IMPROVEMENTS IN INCUBATORS AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR THE ARTIFICIAL HATCHING AND REARING OF CHICKENS
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Tomlinson, of Gravelly Hill, in the County of
Warwick, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN INCUBATORS AND APPARATUS
IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR THE ARTIFICIAL HATCHING AND REARING
OF CHICKENS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Tomlinson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th July 1880.
HENRY TOMLINSON, of Gravelly Hill, in the County of Warwick.
IMPROVE-
MENTS IN INCUBATORS AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR THE
ARTIFICIAL HATCHING AND REARING OF CHICKENS."
This Invention relates mainly to that class of incubators known as lamp
incubators, in which the water in the heating tank is kept hot by an oil or gas
lamp, and consists principally in improvements in the methods of heating and
ventilation, and in the mode of regulating the temperature and moisture of the egg
drawer, portions of these improvements being also applicable to other descriptions
of incubators.
The heater of an incubator, constructed in accordance with my Invention, consists
of a closed tank of a rectangular or other shape on plan, of a suitable height, and
with an extension on one of the sides, by preference of a semi-cylindrical shape
vertically, about half the width of the side and of the full height.
Within this extended portion of the tank, and rising from the bottom thereof to
about half the height, is a small heating chamber of a rectangular or other approved
shape on plan.
This chamber is open at bottom, and from the upper portion one or more metal
tubes pass horizontally, or nearly so, from the side of the chamber, through the
body of the water in the tank, and into a vertical outlet passage at the opposite
side of the tank; a metal mouth piece and guard is fixed over this to prevent
downdrafts.
The tank is fixed as usual in a wooden case, which I also make to go round the
semi-cylindrical extension above described, and the whole is packed with sawdust
or other non conducting substances to prevent waste of heat. The extension of the
tank for the heater is sufficiently beyond the ordinary square body of the case
[Price 10d.l

page_text: below the level of the heater in which the egg drawer is placed, to allow of fixing
the lamp and fittings against the side of the case. The lamp may be of any well
known heating variety, with flat wick by preference, burning mineral or other oils,
and of a size proportionate to that of the incubator. A very short vertical chimney
or outlet duct is situated directly over the burner, fitting tightly at its upper end
into the heating chamber, and contracting in size to its lower extremity, the area of
which and its distance from burner being so proportioned that no air passes except
that necessary to perfect combustion and to produce the maximum of heating effect.
The top of the lamp case fits closely under the extension part of incubator case, and
thus the waste of heat is reduced to a minimum. The lamp has the usual fittings,
and can be easily removed for filling and trimming. A gas burner fitted in a
similar manner is equally applicable to my heater, but with a regulator of pressure
to the supply pipe.
The egg drawer of my incubator is constructed as usual with perforated zinc
tray for the eggs, which I prefer to fix slightly on the slope from the front to the
back of drawer, so that eggs of varying sizes may be placed with their tops
practically level to receive uniform heat. I place water pans underneath the egg
tray of any shape or size that does not interfere with the ventilation described
below, for the purpose of giving off vapour to moisten the eggs, and whether filled
partially with earth or, as I prefer, with felt or flannel, or other fibrous material,
are in accordance with this Invention filled and refilled with water as occasion may
require by short pipes fixed through the zinc egg tray; and over filling is prevented
by short overflow pipes rising to the proper height within the pans and over
holes in-the-bottom of drawer.
The improvements in the ventilation-of-the-egg. drawer comprised by this
Invention consist of new methods of introducing and diffusing the air, and secondly,.
in an improved automatic regulator, with new regulating valve in connection there-
with. The fresh air is introduced by one or more openings centrally situated in
the bottom of the incubator case. These openings are covered outside and inside
the bottom with perforated zinc plates, wire gauze, or other porous material to
divide the air into fine streams, to partially warm it, and to prevent any sudden
draft from unduly affecting the ventilation. The air then passes through openings
in the bottom of egg drawer centrally situated, but of wider radius and covered
with perforated plates or not, as may be preferred.
The air spreads out, carrying with it the vapour from the water pans, and passes
the perforated zinc egg tray, and is thus further warmed, and diffuses itself
throughout the egg chamber.
The waste air passes off by a series of holes along the whole length of the sides
of the drawer. These holes correspond with similar openings in the inner linings
of the machine next the drawer. All round the drawer, with exception of the front,
which is formed double and packed like the sides of incubator case, the space
between the inner and outer casings for the full depth of the drawer is formed into
a continuous air passage or flue, into which the waste air is collected, and froin
which it is discharged by an air passage or ventilating shaft rising from this
bottom air flue between the hot tank and outer casing to the level of the top of
the machine. This opening is controlled by a valve which, in accordance with this
Invention, consists of a metal box of rectangular shape, open at bottom, with
flange to attach to top of incubator case. Below the top of the valve box are two
openings the whole length of box on opposite sides.
These openings are controlled by valve plates or vanes connected across the box
by tie pieces and hung or balanced on an axis in middle, so that the plates or vanes
which are curved to the radius of the axis oscillate together, and that as one
descends just clear of the inside of the box the other ascends just clear of the edgo
of flat top of valvo box, thus, by a slight angular movement, effecting a larger
opening quickly and almost without friction.
The automatio regulator by which the above valve is worked is of that kind
actuated by the expansion and contraction of air at varying temperatures, and the

page_text: improved regulator in accordance with this Invention consists in its simplest form
of a glass tube of suitable capacity and length, and inserted into a metal case at
one end, by which it is attached to the inside of the incubator in a position along
the middle of the egg drawer, between the eggs and the hot tank; near the outer
end of the tubo is a short branch downwards, with a mouth picce, over which is
stretched a diaphragm of india rubber or other elastic or non porous material.
Before the diaphragm is fixed a quantity of water, mercury, or other suitable fluid
is put in the tube, which, when the tube is in its working position, fills up the
branch to diaphragm, and covers same, forming a fluid seal to prevent any air from
leaking through. When great durability is required, and especially in large
machines, the diaphragm may have a metallic support to convey motion to the
valve, without straining tho elastic medium. This support may be a delicate and
closely turned spiral or volute spring, or a very thin steel plate split radially from
the centre to near the circumference, where it would be screwed or otherwiso
attached to the diaphragm tube.
When these are not used the diaphragm acts at once upon a nearly flat disc of
metal attached to the short end of a lever, the axis of which is carried by arms
from the tube case, and the long end of the lever goes through opening into
ventilating flues, and by connecting rod and joints, with a screw adjustment to
correct any variation in the action of the diaphragm, works the valve in the top of
incubator, any rise or fall from the average working temperaturo causing the
diaphragm to bulge out or to recede, and by a very slight motion, through tho
mechanism above described, opening or shutting the regulating valve. Of course,
any other device for connecting the diaphragm and valve is applicable, and in case
of the steel spring or split plate to diaphragms a simple link or other connection to
the lever described can easily be made.
Other forms of this regulator may obviously be made. The tube or air chamber
may be of metal or other material, and it may be arranged along the back of the
egg drawer, and may also be continued at right angles with the sides, with holes
in the back of the drawer, and guards to prevent disturbing the eggs when opening
the drawer. Instead of downward branch for the fluid seal to diaphragm, the
latter may be placed in any position and connected with syphon tube to the air
chamber.
The portions of this Invention relating to the ventilation of the egg drawer or
chamber are easily adapted and made applicable to "hydro" or other kinds of
closed incubators. The regulating valve and apparatus is also applicable to
incubator houses on a large scale and for analagous purposes. Incubators may be
made of any size by simply increasing the number of the drawers and duplicating
the regulating and heating arrangements to any extent.
In large machines the ventilating shaft may be made to draw from two, four, or
more egg chambers by one or more openings, but the drawers must be arranged
with complete air flues round each to prevent draft or unequal temperature.
Brooders or artificial mothers may be heated by a small lamp and heater made in
accordance with this Invention. The hot tank to be of a flat rectangular shape, by
preference, and long in proportion to its width. The top of tank may be covered
with sand or earth, and have wire gauze cage for chickens as soon as hatched. The
sides to be fitted with wood flaps lined or hung with felt inside, which may be
opened to any height and width for chickens to run under. The bottom of tank
should also be hung with felt, as usual, if used for heating, though in some sections
of tank the sides may be used alone with the above flaps or wings.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Tomlinson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th
January 1881.
HENRY TOMLINSON, of Gravelly Hill, in the County of Warwick. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN INCUBATORS AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR THE
ARTIFICIAL HATCHING AND REARING OF CHICKENS."
This Invention relates mainly to that class of incubators known as lamp
incubators, in which the-water-in-the-heating_tank is kept hot by an oil or gas
lamp, and consists principally in improvements in the methods of heating and
ventilation, and in the mode of regulating tho temperature and moisture of the egg
drawer, portions of these improvements being also applicable to other descriptions
of incubators.
The heater of an incubator constructed in accordance with my Invention consists
of a closed tank of a rectangular or other shape on plan, of a suitable height, and
with an extension on one of the sides by preference of a semi-cylindrical shape
vertically, about half the width of the side, and of the full height.
Within this extended portion of the tank and rising from bottom thereof to
about half the height is a small heating chamber of a rectangular or other approved
-shape on plan.
This chamber is open at the bottom, and from the upper portion one or more
metal tubes pass horizontally, or nearly so, from the side of the chamber-through.
the body of the water in the tank and into a vertical outlet passage at the opposito
side of the tank; a metal mouth piece and guard is fixed over this to prevent down
drafts. The tank is fixed as usual in a wooden case, which I also make to go
round the semi-cylindrical extension above described, and the whole is packed
with sawdust or other non-conducting substances to prevent waste of heat.
The
The extension of the tank for the heater is sufficiently beyond the ordinary
square body of the case below the level of the heater in which the egg drawer is
placed to allow of fixing the lamp and fittings against the side of the case.
lamp may be of any well known heating variety with flat wick, by preference
burning mineral or other oils, and of a size proportionate to that of the incubator.
A very short vertical chimney or outlet duct is situated directly over the burner,
fitting tightly at its upper end into the heating chamber, and contracting in size
to its lower extremity, the area of which and its distance from burner being so
proportioned that no air passes except that necessary to perfect combustion and to
produce the maximum of heating effect. The top of the lamp case fits closely under
the extension part of incubator case, and thus the waste of heat is reduced to a
minimum. The lamp has the usual fittings, and can be easily removed for filling
and trimming. A gas burner fitted in a similar manner is equally applicable to my
heater, but with a regulator of pressure to the supply pipe.
The egg drawer of my incubator is constructed as usual with a perforated zinc
tray for the eggs, which I prefer to fix slightly on the slope froin the front to the
back of drawer, so that eggs of varying sizes may be placed with their tops
practically level to receive uniform heat. I place water pans underneath the egg
tray of any shape or size that does not interfere with the ventilation described
below for the purpose of giving of vapour to moisten the eggs, and whether filled
partially with earth or, as I prefer, with felt, flannel, or other fiberous material, are
in accordance with this Invention filled and refilled with water, as occasion may
require, by short pipes fixed through the zinc egg tray, and over filling is prevented
by short overflow pipes rising to the proper height within the pans and over the
holes in the bottom of the drawer.
The improvements in the ventilation of the egg drawer comprised by this

page_text: Invention consist of new methods of introducing and diffusing the air, and secondly,
in an approved automatic regulator with new regulating valve in connection
therewith.
The fresh air is introduced by one or more openings centrally situated in the
bottom of the incubator case. These openings are covered outside and inside the
bottom with perforated zine plates, wire gauze, or other porous material to divido
the air into fine streams, to partially warm it, and to prevent any sudden draft
from unduly affecting the ventilation. The air then passes through openings
in the bottom of the egg drawer centrally situated but of wider radius, and
covered with perforated plates or not as may be preferred. The air spreads out,
carrying with it the vapour from the water pans, and passes the perforated zinc
egg tray, and is thus further warmed and diffuses itself throughout the egg
chamber. The waste air passes off by a series of holos along the wholo length of
the sides of the drawer.
These holes correspond with similar openings in the inner linings of the machine
next the drawer. All round the drawer with the exception of the front, which is
formed double and packed like the sides of the incubator case, the spaco between
the inner and outer casings for the full depth of the drawer is formed into a
continuous air passage or fluc, into which the wasto air is collected, and from which
it is discharged by an air passage or ventilating shaft, rising from this bottom air
flue between the hot tank and outer casing to the level of the top of the machine.
This opening is controlled by a valve, which in accordanco with this Invention
consists of a metal box of a rectangular shape, open at the bottom with flange to
attach to top of incubator case. Below the top of the valve box are two openings
the whole length of the box on opposite sides. These openings are controlled by
valve plates, or vanes, connected across the box by tie pieces, and hung or
balanced on an axis in middle, so that the plates or vanes which are curved to the
radius of the axis oscillate together, and that as oue descends just clear of the
inside of the box the other ascends just clear of the edge of the flat top of the
valve box, thus by a slight angular movement effecting a larger opening quickly
and almost without friction.
The automatic regulator by which the above valve is worked is that kind
actuated by the expansion and contraction of air at varying temperatures, and the
improved regulator in accordance with this Invention consists in its simplest form
of a glass tube of suitable capacity and length, and inserted into a metal case at
one end, by which it is attached to the inside of the incubator in a position along
the middle of the egg drawer between the eggs and the hot tank; near the outer
end of the tube is a short branch downwards with a mouthpiece, over which is
stretched a diaphragm of india rubber or other elastic or non porous material.
Before the diaphragm is fixed a quantity of water, mercury, or other suitable fluid
is put in the tube, which when the tube is in its working position fills up the
branch to the diaphragm and covers the same, forming a fluid seal to prevent any
air from leaking through diaphragm. When great durability is required, and
especially in large machines, the diaphragm may have a metallic support to convey
motion to the valve without straining the elastic medium. This support may be a
delicate and closely turned spiral or volute spring, or a very thin steel plate, split
radially from the centre to near the circumference, where it would be screwed or
otherwise attached to the diaphragm tube. When these are not used the
diaphragm acts at once upon a nearly flat disc of metal attached to the short end
of a lever, the axis of which is carried by arms from the tube case, and the long end
of the lever goes through opening into the ventilating flues, and by connecting rod and
joints, with a screw adjustment to correct any variation in the action of the
diaphragm, works the valve in the top of the incubator, any rise or fall from the
average working temperature causing the diaphragm to bulge out or to recede, and
by a very slight motion, through the mechanism above described, opening or shutting
the regulating valve. Of course any other device for connecting the diaphragm

page_text: and valve is applicable, and in case of the steel spring or split plate to diaphragms
a simple link. or other connection to the lever described can be easily made.
Other forms of this regulator may obviously be made. The tube or air chamber
may be of metal or other material, and it may be arranged along the back of the egg
drawer, and may be also continued at right angles to sides, with holes in the back
of the drawer, and guards to prevent disturbing the eggs when opening the drawer.
Instead of downward branch for the fluid seal to diaphragm, the latter may be
placed in any position, and connected with syphon tube to the air chamber.
The portions of this Invention relating to the ventilation of the egg drawer or
chamber are easily adapted and made applicable to hydro or other kinds of closed
incubators. The regulating valve and apparatus is also applicable to incubator
houses on a large scale, and for analogous purposes. Incubators may be made of
any size by simply increasing the number of the drawers and duplicating tho
regulating and heating arrangements to any extent. In large machines the
ventilating shaft inay be made to draw from two, four, or more egg chambers by
one or more openings, but the drawers must be arranged with complete air flues
round each to prevent draft or unequal temperature.
Brooders or artificial mothers may be heated by a small lamp and heater made
in accordance with this Invention. The hot tank to be of a flat rectangular shape
by preference and long in propertion to its width. The top of tank may be
covered with sand or earth, and have wire gauze cage for chickens as soon as
hatched.
The sides to be fitted with wood flaps lined or hung with felt inside, which may
be opened to any height and width for chickens to run under. The bottom of
tank should also be hung with felt as usual if used for heating, though in some
sections of tank the sides may be used alone with the above flaps or wings...
Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1, are a vertical section through the middle of the egg
chamber, longitudinal ditto transversely to the egg chamber, and horizontal half
section through the heating tank, to a scale of about one fourth full size of an
incubator constructed in accordance with this Invention.
Figures 4 and 5, Sheet 2, are a plan and elevation, about one twelfth full size
of a larger machine with several egg drawers and duplicate heating arrangements.
Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 2, are a plan and elevation of an incubator, constructed
in accordance with this Invention, with metallic case and stand.
Figure 8, Sheet 2, is a plan of an incubating machine with combined preparatory
drawer or chamber for warming the eggs, and a drying box for drying the chickens
as soon as hatched.
Figures 9, 10, and 11, Sheet 2, are Drawings showing modifications of
arrangements for the admission of air to the incubators.
Figures 12, 13, and 14, Sheet 3, are enlarged views to half size of portions of the
Drawings on Sheet 1, and showing the regulating and ventilating arrangements and
the fittings of egg drawer.
Figures 15, Sheet 3, shows another form of regulator for incubators.
Figures 16, 17, and 18, Sheet 3, illustrates the action of the regulator and modes
of attaching or fastening diaphragms.
Figures 19, 20, and 21, Sheet 4, plan and section of winged brooder, with lamp
heater and combined drying box constructed in accordance with this Invention.
Figure 22, Sheet 4, transverse section of another form of heating tank for
brooder with wings.
Figures 23 and 24, Sheet 4, longitudinal and transverse sections of a modified a
winged brooder, with arched heating tank and duplicate lamp heaters. The samo
letters denote the same facts in all the Drawings. In the Drawings shown on
Sheet 1, representing an incubator or artificial hatching machine for holding about
one hundred common hen's eggs, and embodying in the most simple or least
complex form the leading features of this Invention, A, A, is the incubator case,
constructed, as usual, of wood, and with an internal packing a, a, of sawdust,

page_text: felt, charcoal, or other suitable non-conducting substances, on all sides of tho
heating tank except the bottom; B, Figure 1, is the stand on legs of a convenient
height and fitted with sliding frame b and leg b, shown partly drawn, for
supporting the egg drawer when opened without removing it from the machine;
C, C, is hot water or heating tank, with its filling and emptying pipes
and screw caps c¹, c², and constructed of sheet metal (galvanized iron by
preference), and either with or without horizontal partitions in the bottom
part of the tank, under the tubes similar to those used in common incubators.
³,³, is a semi-cylindrical or other shaped projection, forming an extension of the
tank on one side, and is fitted with a heating chamber. c, c, of a rectangular.or
other suitable shape, opened at the bottom for receiving the hot air from an oil or
gas lainp. From the upper part of this chamber heating pipes or hot air ducts c³, c³,
are fixed, so as to pass directly through the whole body of the water in the tank
into a flat shaped outlet c attached to the opposite side of the tank, which reaches
through the top of incubator case, and is provided with a sheet metal outlet or
mouth-piece c', with flat top and sloping sides (serrates on the upper edges) to
prevent down draft. The chamber and the pipes or ducts c I prefer to make of
copper, on account of its superior durability and conductability, although they may
be of galvanized iron, zinc, tin, or other suitable metal.
When the tank is filled with water it is heated or kept continuously hot at its
working temperaturo by means of a lamp D fixed under this heating chamber of
the tank, as shewn in Figures 2 and 3. This lamp may be of any known variety
of heating lamp, burning mineral oils by preference, and in that shewn in the said
Figures d, d, is the case; d, the oil tank; d is the wick tube; d³ is the perforated
plate for admitting air to the burner; d' is the dome or burner attached to the
partition or slide plate d' separating the upper portion of the lamp case from the
lower. The latter is hinged to the oil tank, so that when withdrawn it may be
turned up for trimming the wick. de is the chimney or outlet for the hot air, the
lower part of the front of which is open, and across the opening is fixed a wire d²,
by which to gauge or regulate the height of the flame; d³ is a sight hole covered
with glass, across which is also fixed a wire to guide the sight in adjusting the
flame. The wick is raised by a notched wheel and spindle as usual. The lamp
case is screwed to the portion of the wood case marked a', with a piece of felt u
between to prevent passage of heat, and is furnished with a loose chimney, which
conveys the hot air direct to the heating chamber, from whence it passes through
the tubes and escapes at the outlet on the top of machine. To enable the
heating parts to be thoroughly cleansed in the case of carelessness in the
management of the lamp, resulting in smoking and the formation of soot, the case
is provided with a pad E attached to a metal plate e screwed to case, and when
removed a tube cleaner may be passed throughout tubes through opening left in
outlet pipe co By preference mineral oils are burnt; but the same arrangements
of parts are fully adapted for burning gas either by an ordinary flat burner or by
a Bunsen burner fitted on a stand, which can be placed within the lamp case d and
connected by an india rubber tube to any near gas pipe. By these means the water
in the heating tanks of incubators may be kept at a practically uniform temperature
without trouble, and with much greater economy than by the methods hitherto in use.
Below the heating tank in the lower part of incubator case is situated as usual
the egg drawer F. By preference this is fitted with a double front, the outer one
fitting into rebate into case and filled with nonconducting material f, through
which passes the thermometer f¹ with scale shewing outside. The drawer is
furnished with egg tray or nest G, G, resting in ledge g, g, made of perforated and
corrugated zinc and with vapourizing paus g¹, g'; the whole of these parts are easily
removable for cleaning. The details of the fittings of the egg drawer are shewn
more clearly on the enlarged Drawings, Figures 12 and 13, Sheet 3. The egg tray
is divided into spaces g³, g², covered with felt strips in which to rest the eggs. The
zinc beneath these strips is perforated, not so much for the passage of air as to
keep the bottoms of the eggs partially cool. Three rows of fine perforations

page_text: 9. g³, g, are made along the base and apex of each of the ridges or corrugations
formed in the tray. Pipes g, are soldered into the tray for filling vapourizing
pans and overflow ditto g, g, are fitted to the trays to prevent overfilling. The
vapourizing pans have porous pads g, g, of felt, solidified carbon, or other suitable
substance to absorb the water put in at each filling, and prevent a moist surface
only, thereby evaporating a maximum quantity of water.
The arrangements for ventilation are as follows:-E, H, are openings in
the bottom of the case for the admission of the outer air covered with wire
gauze or perforated zinc plates h, h, forming chambers h³, h, in which draft is
checked and the air slightly warmed. It then enters the space or chamber, 1
where it is still further warmed, and on through holes or perforations h³, les,
arranged equally over the bottom of the egg drawer to the chamber below the
tray, where it is sufficiently mixed, warmed, and saturated. with moisture
from the vapourizing pans. The air then passes through the perforations along
the base and apex of each ridge dividing the rows of eggs, and envelopes them in a l
warm moist atmosphere slowly and continuously drawn off through the rows of
holes,, through the sides of drawers and inner hinge of the case to the air
flues, h, surrounding three sides of the drawer and to the ventilating shaft h²,
its escape being controlled by the regulator J, ventilating valve K, and the con-
necting mechanism afterwards described.
The passages for the air throughout from the inlets at the bottom to the
ventilating valve at the top are so arranged and proportioned either by their
--covering of perforated zine plates or wire gauze, or from the varying sizes of the
perforations or holes themselves-between, the different passages and chambers, that
the air when acted upon by the draught of the ventilating shaft must diffuse itself
uniformly over the area of the egg drawer, as the total area at any point is only
equal to that at any other point, and every opening is made to pass its proper and
equal quantity of air at its varying temperature, and thus prevent any hot or cold
places in the egg chamber. I prefer in some cases to cover the bottom openings
H, H, with a slide 18 or other equivalent device (see Figure 9, Sheet 2) with
corresponding holes, so that the area may be reduced or increased to the maximuin
in accordance with the temperature of the outer atmosphere when the latter is
subject to extreme fluctuations, say, in mid winter or midsummer working. It
will be obvious to any one acquainted with this branch of mechanics that the series
of openings, chambers, perforations, and passages may be increased or reduced in
number, extent, or capacity without in any way departing from the principle or
nature of this Invention. Further, the air may be warmed to some extent if
preferred before entering the chamber at the bottom of the incubator by being made
to pass through ducts or passages through or over a portion of the hot tank before
being admitted to the central openings in the bottom of the machine, as shewn
in Figures 10 and 11, Sheet 2, but under this arrangement the inlet ducts, whether
entering at a level of about half way up the tank or at the level of the top of the
tank, must be below the outlet of the waste air at the top of the ventilating shaft.
The latter may however in the case of this arrangement be raised chimney fashion
to any height above the level of the incubator case.
The arrangement I make in accordance with this Invention to control the
temperature of the egg chamber automatically is shewn by the various Figures on
Sheet 3. J is an air regulator consisting of a tube or vessel of glass or other
approved substance of a non-porous nature, or at least impassable to air. It is
formed with an inverted cup j' on the lower side on one end with an open mouth.
This cup is covered with an elastic diaphragm, j, of india rubber or other
material, fastened by one of the modes afterwards described. Before fastening on
the diaphragm a quantity of water, equal to that which will about fill the inverted
cup, is poured into the tube, and the air in the tube is then warmed by immersion
in water to about 90° and the diaphragm secured. This tube forms a mechanical
thermometer or thermostat, the diaphragm bulging out or contracting with every
change of outside temperature, and this bulging is performed with sufficient force

page_text: to work any valve or mechanical agent to control the ventilating opening that acts
without much friction. Also, when in its place in the machine the inverted cup is
filled with water or other suitable fluid which prevents the escape or leakage of air
through the diaphragm. One variety of such valve with its connections is shewn in
Figures 12, 13, 14. K is a socket or tube holder screwed to the inner lining of
the incubator and furnished with brackets h, k, carrying the pivots or fulcrum of a
lever k¹, k¹; the short end of this lever is formed with a pad or betzel on which the
diaphragm when bulging operates, and the long end is jointed to the lower end of
the connecting rod k by which the valve now to be described is operated. It
consists of a metal case L, L, with cover l, l, screwed on, and with two side
openings,, through which the air passes. These openings are controlled by the
swing or balance valve 1, 2, hung upon two centres or pivots ³, 13, so that it will
turn like a scale beam with the slightest force. This valve is formed with stops or
feathers, which open both sides when the valve is moved one way, and closed
when the valve is moved the other, as shown by the dotted and full lines
respectively. This valve is not made actually to touch either at the ends or sides,
and has an opening or openings in the plate or middle part to allow air to pass
through when opening, and at all times, even when closed, it allows a certain
quantity of air to pass through. The action of the whole arrangement is this, that
when the air in the air regulator attains the heat about 100° the diaphragm is
sufficiently bulged to act upon the pad of the lever k', lift the outer end of the
saine, and open the valve in the direction of the position shown by the dotted
lines, and thereby relieves the temperature in the drawer by allowing a larger
body of air to pass through the machine. Of course any reduction of tempe-
rature in the egg chamber is accompanied by an exactly contrary action of valve,
as the weight of the connecting rod. brings it back on the retractation of
the diaphragm. Another form of regulator acting upon the same general principle
is shown in Figure 15, and is designed to reduce the working parts to one axis,
and that practically without more friction or liability to derangement than a good
pair of scales. It also enables the whole of the apparatus to be removed from the
top of the machine when necessary, and at all times to be casily inspected. The
air regulator tube is the same in all respects except that the cup j', over which the
diaphragm is fixed, is connected with the tube J by an elbow 3, so that the
diaphragm is in a vertical plane and projects through the inner lining of the ogg
chainber, as shown at j. The water put into the tube, as before described, always
fills this part. The diaphragm operates the valve by means of the lever ³, near
the lower end of which is the axis or knife edged centre or fulcrum ³, carried
on bracket, screwed to the outer case of incubator or other part within the
ventilating shaft. The valve in this case consists of a case similar to that last
described, but instead of the moving part of the valve operating by the swing
inovement before described, it consists of two plates or feathers kª, kª³, connected
by cross bars or ties k at a proper distance apart to the longer or upper end
of the lever k³, so that when the lower end of the lever is pushed out by the
distension of the diaphragm the two feathers or plates ko, k, are removed more
or less from the openings of the valve case, thereby allowing of the passage
of air in greater or less quantity according to the temperature in the egg
chamber, and upon the diminution of the said temperature the weight of the
lever itself, standing as it does in an inclined position, or aided by the
balance weight attached to its upper end or to the valve feathers, as may
be preferred, retracts or follows the receding diaphragın and closes the valve.
The cover of the valve case can be removed by taking out the screws by
which it is held, and the sole moving part taken out if required, for transit or
cleaning. The diaphragm may be at any time examined by the removal of the
pad and plate screwed to the outer case of the incubator. The diaphragm
may be secured to the cups upon the air tubes, whether of glass or metal, either by
tieing on, as shewn in Figure 16, or in the case of metal regulator tube by a hinged
joint, as shown in Figure 17, or by a screw cap and loose ring, as shewn in
'

page_text: Figure 18, or in any other suitable way. In regulators for export, or very cold
climates, I prefer to make the tubes of metal, and with a small air inlet hole M
closed by a screw m, by which the insertion of the requisite quantity of water may
be delayed till the time of using the machine, and the diaphragm thereby kept in
equilibrium till wanted, thus preventing damage by frost or undue distension.
Before use the water is put through the small hole m, and the tube immersed in
water at 90°, as above described, and the hole closed by the screw plug, when
regulator is ready for work.
The nature of this Invention in its various branches of beating, ventilation, and
automatic regulation is applicable to all kinds of incubating machines of whatsoever
size, and its mode of application under varying circumstances will be readily
understood from the foregoing by those acquainted with this branch of mechanics.
Figures 4 and 5, Sheet 2, however, shew the application of this Invention to larger
machines, either for great numbers of common fowl eggs or for ostrich eggs. In
these machines, say for 200 eggs and upwards, I prefer to use a number of drawers
and to duplicate the lamp heating arrangement. The Figures named show
Of
3 drawers, cach if of the ordinary depth, holding 100 eggs, or as made deeper (as
shown in the Figures), 12 ostrich eggs; F, F, are the egg drawers; A, A, the case
contains tank; D, D, the lamps; C, C, the heating holes; c', c', the outlet for
waste air from lainps; L, L, the ventilating valves; H, H, the ventilating flues
surrounding the drawers; B, B, the stand; b, b, sliding supports for drawers.
course 4 or any other number and any size of drawers may be used. Another
form of combined incubator and drying box is shewn in plan in Figure S, Sheet 2.
This machine has 2 drawers f, f¹, one equal to containing 100 eggs, and the
narrower drawer (f¹) divided into 2 parts, one halff fitted with egg tray, and the
other or front part is open the full depth and may be used as a drying box, and
fitted with a perforated zinc top or wire net flap hinged to side so as to keep the
chickens from jumping up; H, H, shows the ventilating flues; L, the valve;-D, the
lamp heater, and C, the lamp exit or chimney. Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 2, shew an
arrangement of incubator with metal case, and embodying the various parts of my
Invention. In this case I prefer to make the tank C, C, oval, and the case A, A,
of japanned iron or other metal or style of finish of sufficient size to allow for
packing sides and top. The lamp and heater D, D, is situated at the centre of the
elipse, and the exit or chimney C at the other. The drawer is rectangular, and is
fitted into a rectangular chamber F, F, in the lower part of case, and surrounded
with air flues H, H, in connection with ventilating shaft, and valve L, L, arranged
as before. If preferred, a small warming box G for eggs may be formed in the end
of the lower part of case under chimney. The incubator may be fitted on to metal
stand of any light construction as shewn by frame B, B.
An artificial mother or brooder constructed in accordance with my Invention is
shewn in Figures 19, 20, and 21, Sheet 4. C is the hot water tank; c is the
heater; D, the lamp; c, the tube or tubes straight through the heater, and with
exit and mouth-piece, the same as that described for incubator; E is the pad for
removal and cleaning. The lamp is of the chimneyless kind, and not affected by
wind. A, A, is the case or frame, and a, a, the top; N is the drying box of
perforated zinc, and removable for cleaning; n, n, the hot air holes for warming
ditto; n¹, n, the cover with reflector underneath to give a top heat to chickens;
n², n², openings for ventilation, the direction of the current being shown by the
arrows; n³, n³, are the side wings hinged to the frame, as shown, and may be
closed or fixed at any angles by the chains and hooks n', n, or by any other suitable
fastening. The bottoms of the wings may also be fitted with one or more flaps,
which are hinged on, and can be turned back, as shewn by the dotted lines no, no,
when not in use, but are useful at night to entirely close the brooder if there is
any danger from rats and foxes; no is a sliding door to be opened also when
necessary, and to give light and air in the day time. The whole of the under side
of brooders and the wings are hung with flannel or felt cut into strips n', n', as
shewn, nailed to the wood frame and boards forming wings. The brooder legs may
(

page_text: be made adjustable by the arrangement shewn in the above Figures. 0, 0, are
pieces of wood or metal screwed (with unequal ends on pins as centres) to the
sides of brooder stand. At its lowest height the brooder rests in the end frames;
another height is given by trimming the short ends of the movable legs down-
wards, as shown at o, o; and a third height by turning the long ends downwards,
as shown at o¹, o¹. In the case of adjustable brooders the additional flaps at
the sides should be made to slido samo as the door, so as always to reach the
ground. Other sections of brooder tank is fitted with heaters in accordance with
this Invention are shewn in Figures 22 and 24. Fig. 22 is a heating tank
forming a double brooder. D is the lamp, c is the through heating tube. The
brooder has a partition down the middle nnderneath, and is fitted with wings on
the same principle as before; the dotted lines show the wings shut up. This may
bo fitted with drying box as before. Another form of brooder in accordance with
this Invention is shown in Figures 23 and 24. C is the heating tank of an archied
shape underneath, and the top either arched or flat; D, D, are the lamps, ono to
each side, with the heating chambers and straight through heating tubes c' and c³.
This brooder may also be fitted with adjustable wings, and the tank fitted into
wood case or frame as before, and is suitable more especially for ostrich rearing.
Of course it is fitted with doors, felt, and all adjuncts, as before.
Having fully described and ascertained the naturo of the said Invention, and tho
manner in which the same is to be performed, what I desire to claim as new and
to be secured to me by the hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The construction of the hot water tanks of incubators or artificial hatching
machines with self contained heating chamber and straight through heating
tubes c, c, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.
Second. The arrangement and construction of those portions of incubators or
artificial hatching machines by which the ventilation is directed and controlled so
that the outer air admitted centrally at the bottom of openings H, H, covered
with wire gauze or perforated metal plates, and afterwards passed through
chambers h, 2, and ', where it is warmed and vapourized, then finely divided and
passed through tray by the perforations ho, and into the air flue he surrounding the
drawer, from whence it is discharged by the air shaft or shafts h, and the current
regulated by the valve at the top of the latter, either moved by hand or by a
self acting regulator, substantially as and for the purposes herein before set forth.
Third. The construction, for the purposes of regulating or controlling the outlet
air openings or ventilating shafts of incubators or artificial hatching machines, and
for analogous purposes, of balanced or easily moved valve or valves consisting of a
case L, L, cover L, side openings ', l, swing or moving part 1, 12, hung upon
pivots 13, 3, and carrying stop plates or feathers,, as shown in Figures 12, 13,
and 14, operating as described and by partial rotation of the moving part upon the
said pivots opening or closing the said openings, or with a similar valve caso, and
the feathers, 6, carried by the lever or arm turning upon the axis k*, as shewn
in Figure 15.
Fourth. The construction of an air regulator for operating the ventilating valves
of incubators (and analogous purposes), consisting of a tube or vessel situated
horizontally or thereabouts within the egg chamber, if glass, china, or other suitable
material, with a branch therefrom, or attached thereto in such a position as to
be below the level of the lower side of such tube or vessel, and the mouth of which
is covered with an elastic diaphragm of india rubber; either alone or supported by
a flexible steel spring or split plato, the said branch being filled with water or
other suitable fluid to hermetically seal the said diaphragm, substantially as and for
the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
Fifth. The construction of the heating tanks of brooders or artificial mothers
with a self contained lamp or gas heating arrangement, consisting of heating
chambers c, c, straight through tube or tubes c, hot air exit co, and cleaning
plate E, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
Sixth. The construction of brooders or artificial mothers with drying box N,

page_text: combined and heated by the same tank as the brooder with reflector and cover n',
ventilating passage n³, and hot air passages n, substantially as and for the purposes
herein before set forth.
Seventh. The construction of brooders or artificial mothers with adjustable side
wings n³, n³, lined and hung with felt, the wings to open and shut according to
the weather, and to close at night.
In witness whereof, I, tho said Henry Tomlinson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixth day of January, Ono thousand eight hundred and
eighty one.
HENRY TOMLINSON. (L.S.)