matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to
ries Carnell,
City
State
рита,
of Pennsylvania, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS."
Sealed the 29th May 1855, and dated the 22nd March 18
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Carnell at the
Office of the Commissioners of 'Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd
March 1855.
I, CHARLES CARNELL, of the City of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a novel arrangement of self-acting machinery for
moulding bricks. The clay is fed into a pug mill, forming part of the machine,
and when tempered by rotating radial knives, it is forced out by sweeps into a
rectangular filling box, set in front of the discharge orifices of the pug mill.
This filling box has openings at bottom to permit of the clay being pressed out
therefrom into moulds which are slidden under the box to receive it. The dis-
charge of the clay is effected by the descent of a piston or pressing plate,
actuated by reciprocating sliding rods, attached respectively to arms of a rock
shaft, to which the piston rods are connected. At the upper end of the pug mill
shaft a wheel provided with adjustable lugs is mounted for the purpose of

page_text: actuating the sliding rods, and at the lower end of the same shaft is a somewhat
similar wheel, for giving a sliding motion inwards to a rod attached to a trans-
verse bar, which as it moves inwards carries the moulds under the filling box.
The drag of a pendent weight or weights returns the transverse bar and rod to
their former position. After the moulds have been filled with compressed clay
they are discharged on to a carriage, by which they are moved laterally out
of the machine. To prevent the breakage of the moulds or injury to the
mechanism, by reason of any stones or other obstruction offered to the inward
progress of the moulds, they are pressed forward by a hinged piece attached to
the transverse bar, and kept in position by a friction break. This hinged piece
is capable of yielding to undue pressure, and so making the attendant aware of
the existence of some temporary obstruction. After the obstruction has been
removed, the friction clutch and the hinged piece in connection therewith can
be re-adjusted. By means of a vibrating plate acting upon the tail of a rocking
lever, sudden pressure is put upon the moulds, for the purpose of discharging
them from the machine when the moulding operation has been completed.
The moulds are constructed with a movable bottom, so arranged that it
admits of being separated from the frame of the mould. When the moulds
are filled and discharged from the machine they are severally turned over, and
the bottom being raised, permits the air to enter, and thus facilitates the
discharge of the bricks from the moulds.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRO- MOTING THE DRAUGHT IN CHIMNEYS, AND FOR VENTILATING APARTMENTS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Salter at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 31st December.
1855.
I, JOSEPH SALTER, of the City of Manchester, Gentleman, do hereby declare.
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRO-
MOTING THE DRAUGHT IN CHIMNEYS, AND FOR VENTILATING APARTMENTS," to be
as follows:-
My improved apparatus for promoting the draught in chimneys consists of
an air chamber, with openings surrounding or partially surrounding the fire
grate. This air chamber is supplied with cold air, which passes through the
openings for the purpose of increasing the draught in the chimney. A damper
or valve is applied to regulate the quantity of cold air supplied to the fire.
My improved apparatus for ventilating apartments consists of a syphon, the
longer leg of which reaches to near the top of the apartment, and the shorter
leg is placed so near to the fire-place, that the heat thereof, by rarefying the air
in the short leg, causes the air from the upper part of the apartment to descend
the longer leg of the syphon, and thence up the chimney.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BOILERS POR GENERATING STEAM
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Kemble Hall at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th November
1855. A commuication.
1, WILLIAM KEMBLE HALL, of 36, Cannon Street, London, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BOILERS
POR GENERATING STEAM" to be as follows:-
The water spaces to which the larger portion of the heat is applied are con-
tinued upwards above the level of the water in the boiler, without being
exposed to the action of the fire, in such a manner that the water has no
tendency to return in them, but continues to flow uniformly in accordance
with the steam which is formed by its passage over the heated surface, the
downward current being supplied by the larger water spaces as ordinarily
arranged. The currents of water are thus divided into seperate and appro-
priate channels, and its circulation rendered more rapid and uniform, preventing
to a great extent the deposition of scale on the most useful portion of the fire
surface, and thus rendering the boiler more effective.
In the form of boilers used in the United States mail steamers between New
York and Liverpool, having vertical tubes which contain the water surrounded
by the heated air, the proposed improvement would consist in prolonging the
tubes above the upper tube plate a few inches above the ordinary water level;

page_text: and in making a similar application to the form of boiler known as "Lamb &
Summers' patent," the sides of the narrow water spaces would be extended
above the tops of the flues to such a distance at or above the water level as
would ensure the passage through them of the water in only an upward
direction.
MAKING AN ANIMAL MANURE FOR ALL AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL, AND FLORICULTURAL PURPOSES, BY REDUCING THE FLESH AND BONES OF ALL OR ANY OF THE ANIMALS OF THE EARTH AND FISHES OF THE SEA TO A PULP, POWDER, OR JELLY, WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF ALKALI
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Louis Bachelard and Henry
Harvey at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 24th March 1855.
We, JOHN LOUIS BACHELARD, of No. 3, Charles Terrace, Asylum Road, Old
Kent Road, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman, and HENRY HARVEY, of
No. 78, Denbigh Street, Pimlico, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "MAKING AN ANIMAL MANURE FOR
ALL AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL, AND FLORICULTURAL PURPOSES, BY REDUCING THE
FLESH AND BONES OF ALL OR ANY OF THE ANIMALS OF THE EARTH AND FISHES OF
THE SEA TO A PULP, POWDER, OR JELLY, WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF ALKALI,"
to be as follows:-
By reducing the flesh and bones of all and any of the animals of the earth.
and fishes of the sea to a pulp, powder, or jelly, with or without the aid of
alkalis, and using the same as manure, either separately or mixed with all
kinds of animal, vegetable, or mineral matters..
IMPROVEMENTS IN UTILISING LEATHER SHAVINGS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herman John van den Hout and
Ebenezer Brown at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 7th December 1855.
We, HERMAN JOHN VAN DEN HOUT, Artist, and EBENEZER BROWN, Carver,
both of Kentish Town, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN UTILISING LEATHER
SHAVINGS to be as follows:-
Our said improvements refer to manufacturing curriers' shavings of various
hides and skins into sheets of any required dimensions suitable for shoe soles
and other useful purposes.
We proceed by first washing the leather shavings, and then spreading a
layer of them on a zinc or other metal surface, which is then to be .brushed
over with paste, glue, or other suitable adhesive material, and another layer of
shavings placed thereon, which is also to be coated with paste, and so on
successively until the desired thickness is obtained.
The paste we prefer employing is composed of rye flour and glue, but
solutions of caoutchouc, gutta percha, and other adhesive compounds may be
employed.
When sheets of leather shavings are thus prepared, they may be turned over\
from the metal plates on to flanuel, and compressed in a powerful press with
flannel placed between each sheet, and in two hours or thereabouts will be
sufficiently dry to be finished by passing them between rollers.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS FROM CASKS OR OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1855

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Sunderland at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th March 1855.
I, JOSEPH SUNDERLAND, of Marsden, near Burnley, in the County of
Lancaster, Grocer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING THE
FLOW OF LIQUIDS FROM CASKS OR OTHER VESSELS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a peculiar construction and arrangement of self-
acting apparatus applied to cocks, taps, or valves, for the purpose of controlling
or regulating the flow of liquids through them, and dispensing thereby with
the necessity for having an attendant to watch the filling of the vessel and
prevent its overflowing. This apparatus is more particularly applicable to the
drawing off of molasses and oil, although it is also applicable to other liquids.
This improved apparatus consists of a small fixed vertical support composed
of iron or wood, and carrying at its upper end a ratchet wheel working loose
on a horizontal stud centre. To this wheel is fixed a small drum or cylinder,
over which is wound a cord having a weight attached to its lower free end,
which hangs down while the other end of the cord is connected to the lever of
the tap or valve.
Immediately beneath the cylinder or drum is fitted a lever working on a
stud centre; to one end of this lever is attached a float, which is placed

page_text: inside the vessel to be filled, the lever being suitably bent for that purpose.
The opposite end of this lever carries a counterweight and pall or detent,
which takes into the teeth of the ratchet wheel, and prevents it from being
turned round by the action of the hanging weight and cord when the apparatus
is not in action.
In using this apparatus, the tap is opened by hand, and may then be left to
itself to discharge the liquid into a vessel below; but when this vessel is full, or
nearly so, the float inside it will be elevated, thereby depressing the. opposite
end of the lever, and releasing the ratchet wheel by removing the pall or
detent therefrom, whereupon the hanging weight descends, and by turning
round the drum winds up the cord, which is so attached to the lever of the tap
as to close the same, and stop any further supply.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN PADDLE WHEELS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas M.Low at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 24th May
1855.
I, THOMAS McLow, of Staples Inn Buildings, No. 6, Middle Row, Holborn,
London, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN PADDLE WHEELS" to be as follows:-
This improvement consists in placing the floats of paddle wheels in an
angular position, which causes the floats to enter the water without vibration,
as is at present the case with the common paddle wheel. The floats are
fixed at a certain angle one with the other, but not touching, so that when
one float is about immersed, the next touches the water. The advantages
derived from placing the floats as before mentioned causes the water from the
leading float, when its power is exhausted, to strike the preceding float with
greater force, which adds to the propelling power of the paddle wheel.
This paddle wheel will work at a greater depth in the water than any fixed
float wheel without causing vibration, and without lifting any back water; and
by reason of the floats entering and leaving the water at an angle, the water
is but slightly disturbed, thereby increasing the speed of the vessel, and better
adapted for deep sea navigation where the vessel is exposed to rough or
heavy sea.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU- FACTURE OF BUILDING MATERIALS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR MAKING THE SAME
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Pidding at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th January
1855.
I, WILLIAM PIDDING, of Putney, in the County of Surrey, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF BUILDING MATERIALS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
MAKING THE SAME," to be as follows:-
I cement together large and small pieces of coke, pumice stone, broken or
pulverised stone, sand, porcelain, china ware, earthenware, glass, shells, bones,
earthy and metallic matters, in various proportions, with a well-known siliceous
cement, formed of pulverised silica dissolved in a digester in a strong or highly
concentrated solution of alkali, rendered caustic with lime under great pressure.
I use from about one-third to one-sixth portion of the siliceous cement in
cementing the above ingredients together in moulds under very great pressure.
After the building materials have been moulded, they are to be allowed to dry
in the open air for from twelve to twenty-four hours, and then to be gradually
subjected to heat, not exceeding that of boiling water in an oven. I also make
pipes for water or gas of slate, by connecting together by means of bolts and
screws pieces of slate, and previously to bolting them together it is sometimes
advantageous to place cements, caoutchouc, or gutta percha between the

page_text: divisions of the slate forming the pipes, in order to assist in preventing the
escape of gas or water. It may also be sometimes of advantage to bolt
between the divisions of slate forming the pipes, wood (preserved or not), skins,
leather, glass, metal, or metal coated with glass.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Getty, of Liverpool, in the County of Lan-
caster, Ship-builder, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM AND OTHER VESSELS."
Sealed the 5th June 1855, and dated the 27th March 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Getty at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th March
1855.
I, JOHN GETTY, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Ship-builder, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE-
CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM AND OTHER VESSELS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a novel mode of using iron in constructing the
frames or ribs and other main parts of ships, chiefly those which are to be
planked with wood and require the employment of copper bolts for holding the
planks in place, the main object being to avoid all contact between the iron
and the copper bolts, and consequently to prevent a destructive galvanic action
being set up between the two metals. To give strength to ships, I plate the
opposite sides of the timbers with iron, and secure the plates together by bolts
which pass through the iron and the wood, and thus I form compound ribs or

page_text: frames of considerable stiffness, which will permit of the copper bolts for
securing the planking being inserted therein without coming in contact with
the iron. For the purpose of facilitating the building of vessels upon this
compound principle, I propose that the width of the iron plates shall be in
general less, say, by about two inches, than the depth of the timbers to which
they are applied, to admit of the ribs being chamfered off to any required
angle to suit the curve of the vessel. This mode of strengthening ships'
timbers I propose to employ, in, constructing, the keels, stems, and stern posts,
frames or ribs, keelsons,. sister. keelsons,_and_bilge keelsons, stringers, and
clamps of ships.
REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF REVOLUTIONS OF A WHEEL OF A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE OR RAILWAY OR OTHER CARRIAGE AT ANY GIVEN PERIOD
Year: 1855

page_text: Tecet
Irotection,
notice
roceed wrun the
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur William Forde at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 29th
November 1855.
ARTHUR WILLIAM FORDE, of 45, Bernard Street, Russell Square, London,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for REGISTERING THE
NUMBER OF REVOLUTIONS OF A WHEEL OF A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE OR RAILWAY OR
OTHER CARRIAGE AT ANY GIVEN PERIOD, to be as follows:-
The principle used is that of revolving balls suspended from moving levers,
in a similar manner to the well-known governor of a steam engine, which balls
are put in motion with more or less velocity, and as they extend, the levers
produce an action on an indicator hand, which registers the speed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCREW PROPELLERS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edward Kenworthy and
Henry Greenwood at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 21st July 1855.
J, WILLIAM EDWARD KENWORTHY, and J, HENRY GREENWOOD, of Leeds, in
the County of York, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCREW PROPELLERS" to be as follows:-
Our improvements in the construction of screw propellers relates to fixing
the blades of screw propellers to the boss or centre, which is fixed on the shaft,
and consist in forming dovetailed recesses in the boss and corresponding dove-
tails on the blades to be fixed thereto. We construct the boss and blades of
wrought iron, with the dovetails in the boss inclined in the direction of the
screw blades to be fitted thereto. The blades being formed separately are
easily forged, and when either blade receives damage it can be removed and
replaced by a new blade without the necessity of changing the entire propeller.
We secure the dovetailed parts together by rivetting the small end of the
dovetail, or by passing a bolt or pin transversely through the dovetailed parts
when together.
OBTAINING FIBRE FROM THE BARK OF TREES OF THE MORUS FAMILY OR CLASS, AND THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER AND TEXTILE MATERIALS, AND FOR OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederic Lotteri, at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd November
1855.
I, FREDERIC LOTTERI, of Bergamo, Lombardy, but now residing in London,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "OBTAINING FIBRE FROM
THE BARK OF TREES OF THE MORUS FAMILY OR CLASS, AND THE APPLICATION THEREOF
TO THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER AND TEXTILE MATERIALS, AND FOR OTHER USEFUL
PURPOSES," to be as follows; and consists in preparing a fibre or fibrous pulp
from the bark of trees of the morus class in botany, and particularly of the
wild mulberry tree, or of the mulberry tree as cultivated for the breeding of
the silk-worm, to be applied to the manufacture of paper, silk, or tissue
resembling silk, lint, substitute for gun cotton, and other like purposes.
The bark is reduced to a fibrous substance by disengaging it of all the oily
or gelatinous parts by mechanical or chemical processes, or by both combined,
The bark may be exposed to the action of running water, which gradually
softens it, & clears it of the oily stringy parts, leaving the fibrous & textile
portion which constitutes the pulp; or the bark may be laid on horizontal
wooden or metallic perforated shelves, with suitable bowls under each, & placed
in stories one above another in an air-tight room; steam at a high tempera-
ture is projected into the room, which softens & clears the bark of the oily
stringy parts (which fall into the bowls & are conveyed away by any suitable
means), leaving the fibrous and textile portion. This operation may be

page_text: accelerated by having a range of perforated tubes placed over each layer of
bark, and all connected to one principal tube communicating with a cistern
of hot water, so that when the steam is projected into the room the hot water
regulated by a tap falls regularly on the bark, washing it as the steam clears it
of the oily stringy parts; or the bark may be cleared of its refuse by chemical
agents generally used for such purposes, leaving the fibrous & textile portions
in a fit state to be applied, as described.
Although the described operations perform the separation in a very complete
manner, yet it is necessary to cleanse the pulp or fibre completely from any
adherent particles of the refuse, which may be done by subjecting it to beating
or threshing, so as to reduce the said adherent particles to dust, leaving the
fibre or pulp pure; or it may be carded for that purpose, or the fibre or pulp
may be placed in water for the purpose of fermentation. The bleaching is
operated by exposure to the action of the air or sun (care being taken to keep
it in a damp state), or by continued immersion in either hot or cold water,
running or stagnant, pure or slightly alkalized; or it may be effected by the
usual chemical agents employed for such purposes.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CARPET AND OTHER BAGS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Goodyear at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th July
1855. Partly a communication.
I, CHARLES GOODYEAR, of Avenue Road, St. John's Wood, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN CARPET AND OTHER BAGS" to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improved apparatus for closing the mouths
of carpet and other bags. For this purpose the mouth of a bag is to have a
cord or wire or other thickening fixed around it in such manner that the
two sides of the mouth may be held parallel to each other, and have, so to
speak, a flanch projecting on either side, to receive a hollow tubular slide,
such slide having a slit in its under side, so that it may be slided on to and
from the projecting edges of the mouth of the bag, but attached at one end to
retain it connected to the bag.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FEEDING APPARATUSES, APPLICABLE TO MACHINES FOR TREATING TEXTILE MATERIALS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Claude Antoine Busson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
26th March 1855.
I, CLAUDE ANTOINE BUSSON, Engineer, of Paris, Empire of France, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FEEDING
APPARATUSES, APPLICABLE TO MACHINES FOR TREATING TEXTILE MATERIALS," to
be as follows:-
My improvements in feeding apparatuses relate to such descriptions of
machines for treating textile materials by which a continuous supply is
required, whether these materials are to be treated in the fibrous state, trans-
formed from this fibrous state into yarn, thread, or other fabrics, or whether
these latter are to be reduced again to the fibrous state; such, for instance,
as machines for burring, ginning, opening, softening, dividing, cleaning,
preparing, batting, scutching, breaking, dressing, carding, combing, spinning,
shearing, tearing, disentangling, cutting, crushing, pulverising, and others in
which a continuous supply of the textile materials is desirable.
The principle of my Invention consists in presenting to one side of the layer
or sliver of textile materials to be acted upon a fixed rigid smooth surface,
and to the opposite side of the layer a moveable elastic surface, into which
latter the materials may incrust or inlay themselves sufficiently deep for the
purpose.

page_text: For executing my Invention, I prefer using an arrangement consisting of
a revolving cylinder or drum, covered on the outside with a layer of vulcanized
india-rubber, round a part of which drum, and in a concentric position to the
same, is fixed a smooth casing or cover. The textile materials are made to
travel between the elastic surface of the drum and the smooth surface of the
casing; and in order to facilitate the introducing of the materials between the
said surfaces, I place, if required, close to the entrance and to the drum, a
smooth revolving roller parallel to the drum, which roller compresses the
materials, and forces them into the open space between the drum and the
casing, whereby they incrust themselves more or less into the elastic covering
of the drum. The materials escape on the opposite end of the casing, which
end may be made sufficiently sharp for allowing to the working parts, to which
the materials are to be submitted after protruding from between the drum and
the casing, of coming as closely as may be required, or nearly in a tangential
position to the drum and this end of the casing. If required, a band of
vulcanized india-rubber, travelling between the surface of the drum and the
concentric casing, and bearing against the surface of the drum, may be used,
instead of covering the entire surface of this latter with an elastic material.
AN IMPROVED BUILDING MATERIAL TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR WOOD
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Louis Lambot at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
18th February 1855.
I, JOSEPH LOUIS LAMBOT, of Carces, in the Department of Var, Empire
of France, and of 32, Essex Street, Strand, London, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED BUILDING MATERIAL TO BE
USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR WOOD" to be as follows, viz. :-
This Invention refers to a building material to be used as a substitute for
wood in naval and architectural constructions, and also for other domestic
purposes where dampness is to be avoided. I make this substitute of a net-
work, or a parallel set of wires, or metallic bars or rods, imbedded or
cemented together with hydraulic or other cementing matter, so as to form
beams or planks of any suitable size.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN STEAM ENGINES
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Tennant Caird, of Greenock, in the County of
Renfrew, North Britain, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN STEAM ENGINES."
Sealed the 16th November 1855, and dated the 17th September 1855..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Tennant Caird at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
17th September 1855.
I, JAMES TENNANT CAIRD, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North
Britain, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES" to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to apparatus to be applied to steam engines, more
particularly those of the direct-acting vertical cylinder class, for the purpose of
obviating the shock occasioned by the descent of the piston, its rod, connecting
rod, and appendages; being more especially designed for use in engines which
are driven at a comparatively high speed, as, for example, engines used in
driving the screw propeller.
The Invention consists in fitting up a small cylinder or pump in connection
with the main working steam cylinder, in such a manner that the piston rod of

page_text: the latter, or a continuation of it, may work a piston fitted to such small
cylinder. If the steam cylinder is inverted, that is to say, if it is arranged to
drive from its lower end, it is preferred to place the small cylinder upon its top
or above it. The lower end of the small cylinder is open to the atmosphere
by lateral apertures, which also give access to the stuffing box in the steam
cylinder cover. The opposite upper end of the small cylinder is cast or fitted
with a cover, which is provided with a valve or valves opening outwards only,
so that when the steam piston rises and carries up the piston of the small
cylinder, the latter piston expels any air that may be in the small cylinder,
whilst on its subsequent descent the valves close and exclude the air, so that
a vacuum is formed within the small cylinder, and the consequent upward
atmospheric pressure on the under side of the small piston balances the weight
of the steam piston and connections, and thus prevents the shock which would
be otherwise produced by their descending impetus. The area of the piston of
the small cylinder is of course calculated according to the weight of the steam
piston and connections, so that the amount of atmospheric pressure acting
on that area may neutralize the irregular action due to their descending
weight.
AN IMPROVED MODE OF ORNAMENTING WRITING PAPERS
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bishop at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th April
1855.
I, WILLIAM BISHOP, of Old Fish Street Hill, Upper Thames Street, in the
City of London, Stationer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "AN IMPROVED MODE OF ORNAMENTING WRITING PAPERS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a mode of ornamenting the surface of writing
papers without detracting from their utility as writing papers. This object I
propose to effect by printing patterns upon the paper in pale flat tints which
shall harmonize with the color of the paper, and so contrast with the color of
writing ink as not to interfere with the legibility of any writing that may be
put upon it, and yet at the same time shall sufficiently indicate the presence of
ornamentation, somewhat like that produced in damask weaving. By this
means I am enabled to produce with great economy fancy writing papers
having very elegant designs, which papers may be cut up into letter and note
sizes, and sold in quires, or used in the manufacture of envelopes.
IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO MACHINERY FOR WINDING AND FOR SIZING OR DRESSING YARNS OR THREADS
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Baron, Joseph Lang, and
Henry Liversage at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 8th August 1855.
We, the said WILLIAM BARON, Overlooker, JOSEPH LANG, Overlooker, and
HENRY LIVERSAGE, Reed Maker, all of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE
TO MACHINERY FOR WINDING AND FOR SIZING OR DRESSING YARNS OR THREADS " to
be as follows:
Our improvements in winding refer to those machines in which yarns or
threads are wound from the cop; and consist, firstly, in adapting thereto a rod
or other guide, over or through which the material passes previously to its
reaching the bobbin, and by which we are enabled to avoid in great measure
the waste arising from "back lash" in the cop, and generally to effect the
winding more perfectly. Secondly, we so incline the spindles from which the
yarn is to be wound that the nose of the cop occupies a position lower than
that of the base thereof.
Our improvement applicable to machines for sizing or dressing yarns or
threads consists in the use of a certain apparatus for taking the "cross" or

page_text: "lease." For this purpose we employ a series of instruments formed of thin
metal or other suitable substance, like the dents of reeds, but with thin pieces
attached to or raised from them, so as to constitute hooks or open-eyed needles.
These instruments we attach side by side to a bar, by which they may be
lowered through the threads in the machine, and then, by a transverse motion
of the said bar and lifting thereof, we can select the several sets of threads in
the necessary order. In order to facilitate this operation, we cause the threads
from the beams to be separated by passing over rollers or guides, thereby
getting them in sets one above another, and these rollers or guides may be
moved transversely instead of imparting that motion to the needle bar as
above mentioned. We also select the threads without a transverse motion by
causing them to pass through the machine in different vertical lines, so that
the needles having been lowered will fail in lifting some, but take others.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
-
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Bashley Britten at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th March 1855.
I, BASHLEY BRITTEN, of Anerley, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PROJECTILES to be as follows:-
The object of my Invention is to secure a greater amount of effect and
higher degree of accuracy from projectiles to be fired from ordnance and other
guns than is obtained from the shot in ordinary use.
I propose to secure these advantages, 1st, by taking means to prevent the
escape of the expansive gas generated in the explosion of the powder, & so
to obtain the whole force to act upon the shot.
2ndly, by forming the shot of such material that it may derive from spirally
grooved or rifled cannon the rotatory motion which is found so beneficial in
ordinary rifles.
3rd, by providing for the centre of gravity in the shot being nearer to that
end which it is desirable should fly first, so that the course of the projectile
through the atmosphere may be smoother & less liable to deflection.
4th, by having an enclosed hollow space in the hinder part of the shot,
which may be filled with explosive compound, & made to burst like the
common shell.

page_text: The sketch below will illustrate generally the form of the projectile.
The DRAWING (ef! with Tovisional specifican
18 Not Coloured.
A represents the iron body of the shot; B is an enclosed hollow space,
intended to lighten the hinder part of the shot, & so throw forward the centre
of gravity. When.so made, this space.may be filled with powder or other
combustible.matter, to explode.. If found more desirable, the space might be
open & filled up with wood or other substance, which would protect the shot
from being burst by the force of the powder when fired. C, C, represent
a coating of lead or other soft metal, which is united to the surface of the iron
On
by means of a solder of zinc, or an alloy of zinc or tin and other metals.
the explosion of the powder, the soft metal will be pressed out, & will fill up
the bore of the gun, preventing windage, & fitting into the grooves if the
gun be rifled.
My Invention consists of the application of soft metal, as shewn, united to
the iron by zinc or tin solder in the disposition of the material of which the
shot is made, so that the centre of gravity may be in front, & in the taking
advantage of this to render the projectile destructive as a shell at a longer
ange & truer flight.than is obtained from shells of the common construction.
Im- PROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR DRESSING AND FINISHING CLOTH
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Spence at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd August
1855. A communication.
I, WILLIAM SPENCE, of 50, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR DRESSING AND FINISHING CLOTH," (being a com-
munication from Dominique Beck, of Elboeuf, in the Empire of France,
Mechanician), to be as follows:-
This Invention has reference, in the first place, to a machine for raising the
nap or pile on the surface of cloths; and, in the second place, to a machine for
brushing and curling or disposing the fibres of the fabric so as to produce
variegated surfaces thereon.
The first-mentioned machine consists of the following essential parts:-
There are three feed rollers set in motion by gearing from the axle of an
upper roller by which the cloth is fed into the machine; this upper rolier
is driven by means of bevil gear and a vertical shaft, in such a manner as
to admit of the machine being stopped more gradually than usual. The
roller for stretching the cloth is mounted in grooves, so as to admit of its
being raised or lowered as required by means of toothed sectors actuated by
an endless screw through pinions. The roller is also made to turn with two

page_text: others by means of another endless screw, in such a manner as to complete the
required stretching of the fabric. There is also an open swinging frame worked
by means of levers, by which the cloth is folded and deposited upon an open
table at the lower part of the machine. There is also a roller furnished with
suitable cards or points for raising the nap, such roller being combined with
suitable mechanism for carrying on such process without intermission.
The last-mentioned machine consists of the following essential parts:-
There is a fixed table with apertures formed in it, through which steam or
vapour may be passed in suitable quantities to the cloth. Over this table
is suspended a moveable table, to which is imparted different excentric
movements according to the nature of the effect required to be produced.
Suitable pressure is likewise applied to..this table by means of jointed
stems or pillars fitted with adjusting screws in a frame. This suspended
table may be fitted with brushes or with a plush or other surface suited
for finishing the surface of the cloth. There are stretching rollers worked
by endless screws so as to draw out the cloth laterally. There is also a roller
similar to that in the former, mentioned machine for, raising the nap...
IMPROVEMENTS IN PRE- SERVING ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES FOR FOOD
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Matthew Boulton Rennie, of 21, Whitehall Place, in
the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRE-
SERVING ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES FOR FOOD."-A communication.
Sealed the 12th June 1855, and dated the 19th January 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Matthew Boluton Rennie
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 19th January 1855.
I, MATTHEW BOULTON RENNIE, of 21, Whitehall Place, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN PRESERVING ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES FOR FOOD" to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of applying a compound, consisting of gelatine or
jelly mixed with albumen and alcohol, which, being in a liquid state, is used as
a coating to the animal or vegetable substances to be preserved.
A LOCOMOTIVE LAND BATTERY
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Cowen and James Sweet-
long at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 3rd April 1855.
We, JAMES COWEN, of Greycoat St., and JAMES SWEETLONG, of Earl St.,
Westminster, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A
LOCOMOTIVE LAND BATTERY" to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of an improved locomotive battery to be used in the
field of battle, and is so constructed as to exert a most destructive force against
A massive framing is
the enemy, while protected from damage in return.
mounted upon five broad wheels; one of the wheels is placed at the fore part
of the framing and midway between its sides, so as to act as a guiding wheel.
Upon the framing is built a strong chamber, of an elliptical or other suitable
form, having apertures similar to the port holes of a ship, and smaller ones for
sight holes for the use of riflemen. In the flooring of the chamber is a recess,
in which is placed a steam engine for the purpose of propelling the battery
over the ground. The boilers of the engine are placed below the flooring of
the gun-room, and upon each side of the recess forming the engine room; or
they may be placed in any other convenient position, so as to be of easy access.
The chamber of the battery is furnished with 14 lb. carronades, or other suitable

page_text: sized guns. It may also be fitted with one or more steam guns, supplied with
steam from the boilers of the engine. To the framing of the battery and at
right angles to its length are fitted strong and powerful blades, turning upon a
hinge joint so as to lie close to the framing when not in use; these blades are
so fitted as to be instantly thrown out when required by the artillerymen or
persons inside the battery, the effect being to mow down any troops that come
in contact with or near the battery. The outside of the battery is covered with
stout plates of hardened steel, the outer surfaces of which are serrated, or
formed into sharp angular projections, in order to shatter to pieces any shot
or shells that may strike against the plates. The guiding wheel may have cogs
or other projections upon its periphery to assist the progress of the battery
over yielding ground.
We reserve a right to vary the details of the Invention; the above, however,
is a statement of the principles thereof.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOORS AND ROOFS
Year: 1855

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by André Bernard Vabre at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 3rd
March 1855-A communication.
I, ANDRÉ BERNARD VABRE, of Saint Thomas's Street East, in the County of
Surrey, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOORS AND ROOFS " to be as follows:-
I construct floors and roofs of a series of flat arches of hollow pieces of
pottery of peculiar form, supported on wrought-iron girders. The hollow
pieces of pottery are square at their upper ends, and they are made round, or
have their corners removed at their lower ends, which are rather smaller in
diameter than the upper ends, so as to form a flat arch when placed together.
The pieces or pots in contact with the girders may be inverted or inclined
a little, to form the springing of the arch. The spaces between the lower
ends of the pots are filled with mortar, or plaster, or cement, or a mixture of
lime and burned ground fire-clay, which serves as a key for the ceiling, and
receives the nails employed for fixing the laths when required.
The pots may be made of ordinary clay or of fire-clay. I prefer to make
the girders of wrought iron, placed at short distances apart. The pots being
fitted close to their webs give additional stiffness to the whole. The upper
surface of the pots may be covered with concrete, or other filling material or

page_text: cement, and the whole covered with boarding, or tiles, or other covering, at
pleasure. By this Invention very light fireproof floors and roofs, having more
or less power of resisting the spread of fire, may be constructed. These floors
are, moreover, well adapted for being ceiled on their under surfaces.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALS FOR RAILWAY TRAINS
Year: 1855

page_text: Totection
proceed
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Jackson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th April 1855.
I, THOMAS JACKSON, of Commercial Road, Pimlico, in the County of
Middlesex, Contractor for Public Works, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALS FOR RAILWAY TRAINS" to be
as follows:-
The improvements relate to means for signalling in case of need between
the guard or other person in charge of a railway train and the engine driver
or otherwise from one part of a train to another; and the Invention consists
in the use, for this purpose, of any suitable detonating compound to be exploded
by the guard, or other person having charge of such detonating compound,
when he wishes to attract the attention of the engine driver or other person at
a different part of the train.
ADDITION TO PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
The charges of detonating composition, each enclosed in a suitable case or
covering, I place upon a bed formed by preference of cast iron. Over this is
suspended by a cord or otherwise, so as to be capable of being readily released
when a signal is to be given, a weight sufficient when allowed to fall to explode

page_text: the detonating composition placed under it. When the signal is desired to be
given the weight is released, which, falling upon the composition, produces an
explosion as a signal. The bed upon which the composition is placed is fenced
round to prevent accident from the use of the apparatus. There is also a
reservoir of supply for the charges.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN AGRICULTURAL OR FARMERS' ENGINES, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLI- CABLE ALSO TO LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Lee at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th November
1855.
I, JOSEPH LEE, of Stonall, near Walsall, in the County of Stafford,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN AGRICULTURAL OR FARMERS' ENGINES, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLI-
CABLE ALSO TO LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to an improved construction and arrangement of the
boilers, fire boxes, and ash pans of agricultural and locomotive engines, with
oblong fire boxes, whereby a greater heating surface is obtained, and the risk
of fire by the escape of burning fuel from the grate is avoided.
The improvement consists in making the fire box and ash pan in one piece,
and continuing the boiler plates underneath the ash pan, so as to leave one
continuous water space round the sides of the fire box and underneath the
ash pan.
A suitable opening is formed in the back or front of tho ash pan to admit
air to the fire, and to facilitate the removal of the ashes from the ash pan.
The ash pan being thus entirely boxed in, with a water space all round and
beneath, there will not only be no danger of fire from the escape of burning

page_text: fuel from the grate when used as an agricultural engine, but the amount of
water-heating surface will be increased.
The ash pan. is fitted with a door, made so as to rise or fall at pleasure,
for the purpose of regulating the draught, instead of opening the fire door,
which practice is very injurious to the tubes, causing them to leak, and
destroying the tube plate.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF MANUFACTURING LOZENGES
Year: 1855

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Hudson Cranston at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th
December 1855.
I, HUDSON CRANSTON, of Coronation Street, Sunderland, in the County of
Durham, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING LOZENGES" to be as follows:-
The novelty of this Invention consists in the use and employment of certain
mechanism for cutting or shaping lozenges, instead of performing such
operation by hand as heretofore occasionally practised, by which I effect
considerable economy in labor and time.
The following is an example of the improved method of manufacturing
lozenges according to this Invention:-The ingredients of which the lozenges
are made are placed upon a flat surface or table, immediately over which a
series of cutters or hollow punches of any desired shape are disposed and held
between guides in a suitable framing. The aforesaid cutters or punches are.
connected to a crank shaft by a rod, so that by imparting motion to said crank
shaft it will produce reciprocating movement of the aforesaid cutters, the
downward pressure of which upon the ingredients beneath cutting the saing
up into pieces of the desired shapes and formis, and simultaneously with the

page_text: upward movement of the cutters the table is drawn forward, so as to present
another portion of the material to the action of the cutters; the lozenges thus
cut being discharged through the upper ends of the several cutters as they
become filled by each successive descent of said cutters, or otherwise as may
be found most convenient.