matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILS FOR STREET TRAMWAYS AND OTHER RAILWAYS, AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STREET TRAMWAYS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Levick at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 4th June 1877.
GEORGE LEVICK, of Gateshead upon Tyne, in the County of Durham, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILS FOR STREET TRAMWAYS AND OTHER RAILWAYS, AND IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF STREET TRAMWAYS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in rails for street tramways and
other railways, and in the construction of street tramways.
For street tramways and other railways I roll a rail such as is shown at Figure 1
of the Drawings annexed. It is a flat-footed rail, with a central web supporting a
head. The head is grooved along its upper surface, which forms the table of the
rail. The groove (which is intended to receive the flanges of the wheels) is pro-
duced by first rolling a flange or lip projecting at right angles from the web, as is
indicated by the dotted lines in the Figure, and afterwards bending round this flange
or lip to the form shown by the full lines.
The rail may be made of such proportions as to give a large bearing surface
sufficient to admit of being laid directly upon the consolidated macadam, thus
dispensing with the necessity for chairs and sleepers, and consequently the cost of
cutting out space for the same.
The depth of the rail may be increased so as to admit of the granite setts resting
partly or altogether upon the flange, thereby preventing that part of the granite,
wood, or other roadway material from sinking below the level of the head of the
rail.
There are cross tie bars holding the rails in gauge.
I also produce a double-headed rail, such as is shown at Figure 2. This rail is
intended to be held in chairs. In connection with each of the heads a flange or lip
is rolled projecting from the web at right angles, and these flanges or lips are after-
ads bont round as the Rimuna indientes
IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS EMPLOYED TO ASCERTAIN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENTERING TRAMCARS, OMNIBUSES, THEATRES, AND OTHER PLACES, AND THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TAKEN AND NUMBER OF ARTICLES SUPPLIED
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John James Kennedy and William
Anderson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th November
1877.
"
JOHN JAMES KENNEDY and WILLIAM ANDERSON, both of the City of Dublin,
Ireland. IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS EMPLOYED TO ASCERTAIN THE NUMBER OF
PERSONS ENTERING TRAMCARS, OMNIBUSES, THEATRES, AND OTHER PLACES, AND
THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TAKEN AND NUMBER OF ARTICLES SUPPLIED."
The Invention has for its object improvements in means employed to ascertain
the number of passengers entering tramcars, omnibuses, theatres, and other places,
and the amount of money taken, and the number of articles supplied. For this
purpose we employ two plates or slabs of metal, or other suitable material,
perforated with one or more series of holes. These plates or slabs may be connected
together in any suitable manner, so as to enable the two to be secured the one
upon the other, with a sheet of paper between them, and to enable the sheet of
paper to be readily removed therefrom when required.
A convenient mode of effecting this is by hinging the two slabs or plates
together, and securing them by a turn button or screw, or other suitable means.
Thus, for every passenger entering a tramcar, omnibus, theatre, or other place, a
hole is punched in the paper, and a record or register thus obtained of the total
number;
and as applied to hotels and other places for each article supplied or
money taken a hole is punched, thus forming a register.
If desired, a separate series of holes may be employed for each different fare, or
price, or article, by which means the gross amount of money taken can be
ascertained; and to check "free passes" we use a different shaped series of holes.
If desired the various holes may have consecutive numbers placed over them.
In conjunction with the said punched register we may use a numbered indicator,
worked by hand or by mechanical means, so as to draw attention to number of
27

page_text: holes punched in said paper. It would also be applicable to show the number of
passengers inside said tram car or omnibus.
The advantage we claim for the punched paper as applied to tramcars and
omnibuses is, that it becomes a "way bill " and check combined in one, which can
be easily seen by the public, and by placing it in a prominent position it is almost
a certain means of compelling the conductor to register each fare.
LOOMS FOR WEAVING AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Crossley at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 24th December 1877.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
CHARLES CROSSLEY, of Sudbury, in the County of Suffolk.
LOOMS FOR WEAVING AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
This Invention consists in the construction of an apparatus applicable to looms
for weaving silks and unions, whereby the operation of "rubbing" is performed
automatically as the weaving operation takes place, thus producing a better face
than when the rubbing is performed by hand, or after removal of the silk or union
from the loom.
The improved rubbing apparatus consists of a polished steel blade mounted upon
a cast iron feather working in suitable brackets fixed on the sides of the loom frame,
and in such a position that the front or edge of the blade bears against the back of
the piece of fabric being woven and on its passage to the beam. To this blade a
rocking movement is communicated by means of a lever operated by an ecentric on
the bottom shaft of the loom or by other suitable means.
From this arrangement it will be understood that as the weaving operation takes
place, the edge of the said blade will constantly rub against the back of the fabric,
and produce the required face in a simple, even, and economical manner.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO CARDING ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Goldthorp Ackroyd and
William Ambler at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th
April 1877.
ROBERT GOLDTHORP ACKROYD and ABRAHAM AMBLER, of Birkenshaw, in the
County of York, Worsted Spinners. "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO
CARDING ENGINES."
Our Invention relates to the working of the "fly comb," and our improvements
consist in the use of mechanism whereby the said comb will be brought into close
contact with the doffer as usual during the descending motion, but will be removed
therefrom during its ascent so as not to injure the teeth of the doffer clothing. For
this purpose we work the comb by two eccentrics fixed to a shaft extending across
the machine. The straps passing round the eccentrics have each two rods or arms,
the fly comb being attached to those on one side of the eccentrics and the other two
passing through swivel studs fixed in adjustable bearings. This arrangement
imparts an oval or elliptical motion to the comb, the extent of which can be varied
by changing the eccentrics or altering the position of the swivel studs.
A NEW OR IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKE FOR RAILWAY CAR- RIAGES, TRUCKS, OR WAGGONS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Webb Brougham at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th September 1877.
JAMES WEBB BROUGHAM, of Calduthel House, in the County of Inverness, North
Britain. "A NEW OR IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKE FOR RAILWAY CAR-
RIAGES, TRUCKS, OR WAGGONS."
This Invention relates to a new or improved arrangement of brake apparatus for
railway carriages, trucks, or waggons, for facilitating the automatic stopping of the
same in a very simple and efficient manner; and the nature and novelty of the
Invention consist in fitting a coiled or other spring on the inner end of each buffer
rod, which in this case extends through the side beams of the carriage sufficiently
to project beyond the inner vertical line of the two side wheels, the two opposite
contiguous ends of the buffer rods with their springs nearly meeting in a line
between the wheels; these springs on the ends of the rods when two carriages are
pressed together act or bear against the upper ends of oscillating levers, one of which
is keyed to a cross shaft or bar mounted in bearings in side plates screwed or other-
wise fixed to and pendent from the side beams of the carriage between the wheels,
the other lever being compound and fulcrumed on an intermediate shaft or rod
mounted at a higher level in the two side plates already referred to.
The first-mentioned shaft has a crank at each end, to the upper and lower arms
of which are jointed or otherwise fixed lateral rods carrying curved springs, which
act on the inner curved face of the brake blocks, and press these against the wheels,
the brake blocks being hung in close proximity to the wheels by springs from the
side beams of the carriage, which springs, immediately the pressure is removed,
relieve the blocks from contact with the wheels.
The lateral rods carrying the springs for acting on the brake blocks project
laterally from the crank in opposite directions, so that when two carriages are
pressed together the buffer rod springs act on the upper ends of the two oscillating
levers before mentioned, the first one acting direct in turning the crank, and the
lower arm of the compound one assisting in turning the crank by pressing against
a pin or stud on the one side thereof, and the crank in turning automatically presses
the lateral brake rods in opposite directions against the brake blocks, which firmly
T

page_text: grip or brake the wheels, and bring the carriage or waggon to a standstill, the action
being similar to that of two compound levers fulcrumed to each other some distance
below the centre, so that as the two upper arms are pressed towards each other the
two lower shorter arms in also coming together turn the aforesaid crank from the
vertical to the horizontal position, which thus gives the lateral action to the brake
rods, and presses them against the brake blocks, as before mentioned.
The upper end of each of the oscillating levers has a binge joint, so as to enable
it to be folded down out of the way of the buffer rods when a carriage requires to
be backed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BEDSTEADS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Harry Woodward Makepeace and
Lewis John Makepeace at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on
the 17th December 1877.
HARRY WOODWARD MAKEPEACE and LEWIS JOHN MAKEPEACE, both of Rochester,
in the County of Kent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BEDSTEADS."
Our Invention relates to improvements in bedsteads, and is designed to replace
the spring mattresses at present in use, which, as ordinarily made, are very liable to
get out of order by the breakage and disarrangement of the springs when an
excessive weight comes upon any one spring, and from other causes. In the
covered mattresses, moreover, these springs are difficult to get at, in consequence of
which it is generally necessary to remove the mattress from the bed, and send it to
the maker for repair These covered mattresses are cumbrous to move, and harbour
dirt and vermin
By our Invention these objections are obviated, the spring mattresses being
combined with the bedstead fiame by a simple arrangement that adds very little to
the cost of the bedstead, and is less expensive than the bedstearls with spring
mattresses now in use.
Our Invention consists in a loose top or bed frame, which is free to move up and
down in guides at the corners, and to which the lattices or slats forming the bed-
bottom are attached in the ordinary way. The said frame rests on springs
interposed between it and the side frames of the bedstead, which latter aic
suitably arranged to receive it when it sinks down under the weight of the
occupant.
If necessary, springs may also be interposed between the slats where they cross
one another, or cross bars may be employed extending from one side frame to the
other, and carrying springs on which to support the movable frame.
The springs may either be spiral, bow, or leaf springs, or of other shape, or they
may be india-rubber springs.
In the case of spiral springs, guide bolts, attached to the loose frame projecting

page_text: downwards through guides on the side frames of the bedstead and secured below
by a nut would be employed to prevent the springs being displaced.
The corners of the movable or bed frame are received in corresponding grooves in
the bed posts, allowing the frame to rise and fall freely, but preventing it from
being displaced laterally.
The side frame and head and foot angles are made of angle iron placed thus, Linstead
of 7, and are much deeper than usual, so as to receive the removable or spring
frame when pressed down under the weight of the occupant.
IMPROVED APPLIANCES FOR FACILITATING SWIMMING, AND FOR ACCELERATING THE SPEED OF THE BODY THROUGH WATER."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Ridley Henderson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st April 1877.
RIDLEY HENDERSON, of The Albany, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Civil
and Mining Engineer. IMPROVED APPLIANCES FOR FACILITATING SWIMMING,
AND FOR ACCELERATING THE SPEED OF THE BODY THROUGH WATER."
My Invention consists of appliances acting as a propellor for bathers, made of
india-rubber, leather, and whalebone or other light and flexible material, so con-
structed and fitted upon the foot or leg, or both, as to obtain an increased area of
resistance for the feet and legs to propel to body through water in the act of
swimming.
The appliances consist mainly of a strap or straps attached to the foot or leg, or
both, from which depends or proceeds all round a curtain or fin, strengthened by
ribs of cane, whalebone, vulcanite, wire, or other strengthening material, and from
or near the lower point of each it should be connected again to the strap or straps,
at suitable places and positions, by means of tapes, cords, or ligaments of some
pliable material, of proper strength and length, or by some arrangement of sliding
wires, to allow of the curtain or fin expanding to any required degree round
the foot or leg, for the purpose of propulsion during the forward stroke of the
swimmer, and to collapse or close down upon the foot or leg, to avoid all possible
friction, during the recovery or back stroke, thus obtaining for the foot or leg, or
both, a greater area for the economical exercise of their large muscles in propulsion
than is provided by nature, and the Invention is so constructed and arranged as
not to interfere with or impede the act of walking.
A NEW OR IMPROVED TOY FOR SHOOTING OR DISCHARGING CARDS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur Burdett Frost at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1877. A communication
from abroad by Charles William Frost, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United
States of America.
ARTHUR BURDETT FROST, of Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, in the County of
Middlesex. "A NEW OR IMPROVED TOY FOR SHOOTING OR DISCHARGING CARDS."
[A communication from abroad by Charles William Frost, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, United States of America.]
The object of this Invention is to construct a toy for throwing cards, and this
object is attained in the manner which I will now proceed to describe.
A slotted handle is formed for the reception of one end of a lever on a pivot acted
on at the end by a suitable spring inserted in the handle, which may consist of an
elastic band adapted to an enlargement of the slot in the handle, and passing
around the inner end of the lever, and around a rod inserted within the slot. Other
forms of springs may however be used if desired.
The rod also serves to check the movement of the inner end of the lever, so that
its movement in this direction ends abruptly, and with a sudden shock. The outer
end of the lever is constructed for the reception of the card, and the retention of the
same in a position parallel with the plane of movement of the lever, which is the
only position in which the card can be thrown effectively.
Various means of holding the card in the desired position at the outer end of the
lover may be adopted.
The card may be adapted to a slot cut in the front edge of the lever, but not
extending entirely through the same; or the end of the lever may be slotted entirely
through, and a pin passed through the same to hold the card in position.
The material on one side of the slot in the end of the lever may be cut away,
and a sharp pin placed near the outer end of the lever for retaining the card.
The toy when constructed in this way is better adapted for imparting an incrensed
impetus to the card as it is projected forward.
This object may also be attained by fitting the card to a shallow slot cut in the
rear corner of the outer end of the lever.
When a pin is used for retaining the card it is preferred to form on the outer end
of the lever immediately in the rear of the pin a cam surface, in order to lift the

page_text: card from the pin as the end of the lever is thrown forward, and thus prevent the
sticking of the card, and insure its projection.
This cam may be made so as to form part of the lever, or a bent pin, wire, or
spring, may be used, or an inclined block pivoted to the end of the arm so as to be
adjustable to different positions may be employed, the latter plan enabling the 5
direction in which the card is projected to be determined with accuracy.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MUFF AND DRESS SUSPENDERS OR HOLDERS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Manning Knight at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th November 1877.
HENRY MANNING KNIGHT, of the Firm of Henry Knight and Company, of Love
Lane, Wood Street, in the City of London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MUFF AND DRESS
SUSPENDERS OR HOLDERS."
This Invention relates to improvements in muff and dress suspenders or holders,
and has for its object the covering of such articles with fur, imitation fur, velvet,
cloth, velveteen, silk, merino, or other fabric, whereby they are rendered more
ornamental, and are not liable to injure the gloves, hands, or dress of the wearer.
My improvements are applicable to muff and dress suspenders or holders of all
descriptions; and when covered with fur or imitation fur, or other fabrics, impart
richness and elegance to such articles in place of being unsightly as heretofore; and
in place of being cold to the hands afford comfort thereto.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SMOKE EXTRACTORS AND VENTILATORS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Searle at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th November 1877.
RICHARD SEARLE, of Cheltenham, in the County of Gloucester, Gentleman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SMOKE EXTRACTORS AND VENTILATORS."
.
This Invention relates to improved means of extracting smoke from chimneys,
and of ventilating public, private, and manufacturing buildings, such, for example,
as maltkilns, breweries, distilleries, and salt or other works, and other places, such
as railway and other tunnels, or mines, and railway carriages and other con-
veyances.
56
The improved apparatus acts on the principle of the syphon, and I therefore pro-
pose to call it
the syphon ventilator and smoke extractor." It is intended for
general use in or for all ventilating and smoke-extracting purposes.
The apparatus is constructed with an upright smoke tube, which is set or fitted
fast into the upper part of the room or place required to be ventilated, or into the
chimney, or chimney stack, or shaft. The upper portion of the smoke tube is
provided with an extension or smoke box, formed of any desired shape, either
ornamental or otherwise, the tube projecting up into the box nearly to its top. The
top of the box is however closed, so that the smoke from the tube can find no
direct upward outlet, but it may be provided with an opening for the purpose of
cleaning, if required, which opening may have a removable cap of any desired
shape. The smoke box is closed on all sides, but its interior communicates with
the atmosphere by means of air pipes which enter the box at its top and bottom.
The lower pipes are connected to the box, their inner ends being flush with its
bottom; but the upper pipes which enter the box opposite the lower pipes project
down beyond the level of the top of the smoke tube, and to near the bottom of
the box.
The outer ends of the air pipes are provided with wings or deflectors of any
ornamental or other character designed to catch any passing current of air, whatever
its direction, and direct it either up or down the air pipes straight through them
from either the bottom to the top, or vice versa. The effect in either case, as
931...מ

page_text: regards purposes of ventilation or smoke extraction is the same, as this upward or
downward current of air in these pipes induces an upward current in the. smoke
tube, and effectually ventilates the building, room, or other place, or the carriage or
vehicle, and frees the same from all noxious or unpleasant vapors; and in the case
of chimneys, extracts the smoke and prevents any inrush of air, and smoky chim-
neys the result thereof.
The improved apparatus may be constructed of any required size, and of any
suitable material, depending upon the use to which it is to be applied.
IMPROVED APPLIANCES TO BE EMPLOYED FOR HOLDING BOTTLES AND OTHER VESSELS WHILST BEING FILLED WITH LIQUID
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Wilkinson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd August 1878.
WILLIAM WILKINSON, of Gower Street, Bedford Square, in the County of Mid-
dlesex. "IMPROVED APPLIANCES TO BE EMPLOYED FOR HOLDING BOTTLES AND
OTHER VESSELS WHILST BEING FILLED WITH LIQUID."
This Invention relates to the construction of certain appliances to be used for
holding bottles and other vessels (especially such as are of a smaller diameter at the
lower than at the upper part thereof), whilst being filled with liquid by means of
funnels or otherwise, whereby all danger of the same being upset during that operation
is entirely avoided.
The said appliances consist of sockets formed of any suitable metal and of any
desired size and shape, according to the nature of the articles to be placed in and
held thereby.
The sockets are in some cases in the form of belts, the sides being constructed of
metallic plate placed vertically, or they consist of one or more apertures of the
desired shape and size cut or formed in a horizontal metallic plate.
In some cases any desired number of the plates having such apertures formed
therein are placed one above the other, and respectively connected at one end by a
pivot, so that they can be separated and expanded in a radial or fan-like manner
when required for use, and folded up again when no longer wanted.
The before-mentioned several appliances are attached to the counter or bar at
which it is desired they shall be used, in juxtaposition to the tap or taps from which
the liquid is drawn, and the bottles or other vessels having been placed in the
sockets, the funnels are inserted and the liquid poured in, when they can be safely
left without any fear of accident, as is the case when the bottles or other vessels are
placed on the counter or bar.
•
Another modification of this Invention consists of an appliance which is attached
to casks or other receptacles for holding liquids, for the purpose of supporting glasses

page_text: or other vessels. A ring or partial ring of metal is formed having a stem attached
thereto provided with a screw thread. The said stem is inserted into the cask or
other receptacle, and the glass or other vessel is placed in and held by the ring
when desired. The ring is hinged or pivoted so that it can be folded back when
not required to be in use.
IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Thomas Paterson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th April 1877.
GEORGE THOMAS PATERSON, of East Dulwich, in the County of Surrey, Electrician.
"IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS.”
The object of my Invention of improvements applicable to electric telegraph
apparatus is to produce a perfect block system of signalling apparatus, so that when
an electric signal (indicating the passing of a train or engine) has been forwarded
to the next station or signalling box on the line, and the sending apparatus has
been blocked, no other signal can be forwarded until the first signal has been
acknowledged by the attendant in the next signalling box. This is effected by
adapting to the sending signalling apparatus a spring bolt, which is pushed under
the "tapper" when the signal has been made, and will thereby prevent the
"tapper" from descending or being depressed in order to complete the electric
circuit until the return signal or answer has been received from the distant
station.
In carrying out my Invention the spring catch (which holds the bolt in place in
the blocking position under the "tapper") is connected to the armature of the
sending apparatus; it cannot therefore be withdrawn so as to release the bolt except
by means of the electric signal apparatus in the next box, as the first operator cannot
get at the armature owing to the whole of the apparatus, except the " tapper,"
being securely boxed up in a suitable case.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-When the attendant at No. 1
signal box sends a signal to box No. 2 to indicate that a train or engine has passed
his box, he presses in a knob at the side of the case of this instrument, and by that
means pushes the locking bolt under the "tapper" of his apparatus, and thereby
locks or blocks it temporarily for further use, as the spring catch will hold the bolt
in its new position until the catch is drawn back by the man in No. 2 signalling
box making a signal acknowledging the first signal. This return signal will of
course draw back the armature in No. 1 signalling apparatus in order to actuate
the hammer attached thereto, and cause it to sound the bell. By this means the
spring catch which holds the locking bolt in its forward position will be drawn back
and will release the bolt which will fly back to its original position; the " 'tapper'
in No. 1 apparatus is then free to work and send a second signal.
"

page_text: An indicator attached to No. 2 signalling apparatus is connected electrically with
the locking bolt of No. 1 apparatus, and will indicate at once whether signalman
No. 1 has properly locked his instrument after sending his signal and is waiting the
return signal from No. 2.
The locking arrangement above described is applicable to any signalling instru-
ment, and forms therewith a complete block system of electric signalling apparatus.
A NEW OR IMPROVED OPAQUE AND TRANSPARENT SHOW CARD
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Brownlie at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 21st November 1877.
WILLIAM BROWNLIE, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Show
Tablet Manufacturer. "A NEW OR IMPROVED OPAQUE AND TRANSPARENT SHOW
CARD."
This Invention relates to a new or improved show card for exhibiting in windows
and other places for giving publicity to the names or trade marks of firms, views
of buildings, designs, or other objects in a manner whereby they are equally readable
or visible by daylight or gaslight; and the nature and novelty of the Invention
as applied, for example, to a show card containing the name and address of a firm,
consists in printing the body or face of the card by the ordinary lithographic
process, with a solid or opaque colour, all except the exact parts to form the letters,
so that the show card or name has the appearance of being printed in white on a
dark or opaque ground.
The back of the card is also similarly printed with a solid black or dark colour,
still leaving the letters blank or unprinted, so that when hung in a window for
example, the white or unprinted spaces representing the letters of the name shows
very effectively from the outside; while on the other hand, when the gas is lit
within, the unprinted spaces or letters are perfectly transparent and still show white
with a dark ground.
In order to obtain a pure transparency, it is necessary to use a paper containing
little or no "size," but it requires a good firm body to take on the heavy or solid
colours on both sides; and for preservation the printed sheet or card is preferred to
be enclosed and framed between two plates of glass.
It is also to be understood that the face of the card may be printed in light
colours so long as the back ground is printed solid and opaque, and leaving the
letters transparent.
By this Invention a show card is obtained, which is much cheaper than those of
painted glass with opaque letters hitherto in use, and a much superior effect is
produced in gaslight by the transparent letters, trade marks, designs, or other
objects showing so clear from the opaque ground.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY RAILS AND IN APPARATUS FOR KEEPING AND GUIDING LOCOMOTIVES AND CARRIAGES ON THE SAME
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Robert Lake at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st June 1877. A communication
from abroad by Gustav Friedrich William Reble, of Moscow, Russia.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
RAILWAY RAILS AND IN APPARATUS FOR KEEPING AND GUIDING LOCOMOTIVES
AND CARRIAGES ON THE SAME." A communication from abroad by. Gustav Friedrich
William Reble, of Moscow, Russia.
My Invention relates to improvements in railway rails and in apparatus to be
applied to the locomotives and carriages for keeping and guiding them on the said
rails.
Railways hitherto have been built on the principle of using one and the same
pair of rails only for both the driving wheels of the locomotive and the running
wheels of the carriages, and of applying very nearly the same forms and material for
all the wheels and rails. This old method of construction has many defects, and
nearly all the accidents that happen inay be attributed to this method of building
railways.
The trains will run off the rails easily, especially when passing over curves of
small radius, a considerable amount of time is lost before a heavily loaded train can
attain the desired velocity, and wheels as well as rails are worn out within a com-
paratively short time. By this Invention these defects are avoided.
In practising the said Invention, I lay a pair of rails which have a more or less
rough surface, serving for the exclusive use of the locomotive driving wheels. By
these means I augment the points of friction for the latter. The running wheels of
the engine and of the carriages run on the common rails. I so construct them as to
reduce the frictional surface of the said wheels to a point of friction only.
To prevent the running of the train off the rails, I apply guiding rollers for the
engine and carriages inside of the common rails.
The advantages derived from these improvements are, greater durability of the
rails and wheels, greater velocity, quicker starting, easier running, more com-
fortable travelling, and entire security against running off the rails.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BRICKMAKING MACHINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Bradley at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th April 1877.
JOHN BRADLEY, of Wakefield, in the County of York, Engineer and Ironfounder.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BRICKMAKING MACHINES."
This Invention consists of an improved combination and arrangement of "pug"
mill tables, moulds, and presser dies or plungers, and apparatus for actuating the
moving parts thereof.
According to this my Invention I employ a pug mill and worm or screw mounted
over or upon a travelling table or tables, in which two or more moulds are formed.
Reciprocating or to-and-fro motion is imparted to the table or tables by tappets and
cams, or by cranks, so as to bring the moulds under the pug mill; the moulds
receive the necessary supply of clay whereon the table or tables is or are moved
from under the pug mill, bringing the moulds under a presser die or plunger which
compresses the clay; the latter is lifted out of the mould by a lifting piston, upon
which the table or tables is again moved under the pug mill, the pressed clay or
brick already formed being prevented returning by a stop guard, and so the table
moving under the brick the latter is forwarded to nearly the end of the table, and
is received upon rollers which carry it down an incline to the delivery end of the
machine.
Where two tables (which I prefer) are used, I arrange that the mould of one shall
be under the pug mill at the time the other mould containing clay is under the
presser die or plunger, so as to equalise the power required for working the
machine.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADJUST- MENT OF CHRONOMETERS, WATCHES, CLOCKS, AND OTHER TIMEKEEPERS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Samuel Vickery and James Thomas
White at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th January
1877
SAMUEL VICKERY and JAMES THOMAS WHITE, both of Clerkenwell, in the County
of Middlesex, Watchmakers "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADJUST-
MENT OF CHRONOMETERS, WATCHES, CLOCKS, AND OTHER TIMEKEEPERS”
The improvements consist,―
Firstly In a stop-work for going barrels placed inside the barrel, thereby leaving
the utmost depth of the barrel free for increased width or depth of mainspuing
Secondly In adjusting the going barrels or going albors that they may act
directly or through intermediaries on the mainspring itself, thereby counteracting
the varied pull of the mainspring and ensuring an equable power to the above-
mentioned machinery through the whole performance
Thirdly In the substitution, wherever practicable, of steel or Jewelled centres or
cones, or convex or concave side contres, for the pivots now in use, such cones or
centres to work in receptacles formed or inserted in the frames or their supple-
mentary pieces
Fourthly In reversing the last-mentioned improvement, that is to say, inserting
the cones or centres in the frames or the supplementary pieces, and in forming the
receptacles out of or placing them upon the running pieces
Fifthly In compensating the errors arising from changes of temperaturo_and
position, without, or in conjunction with the ordinary compound balance or curb, or
any modification thereof, by the application to the balance and its adjuncts or
accessories of highly sensitive springs, checks, frictions, or impulses, which shall
delay its long and accelerate its shorter vibrations, while wholly or partially
compensating for the variations of the balance or its spring in different tempera-
tures
Sixthly In the formation of a solid curb for the balance spring to prevent the
escape thereof, and fitting such curb on to the index in such manner as to be
easily removeable, and in passing the balance spring through a hole or slot in the
curb.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF METALLIC TILES AND SLABS, AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HEARTHS AND JAMBS FOR FIRE-PLACES.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Crichley at the Office of the .
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th May 1877.
HENRY CRICHLEY, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufacturer.
" IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF METALLIC TILES AND SLABS, AND IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF HEARTHS AND JAMBS FOR FIRE-PLACES.'
"
In making metallic tiles and slabs I employ a pattern and mould, and cast a tile
or slab in thin metal of any desired kind, but of a hollow or box form, or with tangs
or lugs on the sides or back of the casting; these tangs form, when the tiles are
fixed, the means of firmly securing them in the bed of plaster or cement to which
they are to be attached, and thus render unnecessary the metal frames commonly
used for securing pottery tiles in place.
When I use the box form of tile, no tangs are required, as the tile is sunk into
the bed of plaster which fills up the hollow back, and thus ensures an efficient key.
I prefer to use brass in making these tiles or slabs, and by blocking the retiring
portions of the pattern on the surface and polishing the raised parts a very beautiful
effect is obtained, and one which is improved instead of suffering by the ordinary
operations of cleaning; but I can make them in iron or in two or more metals by
casting the design, say, in iron, and then running molten brass into the sunk parts
which will produce the effect of brass inlaid upon iron; other combinations of
metals may of course be similarly employed, or by another process I cast a completely
perforated tile or slab in any suitable metal, and sink the perforated metal plate
into the plaster bed, forcing the plaster through the perforations, and thereby
forming a very strong key, afterwards blacking or coloring the surface and then
cleaning it off, when the plaster will have absorbed the color, leaving the metal as a
bright tracery upon the surface.
The bedding material may be any plastic substance capable of being employed for
these uses, as the very efficient key secured by the form of these slabs or tiles does
not in many instances demand the use of expensive plaster or cement.
A NEW OR IMPROVED PICKING ARM EMPLOYED IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Vickerman, Jonadab Whitehead,
and Joe Moorehouse at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
5th November 1877.
JOHN VICKERMAN, JONADAB WHITEHEAD, and JOE MOOREHOUSE, all of Hudders-
field, in the County of York. "A NEW OR IMPROVED PICKING ARM EMPLOYED IN
LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
"
I
This Invention consists in dispensing with the ordinary leather picking strap
and employing instead thereof an arm composed of a thin strip of steel or flexible
metal, one end of which is attached to the picking "stick" or rod by means of a
ball-and-socket connection, and the other end is attached to the picker by means of
a hinged coupling. The ball-and-socket joint removes all torsional strain on the
arm during the picking stroke, and such arms are much more durable than those
in ordinary use.
Instead of a flexible metallic arm, a leather arm may be employed and attached
in the manner above described.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BRAKES FOR LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Steel at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 28th June 1877.
JAMES STEEL, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BRAKES FOR LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES."
This Invention, which relates to improvements in brakes for locomotive engines,
has reference to that class of such brakes which are operated by compressed air,
steam, or gas.
The improved brake consists of an upright cylinder provided with a piston, and
it is placed on the framing at each side of the engine. The cylinder is fitted with a
piston and a piston rod, the latter of which is attached to the end of one of a pair
of levers, each of which levers is coupled to the back of the brake blocks, there being
two brake blocks operated by each cylinder. That lever to which the piston rod
is coupled is formed with a piece projecting beyond the point whereat the two
levers are united, so that when the piston is forced up by the action of the com-
pressed air, steam, or gas, a considerable excess of brake power over and above that
due to the direct pull of the piston is obtained by virtue of that portion of the lever
which passes beyond the centre of union of the two levers.
The cylinder is formed with one or more wings on each side, from which the
hangers carrying the brake blocks are suspended. The effect of pulling up the
levers is to force the brake blocks on to the wheels of the engine; and that of
depressing them to withdraw the brake blocks from the wheels.
IMPROVEMENTS IN VENTILATING APPARATUS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Crossley at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 25th January 1877
_DAVID CROSSLEY, of Brighouse, in the County of York, Wood Card Maker.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VENTILATING APPARATUS"
The object of my Invention is to ventilate rooms or apartments into the chimney
or other flues by an apparatus that is automatic in its action, to open or close in
proportion to the varying pressures between the flue and the room in such a manner
as to prevent smoke coming from the chimney into the room.
I accomplish my object in the following manner -I fix a box, preferably made
of tin or metal, in any convenient part of the wall near to the ceiling having a
communication with the chimney or other flue with a draught The front part of
this box is fitted with a door or flap that accurately covers the opening of the box
when shut, and rests upon its bottom edge, which is curved in such a manner
that in proportion to the width of opening of the said door or flap the point of
support is removed back from the face of the box Near to the bottom of this said
door or flap I secure a pendent rod For the purpose of balancing the same to the
bottom end of this 10d I place a weight, in order that by screwing the same up or
down the pendent rod the door or flap can be balanced and adjusted to the greatest
nicety, so that with the least varying pressure of atmosphere acting upon the door
or flap, either externally from the 100m or internally from the flue, the same will
open or close in proportion to the difference of pressure
This apparatus is also applicable as an inlet ventilator for fresh air when placed
in a suitable position for the purpose
IMPROVEMENTS IN WASHING MACHINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Whitemore and Henry Cotton
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st February 1877.
HENRY WHITEMORE and HENRY COTTON, both of the Town and County of the
Town of Nottingham. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WASHING MACHINES."
We employ two metal plates the width of the vessel in which the clothes or
fabrics to be washed are placed; these plates form bearings for a vertical shaft, and
an horizontal one; the vertical shaft is square and slides up and down in bearings
which partly revolve in the two plates; the lower end is provided with dolly pegs,
and the upper end carries a toothed wheel which gears into the teeth of a rack
which slides to and fro in a beveled slot on the top plate, being driven by a con-
necting link attached to it, and to a crank secured on the upper end of a short
vertical shaft provided with a toothed bevel wheel gearing into a similar wheel on
the horizontal shaft before named, which is provided on its outer end with a fly
wheel and handle to revolve it, or it may be driven by other power; the vertical
shaft first named has a collar secured on it which is lifted by two levers secured on
the horizontal shaft, thus causing the dolly pegs to be lifted and dropped during
the time they make one-half a revolution.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH STEAM BOILER OR OTHER FURNACES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Truswell and Richard
Wainman Holden at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th
April 1877.
WILLIAM TRUSWELL, of Sheffield, in the County of York, Engineer and Iron-
founder, and RICHARD WAINMAN HOLDEN, of Osgathorpe, in the same County.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH STEAM BOILER OR OTHER FURNACES."
This Invention relates to the supplying of heated air to steam boiler or other
furnaces for the purpose of preventing or reducing the production of smoke, and
consequently economising fuel.
The Invention consists mainly in attaining this object by the use of furnace bars
constructed of a hollow or tubular form, and through which a current of air passes
(becoming heated in its passage) into an air chamber, whence it escapes to the
furnace above through perforations in its upper part. The air first enters the ash-
pit from the front and then traverses the tubular bars from the rear to the air
chamber which is situated between the front ends of the bars and the fire-door.
The air which escapes from the air chamber into the combustion chamber is highly
heated, and thus causes more complete combustion therein, preventing smoke and
economising fuel.
The current of air passing through the bars prevents them getting burned and
renders them very durable.
The ends of the bars are suitably supported by bearers; the air chamber may be
cleaned out of all dust or ashes which may fall through its perforations from the
combustion chamber through a doorway made in its front; or the air may enter the
tubular bars about the middle and pass forward and rearward therein and enter the
combustion chamber in a heated state at both the front and back ends.
The improved furnace bars are formed of iron or other suitable metal, and of any
required dimensions.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LOCK GATES AND BRIDGES, OR SUBSTI- TUTES THEREFOR.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Phillips Thompson at the
Office of the Commissioners of. Patents on the 2nd January 1877.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Consulting Engineer and British and Foreign Patent and Trade-mark
Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LOCK GATES AND BRIDGES, OR SUBSTI-
TUTES THEREFOR.' A communication from abroad by Messieurs Joseph Pierre
Meressa and Emile Rondepierre, both of 5, Rue de Chateaudun, Paris, in the
Republic of France.
"
This Invention consists in a lock so arranged that it can be opened against the
full pressure of the water instead of waiting till it be filled in the old method. It
consists,
1st. Of a peculiar lock gate or of a series of "needles" or long narrow blades
resembling ditching spades in shape which hold back the water, and can be drawn
up simultaneously or independently.
2nd. In a bridge serving as a fulcrum or abutment for the said gate or needles,
the bottom of the lock in front and the lifting chain serving as the other
abutment.
•
The peculiar gate or series of needles are pivotted on an axis on the bridge, and
their lower ends have a circular movement round that axis. On the bridge a
windlass or winch acting on chains or metallic bands or ropes attached to the gate
or needles raises or lowers the latter. Sometimes these needles or the gate are
counterpoised, in which case the chain is arranged so that when the winch raises
the gate (or needles) it allows the counterpoise to descend, and vice versa. The
gate or "needle" can thus be raised to a height level with the bridge and the lock
opened. The peculiar gate aforesaid is composed of a segment of a cylinder con-
nected by radial rods to the axis, and with or without a protuberance on its side
working against a concave segment of a cylinder in the lock bottom. When the
gate is raised, it being a segment of a cylinder whose centre is also the axis of
rotation, there is nothing but its own weight and the friction of the water, and in the
machine itself to contend against in raising and lowering the gate.
When the gate is raised till its bottom no longer touches the lock bottom the
water rushes under it, and thus fills or empties the lock while the gate is rising.
There are several ways of constructing the bridge; it can be either a single
[Prior 7

page_text: girder with the travelling crane or winch on top and axis for the gate fixed below,
or there can be two girders, the axis being on the bottom of the lower one and the
winch on the higher one. In such case the higher one is not immediately above
but a little in advance of the other.
When "needles" are used they can be worked in many different ways. I prefer
to have them facing the higher level and standing at an angle of 12° degrees with
the horizon in front. The chains for hoisting are then fastened to their lower
points; subsidiary bars lying on the bottom with the chains attached to them can
be used if desirable.