matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN MARINERS' COMPASSES TO COUNTERACT THE EFFECTS OF LOCAL ATTRACTION
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Onslow Aston and George
Germaine at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 25th May 1854.
We, EDWARD ONSLOW ASTON and GEORGE GERMAINE, both of Mill Wall,
in the County of Middlesex, Master Mariners, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MARINERS' COMPASSES TO COUNTERACT
THE EFFECTS OF LOCAL ATTRACTION" to be as follows:-
The object of our said Invention is to neutralize or counteract the effects of
the local attraction of iron, particularly of iron vessels; and also of electricity,
by peculiar arrangements of electrics and non-electrics surrounding compasses,
which we find produce the desired result.
One mode we adopt is to provide three or more deep copper basins of such
dimensions that they can be suspended one within the other, with equal spaces
of from one to four inches, or thereabouts, at the bottom and sides, and the
rim of each bowl rising to a level at the top. For an eight-inch card compass
we should make the inner basin eight and a half inches in diameter, so that
when the compass is fitted therein on gimbols, as usual, in suspending com-
passes, the compass shall have free play. The diameters of the next larger
basins may be successively twelve and a half inches, fifteen and a half inches,
and eighteen inches. These four basins are then to be kept equidistant from

page_text: each other by legs or stays at the sides and bottoms, and their top openings
are to be closed by four annular plates, which may be soldered or otherwise
secured. The four basins thus fitted present three spaces, which may be filled
with any fusible non-electric substance, as gutta percha, resin, fats, oils, or
preparations of these or the like, poured in a melted state into the innermost
and outermost cells or spaces, while the centre space may be rendered vacuous
by means of an air pump or other suitable means. The non-electrics are
introduced before putting,on the annular plate cover, or proper apertures with
screw plugs are provided for running in the materials or forming the vacuum.
The open top of the centre basin, within which the compass is suspended on
its gimbols, may be closed by a thick circular glass set in a screw ring
frame.
We do not limit ourselves to the particular size or form or number of basins;
they may be made of copper or other metal (except iron), glass, wood saturated
with varnishes, and a variety of other materials; neither do we restrict ourselves
to the kind of non-electric to be introduced in the cells or spaces; and though
we prefer cells or spaces alternating, one with a non-electric and one with a
vacuum, this arrangement, like the rest, may be considerably modified.
AN IMPROVED KNIFE CLEANER
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Edwards at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th June
1854.
I, JOSEPH EDWARDS, of Camberwell, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED KNIFE
CLEANER" to be as follows:-
My said Invention relates to an improved construction of apparatus for
mechanically cleaning knives.
I will describe the construction of one of my improved knife cleaners of
medium size. Within an oblong narrow box standing on its narrow edge is
one leather-covered wooden cylinder, of about nine inches diameter, and about
three and a half inches wide, fixed upon a spindle and operated by a sinall
winch. Around the cylinder is an endless leather band, passing also over a
small roller, which by means of a screw can be made to cause more or less
friction of the band on the main cylinder, as required. At suitable intervals
above the band are fixed six or more small friction rollers, to press against the
band. Outside the box, and near each of the small friction rollers, are short
slots, for receiving and holding the knives during the operation of cleaning.

page_text: Above the centre of the spindle is a hole in the front of the box, for sup-
plying the cylinder with emery, and a suitable aperture at the bottom for its
removal.
I do not limit myself to dimensions or materials, or the number of the
several parts.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SEATS OR CHAIRS FOR ADVERTISING
Year: 1854

page_text: nis Inven
receive
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Serf at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th January 1854.
I, JOSEPH SERF, of Paris, France, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEATS OR CHAIRS FOR ADVERTISING "
to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in a new mode of publicity by means of chairs, stools,
and all kind of seats, by the application of a plate or plates, of wood,
metal, or any other convenient material, which plate or plates become, from
necessity, part of the chair or seats, by being inserted in grooves made for that
purpose, and can be removed when required to the plate or plates, addresses,
advertisements, either inlaid, printed, lithographed, engraved, paintings, photo-
graphs, or in any other convenient mode, and that the plate or plates can be
put in any visable part of the above-described seats.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BARRELS OF ORDNANCE AND SMALL ARMS, AND IN BALLS OR PROJECTILES USED THEREWITH
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William James Cantelo, of 4, Leicester Square, for
the Invention of "AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BARRELS OF
ORDNANCE AND SMALL ARMS, AND IN BALLS OR PROJECTILES USED THEREWITH."
Sealed the 2nd February 1855, and dated the 1st December 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William James Cantelo at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
1st December 1854.
I, WILLIAM JAMES CANTELO, of 4, Leicester Square, do hereby declare the
nature of the Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BARRELS
OF ORDNANCE AND SMALL ARMS, AND IN BALLS OR PROJECTILES USED THEREWITH,"
to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to construct barrels of ordnance and small
arms in such manner as to cause the balls or projectiles used therewith to
rotate when passing from the barrels without having recourse to the ordinary
rifling of the interior of the barrels, and the Invention consists of fixing in a
slot or opening made near the fore end or muzzle of a barrel an inclined pro-
jection, in such manner that a ball or projectile in being projected from such a
barrel will be moved through a smooth barrel for a considerable portion of the
length of the barrel, and the ball or projectile will, just before passing from

page_text: the barrel, be caused to turn or rotate more or less on its own axis, according
to the quantity of rotation desired to be given to the ball or projectile; and in
order that the balls or projectiles used with such barrels may in loading pass
such projections fixed near the fore ends or muzzles, they are made with
notches or recesses; and where the balls or projectiles are made of cast iron 5
or hard metal, an exterior coating of lead or soft metal is applied, as has
heretofore in some cases been done.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CAPS, HATS, AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE HEAD
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Macnee at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th June
1854.
I, JAMES MACNEE, junior, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CAPS, HATS, AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE HEAD" to be as
follows:-.
This Invention relates to a system or mode of arranging and making caps,
hats, and other coverings for the head, so as to render them capable of being
packed in a very small compass, whilst they are also elastic, or capable of
expanding to fit the head of the wearer, and are provided with arrangements
for ventilating the interior. The Invention consists, in the case of caps for
example, in making the pan or internal form or frame of the cap of a band or
strip of elastic or other material, which is attached to top and bottom, and in
some cases intermediate spring wires, ribs, or narrow strips of metal or other
suitable material. The ends of the band are brought together, and the metal
wires or springs form themselves into rings, their ends being arranged to slide
over each other, so as to make the frame larger or smaller. This frame is
quite separate from the outer covering of the cap, and the ends being discon-
nected, it can be rolled up in a very small compass, whilst it forms a stiff'
frame when put together for wear. The outer covering may be of any

page_text: material or shape, being made so as to be easily folded together. When
required for wear, the outer covering is passed over the frame, and it is secured
to it in any convenient manner, as by buttons or hooks and eyes, for example,
or by means of an elastic band, or it may be made elastic, or partly so, in
order to fit tightly to the frame. The arrangements for ventilating consist
in forming holes in the sides of the pan or frame, and in the outer covering
it is proposed to form these holes at places corresponding to the sides of the
head only, and the degree of ventilation may be altered at pleasure by turning
the outer covering round upon the frame, so as to bring the holes in each into
greater or less coincidence with each other. The ventilating holes in the
outer covering are made ornamental, in any convenient manner, and they may
be covered with gauze or ornamental work of any kind. The same general
arrangements are applicable to hats, bonnets, and other coverings for the
head, the Invention essentially consisting in forming an inner framing separate
from the outer covering, and in such a manner that whilst it constitutes a stiff
frame or form when set up, it can be rolled up or folded into an exceedingly
small space, for the purpose of being carried in the pocket, or for being
packed in quantities.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN BONNETS AND IN BONNET FRAMES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Mary Caroline Hill at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with her Petition, on the 18th July
1854..
I, MARY CAROLINE HILL, of the City of Dublin, Milliner, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN BONNETS AND IN
BONNET FRAMES" to be as follows:-
The improvement in bonnets applies to all such as are made of silk,
velvet, or textile fabrics generally, and consists in so constructing them, by
means of sliding frames, as to form either a small bonnet, barely covering
the face, or a large bonnet, which will effectually protect the face.
The improvement in bonnet frames consists in forming those parts of the
frames which run from back to front of two or more pieces, made to slide
one within the other, or to slide side by side.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FURNACES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Weeks and George Pinner
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on
the 13th October 1854.
We, GEORGE WEEKS, of Dorset Street, Portman Square, in the County of
Middlesex, and GEORGE PINNER, of Globe Road, Mile End, in the said County
of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FURNACES" to be as follows:-
These improvements have for their object, firstly, the consumption of smoke;
secondly, the economizing of fuel by improving the combustion thereof; and,
thirdly, the affording of ready and convenient means of feeding the fire with
coals, and distributing the same over the surface of the fire bars without
opening the furnace door for that purpose; the furnace bars, according to this
Invention, being permanently fixed to the bearers and dead plate of the
furnace instead of revolving therewith, as heretofore practised in the construc-
tion of self-feeding furnaces as heretofore constructed. The nature of these
improvements will, however, be better understood and more readily ascertained
by the following description of the means by which they may be carried into
practical effect; that is to say, I employ a hopper, placed immediately over the
door of the mouth-piece of the furnace, said door having a plate of glass
inserted therein for ascertaining the state of the fire without opening the door
for that purpose; and further, there is a hole formed in said door, and near the
bottom thereof, through which passes a long rod of iron, one end of which has
a rectangular-shaped piece of metal connected thereto, and employed for

page_text: pushing the coals (which fall from the hopper) on to the surface of the fire
in the furnace, and the other end of said rod is formed with a handle for
actuating said rod. And I employ two bridges, the front one being built
upright, and the back one inclined outwards, so as to leave space between the
said bridges, and thereby forming a chamber, into which cold air is admitted
through an opening in the front bridge, said opening being furnished with a
hinged door or damper, either for regulating or shutting off entirely the supply
of cold air to the aforesaid chamber, the air passing from thence through
horizontal openings formed in the front bridge; and thereby becoming heated
before it enters..the body of the furnace: The intention of thus-introducing a
volume of heated air into the furnace is to afford the means of suddenly forcing
the fire or increasing the combustion of the. fuel when necessary; and it is the
above novel and peculiar mode of constructing furnaces, in which the fire bars
thereof are fixed instead of revolving, and of feeding and examining the fire
without opening the furnace door for that purpose, and of supplying a volume
of heated air thereto, which constitutes 'this' Invention of Improvements in the
Construction. of Furnaces.
THE APPLICATION OF. PRINTED OR PAINTED LINEN, COTTON, OR OTHER TEXTILE FABRIC, EITHER PLAIN OR ORNAMENTAL, FOR BINDING MORE EFFECTUALLY THAN HERETOFORE PACKETS OR PARCELS OF LACE, HOSIERY, OR OTHER ARTICLES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Dilks at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd July 1854.
I, JAMES DILKS, of Parliament Street, in the Town of Nottingham,
Lithographer and Embosser, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "THE APPLICATION OF. PRINTED OR PAINTED LINEN, COTTON, OR OTHER
TEXTILE FABRIC, EITHER PLAIN OR ORNAMENTAL, FOR BINDING MORE EFFECTUALLY
THAN HERETOFORE PACKETS OR PARCELS OF LACE, HOSIERY, OR OTHER ARTICLES,"
to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in the employment of printed or painted linen, cotton,
or other textile fabric, either plain or ornamental, for binding more effectually
than heretofore packets or parcels of lace, hosiery, or other articles. I propose
to use oil or water colours, or other glutinous substances, applied either by
hand labour or machinery to linen, cotton, or other textile fabrics, for the orna-
mentation thereof, for the purpose above described. Heretofore, bands for
binding packets or parcels of lace, hosiery, or other articles, have been com-
posed of paper only, or of a combination of paper with linen, cotton, and other
fabrics; hence, not only much greater strength and durability are obtained
by the means now proposed to be used, but the bands also possess greater
beauty of appearance.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR REGULATING THE FEED OF MILLSTONES
Year: 1854

page_text: acation for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Christopher Rands at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th May
1854.
I, CHRISTOPHER RANDS, of the Steam Flour Mills, Shad Thames, in the
County of Surrey, Miller, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR REGULATING THE FEED OF
MILLSTONES" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a mode of regulating the supply of grain (or
other substance required to be ground) to millstones, according to the speed
at which they are running. In order to effect this object, I transfer the grain
or other substance as it falls from the hopper by means of a rotating screw to
the shute, which guides it to the eye of the runner or upper stone; and
this screw I drive by a friction wheel on the screw shaft running in contact
with the face of a disc keyed to the spindle of the runner.
The friction wheel is adjustable on its shaft, and may be set by means of a
forked lever to any required position nearer to or farther from the centre of
motion of the driving disc, according to the mean speed desired to be imparted
to the screw. Or, instead of using this adjustable friction wheel, I drive the
shaft by common gearing, and effect the adjustment by changing the pitch of
This may be readily effected by forming the helix of the screw of
plate metal, and affixing one end thereof firmly to the shaft, and the other to a
nut, which is capable of sliding on the shaft. To this nut a forked lever is

page_text: attached, by operating which the helix of the screw may be compressed or
elongated, and thus the required mean rate of feed will be attained, while at
the same time the variable speed of the runner will be transmitted to the
screw, as in the first-described arrangement.
AN IMPROVED FASTENING TO BE USED INSTEAD OF BUTTONS, BUCKLES, CLASPS, SNAPS, HOOKS AND EYES, AND OTHER SIMILAR FASTENINGS
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Rowlands at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd January.
1854.
I, JOSEPH ROWLANDS, of Ladywood Lane, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Saddler, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVED FASTENING TO BE USED INSTEAD OF BUTTONS, BUCKLES, CLASPS,
SNAPS, HOOKS AND EYES, AND OTHER SIMILAR FASTENINGS," to be as follows:-
The application of a guard to such a mode of fastening, by which its
certainty of action on any sudden slackening or disturbance is secured.
ADDITION TO PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
I, the undersigned JOSEPH ROWLANDS, of Lady Wood Lane, in the Borough
of Birmingham, and County of Warwick, Saddler, do hereby declare that the
object of my Invention for an improved fastening to be used instead of buttons,
buckles, straps, and other similar fastenings, is as follows:-
To prevent the accidental escape of the button or knob fixed to any strap,
cord, or other material from the corresponding eye, slit, or hole made or formed
in another strap, cord, or other material, and to which the former is to be
fastened.
I effect this object by the position of a spring formed in the part having the
eye, slit, or hole therein, and in the same plane therewith.

page_text: The corresponding button or knob can only be placed in or removed from
such slit, hole, or eye, by pressing the said spring so as to allow the button or
knob to pass between the spring and the surface of the part in which such
spring is formed.
The button or knob, when it is not of the same width as the slit, hole, or
eyelet, is kept in its proper position by means of a slet made in the lower
part of the spring, such slot being of less dimensions than the head of the
button or knob.
INTERNAL GAS HEATING APPARATUS
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Duck and William
Wilson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 10th February 1854.
We, WILLIAM DUCK and WILLIAM WILSON, of Nos. 49 & 83, London
Road, Southwark, Metal Merchants and Manufacturers, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for an "INTERNAL GAS HEATING APPARATUS" to be
as follows, viz. :-
The application of gas as the heating agent, which may be introduced into
the interior of the article required to be heated by means of ordinary or
flexible gas tubing or otherwise, and applied to the inner surface of the article
to be heated by means of one or more gas jets or burners. And such appli-
cation of the same principle may and will extend to the heating of and
maintaining a permanent heat in all kinds of artificers' hot tools and imple-
ments, and to all articles and utensils which have hitherto been heated
externally by gas or internally or externally by means of coal, coke, charcoal,
or other fires, and to all purposes to which steam has hitherto been applied as
the heating agent, at a comparatively nominal cost.
The accompanying Diagram will show the principle of our internal gas
heating apparatus as applied to an ordinary tinman's soldering iron.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF AMALGAMS
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Montgomery Reed at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th
April 1854.
I, JOHN MONTGOMERY REED, of 19, Northumberland Street, Strand, in the
County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE TREATMENT OF AMALGAMS" to be as follows, and consist in the application
of electricity, so as to separate the solid metals from the mercury, and render
their extraction easy; also to purify them, and free them from dress and
scoria.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Carl Samuel Heinrich Hartog at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
7th November 1854.-A communication.
I, CARL SAMUEL HEINRICH HARTOG, of Islington, in the County of Middlesex,
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN FIRE-ARMS AND IN CARTRIDGES" to be as follows:-
I construct fire-arms with the breech fixed, but with the barrel or barrels
capable of sliding forward, and turning on a pin, so that the open end of
the barrel or barrels may be raised sufficiently above the breech to admit of the
introduction of the cartridge or cartridges, which are pushed up to a slight
shoulder in the barrel or barrels. The barrel or barrels are moved by means
of an arm or lever, carrying an excentric pin or crank, the motion of which
cocks the gun at the same time. The cartridge is fired by means of a needle,
which is forced by means of a hammer or lever and spring through the powder,
and strikes an explosive or percussion composition contained in the cartridge.
A safety bolt or stop is introduced when the gun is loaded, to prevent its
accidental discharge. When it is required to fire the gun, this stop is with-
drawn, and it is then ready to be discharged on pulling the trigger. A small
pin or stud is connected to the lock, and projects through a plate in the top of
the stock of the gun when the gun is cocked. If the gun has two or more
P

page_text: barrels, one of these studs is provided for the lock of each barrel, so that the
person using it can see at a glance whether the gun has been discharged, or
which barrel or barrels are loaded.
The cartridge is, made with a thick wad, which is concave on one side to
receive the bullet or shots, which is or are covered with a cap of paper or
other suitable material, with a thin wad above it, and enclosed in an outer
tube of the same. The other side of the wad is made with a projection in its
centre, which carries the percussion or explosive composition. The gunpowder
is placed in the outer tube, and surrounds the projection of the wad, so that
the percussion composition is in the midst of the powder. The end of the
outer tube is closed by a thin disc of paper, or other suitable material, so as to
be easily perforated by the needle. The explosive composition consists of a
mixture of gunpowder with chlorate of potash and sal ammoniac, or other
suitable explosive mixture.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU- PACTURE OF ORDNANCE, BARRELS OF FIRE-ARMS, AND HOLLOW CYLINDERS OF IRON
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Murray at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th November
1854.
I, CHARLES MURRAY, of Bignia Cottage, Havill Street, Camberwell, do
hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU-
PACTURE OF ORDNANCE, BARRELS OF FIRE-ARMS, AND HOLLOW CYLINDERS OF IRON,"
to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of a peculiar mode of forming ordnance, barrels of
fire-arms, and hollow cylinders of wrought iron, when using successive layers
of iron one over the other, in order to get greater strength. For this purpose
the iron is first rolled into slabs tapering towards the edges, the tapering being
from the middle of each slab outwards towards both sides or edges, so that
when a slab is bent into a tubular form the bore will be excentric, and where
the weld is made the metal will be comparatively thin, whilst the metal at the
opposite side of the cylinder will be comparatively thick. Over this first cylinder
a second one made similarly is placed and welded, the thicker part of the
second cylinder coming opposite the thinner metal of the first cylinder; and so
on for any number of layers of iron. And in order that the grain of the suc-
ceeding layers of iron may cross each other, the portion which is intended to be
used for producing a layer in the making of a piece of ordnance, barrel, or a
cylinder,-is-cut-from a larger slab in such manner that the ends incline to the

page_text: direction of the grain, and so that when layer on layer are used, the grain of
the several layers will be oblique to the axis of the piece of ordnance, barrel, or
cylinder, and the grain of each layer will cross the grain of the next layer, by
which means great strength will be obtained: "
IMPROVEMENTS IN BATHS OR RECEPTACLES FOR MELTING AND CONTAINING CERTAIN METALS FOR THE PURPOSE OF COATING OTHER METALS
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edmund Morewood and George
Rogers at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Peti-
tion, on the 12th September 1854.
We, EDMUND MOREWOOD and GEORGE ROGERS, of Enfield, do hereby declare
the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BATHS OR RECEPTACLES FOR
MELTING AND CONTAINING CERTAIN METALS FOR THE PURPOSE OF COATING OTHER
METALS" to be as follows:-
Heretofore metals to be used for coating other metals by immersion have
been melted and kept in a molten state in a vessel made of iron, and one of
the evils resulting from the use of such vessels is, that in the event of such
vessel getting out of order, by cracking or otherwise, the whole work is
stopped. Our Invention consists in making baths, pits, or receptacles (for
containing the metals to be melted and to be kept in a molten state), of brick
or other suitable materials; and in or against the walls or in the foundations
of the pits we place flues or close fire-places or fire pots, the tops of which,
if in the foundation, and the sides, if in the walls, being in contact with
the metal, give off the heat requisite for melting the metal, and keeping it in
a molten state; and the flues or other fire-places are arranged in such manner

page_text: that they may be independent of each other, and so that, in the event of one
giving way or getting out of order, the others may continue to give off heat,
and the metal continued in its molten state. In some cases we use only one
flue or fire-place, which surrounds the pit, and which may also pass under or
through the pit, and the metal becomes melted by coming in contact with the
flue or fire-place.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1854

page_text: This Invention received Provisional Protection, but notice to proceea wun the
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Emile Alfred Desrousseaux at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th March 1854.
I, EMILE ALFRED DESROUSSEAUX, of Roubaix, France, Architect, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR
WEAVING" to be as follows:-
These improvements relate to looms for weaving all sorts of figured fabrics,
and consists of,-
1st, the substitution of the jacquard machine acting by means of perforated
pattern cards by a mechanical arrangement, consisting chiefly of two cylinders
or barrels revolving on their axis, on the surface of which cylinders are
implanted moveable projections or teeth combined according to the pattern to
be produced in the fabric. These cylinders receive their motion from the
loom, and act in such manner as to compel the said projection to act in
proper time and combination on the lifting wires, and consequently on the
treadles and the warp theads.
2nd, a new arrangement for acting on those warp threads which during the
opening of the shed in the ordinary weaving process remain stationary, and
making them descend in order to open a larger shed, and offering greater
facility for throwing in the weft, which lowering motion is obtained by means

page_text: of a moveable perforated board, through the perforations of which the treadles
pass, and arranged in such manner as to produce the descending of the said
warp theads in proper time, and according to the desired pattern.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Radcliffe at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 6th July 1854.
I, JOHN RADCLIFFE, of Stockport, in the County of Chester, Machinist,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING" to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in the application, employment, or use of clastic
surfaces in certain parts of power looms, for the purpose of adjusting, regulating,
and softening the impulsive force or action of the "picker," in lieu of the
"check strap" or other contrivance hitherto employed; such elastic surfaces
may be made of small pieces, or rings or washers, and placed upon either cr
both ends of the guide spindle of the "picker," or they may be attached to
both sides of the cars and foot also of the "picker" itself, and thus form an
elastic exterior for the same, the "picker" being the well-known instrument
(one on each side of the loom) which gives the impelling force to the shuttle,
and drives it to and fro in its race. These elastic media act as small "buffers,"
and may be adjusted in thickness or strength, and may be composed of
caoutchouc, india-rubber, or other similar elastic substance, or other suitable
contrivance.
A NEW OR IMPROVED DRESS FASTENING
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Hipkiss at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th March 1854.
I, JOSEPH HIPKISS, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Tool Maker,.
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED
DRESS FASTENING " to be as follows:-
Figure 1 represents my improved fastening in plan; Figure 2 represents
the same in side view; and Figures 3 and 4 represent the two parts of which
it is composed, separately. It consists of two parts a, b; the part a is cut out of
sheet metal of the form represented and is flat, and the part 6 is also cut out
of sheet metal, but has one end b', turned at right angles, as seen in Figure 2,
and as represented in the end view of the same, Figure 3; in the turned
end b', a slot c is made. The two parts a, b, are fastened to the dress by
sewing through the holes d, d, and in using the turned end 6¹ is brought over
the opening e of the part a, and depressed therein, the tongue f is thus

page_text: brought immediately opposite the slot c, and by drawing the part 6 over the
part a, the tongue f is made to enter the said slot c, and the parts assume the
relative positions represented in Figures 1 and 2. By the reverse motion
the two parts a, b, may be separated. My improved fastening may be varied
in form so as to suit different purposes.
'
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFAC- TURE OF PULP PROM WOOD
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Gray at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th February
1854.
I, THOMAS GRAY, of St. Clements Lane, Strand, London, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFAC-
TURE OF PULP PROM WOOD" to be as follows:-
My Invention consists of certain mechanical arrangements, by which wood
may be reduced to pulp; in this state it is applicable to various useful pur-
poses. The machine I propose to use for reducing the wood to the finely
divided state required, consists of a circular metal plate, one surface of which
should be corrugated or serrated, or have projecting teeth forined thereon,
somewhat similar to a rasp. The plate with its roughened surface uppermost is
to be supported horizontally upon a central shaft, the lower part of which is to be
stepped in a suitable bearing, so as to rotate freely upon its axis.
A cogged
wheel is fitted and firmly secured to the periphery of the metal plate, (or the
plate may be cast with teeth around the circumference,) and made to gear
with a vertical wheel fixed to a shaft, upon which are fitted fast and loose
pullies, communicating by means of a strap with a steam engine or other
motive power. Above the lower or grinding plate is fitted another plate,
which rests upon the pieces of wood to be ground; the pressure of the upper

page_text: plate may be increased by means of a weight fitted to a lever upon the
outside, and capable of adjustment. A stream of water is conveyed by
means of a pipe between the plates, which runs off by a suitable channel made
in the lower plate, and into a reservoir placed beneath. A slab or a number
of pieces of wood is placed in the machine, and the lower plate put in rapid
motion; the pressure of the upper plate upon the wood causes it to be ground
into fine particles, forming with the water a pulpy mass, which flows into the
reservoir as fast as it is formed. The pulp when deprived of superfluous
moisture is applicable to the manufacture of paper, papier maché, moulding,
and other purposes.
I do not confine myself to the precise arrangement I
have herein described, but reserve the right to modify and vary the details,
but the foregoing substantially describes my Invention.
LETTING-GO AND HEAVING- UP SHIPS' ANCHORS, WHICH I CALL A DOUBLE-ACTING ANCHOR PURCHASE
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Kimmins M'Minn at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
27th September 1854.
I, WILLIAM KIMMINS M MINN, of 34, Robert Street North, Liverpool, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "LETTING-GO AND HEAVING-
UP SHIPS' ANCHORS, WHICH I CALL A DOUBLE-ACTING ANCHOR PURCHASE," to be as
follows:-
1st, the application of two metal wheels scored or sunk on their circum-
ferences, to receive or embed one-half of each link of the chain. See C, W, in
Drawind.
2nd, the eccentric and lever with friction rollers, or with friction rollers
otherwise applied, to releive or to compress the chain, and thereby to become
stoppers, by bringing two or more parts into close contact with each other.
F, R, in Drawing.
3rd, the application of a cylinder with a spiral thread on its inner surface
for a releiving or permanent stopper for hemp cables or ropes.
4th, the application of two bevel or screw wheels, with another screw
wheel acting upon them as a driver. D, W, & D.
The combination may be applied either on the horizontal or vertical
principle.

page_text: FR Friction Rollers.
2. Friction Pins.
PP. Pinnion Whils
acting in Toolhuil Bars.
BB. when the Eccentric
is not employed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLUES AND CHIMNIES FOR STEAM ENGINE BOILER FURNACES AND OTHER FURNACES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Alletson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd May 1854.
I, THOMAS ALLETSON, of Moorgate Street, in the City of London, Gentleman,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF FLUES AND CHIMNIES FOR STEAM ENGINE BOILER FURNACES AND
OTHER FURNACES" to be as follows:-
It is usual to make the flues leading from furnaces horizontal, and for them
to enter tail vertical chimnies. Now my improvements refer to giving one,
two, or more undulations or curves to such flues, terminating in short chimnies,
so that the hot air and smoke shall alternately ascend and descend until it
arrives at the vertical exit shaft, funnel, or chimney; or the latter alone may
be constructed of the required form.
I propose by this arrangement to do away with the necessity of tall funnels
or chimnics, for which purpose I give a horizontal swan-neck form to the
iron funnels of locomotive & marine boiler furnaces, so that the smoke
escapes by a tube after entering a similar but inverted tube connected
with it, and so on alternately to any length required, but generally for these
purposes the two bends will be sufficient. For locomotives such chimmies
may bend backwards and lie along the top of the boilers, and in like manner
for marine purposes. When built of brick the number of bends may be

page_text: increased, and instead of elevation may be carried along the ground, and consist
of a series of short vertical flues connected alternately at top and bottom, with
hollow arches or semicircular flues.
As the heated air impinges with considerable force against the first bend of
the flue, I recommend such upper bend or bends to be made subservient for
the heating of water by means of suitable iron tanks. It is particularly
desirable not to make these bends square or angular, but circular, for the free
passage of the draught.
I recommend my improved mode of constructing flues and chimnies for
diminishing the usual height of chimnies, and as affording many advantages
for the detention of sparks, improvement of draught, and when used in smelt-
ing operations, offering chambers for the sublimed materials, with increased flue
surface in a comparatively small area.
What I claim as the novelty of my Invention is, the mode described of
giving an undulating, wavy, or curved course to furnace flues and chimnies,
and thereby dispensing with the necessity for erecting the usual high chimnies.
AN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOAP
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Hutchison, of Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, Merchant, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOAP."
Sealed the 22nd September 1854, and dated the 1st July 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Hutchison at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st
July 1854.
I, GEORGE HUTCHISON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, Merchant, do
hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVE.
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOAP " to be as follows:-
Premising that heretofore in the manufacture of yellow soap, in which resin
is used, the whole of the contents of the soap pan are not "cleansed " or taken
out as soap, but a portion, varying according to the quantity of water which
has been used in dissolving the soap as left by the salt ley, and usually about a
fourth part of the entire contents of the pan, settles to the bottom, and is known
by the name of "nigro;" this residuum or remainder consists of a mixture of
soap with uncombined ley and common salt, besides accidental impurities.
The nigre is left in the pan when it is charged for another operation. The

page_text: same routine of process is followed in every succeeding boiling, till the gradu-
ally accumulating impurities injure the color of the soap to such a degree
that it is considered proper or advisable to remove the nigre from the pan
entirely, and to charge afresh with clean material. There is thus a series of
boilings gradually deteriorating in color, and consequently in commercial
value, till the last nigres are boiled up for the lowest quality of yellow soap.
Now, my Invention consists in washing and cleansing from foreign matters or
impurities the nigre of one pan with the spent salt ley of a succeeding and
adjacent pan, and when this last has been completely made, and is ready for
what is technically called "the finish," the nigre of the former pan, which has
been washed, as before stated, is transferred to this second pan and finished
along with it. The washed nigre is put into the room afforded by the removal
of the last charge of ley, and thus the pan is finished with a quantity of soap
in it greater than is practicable by the ordinary mode of proceeding; and
further, by adopting the mode of management invented by me, there is the
additional advantage that the quality of the soap manufactured is kept quite
uniform, so that while it enables the soap-maker to turn out a larger quantity
of soap, with a given amount of accommodation, it preserves a uniformly good
quality of manufacture.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Radcliffe at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th January
1854.
I, JOHN RADCLIFFE, of Stockport, in the County of Chester, Machinist, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING" to be as follows:--
My Invention consists in the application, employment, or use of elastic sur-
faces in certain parts of power looms, for the purpose of adjusting, regulating,
and softening the impulsive force or action of the "picker," in lieu of the
"check strap," or other contrivance hitherto employed. Such elastic surfaces
may be made of small pieces, or rings, or washers, and placed upon either or
both ends of the guide spindle of the "picker," or they may be attached to
both sides of the ears and foot also of the "picker" itself, and thus form an
elastic exterior for the same.
The "picker" being the well-known instrument (one on each side of the
loom) which gives the impelling force to the shuttle, and drives it to and fro
in its race.
These elastic media act as small "buffers," and may be adjusted in thick-
ness or strength, and may be composed of caoutchouc, india-rubber, or other
similar elastic substance, or other suitable contrivance.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES
Year: 1854

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Macnab at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 13th February
1854.
I, WILLIAM MACNAB, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North
Britain, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the class of steam engines known as "trunk"
engines, now ordinarily adopted for marine purposes. In this new arrange-
ment a single front trunk or hollow rod or case is used for the connecting rod
to work through. The piston is solid, that is to say, it has no central passage
through it, and the connecting rod joint is on the front side, or on the
side next the crank shaft. A solid piston rod is attached to and projects from
the opposite side of the piston, being screwed or otherwise attached to the
piston's centre. This rod works through a back or outside stuffing box, and
answers as a guide as well as a means of oiling. To render it available for
this latter purpose a small hole is bored down through its centre from the outer
end, where a cover cap may be fitted; this hole may then have divergent
branches passing to the working surfaces of the connecting rod joint, through
the body of the piston, so that the oil may flow freely through when poured in
from the upper end of the rod. Or instead of making this secondary rod solid,
with a small hole through, it may be in the form of a tube, with a solid neck

page_text: or end at the point of connection with the piston! It is proposed to arrange
the cylinders of such engines, especially when used for screw propelling purposes,
with their axes in parallel vertical lines standing fore and aft, the connecting
rods working downwards to the cranks. Instead of a second back or secondary
rod two or more may be used. The pin of the connecting rod joint is used as
the means of working the air pumps, rods from each pin or joint stud being
passed down through the trunk to the air pump pistons or plungers.
IMPROVEMENTS IN WATCHES, SPRING CLOCKS, AND TIME-PIECES
Year: 1854

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Power and Thomas
Knowles at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Peti-
tion, on the 24th February 1854.
We, EDWARD POWER, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Gentle-
man, and THOMAS KNOWLES, of the same place, Watchmaker, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATCHES,
SPRING CLOCKS, AND TIME-PIECES" to be as follows, that is to say: -
The object of these improvements is to remedy the evils arising from over
winding watches and spring clocks, or from endeavouring to wind them the
wrong way. The Invention consists in substituting a loose arbor for the
fusee instead of a fixed one, which arbor has a small ratchet catch and spring
placed between the top of the fusee and the fusee cap, the fusee cap being
screwed on instead of soldered. When the chain is fully wound up it pushes
in a small catch under the fusee cap, which throws the arbor out of action,
making it turn independently of the fusee.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN STEAM BOILER AND OTHER FURNACES
Year: 1854

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Wagstaff Yapp at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th
August 1854.
I, GEORGE WAGSTAFF YAPP, of Nourse & Co's. American and General
Patent Agency, 17, Cornhill, London, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN STEAM BOILER AND OTHER FURNACES"
to be as follows:-
My improvement consists in the application of a grating or series of bars
placed at or near the mouth of the furnace, and in a perpendicular or slanting
position, with the view to prevent the fuel falling or being pushed beyond a
certain line until after it has been subjected for some time to the action of the
fire in the body of the furnace.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATING THE HOP BINE, AND RENDERING IT APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER AND OTHER ARTICLES
Year: 1854

page_text: VILU
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Barling at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd February
1854.
I, JOSEPH BARLING, of 7, High Street, Maidstone, in the County of Kent,
do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATING
THE HOP BINE, AND RENDERING IT APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER AND
OTHER ARTICLES," to be as follows:-
Whereas in the previous attempts to make paper from the hop stalk or bine,
the operators have acted on the whole bine, and have all failed because the
said bine is composed of an outer bark, which is fibrous, and an inner core or
centre which is ligneous or woody, and not convertable into paper or other
articles. Now my Invention consists in separating the bark from the said
woody centre or core, and confining my operations to the said bark only, which
separation may be effected in many ways, the most simple and quickest being
to boil the hop bine (either in its full length as it is pulled from the hop pole,
or cut into suitable lengths,) in any boiler or other vessel, either in water only
or in an alkaline lixivum, or by subjecting the said bine to the action of steam
in a steam-tight chest, or by placing the said bine under rollers or beaters, or
other means, by which the bine is crushed, and the said bark rendered easy to