matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVED MEANS OF CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS FROM CANS AND OTHER RECEPTACLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edouard Werdenberg at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th January 1878.
EDOUARD WERDENBERG, of 14, Pickering Place, Bayswater, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVED MEANS OF CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS FROM
CANS AND OTHER RECEPTACLES."
My Invention relates to improved means of controlling the flow of liquid from a
can or other receptacle provided with a spout or nozzle, and is particularly intended
for a can or other vessel from which lamps and other receptacles are filled with oil,
but it is also applicable for other receptacles provided with a spout or nozzle, and
containing any liquid which it is desired to avoid spilling in pouring from the one
vessel to another.
My Invention consists in a means of causing the flow of liquid from the can or
other vessel to be automatically stopped when the level of the liquid in the vessel
being filled arrives at any desired height, so that the risk of spilling the liquid by
overfilling the vessel through carelessness is avoided, even in the dark.
In carrying out my Invention the can or other vessel is provided with an ordinary
tubular spout or nozzle, and (if not already closed) is closed by a suitable screw,
plug, or other stopper removable for filling. The flow of liquid from the spout or
nozzle is controlled, as hereafter described, by the can or vessel being closed, as
above mentioned, and by the only inlet for air to replace the liquid poured off from
the can or vessel being through a tube or other channel leading from the orifice of
the spout or nozzle to the upper part of the can or vessel, so that immediately the
liquid in the vessel being filled rises to and covers the orifice of the spout or nozzle
and of the air inlet pipe or channel, the admission of air to the can or other vessel
is cut off, and the flow of the liquid consequently ceases.

page_text: The air inlet pipe or channel may either be inside or outside the spout or nozzle,
and may terminate at or near the orifice of the spout or nozzle. It leads into the
upper part of the can, and preferably terminates (at its other end) at a point
diametrically opposite the spout or nozzle, so that its orifice shall be above the
surface of the liquid when the can or vessel is tilted in pouring.
A NEW OR IMPROVED MECHANISM FOR THE SYN- CHRONISING OF CLOCKS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Kirkland Muirhead at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st May 1878.
ROBERT KIRKLAND MUIRHEAD, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Chronometer Maker. "A NEW OR IMPROVED MECHANISM FOR THE SYN-
CHRONISING OF CLOCKS."
This Invention has reference to a new or improved, simple, and efficient con-
struction and combination of a mechanical motion or mechanism for the syn-
chronising of clocks or time pieces by fitting one to each, which would move its
minute hand backwards or forwards (or it might move a lever on its spindle inside
as for large or turret clocks) at regular intervals as, say, every hour or every
twelve hours, to the moment of zero marked on the clock dial at 12 o'clock; all
from and to the true time of an observatory or other standard clock or timepiece,
made and fitted with any of the well-known magneto-electric arrangements, with
their make and break contact commutators, connecting wires, and armatures, which
at the proper moment completes, breakes, or reverses the electric current, and thus
instantly and automatically sets all the clocks fitted with this improved mechanism,
and so connected with it to the true time of the one standard clock.
And the nature and novelty of the Invention consist in the use of a single lever
attached to the armature of the ordinary coil magnet at the one end, and having
a V or U curved cam piece or vane attached at the other end or arm set so as to
act radially, and act on or embrace a lateral pin on the back of the minute hand,
and so push it forward or draw it back to the centre or apex of the cam, set in
line with the zero or other point of the dial at which the change is arranged to take
place.
It will be understood that the V cam might either be close at the apex, and
instantly let back to its normal position to allow the minute hand to pass on; or it
might be made open to pass the pin at each action, and thus allow the hand to
pass it, the cam afterwards falling back to its normal position ready for a fresh

page_text: action; and when the pin, with or without an antifriction roller working in the
open or V cam, is fixed on the ininute hand, as described, the lever of the cam
would work out through a short radial slot in the face of the clock. Or, by another
modification, the pin or roller might be on the free end of the lever, and have the
V or cam piece fixed on the hand or other lever on its spindle.
AN IMPROVED BRACELET."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Pierre Auguste Baron at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th August 1878.
PIERRE AUGUSTE BARON, Merchant, of Boulevard de Strasbourg, 23, Paris
(France). AN IMPROVED BRACELET."
The bracelet necklet which I have invented is capable of being applied to several
uses, as the shapes it may assume are varied at will. It may be rolled up in
several spirals to serve as a bracelet, it may take the form of a circular band for use
as a necklet, or it may serve as an ornament for the head by interlacing or
entwining it in the hair as desired.
My bracelet necklet may be thus easily transformed owing to its special com-
bination. It is composed of metallic links fitting into each other, and united by a
central rod or core of pliable metal.
The links at the extremities being screwed on to the central rod, all the links are
held close one to another, so that no space exists between them.
The links may be of various designs or shapes, as also the ends of the bracelet
necklet,
.
According to one design I make my bracelet necklet in the form of a serpent.
The links which fit into each other imitate the rings on the body of a serpent.
Each link is pierced with a hole which permits a rod of gold, green gold, silver,
copper, tin, lead, or other suitable material to be engaged in them.
The links may be of diameters decreasing from the head to the tail to resemble
the serpent. The head of the serpent is provided with a screw thread, serving to
screw the threaded end of the central rod. The largest link presses against the
head. Near the tail, the rod is threaded several centimetres in length, and the last
link is screwed on to it, the links being thus held together. The point of the tail
appears beyond the last link.
If after using a certain time the links become loose the last link is screwed
tighter, the point of the tail showing longer.
1
The central rod or core which unites the links may be formed of various
metals.

page_text: When the bracelet necklet is gold the rod is preferably green gold, being very
pliable or flexible, and cheaper than pure gold.
The links and the threaded tail of the rod are fine gold, because the point of
the tail which appears beyond the last link is visible. In this case the point is
soldered to the rod.
The serpent may be rolled up in spirals to serve as a bracelet, or may be used
in the form of a necklet.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MAKING CIGARETTES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th November 1878. A. communication
from abroad by Robert Gottheil, of Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, Civil
Engineer and Patent Solicitor.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MAKING CIGARETTES.” A communication from abroad
by Robert Gottheil, of Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, Civil Engineer and Patent
Solicitor.
The Invention consists of an apparatus for making cigarettes composed of a metal
or other tube, into which tobacco is placed after the paper has been first laterally
introduced through a side slit in such tube, said tube being furnished with a tongue
or projecting piece, inside which, when moved against the internal wall of the tube,
turns the tobacco round all along, and by friction thereof also the paper which was
introduced round the tobacco, and so the cigarette is made, and can then be pushed
out by means of a plunger or sliding piece. The apparatus can be affixed to or
provided with receptacles for holding paper, tobacco, and cigarettes, and the whole
may be made of any convenient material or materials.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN DETACHING HOOKS FOR THE PREVENTION OF OVERWINDING IN MINES, ALSO APPLICABLE AS A COUPLING LINK, AND FOR OTHER SUCH LIKE PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herman Grabowski and Charles
Henry Blood at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd July
1878.
HERMAN GRABOWSKI and CHARLES HENRY BLOOD, both of Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick. "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN DETACHING HOOKS FOR THE
PREVENTION OF OVERWINDING IN MINES, ALSO APPLICABLE AS A COUPLING LINK,
AND FOR OTHER SUCH LIKE PURPOSES."
Our Invention has reference to an improved construction of that description of
safety apparatus designated a detaching hook, for preventing accidents from over-
winding at mines, whereby the winding rope or chain is disconnected from the load,
while at the same time the said load is supported by this our apparatus, so as to
be prevented from falling after the rope or chain has been disconnected.
We will now describe our Invention which consists principally in the con-
struction of two or more plates irregular in outline, but corresponding to each other,
having segmental slots, and this for producing the required motion in connection
with the said plates; there are employed two or more hooks for holding the upper
link which is connected to the chain or rope, while at the extreme is another link
for carrying the load in ascending at the point, beyond which the load must not be
raised, is fixed a iron ring having an aperture through which the winding chain or
rope passes; the projecting parts of the plate then come in contact with the lower
part of the said ring, causing the plates to move, and the hooked parts of the said
plates will then enter the ring, or that portion of the said ring which is constructed
with a circular flange, and is then engaged or secure; the bottom link slides into a
slot in the plates, fixing the said plates in that position that they cannot move, and
thus sustain the load after the winding rope or chain is disconnected.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MOULDS FOR CASTING STEEL
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st December 1878. A communi-
cation from abroad by Edwin Cowles, of Cleveland, State of Ohio, United
States of America.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MOULDS FOR CASTING STEEL" A communication
from abroad by Edwin Cowles, of Cleveland, State of Ohio, United States of
America.
The improvements consist in the manufacture and use of moulds of all kinds
suitable for casting steel made of or with silica, pure or nearly so, or its chemical
equivalent, or of a lining of silica or of a siliciferous mixture or mixtures made up
in the form of moulds as at present, and supported in or by metal or other boxes,
cases, or binders. The preference is given to pure silica, which can be fused
and run into one or more shapes to form moulds, or to act as a coating to other
moulds,
AN IMPROVED MOVABLE PAD FOR HORSES' FEET, AND IN APPARATUS FOR SECURING THE SAME
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Josias Bracken Canning Alexander
and Adam Aitchison at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
13th June 1878.
JOSIAS BRACKEN CANNING ALEXANDER and ADAM AITCHISON, both of Manchester,
in the County of Lancaster. "AN IMPROVED MOVABLE PAD FOR HORSES' FEET,
AND IN APPARATUS FOR SECURING THE SAME."
Our Invention consists in constructing the pads for horses, so that they can
easily be placed in the space between the sole of the foot and the inside of the shoe
and removed therefrom.
The pad consists of a piece of thick felt or other absorbent material, which fits in
the foot and which is saturated with moisture to keep the foot cool, and this pad is
held in its place by clips formed of two flat strips of metal or other material united
together.
When the pad is in its place, the ends of the metal or other strips fit between the
hoof and the inside of the shoe and prevent the pad falling out, but when the pad
has to be taken out the metal or other strips are contracted to allow the ends to
clear the inside of the shoe.
The apparatus for securing the movable pad to the foot may be considerably
varied or modified, and it may be connected to or independent of the pad.
IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OF APPARATUS FOR GRADUALLY TILTING OR TIPPING CASKS, KEGS, OR BARRELS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Jones at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 25th November 1878.
"AN
EDWARD JONES, of Saint Helier, in the Island of Jersey, Wine Merchant.
IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OF APPARATUS FOR GRADUALLY TILTING OR TIPPING
CASKS, KEGS, OR BARRELS."
This Invention consists in an improved arrangement and combination of apparatus
whereby casks, kegs, or barrels may be gradually tilted or tipped without shaking,
and consequently without disturbing their contained liquids, which may then be
drawn off in a clear and undisturbed condition. To accomplish this result I prefer
to use an shaped metal clamp, which is to be hooked under the end of the staves
of the barrel or cask, and the lower or hooked portion of which I prefer to bend
inward slightly toward the stem, as this will give it a better "grip" and prevent
the possibility of the cask, keg, or barrel slipping from the said clamp as it is
gradually tilted or tipped. At the upper extremity of the stem of the clamp may
be placed a thumb screw or other device to prevent the clamp slipping from its
position. Upon or to the second extremity of the lower or hooked portion of the
clamp is fastened or secured a band, rope, chain, or other flexible material, the
other end of which is securely attached to a winding drum, which, by aid of a
handle, may be turned or operated at pleasure. This drum is preferably carried
between two supporting posts or pillars, and is fitted with a ratchet and pawl to
prevent the said drum from turning or slipping backwards.
These supporting pillars may be made of wood, but I prefer to use iron, brass, or
gun metal, which may be cast in the shape of a two fine fork, the upper end of
which may be attached to an overhead beam or other support, leaving the tines in
a vertical position, or if preferred the fork shaped support may be attached to or
driven into a wall or a post, leaving the tines in a horizontal position.
OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING THE MIXING OR 'BLENDING OF LIQUORS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Matthew Douglas Macdonald at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th September 1878.
MATTHEW DOUGLAS MACDONALD, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain. "NEW OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING THE MIXING OR
'BLENDING OF LIQUORS."
=
The said Invention relates to new or improved apparatus for effecting the
"blending" of liquors, that is, the mixing of liquors of various kinds or qualities in
certain proportions, and has for its object to effect the said "blending" rapidly and
thoroughly without waste of the liquors. The apparatus constituting the said
Invention consists of a pump on and communicating with the inlet of which is a
pipe, into which open sets of pipes of various capacities leading from the vats or
receptacles in which the liquors to be used in the "blend" are contained. Each
pipe is furnished with a regulating or stop-cock, and the said pipes are arranged in
such a manner that one set will consist of two pipes, another of three or four pipes,
and so on in any desired variety and number of pipes. The bore or capacity of the
pipes is preferably such that the united capacity of the pipes of each set will equal
the capacity of the pump and its outlet. The "blending" is effected as follows:-
If two liquors are to be "blended" the pipes of the set consisting of two pipes are
connected with vats or receptacles containing the two liquors to be "blended," and
the cocks on these pipes are opened, the cocks upon the pipes of the other sets being
closed. The pump is then worked by hand or other power, and the liquors will both
be drawn into and through the pump and discharged therefrom preferably through a
perforated nozzle upon a discharge pipe led to the vat or receptacle, into which the
blended" liquor is discharged. The liquors will thus be thoroughly and rapidly
"blended." In like manner if three or four or other number of liquors are to be
"blended" the set of pipes corresponding in number with the number of liquors to
be blended" will be connected with the vats or receptacles in which such liquors
are contained, the cocks in this particular set, of pipes being cpened and the cocks
of the other sets being closed. The operation of the pump will effect the "blending,"
as before described. Any convenient number of sets of pipes may be combined in

page_text: "
the said apparatus. The proportions of the various liquors used in the "blend
may be regulated either by partially closing some of the cocks upon the pipes
through which liquor is being drawn, or by closing the cock or cocks upon any
particular pipe or pipes when the desired quantity of liquor has been pumped
therethrough. In addition to the sets of pipes before described the inlet of the
pump may also be provided with a pipe (furnished with a cock) of a capacity equal
to the capacity of the discharge pipe of the pump, which pipe may be used for
pumping one liquor through the pump.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CASTORS, APPLICABLE ALSO IN PART TO OTHER PURPOSES WHERE ROTATION IN ANY DIRECTION OVER ONE SURFACE IS REQUISITE
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Brandon Thomas and Walter
Timmins at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st February
1878.
WALTER BRANDON THOMAS, of Hull, in the County of York,. and WALTER
TIMMINS, of Runcorn, in the County of Chester.. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING
TO CASTORS, APPLICABLE ALSO IN PART TO OTHER PURPOSES WHERE ROTATION IN
ANY DIRECTION OVER ONE SURFACE IS REQUISITE."
This Invention consists, first, in a new form of castor. Instead of a wheel or
roller, we use a ball projecting out from a contracted orifice in an inverted cup.
This main ball does not touch the cup, but is kept from doing so by smaller balls
free to rotate between the surfaces of the ball and of the cup. These balls however
cannot touch each other, being prevented from doing, so by a horizontal annular
frame or frames, also free to rotate horizontally. The main ball bears vertically
upwards on one, two, three, or more smaller spheres in a moveable frame or frames,
which keep them apart so that they cannot bind on each other, and also distribute
the pressure equally.
On one or more horizontal planes (preferably only one equatorial one) we place
other small balls or spheres between the main ball and the cup, likewise kept at
their requisite distances by a frame or ring of sockets free to rotate on an annular
groove or offset in the cup. The spheres being free to rotate any way give the
main ball liberty to rotate in any direction. This principle is applicable to a variety
of purposes in machinery, such as in turntables, equatorial telescopes, and the like,
where a motion in any direction over a plane spherical or curved surface is.
requisite.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CON- DENSERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frank Wirth at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th July 1878. A communication from
Daniel Grimm, Gentleman, and Heinrich Adolf Uhl, Merchant, both of
Nürnberg, 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 CON-
DENSERS." A communication from Daniel Grimm, Gentleman, and Heinrich Adolf
Uhl, Merchant, both of Nürnberg, in the Empire of Germany. _
The Invention consists of an apparatus by which the steam to be condensed may
be carried mechanically into the condensing water.
The apparatus employed consists of a closed chamber or boiler partially filled
with water, and in which a specially constructed paddle or turbine is made to turn
by any suitable means.
The exhaust steam is allowed to impinge upon the floats or buckets, so as to fill
the spaces with steam, which is carried under the water level by the revolution of
the paddle or turbine, and thus condensed.
"
IMPROVEMENTS IN JOINING THE PARTS OF BOXES OR OTHER RECEPTACLES USUALLY CONSTRUCTED WITH DOVETAILED JOINTS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas William Milton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th February 1878,
THOMAS WILLIAM MILTON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Merchant.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN JOINING THE PARTS OF BOXES OR OTHER RECEPTACLES USUALLY
CONSTRUCTED WITH DOVETAILED JOINTS."
This Invention refers to an improved mode of putting together the parts of boxes
such as are intended for coal purdoniums, desks, stationery cases, chests, or other
similar articles of joiners' or cabinetmakers' work and which are usually dovetailed
at the angles, thus considerably weakening the part where most strength is required.
To avoid this, I connect the parts of such articles by metal lugs formed at one end
in a flat plate to be screwed into a countersinking in the inner side of one part,
which plate is furnished with a screwed pin at its other end, which pin passes
through the corresponding part to be joined, and is secured on the outer side thereof
by a screwed nut. As many of these plates may be used as may be necessary.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPLICABLE TO STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Moy at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 8th October 1878.
THOMAS MOY, of 37, Farringdon Street, in the City of London, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPLICABLE TO STEAM BOILERS."
My Invention relates to steam boilers of the kind described in the Specification
of Merryweather's Patent, dated 1st November 1862, No. 2956, in which boilers
When steam
the tubes have each an inner tube to promote the circulation therein.
is generated in boilers fitted with these tubes the water is made to circulate as
required by causing the descending current in the inner tube to take the place of
the ascending current of water in the outer tube. The inner tubes receive the
water at their upper ends, which are open and are below the level of the water in
the boiler. And it has been found that by this arrangement there is a great
liability for the outer tubes to become clogged at the bottom by the deposit from
the water, thereby impeding the required circulation, and involving the necessity
of a frequent removal of the tubes for the purpose of clearing them from such
deposit. Now my Invention consists in adapting and applying to such boilers the
arrangement herein-after stated, by means of which the deposit is removed from the
lower ends of the tubes by causing a violent reversal of the currents to take place,
that is to say, down the outer or larger tube and up the inner or smaller tube from
which the water with the deposit is blown out and the tubes are thereby cleansed
as required. For this purpose the upper open ends of the inner or smaller tubes
are enclosed in a steam-tight chamber (or chambers) provided with a cock or cocks
communicating with the water in the boiler, and also leading to the outside of the
boiler. The only passage for any of the water into the inner circulating tubes is
through the said steam-tight chamber, when the inlet cock is open, at which time
the blow-off cock is kept closed. When it is desired to blow off, the inlet cock is
shut and the blow-off cock opened, whereby the deposit is removed with the water
under the full pressure of the steam from the said chamber or chambers.

page_text: It is preferred to have the two operations of admitting water to the chamber and
blowing off through the tubes performed by means of a single three-way cock,
rather than with two separate cocks, in order to prevent mistakes in working.
In some cases a circulating pump is intended to be used in order to produce the
circulation as required, instead of depending on the natural circulation of the
water.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR VENTILATING MINES AND OTHER PLACES, WHICH INVENTION IS ALSO APPLICABLE FOR PROPELLING OR COMPRESSING AIR FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Hesketh, of Warrington, in the County of Lan-
.
caster, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR VENTILATING MINES AND OTHER PLACES,
WHICH INVENTION IS ALSO APPLICABLE FOR PROPELLING OR COMPRESSING
AIR FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 15th March 1878, and dated the 4th January 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Hesketh at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th January 1878.
THOMAS HESKETH, of Warrington, in the County of Lancaster. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR VENTILATING
MINES AND OTHER PLACES, WHICH INVENTION IS ALSO APPLICABLE FOR PRO-
PELLING OR COMPRESSING AIR FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
This Invention is designed principally for driving air through the passages or
workings of coal or other mines to effect the ventilation of the same, but it is also
applicable in all other instances where a considerable volume of air is required to
be propelled through shafts or passages, or to be compressed into a reservoir or
receiver.
The apparatus consists principally of a series of feeders (similar to organ bellows)
fixed in a suitable framing, and placed side by side and end to end, and in succes-
sive tiers above each other to any required limit, and connected together by trunks
or passages to convey the wind. The whole number of feeders may be made to
work together as a whole or in sections to divide the wind, as the case may
require.
Each series of feeders is worked by means of excentrics keyed or fixed upon
shafts, the said excentrics being cast or made in halves, and bolted together round

page_text: the shaft. At the end of each shaft is keyed or fixed a spur wheel, and the whole
of these are connected together and driven by a main spur wheel actuated by steam
or other power.
The excentrics may be so arranged that the whole series will work together, or
they may be arranged in such a manner that each series shall work alternately, as
may be preferred, and the trunks or passages may be so arranged that the air or
wind from the whole series may all form one main current, or it may.be divided and
subdivided into as many currents as may be required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN HEATING 'FLAT' OR 'SMOOTHING' IRONS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Dawes at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th February 1878.
WILLIAM DAWES, of Kingston Grove, Leeds, in the County of York, Engineer,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HEATING 'FLAT' OR 'SMOOTHING' IRONS."
This Invention consists in an improved method or system of heating ordinary
flat or smoothing irons at an open fire or fire-grate, whereby the great annoyance
and hinderance occasioned by the smoking of the face of the iron is obviated, and
at the same time greater regularity and economy are realized.
In carrying out this Invention I employ a metallic or other plate, shield, screen,
guard, or case, upon or around the iron, or between the iron and the fire, con-
structed in such a manner that the "face" of the iron shall have, and be in contact
with an intervening, protecting, and conducting plate, somewhat larger than itself,
and by preference a plain oblong or parallelogram, as a protection from the smoke
and dirt of the fire; and also that the body of the iron shall be so surrounded or
encased that its back and edges are protected from the unavoidable current of cold
air induced by the heat of the fire; and thus both the above objects or improve-
ments, comfort and economy, are obtained.
It will be obvious that the main or foundation part of the above appliance is the
flat plate which intervenes between the face of the iron and the fire; and in order
to increase its heat absorbing or receiving capacity, I prefer to checker or groove
the outer or fire-face of this plate; and in some cases I construct it of copper or
brass in lieu of iron. I also, in some cases, construct this plate large enough to
receive two or more irons at the same time, and where economy in first cost is
important, with the back or cold air screen or guard either partially or entirely
separate, or omitted therefrom, as may be desirable.
I prefer generally, though not necessarily, to construct this guard or case so that
it will fit to or hang upon the fire-bars, and with a vertical slot or other equivalent

page_text: for admitting the handle and supporting the iron, and thus it performs the five-fold
duty of supporting or holding the iron, of protecting it from the smoke on the face
side; of screening it from the cold air at the back; of improving both the bright-
ness and regularity of the fire; and also of effecting considerable economy in the
quantity of fuel required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LUBRICATING COMPOUNDS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Goundry Munger at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th October 1878.
GEORGE GOUNDRY MUNGER, of the City of Rochester, in the State of New York,
United States of America, Attorney at Law.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LUBRICATING
COMPOUNDS."
My Invention relates to liquid compounds in which plumbago is used for the
purpose of increasing the lubricating qualities, and consists of a compound of
petroleum oil, plumbago, Japan wax, tallow, and soda. The proportions of the
ingredients may be varied according to circumstances, but for ordinary purposes are
preferably as follows, that is to say :—
Petroleum oil
Plumbago
Japan wax
Tallow
Soda
->
one gallon.
six ounces.
one-half ounce.
six ounces.
one-half ounce.
For the manufacture of this compound the above-named ingredients are mixed
together and heated to a simmering heat, or say 180° Fahrenheit, and actively
stirred all the time. For a few moments during the operation the mixture should
touch boiling point. The heat should be kept applied one hour or thereabouts.
About twenty-four hours after cooling the mass should be again thoroughly
agitated, and then allowed to stand a few hours before use or shipment.
The petroleum oil forms the body of the compound. The Japan wax serves the
purpose of holding the plumbago in permanent suspension in the oil, which it does by
floating it throughout the same. The tallow furnishes a suitable amount of animal
unctuous matter, and produces a commingling of animal and mineral oils, and which
is preferable to either of them alone. The tallow also makes necessary a smaller
amount of Japan wax of which no more is employed than is required to suspend
the plumbago. The soda neutralizes the acid in the tallow and has a tendency to
assimilate the various ingredients with each other, and to effect a more complete
chemical union in the compound. The soda, Japan wax, and the tallow subject the
mass to a saponifying process which is very beneficial.

page_text: It is found after a long experience with Japan wax and other expensive agents,
that the Japan wax is a superior medium for holding the plumbago in permanent
suspension A much smaller amount-of-it-than-of-such-other-substances is required,
also pound for pound it is cheaper than bees wax and other substances heretofore
used for that purpose.
NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR TOPPING AND TAILING TURNIPS OR OTHER ANALOGOUS ROOT CROPS, THE SAME BEING ALSO APPLICABLE FOR REMOVING POTATOES FROM THE GROUND
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Andrew Pollock at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd January 1878.
"A
ANDREW POLLOCK, of Mauchline, in the County of Ayr, North Britain.
NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINE FOR TOPPING AND TAILING TURNIPS OR OTHER
ANALOGOUS ROOT CROPS, THE SAME BEING ALSO APPLICABLE FOR REMOVING
POTATOES FROM THE GROUND."
This Invention relates to improvements in that class of machine at present in
use for digging potatoes, and wherein the digging or potatoe-removing instrument
consists or a series of arms, carrying forks or prongs at their extremities, arranged
radially on a nave, so that when revolving at right angles to the direction in which
the machine is drawn the prongs or fork successively knock or lift the potatoes
from out of the ground.
The after or
Under the present improvements, by which the machine is adapted for cutting
off the tops and removing the tails from turnips and other root crops of an analogous
kind, the revolving arms, in place of being formed with prongs or forks, are fitted
with knives, which as they revolve cut off the tops of the turnips.
rear part of the machine is furnished with a combined lifting and tail-cutting
instrument of an angular shape, and which is formed with cutting edges. When
the machine is being drawn over the ground this instrument passes under the turnip
or analogous root at a depth sufficient for the cutting edges to catch upon the upper
or thick part of the tail, and cut it through. The body of the turnip or analogous
root being thus removed from the tail lies loose on the ground ready for being
picked up.
It is to be understood that by removing the arms with the knives and the rear
cutting instrument, and placing the ordinary arms with prongs upon the revolving
shaft, the said machine may be used for lifting potatoes or other roots wherein
topping and tailing operations are unnecessary.
PROVED STAIR ROD EYE
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Philip Tufnail, the younger, at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th April 1878.
PHILIP TUFNAIL, the younger, of Dartford, in the County of Kent.
PROVED STAIR ROD EYE"
"AN IM-
The object of this Invention is an improved construction of eyes for fixing stair-
carpet rods, whereby the rods are more easily placed in position than hitherto, and
whereby they may also be removed with greater facility.
In carrying out my Invention I form the improved eye with a point and nail
hole as usual, but the eye, properly so called, is open so as to leave a space between
the bottom plate and the bend of the eye through which the stair rod passes into
position. The plate or bearing of the eye is horizontal instead of vertical, as usual,
the point being driven into the riser of the stair, and the nail into the tread of the
stair; the said plate or bearing is also provided with a shoulder which bears against
the riser of the stair, the space between the said shoulder and the eye being just
sufficient to allow the rod to pass.
Instead of the herein-before described point and shoulder I sometimes employ a
vertical plate with hole for nail.
IMPROVEMENTS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Whittle at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 8th January 1878.
CHARLES WHITTLE, of Hercules Building, Lambeth.
Locks."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
This Invention relates to the locking of doors and other articles with greater
security, and to the prevention of the forcing and picking of such locks. For this
purpose I fit to any convenient part of the bolt of the lock within the casing a pin
projecting therefrom towards the inside of the lock, and rotating freely on its own
centre. Such pin I make circular for a short distance from the face of the bolt, and
then of an oblong rectangular form for the remainder of its length. On the circular
portion I fix firmly a small toothed wheel.
The oblong rectangular portion is made so as when in a horizontal position to
slide freely in a corresponding horizontal slot in the lever or levers. The horizontal
slot is made larger or squared out at one of its ends in such manner that there is
sufficient space for the oblong rectangular pin to be changed from a horizontal to a
vertical position. I fix another toothed wheel, or a segment of a wheel, or a toothed
rack, to any convenient part of the inside of the lock in such manner that when
the bolt of the lock is forced by the key outwards the toothed wheel attached to
the projecting pin is brought into contact with and gears into the second toothed
wheel segment or rack aforesaid, just so much as to cause the wheel, and with it the
pin, to make a quarter of a revolution, thus bringing the oblong rectangular pin
projection from the horizontal to the vertical position after such pin has travelled
to the end of the slot in the lever to enlargement at the end thereof. When the
pin projection is in this vertical position the bolt of the lock cannot be forced back
as the area of such projection is too great to pass along the horizontal slot in the
lever or levers, and thereby presents an insurmountable obstacle to the usual method
adopted by burglars of forcing back the bolts of the locks of doors. The picking
of the lock is also prevented by the inaccessible position of the moveable pin
aforesaid.

page_text: When it is desired to open the door the action of the key causes the second wheel
segment or rack to move so as to cause the wheel attached to the pin to make a
quarter of a revolution in a reverse direction to the locking motion, thereby
replacing the oblong pin projection in its horizontal position, when it readily enters
and travels along the horizontal slot in the lever upon the bolt being moved 5
backwards.
This Invention may be applied to every description of lock.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES AND PERMANENT WAY
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Reginald Empson Middleton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th July 1878.
REGINALD EMPSON MIDDLETON, of Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street,
Westminster, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer. " IMPROVEMENTS IN
AND CONNECTED WITH LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES AND PERMANENT WAY."
My Invention has for object improvements in and connected with locomotive
engines and permanent way.
In constructing locomotive engines designed to run upon a single under rail, and
to be guided by one or more pairs of horizontal guiding wheels running on an over-
head rail or rails, I arrange the vertical driving wheels and the carrying wheels
centrally on the axles, and communicate propelling force to such vertical driving
wheels, and to suitable horizontal driving wheels direct from the cross heads of a
pair of pistons, without the intervention of gearing, maintaining the motion of the
peripheries of the vertical and horizontal wheels at the same rate by coupling
together the ends of the connecting rods.
The driving axle of the vertical wheels acts as a coupling between the two
engines.
According to another part of my Invention I obtain the grip on the rails by
arranging vertical wheels under the driving wheels of the locomotive, which may
be in other respects of the ordinary type, and coupling the axles of the upper and
lower wheels by springs. The lower wheels may be parts of the locomotive,
or can be carried on a separate frame to be attached to the engine as occasion
requires.
In constructing permanent way for this system I arrange the rails a suitable
distance above the ground, and they are so held by brackets or lateral supports
carried by pillars or other suitable structures, in such manner as to leave the upper
and under surfaces of the rails exposed, and to allow of the uninterrupted passage
of the engine.
A similar gripping arrangement may be employed in connection with a single
rail. In this case I suspend the boiler of the locomotive below the engine, whose

page_text: driving and bearing wheels travel on the single rail, below which and opposite the
driving wheels I arrange the vertical gripping wheels, which are pressed towards
the under surface of the rail by means of springs.
In other respects the engine may be in construction similar in detail to an
ordinary locomotive.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO, AND IN MACHINERY THEREFOR."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd May 1878. A com-
munication from Hermann Wuttko, a person resident at Breslau, in the Empire
of Germany.
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKI, of the Firm of Brandt and Nawrocki,
Patent Agents, of 124, Leipzigerstrasse, Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, Civil
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO, AND IN MACHINERY
THEREFOR." A communication from Hermann Wuttke, of Breslau, in the Empiro
of Germany.
The improvements in the manufacture consist in reducing tobacco stalks and ribs
to fibre, and in utilizing this product for making cigars, cigarettes, and smoking
tobacco generally.
The improvements in machinery consist of a flattening and a fibre machine for
flattening and making into fibres the said stalks and ribs mechanically without the
aid of any chemical process, the stalks and ribs being moistened with water simply
to render them more flexible, the prepared fibres being dried.
The flattening machine consists of a receiving table, a driving drum, weight
levers, flattening rollers, and a receiving cylinder. The drum drives the cylinder
by means of suitable gearing; the stalks and ribs are placed on the receiving table,
and passed under the flattening rollers, flattened thereby, and thrown off by the
cylinder on to a table below, from whence they pass to the fibre separating machine,
which consists of a receiving table and tray, with a drum, the circumference of
which is faced with steel needles, which serve to cut the flattened stalks or ribs
into fibre, when they are dried and are ready for use.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRIC LAMPS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur Moore Thompson and Henry
Douglas Earl at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th
December 1878.
ARTHUR MOORE THOMPSON and HENRY DOUGLAS EARL, of Crewe, in the County
of Chester, Mechanical Engineers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
ELECTRIC LAMPS."
Hitherto in electric lamps the electrodes used, of whatever material formed, being
intensely heated in producing the light have been rapidly destroyed by oxidation,
or they have fused by the great heat to which they have been subjected. In the
case of electrodes liable to be rapidly destroyed by oxidation, such as carbon,
attempts have been made from time to time to prevent or diminish their rapid
destruction, but unsuccessfully, and consequently the electrodes have required
frequent renewal and arrangements for their continual adjustment; and in the case
of electrodes not easily oxidised, but liable to be fused, such as platinum, it has been
necessary to so proportion the strength of the electric current as not to reach the
fusing point of the electrode employed, but any accidental augmentation in the
strength of the current has caused the electrode to fuse, thus severing the electric
current, and consequently extinguishing the light.
The object of our Invention is to prevent the rapid destruction of the electrodes,
and to preserve them when in a state of fusion in the desired form, so as to retain
the continuity of the electrode, and thus the current of the electricity producing the
light; and our Invention consists in enclosing and enveloping that portion of the
electrode intended by its incandescence to produce the light in any solid material
which is a non-conductor of electricity, and is transparent or partly transparent or
translucent, such as glass or porcelain or other similar non-electro conducting
material.
The light producing portion of the electrode is in close contact with and imme-
diately surrounded by the solid non-electro conducting material, and is or may be
made or combined with such material in any convenient manner.
The electrodes are or may be formed of platinum wire coiled or bent into any
desired shape, and the light producing portion of the electrode enclosed in solid

page_text: glass, porcelain, or other suitable non-electro conducting material formed into solid
cylinders, or within the solid parts of hollow cylinders, or within the exterior
surfaces of solid or hollow spheres, or within flat discs, or within any other desired
forms of material of the character above stated; or that portion of carbon electrodes
intended by its incandescence to produce the light is or may be enclosed in solid
glass or porcelain or other suitable non-electro conductors, transparent or translucent
material of any suitable form.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR BUNDLING YARNS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Macleod at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th September 1878.
JOHN MACLEOD, of Renton, in the County of Dumbarton, North Britain,
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR BUNDLING YARNS."
This Invention has for its objects to simplify the construction and to improve
the working of yarn bundling apparatus.
The improved apparatus is made with the usual clasps or sectional boxes by
which the sides and top of the bundle are retained, and between which clasps the
tying strings are applied. The bundle is compressed by the elevation of the bottom
plate or table on which the yarns are placed; but instead of this bottom plate being
raised by means of toothed gearing as hitherto, it is fixed upon a hydraulic ram
fitted to work in a cylinder, which is conveniently placed within the pedestal or
base frame of the machine.
The stop valve by means of which the admission of the water to the cylinder is
controlled has connected to it a lever or lever and rod, on which lever or rod there
is fixed an adjustable stop arranged to be acted on by the bottom plate, whenever
this plate rises as far as is considered necessary for the proper compression of the
yarns, so as to then shut off the water and prevent further compression.
The hydraulic cylinder is, by preference, worked by means of what is known as
an accumulator in order to obtain rapid action.
Each machine may be constructed for making up a single bundle at a time, as in
existing apparatus, but it is preferred, according to this Invention, to arrange one
hydraulic cylinder and ram to act simultaneously on two or more bundles.
In one modification four sets of boxes or clasps are fitted upon one framing, but
with space between sufficient for the entering and tying of the several strings, and
the several bottom plates are fixed all to the head of one central hydraulic ram by
separate vertical pieces, admitting of the several plates rising inside of their
respective boxes.

page_text: In another modification one set of clasps or boxes is made long enough
vertically to contain two or more bundles, and after the yarns for one bundle are
placed a horizontal plate is inserted to divide them from. the yarns of the next
higher bundle. The plate inserted in this way is made with transverse grooves on
its under and upper sides for the passage of the strings.
5