matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVED MODE OF ENSURING AN UP DRAUGHT IN FURNACES SUPPLIED WITH AIR UNDER PRESSURE DURING THE STOKING OF SUCH FURNACES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Richmond Allfrey at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th July 1878.
EDWARD RICHMOND ALLFREY, of Deptford, in the County of Kent, Engineer.
"AN IMPROVED MODE OF ENSURING AN UP DRAUGHT IN FURNACES SUPPLIED
WITH AIR UNDER PRESSURE DURING THE STOKING OF SUCH FURNACES."
The object of this Invention is to protect stokers from the risk of injury from
scalding when a blast of air above the pressure of the atmosphere is used for urging
the furnaces.
All boilers being liable to accident from the failure of the internal parts exposed
to the heat of the furnace I propose, in order to prevent the escape of steam or
water into the stoke-hole where a blast of air above the pressure of the atmosphere
is used for urging the furnaces to adopt the following contrivance :-
I propose,
First. To blow the air into the ash pan through a closed pipe or passage, which
shall not be open to the stoke-hole except by an air-tight door for the purpose of
clearing out ashes.
And, Secondly. To fit another fan or fans to supply air to the stoke-hole, and
thereby maintain the pressure of air in the stoke-hole at or slightly above that in
the ash pan or furnaces.
By this arrangement it will be understood that on the opening of the furnace
doors for firing there will be no tendency for the gases of combustion to rush out
of the furnace by the opened doors, as the pressure of air in the stoke-hole will
serve effectually to neutralize any such tendency.
The operation of stoking furnaces supplied with a blast of air may therefore by
this Invention be carried on with the same facility and as little risk as the stoking
of furnaces supplied with air at the pressure of the atmosphere.
The fan or fans used for ventilating the stoke-hole may be driven by the engine
which drives the fan for blowing air under the furnaces, or a separate engine may
be used for this purpose.

page_text: The air delivered into the stoke-hole may escape through suitable regulating
valves or gratings into the external atmosphere.
This Invention applies chiefly to steamships, but it may also be used with
advantage on land where high-pressure boilers supplied with a blast of air are
employed.
IMPROVED MACHINE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF COLLARS FOR HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frank Baldwin Walsh at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th October 1878.
"AN
FRANK BALDWIN WALSH, of Dublin, in the County of Dublin, Ireland.
IMPROVED MACHINE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF COLLARS FOR HORSES AND OTHER
ANIMALS."
I construct a framework of iron or other suitable material in which I arrange a
guide rod longitudinally, on one end of which I cause a suitable tube to move to and
fro; this tube has a longitudinal slot on its upper surface along its entire length, and
into this slot is placed the sewn margin of the material which forms the rim of the
collar to be made, thus leaving the rim or part to be filled open and retained on the
top of the guide rod. I then fix a tube of smaller diameter than the rim or space of
the collar to be filled; on the other end of the guide rod and over this tube I cause
the collar rim to pass by sliding the first-described tube on the guide rod towards
the fixed tube, which latter is open at both ends.
In a suitably constructed socket the straw or other filling material is placed
transversely at the free end of the last described tube, and by means of a plunger
(which fills the place of the usual collar rod used in the trade), operated by suitable
gearing, the filling material is tapped or punched through the inner tube, the end of
which is slightly bell-shaped for the purpose, and thence into the collar rim, the
filling material being doubled by the punch or collar rod as it is forced into the
collar rim and introduced in a series of tufts. As the collar rim is being filled it
slides backwards from the punching instrument or collar rod until it is filled along
its entire length, when it is removed from the machine and rolled into form.
Suitable adjustments are provided for the purpose of altering the various parts
of the machine in order to suit the filling of collar rims of different thicknesses.
IMPROVE- .MENTS CONNECTED WITH MILLS OR APPARATUS FOR GRINDING OR REDUCING GRAIN AND OTHER LIKE SUBSTANCES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edwards at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 17th April 1878.
WILLIAM EDWARDS, of Harleston, in the County of Norfolk, Miller, " IMPROVE-
.MENTS CONNECTED WITH MILLS OR APPARATUS FOR GRINDING OR REDUCING
GRAIN AND OTHER LIKE SUBSTANCES."
My Invention relates to apparatus or means intended to be used in combination
with the ordinary or other mills for the purpose of automatically regulating the
supply of the grain or other substance to be ground to the mill, and of effecting the
separation or removal of the chaff, dirt, and other extraneous matters before it is
delivered to the stones or other grinding apparatus.
In carrying out my Invention I conduct the grain (for example) to be ground.
into a hopper, having a small aperture at its lower end fitted with a slide or valve,
below which hopper is a spout shoot terminating in another hopper which conducts
the grain to the stones. Within the hopper last mentioned is a funnel, which is
suspended by a cord, rope, or chain attached at its upper extremity to one end of
the slide or valve, whilst the other end of the slide or valve has suspended there-
from a weight, which acts as a counterbalance to the funnel in the operation of the
apparatus, as herein-after explained.
Assuming the slide or valve to be open, the grain is discharged from the upper
hopper into the spout or shoot, and thence conducted into the funnel of the lower
hopper, which directs it to the stones. When the funnel is filled, its weight drawing
down the cord closes the slide or valve, thereby cutting off the supply, until by the
discharge of the grain from the funnel, as the grinding operation proceeds, the weight
is reduced, when the counterweight has the effect of re-opening the slide or valve,
and the supply is renewed until it is again suspended by the increased weight of
the filled funnel overcoming that of the counterweight, and renewed again when
the weight is diminished, and so on in succession during the operation of the
mill.
Simultaneously with the delivery of the grain I draw off the chaff, dirt, and
other extraneous matters by means, of an exhaust fan communicating with the

page_text: upper end of the spout or shoot, an induced current of air being thus maintain ed
through the spout or shoot, which, in addition to being open at its lower end, may
also be perforated in its sides, whereby the said extraneous matters are separated
from the grain before its arrival at the stones, under the operation of which it is to
be ground.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Robert Lake at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th March 1878. A communication from
abroad by John Polivka, Chief Engineer of the Line of the Buschtehrader
Railway, and John Pavlis, Engineer, both of Prague, in the Empire of
Austria.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. " IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF
RAILWAYS." [A communication from abroad by John Polivka, Chief Engineer of
the Line of the Buschtehrader Railway, and John Pavlis, Engineer, both of Prague,
in the Empire of Austria.]
This Invention relates to constructing the permanent way of railways entirely of
iron or steel, and comprises the combination of ordinary railway rails with an
arrangement of longitudinal wrought-iron or steel sleepers and of chairs. The
chairs are also of wrought iron or steel, and of two different sizes, the longer ones
extending entirely across the track, and supporting both rails, and serving also as
cross ties for connecting the pair of rails together. The bearing rail rests on the
said sleepers, and is held fast in the said chairs by means of clips and split keys.
The bearing rail and the said longitudinal sleepers are so arranged as to break
joint.
The head and foot of each of the pair of pieces constituting the longitudinal
sleeper are so formed that the angle at which the rail is arranged may be varied as
desired, and the said two pieces are both of the same form, so that they can be
exchanged, and be used either inside or outside of the gauge.
The chairs fit into perforations formed in the longitudinal sleeper between the
head and foot of the same.
This construction of permanent way allows even the switches, crossings, and
other parts of the line to be supplied with iron instead of wooden sleepers.
In the accompanying Drawing is shewn a suitable mode of carrying this Inven-
tion into practice when using flat-bottomed rails, but it is evident that without
departing from the substance of this Invention other forms of bearing rails may be
[Price Ad |

page_text: used, and that the forms of the different parts of the permanent way may be corre-
spondingly modified.
Figures 1 and 2 are drawn to a scale of about one-twentieth, while Figures 3, 4,
5, 6, and 7 are about natural size.
In all these Figures the same parts are indicated by the same letters.
A is the bearing rail; B, B, are the two pieces constituting the longitudinal
sleeper; C, C, are the short chairs; C₁, the long chairs, forming also the cross ties
for holding the rails to gauge; D, D, are the clips; and E, E, the split keys for
fastening the clips.
MENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR WARMING VEHICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Walker Tattersfield at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th February 1878.
JAMES WALKER TATTERSFIELD, of Mirfield, in the County of York.
MENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR WARMING VEHICLES."
"IMPROVE-
My Invention relates to means or apparatus intended more particularly to be
employed for warming cabs, omnibusses, and other vehicles used on common roads
or tramways, but which is also applicable to railway carriages; and it has for its
object maintaining such vehicles at the average temperature requisite for health,
without the inconvenience attending the ordinary methods of warming, in which
certain portions of the body, vizt., the feet, are unduly heated whilst the other
portions are exposed to the rigour of the surrounding atmosphere.
In carrying out my Invention as applied for example to a road vehicle, in order
to effect the before-mentioned object, I employ removable pans for containing heated
water or heating media, and which I enclose in frames or cases of wood or other
similar non-conducting material made on the upper or outer side, that is to say, the
side towards the interior of the vehicle or compartment to be warmed, of open or
trellis work, or perforated in such a manner as to admit of the heat which radiates
from the pan passing through the interstices or perforations of the frame or case
into the interior of the vehicle or compartment to be warmed. The pans with their
frames or cases may be arranged either on or beneath the floor, or beneath the seats
within or without the carriage or otherwise, and the frames or cases may be either
stationary, that is to say, form part of the frame or body of the vehicle, in which
case the upper or outer side may be hinged for the facility of inserting and re-
moving the pans, or the frames or cases may be made removable together with or
separate from the pans.
In the case of tram cars and similar vehicles propelled by steam, I may substitute
for the removable pans stationary, coiled, or circulating pipes arranged in a similar
manner, and connected if necessary with suitable couplings at both extremities with
Drine 71

page_text: the steam space of the boiler, so as to cause steam to pass through the said pipes,
and transmit its heat by radiation to the interior of the vehicle or compartment to
be warmed, and return to the boiler, the calorific power of the steam being thus
utilized in its passage whilst no appreciable loss or waste in diminution of tension
or pressure takes place.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SOLID AND LIQUID DISINFECTANTS AND DEODORIZERS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Harry Langston Jones, of Brewster's Hotel, Ely Place,
Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SOLID AND LIQUID DISINFECTANTS AND DEODORIZERS."
Scaled the 30th July 1878 and dated the 23rd May 1878
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Harry Langston Jones at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd May 1878.
HARRY LANGSTON JONES, of Brewster's Hotel, Ely Place, Holborn, in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, "IMPROVEMENTS IN SOLID AND LIQUID DISINFECTANTS
AND DEODORIZERS."
The subject of the present Invention is a cheap, efficacious, odorless, non-
poisonous disinfectant, readily soluble in water, and acting powerfully as a disin-
fectant, by attacking the decomposition of organic matter. It is antiseptic in a
high degree, and well calculated to arrest the ill effects of a bad or vitiated atmo-
sphere, it being hygienic in the full sense of the word.
Being readily formed into solution, pipes or traps cannot be clogged, or concretions
formed on metal or stonework.
My Invention is an improvement on a Patent granted to me on the 10th Feby.,
1875, No. 492, and consists in the substitution for some of the ingredients therein
mentioned for others, and in the variation of their relative proportions, that is to
say:-
I employ a mixture, the proportions of which for 100 parts are as follow, viz. :—
65 parts of chloride of sodium.
20 parts of sulphate of zinc.
15 parts of sulphate of aluminum, anhydrous alum, roche alum, cake

page_text: I however give the preference to the use of sulphate of aluminum, or the common
alum of commerce. These ingredients may be pulverized and intimately mixed
and employed, either as a powder, or used in a liquid state in the form of a saturated
solution, or may be mixed with any inert substance, such as sawdust, ashes, or
lime.
A MEDICAL PREPARATION < APPLICABLE TO THE TREATMENT OF TIC-DOULOUREUX AND TOOTHACHE, CALLED HANDYSIDES'S ELECTRIC NERVINE SNUFF
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Handysides, of the Borough" and County of
Newcastle upon Tyne, for the Invention of "A MEDICAL PREPARATION
<
APPLICABLE TO THE TREATMENT OF TIC-DOULOUREUX AND TOOTHACHE, CALLED
HANDYSIDES'S ELECTRIC NERVINE SNUFF'
" "
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Handysides at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd December 1878.
WILLIAM HANDYSIDES, of the Borough and County of Newcastle upon Tyne.
"A MEDICAL PREPARATION APPLICABLE TO THE TREATMENT OF TIC-DOULOUREUX
AND TOOTH-ACHE, CALLED HANDYSIDES'S ELECTRIC NERVine Snuff.""
My Invention relates to a medical preparation applicable to the treatment of
tic-douloureux and tooth ache, called 'Handysides's electric nervine snuff.'
The preparation consists of the following ingredients employed in about the
under mentioned proportions :-
The above ingredients are ground together in a mill and well incorporated.
When prepared the preparation should be stored dry and cool and kept from the
atmosphere.
I have found the above preparation administered in the manner of a snuff and
in a dose of half a salt-spoonful to be a specific for the diseases above mentioned.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Handysides in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 3rd
June 1879.
WILLIAM HANDYSIDES, of the Borough and County of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
"A MEDICAL PREPARATION APPLICABLE TO THE TREATMENT OF TIC-DOULOUREUX
AND TOOTHACHE, CALLED HANDYSIDES'S ELECTRIC NERVINE SNUFF.""
My Invention relates to a medical preparation applicable to the treatment of
tic-douloureux and toothache, called 'Handysides's electric nervine snuff.""
The preparation consists of the following ingredients employed in about the under
mentioned proportions :—
The above ingredients are ground together in a mill and well incorporated.
When prepared the preparation should be stored dry and cool and kept from the
atmosphere.
I have found the above preparation administered in the manner of a snuff and in
a dose of half a salt-spoonful to be a specific for the diseases above mentioned. In
some severe or obstinate cases the dose may be repeated after an interval of five.
minutes.
Having thus fully described my said Invention, and shown how the same may
be conveniently and advantageously carried into practise, I wish it to be understood
that I claim as my Invention secured to me by the above in part recited Letters
Patent a medical preparation, substantially as above described and for the purposes
set-forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Handysides, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
W. HANDYSIDES. (L.S.)
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE SOLES AND HEELS OF BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Hippolyte Le Coq, of Lille, in the Department of
"the Nord" of the French Republic, Merchant, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE SOLES AND HEELS OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Hippolyte Le Coq at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th June 1878.
HIPPOLYTE LE COQ, of Lille, in the Department of
Republic, Merchant.
SHOES."
the Nord" of the French
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SOLES AND HEELS OF BOOTS AND
My Invention consists in an entirely novel application of the soles and heels of
boots and shoes; it is based upon this observation, that the tendency of the human
tread is such that boots and shoes wear at certain fixed points of the soles and heels,
while other parts by the side of these points remain nearly intact; of 100 persons,
there are at least 95 the natural pressure of whose feet is exerted exclusively upon
the parts of the soles indicated by C, F, on the accompanying Sheet of Drawing,
and upon the part of the heels indicated by H, which parts may be renewed three,
four, or even more times without the parts D, E, G, requiring to be changed.
Hence it will be understood that, 1°, if upon a first sole sewn, screwed, or pegged,
which I will term the essential or fundamental sole, I apply a second termed the
outer sole, slit in its breadth into two first parts A, B, at the point of the bend
furthest from the heel, but on this side of the action of the tread, in order that the
part A may not be reached by it; 2°, that if the part B is itself divided into
4 parts C, D, E, F, and the heel into two parts C, H (sec Figure 2), as aforesaid;
partial renewals of these outer soles and licels may take place, so to say, indefinitely,
that these repairs will occupy very little time, that their cost will be relatively

page_text: slight, and that by this simple means boots and shoes may be preserved without
material deterioration from their primitive state.
In operating upon boots and shoes, all parts of which are of good quality, the
economy will be apparent to the least clear sighted, and in addition to a saving
of more than 50%, the advantages of health, convenience, and elegance are
secured.
I need scarcely observe that for the small number of persons having a different
troad, the opposite parts C, D, E, F, may be renewed.
With my Invention "patens" or clump soles, which give useless weight and
ugliness, are not required, but if used they would be split like my outer sole into
four parts C, D, E, F.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN MOUTH-PIECES FOR CIGARETTES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st May 1878. A communica-
tion from abroad by Abraham B. Citroen, of Berlin, in the Kingdom of Prussia,
and Empire of Germany.
BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and Mills, of 23,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MOUTH-PIECES FOR CIGARETTES." A communication from abroad by
Abraham B. Citroen, of Berlin, in the Kingdom of Prussia, and Empire of
Germany.
The Invention relates to that class of mouth-pieces for cigarettes, which are of
glass, and its object is to furnish to the smoker not only a more agreeable but a
healthier mouth-piece.
The glass mouth-pieces now in use consist of a piece of cylindrical glass pipe,
both ends of which are open to the full extent of the bore of the pipe. To prevent
the small particles of tobacco from passing through the pipe into the mouth of the
sinoker it becomes necessary to put a porous cotton wad between the tobacco and
the glass pipe. This wad is objectionable on account of the possibility of its being
distasteful, or even the seat of germs of contagious diseases.
The improved mouth-piece avoids all these objections, as it does away with the
cotton wad. It consists of a piece of cylindrical glass pipe, having the end nearest
to the tobacco nearly closed, leaving only a small hole for the passage of the smoke,
and preventing at the same time even the smallest particle of tobacco from entering
the mouth of the smoker.
The other end of the glass pipe may also be provided with a small hole like the
one first described; or it may remain open to the full extent of the bore of the pipe,
but in this latter case the sharp edges of the glass pipe are rounded off, so as not to
cut or injure the lips or tongue of the smoker.

page_text: The nicotine developed from the burning tobacco is condensed for the greater
part in the end of the glass pipe nearest the tobacco, so that the improved mouth-
piece becomes a very healthy device, avoiding not only the cotton wad, but also
preventing the poisonous parts of the tobacco from entering the mouth of the
smoker.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR HOISTING AND SWINGING GOODS INTO WARE- HOUSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William March at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th May 1878.
WILLIAM MARCH, of 59, Mark Lane, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR HOISTING AND SWINGING GOODS INTO WARE-
HOUSES."
A radiating counterbalance jib hoist for application to warehouses which stand
back some distance from the water's edge, whereby goods can be hoisted & swung
directly from vessels into warehouse doors on any floor.
The foot of the jib is hinged to a bracket or pedestal fastened cither to the
lower part of the warehouse wall, or to a foundation in the ground close to the
building.
The head of the jib is suspended by a chain or rope running in sheaves fastened
in the wall at the top of the building. The weights which are suspended by this
rope or chain & which counterbalance the jib are inside the building, and are flat
circular castings of different diameters, the larger ones being uppermost.
Circular holes of different diameters are cut in the warehouse floors suitable for
some of the weights to pass through & others to rest thereon, so that when the jib
hangs low all the weights are suspended, & in proportion as the jib is raised & the
weight thereof decreases the larger weights, in descending, rest in succession upon
the different floors, & thus maintain an approximately adjusted counterbalance, &
require at no time but a very trifling amount of power to raise the jib. A self-
acting catch holds the jib in its place against the wall till the goods are swung on
to the floor & disengaged from the hoisting chain.
AN IMPROVED MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING POWER BY SHAFTING
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Friedrich Hermann Felix Engel at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th June 1878. A communi-
cation from Wilhelm Ritter, Engineer, of Altona, in the German Empire.
FRIEDRICH HERMANN FELIX ENGEL, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, in the
City of Hamburg, Germany. "AN IMPROVED MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING POWER BY
SHAFTING." A communication from Wilhelm Ritter, Engineer, of Altona, in the
German Empire.
The purpose of this Invention is the transmission of motion and power of a shaft,
fitted in bearings to one or more shafts occupying any desired and changeable
direction.
The construction of this arrangement is as follows:-Over one of the ends of a
motivo-power shaft is placed a box of a right angle shaped bracket, and a conical
wheel is fastened to the outer end of this shaft. The other angle of the bracket is
likewise formed as a box, the outer part of the boring being enlarged for the
reception of a cylindrical prolongation of a similar bracket, and is furnished with a
set screw to secure the second bracket, which can be turned within the enlarged
boring of the first one in any desired position of a circle. A short axle passes
through the box of the second bracket, the corresponding projection and the box of
the first bracket, and each end of this short axle is furnished with a conical wheel
fastened to it, and one of these wheels is in gear with the before-described wheel of
the motive-power shaft, while the other conical wheel is in gear with a similar
wheel fastened to the end of a shaft that revolves in the boring of the other box of
the second right angle bracket.
By means of this gearing the shaft of the second bracket is put in motion, and
the axis of this shaft can be turned into any position within the plane of a circle,
after loosening the before-mentioned set screw, and turning the second bracket in
the boring of the first one. After having brought the shaft of the second bracket
in the desired direction, the position of the two brackets to each other is secured by
means of the set screw.

page_text: By means of two further pair of conical wheels, two more angle brackets of
similar construction and connection, and another short axle, the transmission can be
continued upon a third shaft, and the movableness of this third shaft will be greatly
increased.
The transmission of motion and power can in such manner be continued as far as i
necessary to other shafts, and the end of the last shaft may be constructed for the
reception of a tool, or a pulley may be placed upon this shaft for driving a tool or
implement.
The conical wheels can be furnished with protecting covers.
ROV
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Piercy at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd December 1878.
FREDERICK PIERCY, of Pall Mall, in the County of Middlesex.
IN FIRE ESCAPES.".
"IMPROVEMENTS
The shoot of a fire escape when in use is necessarily exposed to flames from the
windows opposite which the escape is placed, so that when made of canvas it is very
liable to be burnt and destroyed, and when made of wire netting or gauze it very
soon becomes so hot (the metal being a good conductor of heat) as to burn and
seriously injure persons descending by it.
The object of my Invention is to prevent the burning or heating of the shoots of
fire escapes, and with this object I provide at the upper end of the said shoot a
water reservoir or cistern, in form of a jacket or tube encircling the upper end of the
shoot or otherwise, the said jacket, cistern, or tube being provided with perfor-
ations or other small outlets at bottom arranged at suitable intervals around the
circumference of the shoot, from which the water will trickle down over the whole
surface of the shoot in sufficient quantity to prevent the shoot being burnt or over-
heated. Another jacket or cistern may encircle the foot of the shoot to receive the
surplus water, and in connection with this latter cistern there may be a pump con-
nected with the upper cistern or jacket by a pipe for raising the water from the
lower to the upper cistern for use as above described, the said pump being capable
of being worked either by one of the travelling wheels when the escape is proceeding
to the scene of the conflagration, or by hand when it is stationary against the
burning building. Or the pump might be dispensed with and a connection made
directly with the main or with the hose of an engine. A supply of water may be
similarly provided at the top of the fly ladder, the uprights or sides of which would
be wrapped in canvas and kept moist. The said fly ladder may also be provided

page_text: with a canvas screen which would be rolled up when the ladder is down, and unroll
itself when the ladder is raised against the building, and hang between the building
and the ladder. This canvas screen would be kept wet by the water supply at the
top of the ladder, and would thus effectually shield the ladder and the firemen and
others upon it from the fire.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BAGS, PORT- MANTEAUS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES, FOR RENDERING THE SAME APPLICABLE AS LIFE BUOYS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Wyburd Furrell and Robert
Applegarth at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th
September 1878.
EDWARD WYBURD FURRELL, of King's Cross, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical Engineer, and ROBERT APPLEGARTH, of 25, Abchurch Lane, Lombard
Street, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BAGS, PORT-
MANTEAUS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES, FOR RENDERING THE SAME APPLICABLE
AS LIFE BUOYS."
Our Invention relates to a new or improved method or contrivance for enabling
a person or persons to float in water for an indefinite time in cases of shipwreck,
capsising of pleasure boats, or otherwise.
It consists in hermetically closing the mouths of every form of leather or other
waterproof travelling bags and portmanteaus, so that persons carrying the same,
and being suddenly obliged to take to the water are floated by the buoyancy of the
air confined in the said bags or portmanteaus, which are first emptied of their
contents, and then simply closed.
In carrying out our Invention we interpose between the faces of the closing
frames or ribs of a bag or portmanteau a small tube or tubes, or strips of india-
rubber, cork, felt, or any other suitable material, which is cemented or otherwiso
closely attached to the front of one of the closing frames or ribs, in such a manner
that upon closing the bag or portmanteau it is compressed or squeezed together by
the closing frames or ribs, and the bag or portmanteau is thereby effectually and
hermetically closed.
The ordinary or special fastenings may be employed for securing the bag or
portmanteau when closed, and in some cases more than one fastening may be used
to ensure a closer fitting.
The bag or portmanteau may be also fitted with straps or cords suitably arranged
for fastening round any portion of the person's body. Or in lieu of interposing
india-rubber tubes or strips between the closing frames or ribs we may make the

page_text: latter of metal, planed or trued on their closing faces in combination with the tubes
or strip or strips above described; or specially constructed closing devices may be
applied to the bag or portmanteau as found most effectual.
This Invention is also applicable to boxes, and may be adapted to existing
articles of the above description.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OF RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Salvatore Garau at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th August 1878.
SALVATORE GARAU, of Samassi, in the Isle of Sardinia, but at present residing
at 126, Stockwell Park Road, Brixton, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OF RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS AND IN APPARATUS
THEREFOR."
This Invention has for its object to enable sunken vessels to be raised by
producing within them a vacuum, and filling the same with atmospheric air, which
must impel them to rise to the surface of the water. To this effect, all heavy
objects, such as cannon, anchors, and chains, having been previously removed, the
deck replaced and hermetically sealed wherever it has disappeared, and all holes
and apertures in the sides of the ship carefully closed up by divers by means of
boards, metal plates, tarpauline, or other suitable appliances, I divide the vessel
to be raised into a certain number of compartments, and upon each compartment
I mount or fit a self-acting pump, which I actuate by means of steam, compressed
air, or other moving force supplied thereto through tubes or pipes made of any
kind of flexible substance, and descending from the generator mounted on board
a floating vessel acting as tender. The self-acting pumps thus placed under water
may be made to work at any depth to which divers are able to descend, whereas
if they were actuated by prime movers placed above the level of the water the
depth at which the pumps could work would be limited by the laws of natural
philosophy.
I furnish each pump with one pipe fitted with a perforated hollow ball that
descends to the bottom of the ship, and by means of which the water is extracted
from the interior of the ship and discharged through another pipe above the deck.
I introduce a third pipe into the interior of the ship, and through it introduce
atmospheric air to take the place of the water that has been extracted, and through
a fourth pipe descending from the tender ship like the others I supply the steam or

page_text: other moving force to the pumping machine for the purpose of actuating it. The
water having thus been extracted from and atmospheric air introduced into the
foundered vessel, the primary cause by which the vessel was originally made to
descend is removed, and one impelling her to ascend substituted for it, so that she
must readily be forced to rise again to the surface of the water.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Sellwood Huntley and Richard William Kessel,
both of Cardiff, in the County of Glamorgan, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS."
Sealed the 13th August 1878, and dated the 14th May 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Sellwood Huntley
and Richard William Kessel at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on
the 14th May 1878.
THOMAS SELLWOOD HUNTLEY and RICHARD WILLIAM KESSEL, both of Cardiff,
in the County of Glamorgan. "IMPROVEMENTS IN EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS."
This Invention relates to that class of explosives in which nitro-glycerine or
other nitrates of this class is or are the active and principal agent or agents.
The object of the Invention is to produce a plastic compound or compounds that
will hold or carry the nitrate or nitrates, and in combination will produce a highly
explosive compound that is not freezable at 32° Fahrenheit, from which the nitrate or
nitrates will not exude, is waterproof, that may be transported from place to place
without danger of or liability to explosion by concussion, and from its plastic con-
dition will readily occupy any required position or be made to assume any required
form, such as plugs for blasting, rings or bands for encircling objects, and otherwise.
In the manufacture of these compounds, sulphuric acid, about 450 parts by weight,
and nitrate of soda, 350 parts by weight, is employed to produce a mixed acid (the
yield being about 670 parts by weight), and of this acid about 8 lbs. avoirdupois
is added to or combined with 1 lb. avoirdupois of, for instance, glycerine, the pro-
duct being in this case nitro-glycerine. Of this nitro-glycerine a greater or less
quantity, according to the requisite strength or quality of the explosive required, is
mixed with or absorbed by highly roasted and finely pulverized plaster of Paris
or other analogous substance, such as whiting or chalk, or the two combined, and

page_text: thus prepared, care being taken that all grit is removed and the substance rendered
to an impalpable powder previous to its admixture with the nitrate, so that the
nitro-glycerine or other nitrate and powder in mixture will form a plastic or pasty
mass of required quality and nature, and will at all times be ready of application,
and will not require in cold weather to be thawed previously to being used, and thus
is avoided the great.danger to incipient explosion consequent upon this generally
necessary treatment.
A
The proportions of the absorbent to the nitrate or nitrates, which has been found
in practice to give the best result is twenty-five per cent. of absorbent to 75 per
cent. of nitrate, but these proportions are to be varied according to the greater
or lesser strength of compound required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BOBBIN SPINDLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frank Wirth at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th August 1878. A communication from
Wilhelm Witz, of Greiz, in the Empire of Germany.
FRANK WIRTH, of the Firm of Wirth and Company, Patent Solicitors, at
Frankfort-on-the-Main, in the Empire of Germany. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BOBBIN
SPINDLES." A communication from Wilhelm Witz, of Greiz, in the Empire of
Germany.
Up to the present time it has been difficult to fasten the shuttle bobbin securely
and firmly, especially if the same be conically shaped, and often much damage is
done by the bobbin coming loose.
The shuttle bobbin spindles hitherto in use are made of wood or iron of various
shapes, provided with springs or otherwise; or instead, rings of leather or rubber
are sometimes placed between the spindle and the bobbin.
My Invention consists in making the spindles of wire coiled into a conical spiral;
they are provided with a square base to fit into the shuttle; the base is provided
with a centre pin which passes up the centre of the spiral to which it is hard
soldered.
This spindle possesses the following advantages over all others:-The bobbin can
be firmly attached by placing the same on the spindle, and giving a slight turn in
an opposite direction to the screw. To remove the bobbin it has only to be turned
in the opposite direction. The spindle is much lighter than those made in the old
manner.
Spindles made according to my Invention are cheaper on account of their more
simple construction. The hinder part which is made of one small piece of metal
can be manufactured of cheap steel, and therefore last longer. One of my spindles
can be bent in any direction wished for.
A NEW TOP OR TURNABOUT AND CONFIGURATION OF PUNCH FOR MAKING THE SAME
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Applegarth at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th January 1878. [A communication
from abroad by Auguste Denayrouze, Civil Engineer, of Paris, in the Republic
of France.]
ROBERT APPLEGARTH, Civil Engineer, of 7, Southampton Street, Strand, in the
County of Middlesex. "A NEW TOP OR TURNABOUT AND CONFIGURATION OF
PUNCH FOR MAKING THE SAME." [A communication from abroad by Auguste
Denayrouze, Civil Engineer, of Paris, in the Republic of France.]
"
This Invention is a toy, and consists of a new top or turnabout which is called
the "indefatigable on account of the great length of time it continues to spin,
although it is put in motion by but very little force.
This top is made of a piece of sheet iron, zinc, or any other metal or other
suitable substance cut with a hollow punch in the shape of a star or wheel, with 4
or 5, or any other number of branches from the centre. The extremity of each
branch is widened out, and may be made round, oval, or any other shape. An iron
or steel spike fastened through the centre serves for pivot on which the top spins,
and to put it in motion by turning it between the thumb and finger. The wings
of the top are curved downwards in order to bring the centre of gravity much
below the point of suspension. Moreover, as the wings are bent in the direction in
which they rotate, the resistance of the air is reduced to a minimum.
The top spins on a little stand made of wood, or metal, or any other substance,
and which has a little hollow in the surface to hold the pivot. It is made to spin
by turning it between the tips of the thumb and finger, and when it spins the
effect is very pleasing, as the wings are painted different colours.
The toy is rendered still more amusing by painting comicalities on the wings, or
by cutting them to represent horsemen, soldiers, &c., &c.
The length of time the top will spin is increased by making the hollow on the
top of the stand of crystal.
Having thus described this Invention, I claim as novelties the following pecu-
liarities thereof :---

page_text: First. The means of spinning the top a very long time by reducing to minima
the friction of the pivot and the resistance of the air.
Second. The mode of making the top, by stamping it out with a hollow punch,
and the punch itself.
Third. The various forms to which the wings may be cut, and the figures which
may be painted on them.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF LUBRICATING LOOM SPINDLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Sutcliffe Smith and James
Smith Sutcliffe at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th
August 1878.
JAMES SUTCLIFFE Smith and James Smith Sutcliffe, of Bacup, in the County
of Lancaster. AN IMPROVED METHOD OF LUBRICATING LOOM SPINDLES."
"
The object of our Invention is to supersede the ordinary mode of oiling power.
loom "spindles," and to substitute a self-acting method which is much cleaner and
never fails. And to effect this purpose we substitute for the present box ends
at each end of the "sley" of loom, box ends containing each a small cistern or
receptacle for oil or other lubricant. This cistern or receptacle is supplied with
oil or other lubricant when required, which is conveyed to the loom spindle by
a "cotton" or
"worsted" wick or other suitable medium, one end of which we
immerse in the said oil or other lubricant, and the other end we place in suitable
contact with the loom "spindle." By this application the loom spindles are
regularly and efficiently lubricated as long as any oil or lubricant remains in the
cistern, a great saving in oil or lubricant pickers and picking bands is effected,
and the power to drive the loom is also very much reduced.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TENSION PULLEYS AND IN PULLEY CORD ATTACHMENTS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Webster at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th May 1878.
WILLIAM WERSTER, of Washington, in the United States of America, but
temporarily of Clapham, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TENSION PULLEYS AND IN PULLEY CORD ATTACHMENTS.”
"
This Invention consists in improvements in tension pulleys for blind cords,
awning and tent cords, and for other purposes where tension pulleys are required,
the object of the improvements being to render such pulleys revolving and self-
adjusting, thereby compensating for the contraction and expansion of such cords
and preventing the breakage and wear usually resulting therefrom, the improved
pulley at the same time working smoothly and easily.
The Invention also consists in an improved device for attaching together the ends
of pulley cords.
For the sake of simplicity I will describe my improvements as applied to a blind
cord pulley.
In a cylinder of wood, metal, or other suitable material and of any suitable shape,
and provided with lugs for fixing the same, I place a spiral spring.
The cover of the cylinder is formed with a recess which serves to hold the upper
end of the spring, and has a hole to receive a tube, which tube forms its part of a
combined pulley shaft and roller. In the bottom end of this tubular shaft an ad-
justing screw is inserted; the tubular shaft runs through the spiral spring in the
cylinder, and there receives in its end the adjusting screw, and the inside of the
head of such screw forms the seat for the lower end of the spring to rest upon, and
also constitutes its part of a swivel.
The centre of the roller or sheave at the top of the shaft is set in a parallel lino
with the centre of the adjusting screw at the bottom end, so that the pulley cord
for the roller or sheave works on the centre line of the shaft, and by the bottom
end of the spring resting on the head of the adjusting screw, as herein-before
described, it forms a combination swivel and allows the combined pulley shaft and
roller to revolve in any direction, and always work parallel with the roller at the
top of the window, door, or elsewhere, and thus prevents the pulley cord from .
crossing, cutting, and wearing out, as with the usual blind cord pulley,

page_text: It will be understood by this construction that as the pulley cords become con-
tracted in wet weather or expanded in dry weather, the roller under the action of
the spiral spring rises or falls so as to keep the cord always at the same tension
automatically.
The device for connecting the ends of pulley cords consists of a spiral spring made 5
in different diameters so as to form links, and provided at each end with a clasp;
this device renders the cord elastic and is easily applied, at the same time allowing
the cord to be easily detached.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PURIFYING COAL GAS AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CARBONATE OF AMMONIA, AMMONIACAL SALTS, AND CARBONATE OF SODA
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Hartley Kenyon, of Bank Quay, Warrington, in the
County of Lancaster, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PURIFYING
COAL GAS AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CARBONATE OF AMMONIA, AMMONIACAL
SALTS, AND CARBONATE OF SODA."
Sealed the 25th February 1879, and dated the 28th August 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Hartley Kenyon at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th August 1878.
HARTLEY KENYON, of Bank Quay, Warrington, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PURIFYING COAL GAS AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
CARBONATE OF AMMONIA, AMMONIACAL SALTS, AND CARBONATE OF SODA."
I only use washers sufficient to separate the tar with water from the gas. I pass
the gas through moistened burnt dolomite (magnesia 40, calcium 60); when I can
dispose of lime I thus remove carbonic acid and sulphur first.
When I cannot dispose of lime I put into my first purifyers bog ore, and into my
second range dried sawdust and chloride of calcium, and calcium to meet the excess.
of carbonic acid; I thus obtain chloride of ammonium and carbonate of lime.
I remove the ammonia after passing through my No. 2 operation by passing
the gas through a second range of purifyers charged with chloride of zinc or
chloride of magnesia (a German waste salt) when I require chloride of ammonium.
When I wish to make a portable sulphate of ammonia, I put into my second
range kiserite (a waste sulphate of magnesia), and I thus obtain a marketable
sulphate of ammonia manure.
In manipulating gas water, my first object being to desulphurize, I draw my gas
water through a float into a receiver charged with bog ore to absorb the sianides
and sulphur before running on my vacuum pan, in which I remove the impregnated
Divine 971

page_text: ore, and thus produce my crude carbonate of ainmonia (or gas water freed from
sulphur and sianides).
+
If I desire dry carbonate of ammonia I put my crude carbonate of ammonia into
my boiler, and collect the carbonate of ammonia and pass the exhaust through
sawdust and chloride of zinc; I thus dispense with all the nuisance attending
ammonia distillation and utilize the sulphur. Or I percolate salt and put it into a
chamber and collect carbonate of ammonia in the pores of the salt, when I wish to
make carbonate of soda and chloride of ammonium.
If I put into my washer salt brine, and I distil in it carbonate of ammonia
sufficient to decompose under pressure the salt, I thus obtain my carbonate of soda
and chloride of ammonium.
When I require an ammoniate of zinc I put on my vacuum pan oxyde of zinc,
and run on my crude carbonate of ammonia liquid; the carbonic acid combines with
the zinc, and ammonia dissolves the zinc; I thus obtain a new salt much less
volatile than chloride of ammonium for galvanizers.
Or I distil ammonia into a vessel containing the weak ammonia from my
distillations in which I put oxyde of zine when I wish to thus make an ammoniate
of zinc.