IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF SOLUBLE GUN COTTON OR COMPOUNDS ANALOGOUS THERETO
Year: 1875

page_text: Filed 24th February 1880.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN ELIOT
HODGKIN, of Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Royal Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date at West-
minster, the Third day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and seventy five, in the thirty ninth year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her
heirs and successors, give and grant unto Frederick Greening, his executors,
administrators, or assigns, or such others as he, is exécutors, administrators, or
assigns should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time, and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF SOLUBLE GUN COTTON OR COMPOUNDS ANALOGOUS
THERETO," for and during the term of Fourteen years thence next ensuing: And
whereas in pursuance and performance of a proviso in the said Letters Patent con-
tained, the said Frederick Greening did within six calendar months next after the
date of the said Letters Patent cause a Specification in writing under his hand and
seal, purporting to particularly describe the nature of the said Invention and in
what manner the same was to be performed, to be duly filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office: And whereas by Indenture bearing date the Third day of December
One thousand eight hundred and seventy five, and made between the said Frederick
Greening of the one part, and your petitioner the said John Eliot Hodgkin of the
other part, the said hereinbefore recited Letters Patent and all rights, powers,
authorities, privileges, advantages, profits, emoluments, and benefits appertaining
or belonging to the said Letters Patent were assigned to and became vested in
me: And whereas I have recently advised and have ascertained that the title and
certain, claiming clauses of the said Specification may be held to be too wide and
of the
been
A

page_text: to be susceptible of such a construction as would render the title and the claims too
general, and I am therefore desirous of altering the title and of striking out the
second and third claiming clauses of the said Specification, so as to limit the title
and the claims under the said Letters Patent to the first claim of the said Specifica-
tion, and of otherwise altering the said Specification so as to make the same accord
with the claim as so limited.
"
"
NOW KNOW YE that I, the said John Eliot Hodgkin, by and with the leave
of Her Majesty's Solicitor General and for the reasons aforesaid, do alter the said
Specification by striking out of the said Specification, printed by the Queen's
Printers, and published at the Great Seal Patent Office in one thousand eight
hundred and seventy five, the words "and use which occur on line 11 of page 3;
I also strike out the word "First" which occurs at the commencement of line 25
of the said page 3; I also strike out that portion of the Specification from line 29
of the said page 3 to line 6 of page 4, both inclusive; I also strike out the words
the and "the" which occur on line 10 of the said page 4; I also strike out the
words "before referred to" which occur on line 20 of the said page 4; I also strike
out the words "this first part of" which occur on line 21 of the said page 4; I also
strike out the words "obtained either as before mentioned or otherwise," which
Page 5
occur on line 13 and 14 of of the said printed copy of the said Specification; I
also strike out the word "First" which occurs at the beginning of line 28 of the
said page 5; I also strike out the whole of the second and third Claims constituting
lines 32 to 36, both inclusive, of the said page 5, and lines 1 to 6, both inclusive, of
A
A
1 also correct a clerical error on page 20 of line 4 by striking out the letters of the word diaphanicous the letters "ic."
page 6 of the said printed copy of the said Specification. And in order that
the effect of the said Disclaimer may be clearly understood I annex hereunto
a copy of the said Specification as it will appear when so amended, the preamble
and testing clause being omitted.
This Invention relates to the production of so called soluble gun cotton or of
compounds analogous thereto and consists
In the employment for effecting the conversion of cotton or of other ligneous
fibres of hydrochloric acid in addition to and in conjunction with the sulphuric acid
and nitric acids now generally employed.
In carrying out my Invention I cause the cotton or ligneous fibres or other
ligneous materials to be submitted to the action of a mixture of the acids before
mentioned, videlicet, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric and nitric acids, and I prefer to
effect the conversion of the cotton or ligneous fibres or materials at a temperature
not exceeding 100° Fahrenheit. After having effected such conversion I wash the
product obtained with water and then remove and neutralize the last remaining
traces of acid or acids by submitting the product to an alkali or to an alkaline bath
and then to a subsequent washing. The product thus resulting I dissolve in any
of the well known solvents or act upon it the same so as to convert it into a plastic
condition by means of any of the well known solvents of soluble gun cotton, and I
either employ the same in such condition or I mix it with transparent or with
semi-transparent or diaphanous compounds.
In carrying out my Invention I take about one pound of cotton or of other
ligneous fibres or materials and I submit the same to the action of a mixture
of sulphuric hydrochloric and nitric acids in about the following proportions,
videlicet,-
Sulphuric acid of about
-
1850° S.G.
about by measure, 250 parts.
35 ditto.
50 ditto.
ditto
ditto
Hydrochloric acid of the S.G. of 1170°
Nitric acid of about the S.G. of 1420°
and I prefer that the temperature during conversion should not be allowed to
exceed 100° Fahrenheit.
herein
of
Although I have given the strengths or densities and proportions of the
acids before mentioned, these proportions may vary, and acids of greater or A
strength or density may be employed, my object being to effect as perfectly as
A
less

page_text: possible the conversion of cotton or of ligneous fibre or materials into soluble gun
cotton.
The cotton or ligneous fibre or materials having been converted into what is
known as soluble gun cotton is then removed from the acid bath, and the excess of
acid is separated cither by pressure or by means of a centrifugal machine, as is well
understood. The product thus resulting will contain a certain amount of acid, and
in order to rid or free the product from such acid or acids the product is washed
firstly in water, and is then submitted to the action of an alkali or of an alkaline
bath, and finally to successive washings in water in order that all traces of the
residual acid may be removed. The soluble gun cotton thus obtained is then
submitted to a desiccating process, and when desiccated is dissolved by the
employment of any of the well known solvents of soluble gun cotton, and in such
condition may be employed for all purposes for which dissolved soluble gun cotton
is now used or applied.
In order to produce moulded or other forms for ornamental or other purposes the
soluble gun cotton is converted into a plastic mass by means of any of the well
known solvents, and when in such condition is incorporated with any one or more
of the materials herein before referred to, videlicet, silica, powdered glass, or other
similar materials, and when thoroughly incorporated may be moulded or converted
into any desired form or shape.
It will be readily understood that coloring or other matters may be incorporated
with the improved soluble gun cotton in a manner similar to that now adopted
when the ordinary soluble gun cotton is employed, and the product resulting may
be employed for similar purposes.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
The conversion of cotton or of other ligneous fibrous materials into what is known
as soluble gun cotton, by the employment of mixtures of sulphuric acid, of lydro-
chloric acid, and of nitric acid, in the manner and for the purposes herein before
mentioned.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Eliot Hodgkin, have to this my Disclaimer
set my hand and seal, the Thirty first day of January, One thousand eight
hundred and eighty.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Greening, of Beaufoy Road, Plaistow
Road, in the County of Essex, Engineer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF SOLUBLE GUN COTTON OR
COMPOUNDS ANALOGOUS THERETO."
Sealed the 7th September 1875, and dated the 3rd June 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Greening at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 3rd June 1875.
I, FREDERICK GREENING, of Beaufoy Road, Plaistow, in the County
of Essex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF SOLUBLE GUN COTTON OR
COMPOUNDS ANALOGOUS THERETO," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the production of so called soluble gun
cotton or of compounds analogous thereto, and consists,―
First. In the employment for effecting the conversion of cotton or
of other ligneous fibres of hydrochloric acid, in addition to and in
conjunction with the sulphuric and nitric acids, now generally employed.

page_text: And Secondly. In the treatment of soluble gun cotton or of products
analogous thereto, obtained as before-mentioned or otherwise, after
having been freed by washing in water from the excess of acids
contained therein, by submitting the same to the action of an alkaline
bath in order that any acid or acids remaining in the converted cotton
or product may be neutralized and a purer or comparatively purer
product may be obtained.
Thirdly. The employment in conjunction with soluble gun cotton
or of compounds analogous thereto, for the production of ornamental
objects or for other purposes, of transparent or of semi-transparent
materials or compounds, in lieu of the opaque materials hitherto
employed in the production of compounds produced from so called
soluble gun cotton, such materials being by preference silica, powdered
glass, or sulphate of lime.
In carrying out my Invention I cause the cotton or ligneous fibres
to be submitted to the action of a mixture of the acids before mentioned,
viz., hydrochloric, sulphuric, and nitric acids, and I prefer to effect the
conversion of the cotton or ligneous fibres at a temperature not exceeding
100 degrees Fahrenheit. After having effected such conversion I wash
the product obtained with water, and then remove or neutralize the last
remaining traces of acid or acids by submitting the product to an
alkaline bath, and then to a subsequent washing. The product thus
resulting I dissolve in or act upon so as to convert it into a plastic
condition any of the well known solvents of soluble gun cotton, and I
either employ the same in such condition or I mix it with the trans-
parent or semi-transparent compounds before referred to.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Frederick Greening in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 3rd December 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FREDERICK
GREENING, of Beaufoy Road, Plaistow, in the County of Essex,
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Third day of June, in the year of

page_text: our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the 38th
year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give-and
grant unto me, the said Frederick Greening, Her special license that
I, the said Frederick Greening, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Frederick Greening, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF SOLUBLE GUN COTTON OR COMPOUNDS ANALOGOUS
THERETO," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Frederick
Greening, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Scal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Frederick Greening, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described. and ascertained in
and by the following statement, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to the production of so called soluble gun
cotton, or of compounds analogous thereto, and consists,-
First. In the employment for effecting the conversion of cotton, or
of other ligneous fibres of hydrochloric acid in addition to and in
conjunction with the sulphuric acid and nitric acids now generally
employed.
And Secondly. In the treatment of soluble gun cotton or of products
analogous thereto, obtained as before mentioned or otherwise, after
having been freed by washing in water from the excess of acids
contained therein, by submitting the same to the action of an alkaline
bath, in order that any acid or acids remaining in the converted cotton
or product may be neutralized, and a purer or comparatively purer
product may be obtained.
Thirdly. The employment in conjuntion with soluble gun cotton or
of compounds analogous thereto, for the production of ornamental

page_text: objects or for other purposes, such for example as the production of
transparent or of semi-transparent materials or compounds, in lieu of
the opaque materials hitherto employed in the production of compounds
produced from the so called soluble gun cotton, such insoluble materials
being by preference, silica, powdered glass, or sulphate of lime, or other
semi-opaque or semi-transparent substances.
In carrying out my Invention, I cause the cotton or ligneous fibres
or other ligneous materials to be submitted to the action of a mixture
of the acids before mentioned, videlicit, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric
and nitric acids, and I prefer to effect the conversion of the cotton
or ligneous fibres or materials at a temperature not exceeding 100°
Fahrenheit. After having effected such conversion I wash the product
obtained with water, and then remove and neutralize the last remaining
traces of acid or acids by submitting the product to an alkali or to an
alkaline bath and then to a subsequent washing. The product thus
resulting I dissolve in any of the well known solvents, or act upon it
the same so as to convert it into a plastic condition by means of any of
the well known solvents of soluble gun cotton, and I either employ the
same in such condition or I mix it with the transparent or with the
semi-transparent or diaphanicous compounds before referred to.
In carrying out this first part of my Invention I take about one
pound of cotton or of other ligneous fibres or materials, and I submit the
same to the action of a mixture of sulphuric, hydrochloric, and nitric
acids, in about the following proportions, viz. :—
Sulphuric acid of about 1850° S.G. about by measure
Hydrochloric acid of the
Nitric acid of about the
S.G. of 1170°
ditto
S.G. of 1420° ditto
•
250 parts
35 ditto
50 ditto
...
and I prefer that the temperature during conversion should not be
allowed to exceed 100° Fah*.
Although I have given the strengths or densities and proportions of
the acids herein-before mentioned, these proportions may vary and acids
of greater or of less strength or density may be employed; my object
being to effect as perfectly as possible the conversion of cotton or of
ligneous fibre or materials into soluble gun cotton.
The cotton or ligneous fibre or materials having been converted into
what is known as soluble gun cotton, is then removed from the acid

page_text: bath, and the excess of acid is separated either by pressure or by means
of a centrifugal machine as is well understood. The product thus
resulting will contain a certain amount of acid, and in order to rid or
free the product from such acid or acids the product is washed firstly in
water, and is then submitted to the action of an alkali or of an alkaline
bath, and finally to successive washings in water in order that all traces
of the residual acid may be removed. The soluble gun cotton thus
obtained is then submitted to a desiccating process, and when desiccated
is dissolved by the employment of any of the well known solvents of
soluble gun cotton, and in such condition may be employed for all
purposes for which dissolved soluble gun cotton is now used or applied.
In order to produce moulded or other forms for ornamental or other
purposes, the soluble gun cotton, obtained either as before mentioned or
otherwise, is converted into a plastic mass by means of any of the well
known solvents, and when in such condition is incorporated with any
one or more of the materials herein-before referred to, videlicit, silica,
powdered glass, or other similar materials, and when thoroughly incor-
porated may be moulded or converted into any desired form or shape.
It will be readily understood that coloring or other matters may be
incorporated with the improved soluble gun cotton in a manner similar
to that now adopted, when the ordinary soluble gun cotton is employed
and the product resulting may be employed for similar purposes.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion, that what I consider
to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured
to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The conversion of cotton or of other ligneous fibrous materials
into what is known as soluble gun cotton by the employment of
mixtures of sulphuric acid, of hydrochloric acid, and of nitric acid, in the
manner and for the purposes herein-before mentioned.
Second. The submitting of or the treatment of soluble gun cotton
obtained either as before mentioned or by any other means to the action
of an alkali or of an alkaline bath, in order that any residual acid
contained in the soluble gun cotton may be neutralized, and thus
prevent any further decomposition or modification of the product.

page_text: Third. The employment in conjunction with soluble gun cotton, either
prepared as before mentioned or otherwise, in order to obtain semi-
transparent products of materials, such for example as finely divided
and levigated silica, obtained either by the calcination of flints or of
silica in other forms, or of powdered glass, or of sulphate of lime, or
mixtures of the same
Third. The employment in conjunction with soluble gun cotton, either
prepared as before mentioned or otherwise, in order to obtain semi-
transparent products of materials, such for example as finely divided
and levigated silica, obtained either by the calcination of flints or of
silica in other forms, or of powdered glass, or of sulphate of lime, or
mixtures of the same.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick Greening, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this Third day of December,
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five
FREDERICK GREENING. (L.S.)