But I
regard the all-beam method as described as cheapest and best.

page_text: Figure 30 illustrates the mode of connecting the timber together
according to this part of my Invention, and Figure 31 shews its
application to the footway of streets. Timbers in this form are specially
serviceable as a foot pavement, being more elastic and easy to be walked
upon than stone, and particulary serviceable when used to cover
apartments under the footways of streets, because of the non-conducting
property of the wood. In Figure 31 A represents a footway composed
of timber as above described supported upon columns B at one end, and
at the other upon the masonry C, which forms one of the walls of the
extended basement D below. Other ceilings to underground apartments
"sweat" or drop the condensed moisture which forms upon their cold
surfaces, but this annoyance is not experienced with wood; the structure
is economical also, as the same timbers which serve for a ceiling to an
apartment below may also serve as a footway of the street overhead.
Figures 32 and 33 shew the manner of using timber on the all-beam
or continuous surface principle for the foot and carriageways of strects,
the only difference between the two being the size of the timbers. For
the carriageways I prefer to lay the timbers diagonally, and to caulk the
seams between them. For convenience of taking up this pavement
when laid as a carriageway, I sometimes use the timber in short lengths
of about two feet, the depth being nine inches, and thickness two to two
and a half inches, all dowelled together and breaking joints with one
another, as clearly shewn in Fig. 32. Pavements of this kind possess a
continuous tensile strength in all directions, and hence are not liable to
sink like ordinary roadways, while sections of them in any direction may
be readily removed for access to the sewer and gas pipes.
In some cases I make the roadway with a wearing surface of asphalte
upon a layer of wood, which I bolt or screw to the wood pavement
beneath.
Figure 83 represents in plan a portion of a pavement in which the
roadway is composed of two layers of timbers, the underneath layer A
lying at a diagonal or at a right angle to the upper one B. Thoso
respective layers may be of any required thickness, but I propose to
make each about four and a half inches thick.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my a
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I

page_text: .
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The application and use of honeycombs or honeycomb cells,
to and in the constructing of roofs, partitions, and floors of buildings,
and to walking and other surfaces, the same being composed of wood,
metal, baked fire or other brick, concrete, cement, asbestos, papier
maché, or other suitable material, as herein-before described.
Second. Making the aforesaid honeycomb cells of a dome-shaped
interior for purposes of strength, substantially as herein-before described
and illustrated by my Drawings.
Third. Constructing roofs, partitions, and floors of buildings, and
walking and other surfaces of single cell blocks built up or connected
together so as to form a honeycomb structure, substantially as herein
before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Fourth. Constructing roofs, partitions, and floors of buildings, and
also walking and other surfaces of cellular or honeycomb recesses formed
by the union of crimped or corrugated metal or other suitable strips or
vertical sheets in combination or not with earthen or other strong pots
secured in place with cement, concrete, or other cementing material, or
strengthened and made fireproof without pots by concrete or other
suitable material moulded upon the said crimped sheets, substantially as
herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Fifth. Constructing roofs, partitions, walls, and floors of buildings,
and also walking and other surfaces of cellular or honeycomb recesses
formed in loco, by casting the same upon or in moulds or other suitable
apparatus or mechanical contrivance adapted to the purpose, substantially
as herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Sixth. The system or mode of forming cellular or honeycomb structures
by connecting together single cell blocks by means of tie rods or crimped
blades of metal, with or without additional straight tie rods or tie rods
and bolts, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before described
and illustrated by my Drawings.
Seventh. The peculiar construction of bolt or fastening for connecting
the cellular blocks forming a honeycomb structure, as herein-beforc
described and illustrated by Figure 18 of my Drawings.

page_text: Eighth. Strengthening the cells of honeycomb or cellular structures
by means of discs or diaphragms, substantially as herein-before described.
Ninth. Constructing illuminating cellular or honeycomb structures by
inserting illuminating glasses in the cells composing the said structure,
substantially as herein-before described.
Tenth. Rendering cellular or honeycomb structures fire-proof by
incorporating asbestos or compounds thereof or other fireproofing sub-
stance with the material out of which they are formed, or by covering or
sheathing the same with suitable fireproofing material, substantially as
herein-before described.
Eleventh. Constructing roofs, partitions, and other light surfaces .of
quarry cells or diaphragms, either set with glass or not when made of
baked, brick, pottery, or other hardened and moulded fireproof material
and united in honeycomb form, substantially as herein-before described
and illustrated by my Drawings.
Twelfth. Constructing roofs, partitions, and floors of buildings and
other surfaces of quarry cells or diaphragms composed of lead, plated
iron, or other suitable metal when the same are formed with rims or
flanges and united together, substantially as herein-before described and
illustrated by my Drawings.
Thirteenth. Constructing fireproof sheathing of baked fire-brick or
other hard moulded bricks or blocks proportioned, shaped, and combined
with each other, and with an interior holding network or retaining
centre, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by my
Drawings.
Fourteenth. Constructing iron plates, joists, beams, and girders with
hexagonal shaped cells, substantially as herein-before described and
illustrated by my Drawings.
Fifteenth. Constructing 1 girders, I girders, and box or tubular
girders, and bridges with cells or honeycomb recesses, arranged sub-
stantially in the manner and for the purpose herein-before described and
illustrated by my Drawings.
Sixteenth. Constructing arched girders or bridges with vertical cells
gradually increasing in depth from the centre to the ends or abutments,
substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by Figure 23 of
my Drawings.

page_text: Seventeenth. Constructing the hulls of ships and other vessels of
cellular or honeycomb material, substantially in the manner herein-before
described.
Eighteenth. Forming a roof, pavement, or footway of a street over an
underground apartment or basement extension by means of heavy
timbers laid side by side in contact, bolted together, and the seams
caulked, substantially in the manner herein-before described and
illustrated by my Drawings.
Nineteenth. Constructing solid timber floors and roofs of buildings
with a surplus of material upon their exterior or exposed surfaces
beyond the requirements of strength, such surplus being either an
integral part of the mass, or an attachment to or upon it as a fire-
protector, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by my
Drawings.
Twentieth. The system or mode of constructing the footways and
carriageways of roads of timbers, with the grain lying horizontally,
placed side by side in close contact in one or more layers, substantially
in the manner herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thaddeus Hyatt, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, the Eighteenth day of April,
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four.