matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVED SELF-ACTING PILE DRIVER
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William James Doherty at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th July 1877.
WILLIAM JAMES DOHERTY, C.E. and Contractor, of 29, Sir John Rogerson's Quay,
Dublin and Belfast. "AN IMPROVED SELF-ACTING PILE DRIVER."
This Invention relates to fitting within the body of the ram a square eye on the
disengaging shaft, connected by a joint to the nipper or catch, and down the centre
of ram, fitting a tappet, into which is inserted an india-rubber or other spiral spring.
Its action is as follows:-
The action of the nipper or catch which enters the pitch chain for raising the
ram, compared with any other at present in use, is that the whole of the wearing
parts are given greater bearing throughout, without any possibility or danger of
canting or jolting.
The eccentric is entirely dispensed with, and in lieu a square eye is substituted
and fixed upon the disengaging shaft, which is much lighter, simpler, and less liable
to derangement than any other machine.
The outward and inward motion is imparted to the nipper or catch by means of
a joint connected to the square eye, and just sufficient play being given to enable
the nipper to throw clear of the pitch chain, and vice versa.
The nipper ends can be made of steel, shaped to form, and inserted at once
without requiring refitting of a new trigger.
To give additional strength to the ram, the core in its body is considerably
reduced, thereby it is not so liable to fracture across when subjected to hard
driving.
The self action consists of a hole cast slightly angular vertically through the body
of the ram so as to enable the tappet to fall on top of the pile head; this consists of
a strong 1" (one inch) diameter pipe, both ends being filled up solid, and the pipe
for some length in the centre is cut away, and in lieu an india-rubber or other
spiral spring inserted. The action is when the ram falls on the pile head, the tappet,
protruding 4 inches or thereabouts beyond it, is sent up into the inside of same, and
compresses the rubber or other spring sufficient to throw up the square eye on the

page_text: disengaging shaft, which is attached by the joint to the nipper, thus throwing the
nipper forward into the pitch chain and immediately raising the ram. This tappet
has a square head to fit into a groove in the core of casting, so as to prevent it
turning, and also keep it at a proper distance through the ram, thereby totally dis-
pensing with the services of a man, and increasing the stroke of the engine about
25 per cent.
NEW OR IMPROVED AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR ASCERTAINING EITHER THE NUMBER OF REVOLUTIONS MADE BY MACHINERY OR THE DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY VEHICLES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Alfred Stanton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th April 1877.
"A
HENRY ALFRED STANTON, of Finsbury Park, in the County of Middlesex.
NEW OR IMPROVED AUTOMATIC INDICATOR FOR ASCERTAINING EITHER THE
NUMBER OF REVOLUTIONS MADE BY MACHINERY OR THE DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY
VEHICLES."
This Invention has for its object an improved apparatus, applicable not only for
indicating the number of revolutions made by machinery, but also for recording the
distance or space traversed by vehicles of any kind.
I proceed as follows:-Within a suitable metal case of any convenient size and
form, I place an automatic mechanical movement, and to the exterior of such case,
in any convenient position, I affix a spring clip and binding screw, or any other
suitable device for the purpose of attaching the apparatus to the shaft axle or other
moving part, the motion whereof is to be recorded. The back of the case I enclose
with a brass cap, and in the front thereof I place a glass face through which
a suitably divided dial plate is visible, together with the indicating hand or
hands.
The mechanism consists preferably of three metal discs arranged parallel with
cach other, and held in position by conveniently placed equidistant transverse bars.
On one of such discs the suitably divided dial plate before referred to is placed,
through the centre of which the spindle carrying the indicating hand or hands
projects while passing centrally through the back plate, and extending to the
inid-plate is a spindle carried in suitable bearings formed on such two plates. Such
spindle projects a convenient distance beyond the back plate before mentioned, and
on such projection a suitable weighted lever or pendulum is suspended, which being
fast to the spindle causes it to revolve with the rotary motion of the apparatus.
The spindle has a pinion fitted to it just inside the back plate, and this pinion gives
motion to a suitable train of wheels which actuate the spindle or arbor carrying
the indicator placed outside the dial plate. Such train of wheels may be arranged in
any convenient manner on either side of the central disc, and impart motion to one or
more indicators or pointers as may be desired. By this means any number of
revolutions is correctly recorded.

page_text: The indicator or indicators may be conveniently brought back to zero by means
of a key or other suitable contrivance.
In applying this apparatus to locomotive vehicles, such as bicycles, the indicator
may be made of any convenient size, and may be attached to any axle or other con-
venient part having rotary motion.
One of the chief advantages of my improved apparatus is that each revolution
of an axle or other motor is correctly recorded as the weighted pendulum always
maintains its vertical position, and thus imparts motion to the train of wheels
connected with the external indicator or indicators.
AN IMPROVED FASTENING FOR SOLITAIRES, APPLICABLE ALSO FOR PURSES, BAGS, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES
Year: 1877

page_text: [
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Hooper Allen at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th September 1877.
RICHARD HOOPER ALLEN, of Handsworth, in the County of Stafford, Jeweller.
AN IMPROVED FASTENING FOR SOLITAIRES, APPLICABLE ALSO FOR PURSES, BAGS,
AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES."
This Invention, as explained by the title, relates to an improved fastening for
solitaires and the other articles there referred to. It consists substantially in pro-
viding a spring cut out of sheet metal, and which is by preference of steel, on
account of its elastic nature. It has four arms, which are at right angles, or nearly
so, with each other, and the spring is so shaped that upon two of the opposite pro-
jections or angles being pushed inwards they cause a cross arm, which goes between
the other two opposite projections or angles (and which said cross arm is cut
through in its centre) to expand or open outwards. The part where this cross arm
is cut through at its centre is hollowed or curved to a sufficient extent or degree to
hold, when in its normal condition, the top of the pillar to which the button is
attached, a projection at the extreme end or top of the pillar holding it securely
in position until released by the pressing inwards of the two opposite angles of the
spring, as before explained."
The advantage of my Invention is that the spring being stamped in its complete
state from a piece of sheet metal, much saving of labour is effected, and thus a
secure fastening is produced at a very trifling cost.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SUSPENDING, RAISING, AND LOWERING VENETIAN BLINDS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick James Costa at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th April 1877.
FREDERICK JAMES COSTA, of 52, Arundel Square, Barnsbury, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SUSPENDING, RAISING, AND LOWERING VENETIAN
BLINDS."
When it is desirous to furnish a window with a Venetian blind I propose to do so
with two short blinds, suspended one beneath the other, instead of one long con-
continuous blind. The lower blind I design to act as a substitute for the ordinary
wire blind, dwarf Venetian, or short curtain for the lower part of the window
during the day, and at night, or when it is desirous to cover the window, I propose
to unite the lower extremity of the upper blind to the upper extremity of the lower
blind, and thus produce the result desired.
The way in which I propose to effect the above is, firstly, to make an ordinary
short Venetian blind, reaching, when extended full length, to the middle of the
window (or of longer or shorter dimensions if desired), and then to make another
Venetian blind sufficiently long enough when fixed to the lower extremity of the
upper blind to cover the window, more or less. I then take one or two pieces of
cord, or more, of sufficient length, and attach one part of one or each of them to the
lower extremity of the upper blind, and passing the unattached end or ends
upwards cause it or then, directly or indirectly, to pass over a pulley wheel or
pulley wheels in the pulley head of the blind, and ultimately conveying it or them
downwards, and fixing it or them directly or indirectly to the upper extremity of
the lower blind, thus attaching the two blinds, and causing the lower extremity of
the upper blind when it descends to force the upper extremity of the lower blind
to ascend (and vice versa) if the pulley or pullies over which the cords directly or
indirectly pass be fixed.
I cause also the lower extremity of the lower blind to be suspended by a cord or
cords attached to the upper extremity of the upper blind, or elsewhere, to enable it
to collect its laths together when it descends.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MECHANISM OF INSTRUMENTS USED FOR DRILLING HOLES IN METALS, SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Stuart, of 147, Queen Victoria Street, in the
City of London, Mechanical Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MECHANISM OF INSTRUMENTS USED FOR DRILLING HOLES IN METALS,
SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES."
ealed the 7th May 1878, and dated the 7th November 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Stuart at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th November 1877.
"
CHARLES STUART, of 147, Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London,
Mechanical Engineer.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MECHANISM OF INSTRUMENTS USED
FOR DRILLING HOLES IN METALS, SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO
OTHER PURPOSES."
The first part of my Invention consists in arranging three bevel wheels in such a
manner that, on motion being given to them, they may act on a double cut ratchet
wheel by pauls inserted and arranged in certain parts of the said wheels. The
necessary motion being given to the centre wheel by a handle, one of the side
wheels moves from left to right, while a simultaneous motion is imparted to the
opposite wheel, causing it to revolve from right to left, each carrying with it its
own arrangement of pauls, by which the ratchet wheel receives a rotary motion;
this ratchet wheel being so arranged on the drill spindle that a movement in the
direction of its length is produced during the rotary motion. This longitudinal
movement of the drill spindle gives the required feed motion to the drill in its
progress through the metal intended to be bored, or other material to be acted on,
as described below.
The other part of my said Invention consists in giving an automatic forward or
feed motion to the drill, and this motion is produced by forming on a portion of the
hollow spindle, which encases the drill spindle, a longitudinal flange cut transversely
as part of a square threaded screw, which works in a nut correspondingly cast with a

page_text: The
longitudinal opening of same dimensions as the flange, so that when this opening is
brought opposite the flange, the nut is thereby allowed to move freely in the direction
of its axis, and pressing against a spring, keeps the outside spindle firm, while the
drill spindle, still rotating, moves forward by degrees till the pressure ceases.
tension of this spring is regulated by a screw, moved by a rotary cap, which shows
on a scale the proper position for obtaining the pressure suited to each size of drill
required to be used.
This Invention is also applicable to sewing, chaff cutting, and all other machines,
in which similar motions are required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Herbert William Higgins at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th September 1877.
FREDERICK HERBERT WILLIAM HIGGINS, of 17, Cornhill, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS."
This Invention has for its object the production of audible signals through
submarine cables.
The manner in which I propose to produce these is by causing a disc or sheet of
iron under the influence of a magnet to respond by a ticking sound to any alteration
in the strength of the current flowing around the latter. These alterations may be
produced in the usual manner by the application of an electric current, or better
still by means of an induction coil so arranged at the receiving end of the line as
to generate a secondary discharge upon the commencement of the signalling current,
and another at its termination, or diminution or other alteration in the strength of
the electric wave. For this purpose
employ for the magnet an electro-magnet
wound with a coil permanently connected with a battery, and also with another
coil coupled at its ends to the ends of one of the coils of an induction coil, the other
coil being connected with the cable and earth. Or the electro-magnet may have
around it a coil in connection at one end with the cable, and at the other end with
a condenser of small capacity, the other plate of which is to earth.
If the current from the cable or the discharge from the induction coil is in a
direction to increase the strength of the electro-magnet, the sound produced is less
than if the current is in the opposite direction. In this manner the signals will be
made intelligible to the understanding, as in the Morse sounder, by one sound
announcing the commencement of a signal, and another its end. The difference in
time between these two sounds will constitute the difference between a Morse dot
and dash; or in place of a single disc and electro-magnet, two discs and magnets may
be used, one of which is arranged to respond more loudly to a current in one direction
and the other to a current in the opposite direction.
The characters of the two discs may be somewhat varied to give different notes.

page_text: In this case a current in one direction would produce a signal corresponding to the
dot, and in the opposite direction to the dash of the Morse code.
At the transmitting end the currents may be admitted to the cable either by hand
manipulation, or preferably by an automatic instrument.
Receiving instruments arranged as above described, being capable of indicating i
minute differences of potential, increases the speed of transmission.
MENTS IN CALENDARS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Percy Leith at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd January 1877.
JAMES PERCY LEITH, of Piccadilly, in the County of Middlesex. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN CALENDARS."
The object of this Invention is by the addition of certain numbers so to improve
existing calendars as to make them more useful, and, if desired, to make them
into perpetual calendars.
I will describe this Invention as applied to a pocket pencil case, fitted or pro-
'vided with a part on which are marked the initials of the days of the week, and
with a part on which are marked in rows the days of the months; one of the
just described parts being made to shift round, so as to set it as required. To these
well known parts I add a new part consisting of certain figures, which represent
the numerical order of the months, and these are placed opposite to the days of the
week. Thus for the year 1877 the numbers placed opposite the initials of the days
of the week would be as follows:-
S.
t
M.
To
T. W.
5 8
Th. F. S.
6
9
Now to find, say, on what day in the week the 5th of June 1877 falls, observe
that June is the 6th month, and 6 stands opposite Friday, hence the First of June
is on Friday; and turning the revolving part to place the 1 against F it will be
observed that the 5th of June falls on a Tuesday, and that the calendar is set right
for the whole of the year. If it be desired to find any other day of any other year,
add or deduct one, as the case may be, for a future or past year, or else set your
index in the same way for any year as required.
To make a calendar arranged as just described into a perpetual calendar there
must be at least two revolving parts, thus, for instance, the part marked with the
days of the week, and the part marked with the days of the month.
This Invention is also applicable to any other articles, and calendars may be
made according to this Invention for watch cases, clock cases, lockets, paper weights,
knives, office and other furniture, and numerous other articles, and be made either.
with sliding or revolving parts.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LININGS FOR HORSE-SHOES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of the Firm of Herbert and
Company, Patent Agents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN LININGS FOR HORSE-SHOES."
A communication from abroad by Gustave Adolphe Kästner, of Plagwitz, Leipzig,
in the Empire of Germany.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Herbert John Haddan at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th September 1877.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Patent Agents,
of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
LININGS FOR HORSE-SHOES." A communication from abroad by Gustave Adolphe
Kästner, of Plagwitz, Leipzig, in the Empire of Germany.
This Invention relates to a new construction of india-rubber linings to horse-shoes
for the purposes of protecting horses hoofs, and consists in so constructing such
linings that they can be inserted between the hoof and the shoe on the horse, or
removed at any time without the assistance of implements, and so that they, the
linings, do not require to be fastened by means of nails, screws, or such like.
The accompanying Drawing will more fully describe the nature of the Invention
and a convenient mode of performing it.
Figure 1 is an upper view of the india-rubber lining with the horse-shoe, the hoof
of the horse not being shown.
Figure 2 is a view of the base of the lining.
Figure 3 is a side view of the lining and shoe, the hoof not being shown.
Figure 4, section through the lining on line c, d.
Figure 5, section through lining on line
b.
As the Drawing shows, the lining is provided with three metal plates a,
b, b, fixed in the material in the course of its manufacture, in molds or otherwise,
and which serve to hold the lining fastened between the hoof and the shoe.
In applying the india-rubber lining the small metal toe plate a is inserted
between the shoe and the hoof; the two sides of the lining are then pressed together
by the hand, and the metal plates b, b. at the sides are passed under the shoe. The

page_text: three metal plates a, b, and b, inserted between the hoof and the shoe of the horse,
together with the elasticity of the rubber, hold the lining firmly in its place, so that
it cannot fall out, and the lining can be placed and removed easily by hand. The
lining is made to project about the one-sixth of an inch beyond the shoe, thereby
absorbing concussion and protecting the hoof from injury.
The construction of the lining is such that the growth of the hoof is not impeded,
or the humidity necessary for that purpose not absorbed.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert John Haddan, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
IT THADDAN
101
HJ
HADDAN
DAN (LS)
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS OR TUBE HOOKS AND HOLD- FASTS.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Ashford at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th November 1877.
THOMAS ASHFORD, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS OR TUBE HOOKS AND HOLD-
FASTS.
"
My Invention consists in employing self-acting machinery in the above manu-
facture instead of hand labour as in the usual way.
I take a strip of plate iron, according to the required size of hook or holdfast,
and place it in position up to the cutters of the machine by means of ordinary
clamps or tongs.
I employ in the machine two top cutters working simultaneously, and there are
also two bottom stationary or fixed cutters in the bed of the machine. The top
cutters are secured in a beam lever worked by an eccentric or cam on the main
shaft. One of the bottom cutters is so shaped as to produce the required notch or
cut to form the shoulder of the hook, and the taper of the driving end is made by
the process of reversing the side of the plate-iron strip in cutting off each blank.
When the blank has been cut off it is taken by the top cutters into the stationary
die underneath the bottom cutters; it is there held by a small lever operated by a
cam, when the descending die, worked by a slide and eccentric, comes into operation
until the required beading and flattened edges are produced. Or the top cutters
can be placed in independent beam levers working from different cams, one top
cutter descending lower than the other so as to cut off a portion of the heel of the
blank to facilitate the shaping and flattening of the hook. The blank is then taken
from a receiver to a bending machine or tool, which consists of a bed supporting a
casting, in which works a vertical travelling bending guide actuated by means of a
lever, and performing a circle around a vertical circular stud in the bed of the
machine. The blank is put in position, bearing against a grooved fixed shoulder on

page_text: the bed, the bending guide being also grooved to suit the head of the blank. When
the lever is operated the travelling guide confines the hook end of the blank
between it and the circular stud, and as the guide travels the hook end is forced or
bent round the circular stud, thus producing the requisite shape of the hook end of
the holdfast.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO PAILS OR RECEPTACLES FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSPORTING NIGHT SOIL AND OTHER OFFENSIVE MATTER
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Preston, of Wigan, in the County of Lancaster,
Contractor, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO
PAILS OR RECEPTACLES FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSPORTING NIGHT SOIL AND
OTHER OFFENSIVE MATTER.”
Sealed the 29th December 1877, in pursuance of an Order of the Lord Chancellor.
Sealed the 29th December 1877, in pursuance of an Order of the Lord Chancellor.
and deted the 18th June 1977
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Preston at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th June 1877.
JOHN PRESTON, of Wigan, in the County of Lancaster, Contractor. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO PAILS OR RECEPTACLES FOR RECEIVING AND
TRANSPORTING NIGHT SOIL AND OTHER OFFENSIVE MATTER."
The object of this Invention is the construction of an apparatus capable of
receiving the pail containing the excrementitious or other offensive matter, say, for
instance, from any system of dry closets, and of sealing the same so effectually as to
prevent all odour arising from the contents escaping into the atmosphere whilst
being transported from place to place, and consists of a receptacle sufficiently deep
and of a suitable shape to receive the pail, and which receptacle is provided, by
preference, with an annular channel round the upper edge. The lids of these
receptacles are arranged with overhanging edges to fit into this channel, which,
being filled with water, sand, powdered charcoal, or other suitable material, so
constitutes an air-tight lute or joint and effectually seals the contents of the
receptacle.

page_text: The bottom of the receptacles may be so formed with correspondingly overhanging
edges as to fit into the channel herein-before mentioned, and thus two or more of
such receptacles may be placed one upon another during transportation or storage.
Or, instead of forming the air-tight lute round the receptacle, the pail itself may be
so constructed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FASTENINGS FOR THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Maddison at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th May 1877.
WILLIAM MADDISON, of Shepherd's Bush, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FASTENINGS FOR THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS."
The wooden key fastenings which are generally driven in between the rails and
the jaws of the chairs of permanent way are very liable to work loose and fall out,
and they consequently require very frequent inspection. Now the object of my
Invention is to secure these fastenings in. such manner that all tendency to work
loose is obviated.
The Invention consists in the employment, in combination with wooden key
fastenings of metal pieces of special form, driven in between the wooden key
fastening and the jaw of the chair. These metal pieces are in the form of keys,
spikes, or nails, one side of which has two or more inclines or wedge shaped pro-
jections thereon, while the opposite side may be flat. The wooden key fastenings
have a longitudinal groove cut in them at one side, the depth of which groove
about equal to the thickness of the metal key or spike at the bottom of the inclines,
while its width is about equal to the width of the metal key.
18
The mode of applying and securing the fastenings is as follows:-The wooden
fastening is first driven in between the rail and the chair in the usual manner, its
slotted side being next the chair, then the metal key is driven in the opposite
direction into the slot in the wooden fastening with its flat side against the chair,
and the side which has the inclines against the bottom of the slot. The result is
that as the inclines cause the wood at the bottom of the slot to yield, and the wood
again expands behind each incline, the wooden and metal keys become locked
together, so that neither of them can work loose.
In some cases I make the metal key sufficiently long to pass the head of the
wooden key, and I turn down the end over the said head.
Instead of forming the groove in the wooden key as herein-before described, it may
if preferred be form in the jaw of the chair.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO ROTARY MACHINES FOR MAKING PLAIN OR RIBBED LOOPED FABRICS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Solomon Woodroffe and John
Beer at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th August 1878.
WILLIAM SOLOMON WOODROFFE, of Loughborough, in the County of Leicester,
and JOHN BEER, of Sheepshed, in the County of Leicester. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO ROTARY MACHINES FOR MAKING PLAIN OR RIBBED
LOOPED FABRICS."
Our improved apparatus is applicable to a rotary machine capable of making
either plain or ribbed looped fabrics, fully described in the Specification of a Patent
granted to Daniel Scattergood, dated the 18th of April 1874, and Numbered 1342,
the apparatus being equally applicable to other rotary machines making ribbed
looped fabrics.
When ribbed looped fabrics are required to be narrowed, we place upon one or more
of the frame needles at each selvage of the fabric a point, which is grooved on to the
lower side and has a slot in the upper side, the groove and slot being of such a
form as to allow the hook of a latch needle to readily pass through them.
One or
more such points are secured in a suitable handle so as to enable the workman to
place the points upon the hooks of the needles after the loops of the fabric have
been pressed back to the eyes of the latches of the needles; the loops are then
pressed over the latches, and upon being brought forward the loops will slip over
the closed latches on to the narrowing points, from which they are passed on to the
next adjoining needle or needles.
The loops of the machine needles we narrow by means of hooked points, each
of which is grooved upon the reverse side to the hook, one or more such hooked
and grooved points being secured in a suitable handle. Upon being placed under
the hooks of the machine needles at each selvage, the loops thereon can be readily
secured by the hooked points and taken off the needles, and be passed on to the
next adjoining needles.
For transferring ribbed looped fabrics from one series of needles to another, we
proceed as follows:-We run the fabric on to a set of points from which we

page_text: transfer it on to another set of points (each of which has a hook on its top side and a
recess on its lower), and on to the frame needles at the same time, the hooked and
recessed points being placed above; the operator then turns the points downward
towards and over the heads of the machine needles, thereby transfering the
remainder of the loops on to the machine needles.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CASTORS FOR FURNITURE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Aaron Geering at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th May 1877.
WILLIAM AARON GEERING, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Iron-
founder. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CASTORS FOR FURNITURE."
This Invention consists in forming castors for the feet of articles of furniture in
such manner as to ensure complete and constant action in turning, when required;
without liability to stick fast or bind, either by the weight thrown upon the castor;
or by the surface over which it is required to travel. With this view I make the
socket which is to be attached to the foot of; say a table, with a vertical pin
through and projecting from the centre of the bottom of the socket; or for articles
of metallic furniture this pin may; if preferred; be formed solid on the foot of the
article: This vertical pin passes through a lump formed on the centre of a short
horizontal spindle, on the under side of which lump the vertical pin is secured,
though free to revolve vertically in the lump; the horizontal spindle carries at
cach end a roller revolving freely on the spindle, and the under side of the socket
of the castor or of the foot of the table bears upon the peripheries of these rollers;
and thus in operation the weight of the table is direct and vertically upon the
periphery of the rollers instead of, as in ordinary castors; indirectly upon the axis
or spindle; thus an efficient action of the rollers is ensured under all conditions:
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO FURNACES FOR SMELTING METALS, SUCH AS BRASS, MALLEABLE IRON, CAST IRON, OR STEEL
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Foley at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 7th June 1877.
JAMES FOLEY, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
AND APPERTAINING TO FURNACES FOR SMELTING METALS, SUCH AS BRASS, MALLEABLE
IRON, CAST IRON, OR STEEL."
My Invention relates to certain improvements in and appertaining to furnaces for
smelting metals, such as brass, malleable iron, cast iron, or steel..
A furnace constructed according to my Invention consists of a base plate of cast
iron or suitable material provided with a flange removeable in sections. This base
plate carries a ring or flange provided with feet or supports, raising it slightly above
the base plate. Upon the ring or flange is built or erected a furnace of brick or
suitable material, by preference of vertical cylindrical form. Outside the furnace
there is formed a cylindrical casing of wrought iron or other suitable material
resting on the base plate, and forming an air chamber round the outside of the
brick furnace. The air space or chamber is provided with a ring or flange of cast
iron or other suitable material, which covers such air space and rests on the brick-
work of the furnace. The furnace itself is provided with a cover, which may be
made to slide or be otherwise removeable as required.
Inside the air space or chamber and near the top thereof there is provided an
internal pipe, which distributes the air from a blower or fan broadcast throughout
such air space. The air is driven down through the air space, passes under the
supporting ring on the base plate, and enters the furnace at the bottom, the waste
gases passing off through a suitable outlet at the top of the furnace.
A furnace constructed according to my Invention may be termed a self-acting or
tubular furnace. It requires no fire-bars, the fuel is first fed in at the top, the pot
or crucible containing the metal is then inserted, after which more fuel is added; the
furnace is then covered, the fuel ignited and the blast applied. The supply of air,
passing through the air space, becomes heated by contact with the brickwork of the
furnace, passes into the fuel in a heated state.

page_text: When the blast or fan is not going, or for igniting or for removing molten metal,
one or more sections of the flange of the base plate may be removed to give air, to
ignite, or to remove spilt metal, as may be required.
The pot or crucible may be placed or removed by means of tongs or in other
suitable manner.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN OR APPERTAINING TO BICYCLES, AND IN THE MODE OF GUIDING OR STEADYING THE SAME, APPLICABLE ALSO IN PART TO TRICYCLES AND OTHER HAND PROPELLED OR GUIDED VEHICLES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Payne Kershaw at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st December 1877.
JOSEPH PAYNE KERSHAW, of Widnes, in the County of Lancashire
" IMPROVE-
MENTS IN OR APPERTAINING TO BICYCLES, AND IN THE MODE OF GUIDING OR
STEADYING THE SAME, APPLICABLE ALSO IN PART TO TRICYCLES AND OTHER HAND
PROPELLED OR GUIDED VEHICLES."
This Invention consists in so counterpoising the front or guiding wheel of a
bicycle or other hand carriage by strings or their mechanical equivalent, that it
shall naturally point in the straight line, and require actual force to make it deviate
therefrom.
The advantages that I believe will accrue from it are, first, that the rider need
not be continually guiding the bicycle by the hand; second, that a learner can
learn on my improved bicycle much more rapidly than with the ordinary kind; and,
third, these improvements make the difficult task of guiding with the feet much
easier than formerly.
There are various ways of doing it, either by metallic springs or india-rubber.
One plan is to attach two india-rubber or other springs on each side the fork in
front by means of chains or other attachments to the handle, or instead of the fork
they could be attached to the holding-on screws or other part of the saddle.
The advantage of this last arrangement is that the rider can guide the bicycle
with his knees even when his feet are on the rests and his hands in his pockets
going down hill. Another plan is to attach small springs to the socket of the
standard bearing against a projection on the standard.
Another method is to have two separate pieces of iron or steel placed at the back
of the saddle, and arranged so that they would not interfere with the mounting of
the rider; these are fixed in a pivot, and, by connecting a cord to them which leads
to the handle, are worked up and down by the hand at pleasure.
The cord would pass underneath the saddle like the brake strap to the hinder
wheel. The chains are fastened to the end of the piece, or the pieces are made to
receive the hooks of the india-rubber. The pieces of india-rubber are hooked to the
steel bars, and the rider mounts and by means of the cord pulls up the bars so that

page_text: they project on either side, the india-rubber is now connected with the handle and
will be found to hold it as in the other methods. In this last shown mode the
india-rubber is outside the legs of the rider. I sometimes use cord or string or
their mechanical equivalents in place of chains. There are however innumerable
modes of attachment and modifications of springs, and I do not bind myself to any 5
special form or arrangement, as these must be varied to suit the conditions of cach
case.
This Invention is also applicable to some extent to tricycles and other carriages
guided by hand.
When found desirable I also propose to attach to the spring levers behind, or to 1
the saddle or other support a waterproof flap to keep the mud off.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James McKenzie at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th February 1877.
JAMES MCKENZIE, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, General
Superintendent of the British India Steam Navigation Company. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN STEAM BOILERS."
This Invention has for its object the constructing of steam boilers in an improved
and simple manner, and so as to be efficient and durable.
The improved boilers are of the vertical cylindrical class with an internal
cylindrical space at the lower part communicating with a central uptake which is
extended up through the top of the boiler. The internal cylindrical space is
divided diametrically by a water space extending from the bottom of the boiler up
to near the bottom of the central uptake. The diametrical water space divides the
interior into two semi-cylindrical chambers, which form separate furnace spaces,
uniting at their upper parts. The fire-bars are arranged at the bottoms of the
seini-cylindrical chambers, and a separate fire-door is provided for each chamber.
Each semi-cylindrical chamber is in one modification crossed by a narrow transverse
vertical water space the bottom of which is at a little distance above the fire-bars,
and which forms a cominunication between the diametrical water space and the
outer annular water space of the boiler.
The described construction provides a large and very effective heating surface in
a simple manner and without parts that are liable to get out of order. Doors
provided in the outer shell of the boiler will give easy access for cleaning out the
diametrical and transverse water spaces.
In a second modification two transverse water spaces are fitted across each semi-
cylindrical chamber, and in large boilers there may be more than two transverse
water spaces in each chamber.
In a third modification the two semi-cylindrical chambers are traversed by
vertical water spaces placed parallel to the diametrical water space instead of at
right angles to it.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TOILET GLASSES AND MIRRORS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bendall and William Cutler
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st September 1877.
WILLIAM BENDALL, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Cabinet Maker,
and WILLIAM CUTLER, of the same Place, Glass Merchant. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TOILET GLASSES AND MIRRORS."
This Invention consists in forming at the back of toilet glasses or mirrors a
support or leg. This leg is hinged at the top to the back of the toilet glass, and the
bottom rests upon a racked arm projecting backwards from the lower part of the
mirror, so that by means of this rack the glass may be fixed at any required angle ;
or I may form the support or leg telescopic, one end hinged to the back of the
frame and the other end hinged to a stand or base, so that by varying the length of
the leg the angle of the glass is varried.
In order to prevent the frame carrying the mirror from tilting back I hinge it to
the stand or base.
Another part of this Invention consists in forming the
and hinging them together with a centre pin or pivot, so
be turned to the right or to the left, carrying with it the
the lower portion of the stand stationary.
stand in two thicknesses,
that the upper part may
whole frame, and leaving
IMPROVE- MENTS IN FLOORS FOR STABLES, COW-HOUSES, AND OTHER PLACES FOR HOUSING ANIMALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Berger Spence at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th August 1877.
JOHN BERGER SPENCE, of Lombard Street, in the City of London. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN FLOORS FOR STABLES, COW-HOUSES, AND OTHER PLACES FOR HOUSING
ANIMALS."
The floors of stables, cow-houses, and other places for housing animals are usually
constructed of brick, stone, or other hard substances, which, for the comfort of the
animals when lying down, must be covered with straw or analogous soft material,
which of course must be very frequently renewed, and is therefore a constant and
continual expense.
The object of the present Invention is so to construct the floors of these places
that this expense may be avoided. To this end, the foundation of the floor is con-
structed of concrete, flat tiles, bricks, or stone, laid at a suitable slope to ensure
proper drainage, and over this is laid a flooring of india-rubber matting, which is
perforated or honeycombed and made with the underside indented or corrugated, so
that liquids can pass through the matting and run freely away beneath it. This
india-rubber flooring may be made to extend all over the bottom of the stall, but as
it may be desirable to wash it from time to time, it may (if preferred) be made in
sections of convenient size so that it may be easily taken up and removed, and when
cleansed it may be replaced again without difficulty.
the comfort of the
It is moreover non-
As the india-rubber is warm, soft, and elastic, it will add to
animals, and is not liable to be seriously damaged by their feet.
absorbent, and will not therefore take up any of the liquids, but will allow the
latter to run freely away and not remain in contact with the animals.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PUNCHING APPARATUS.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Fulton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd February 1877.
JOHN FULTON, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PUNCHING APPARATUS.'
This Invention has for its object to improve the action and construction of
punching apparatus of the kind in which the punch is worked by means of an
eccentric or cam lever and a screw spindle; and it consists, mainly, in forming the
eccentric or cam head on the lever on the opposite side of the fulcrum from the arm
of the lever, so that the lever arm is moved away from, instead of, as heretofore,
towards the body of the machine when punching. The screw spindle has right-
hand and left-hand screw threads on it as usual, one end being tapped through a
swivelling nut held in the body, and the other end being tapped through a swivelling
nut jointed to the outer end of the lever arm.
In consequence of the improved arrangements described the leverage, which
changes as the punching action proceeds, is greater at the commencement when
there is the entire thickness of the plate to resist it, which is an important practical
advantage.
For lifting back the punch or punch holder a pair of small lever plates are jointed
to the sides of it, and their middle parts rest on a flat surface formed in the body or
frame of the machine, whilst their back ends are acted on by pins on the lever arm,
so as, on the lever descending, to cause the punch to be prised up.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF FRAMES FOR PICTURES, ADVERTISEMENTS, AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Julius Lawrence Hamilton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th November 1877.
JULIUS LAWRENCE HAMILTON, of 34, Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park, in the
County of Middlesex, Registered Medical Practitioner. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF FRAMES FOR PICTURES, ADVERTISEMENTS, AND OTHER USEFUL
PURPOSES."
This Invention has for its object the production of a frame for pictures and
other similar purposes, with special reference to economy and hygienic requirements;
and with this important advantage, that it is non-absorbent, may be cleansed
without damage by boiling water, or by soap and water, or water containing a dis-
infectant, such as carbolic acid, and may be subjected for disinfecting purposes to
dry heat in an oven, all important considerations, and which makes these peculiarly
suitable for use in the wards of hospitals, schools, and such like.
This Invention consists in constructing the frame of metal, and so arranged as to
be capable of receiving the pictures, one on each side of a central diaphragm or
dividing substance.
The frame is made with a smooth rounded surface, alike on both sides, and japanned
black, but it is quite practicable, at an increased cost, to design an ornamental frame
of the same character, and to use a brighter color; the corners may also be rounded
or ornamented with any shape or configuration, as fancy may dictate. At the bottom
of the frame is a groove or channel running the entire length, wherein a slide is
made to fit, so that when a picture or other article is to be placed in the frame, the
slide is withdrawn and replaced after the picture or other device has been inserted.
I do not confine myself to placing the slide at the bottom, as it may in some
instances be convenient to make the opening, groove, or channel, at the top or on
either side.
It will be seen that this frame can be made applicable to a number of useful
purposes, such as texts for schools, advertisements, photographs, looking-glasses,
suspended or fixed, and it is obvious that the frame can be made of any size and
any strength, the essential feature of the Invention being the construction

page_text: of a dual frame wherein two pictures or objects can be inserted, reversable at
pleasure.
If preferred, these frames can be made of any metal, glass, earthenware, vul-
canite, and any other suitable material.
It is proposed that the pictures or other objects placed in these frames should not
be covered with glass, but that each picture or object should be well glazed or
varnished on both its front and back. The weight and cost of glass, and its
liability to break, also the reflection of surrounding objects, would thus be
obviated.
IMPROVEMENTS IN WASH STANDS AND LAVATORIES, AND IN FITTINGS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joshua Henry Lamprey at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th December 1877.
JOSHUA HENRY LAMPREY, of St. Ann's Park, Wandsworth, in the County of
Surrey, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WASH STANDS AND LAVATORIES, AND IN
FITTINGS FOR THE SAME."
My Invention relates to improvements in the arrangements of the fittings of
ordinary wash tables or lavatories, whereby space is economized
The object of my improvement is to construct the outer case containing the
usual fittings of a wash table or lavatory, so that it may occupy the narrowest
space in offices, dressing rooms, or the cabins of passenger vessels at sea, or other
places of circumscribed area. To accomplish this object I make the outer case of
either wood or metal, of any width from side to side, but not deeper than a few
inches from back to front. To accomplish this object, I place a narrow supply tank
above a table, which, when raised to a vertical position, becomes the door of the
compartment, in which the basin is contained in a vertical position when not in use;
an elastic tube conveys the clean water to the basin, and a funnel-shaped orifice in
the framework leads the used water of the basin, to a soiled water tank concealed
in the case, which may be made to communicate with the drain pipe.
The case contains a shelf for towels, a sponge & nail brush receptacle, a
chamber vessel, closet for soiled towels, slippers, with looking-glass and the usual
dressing-case appliances.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN DIFFERENTIAL PULLEY BLOCKS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bottomley and Samuel
Bottomley at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th July
1877.
"
WILLIAM BOTTOMLEY and SAMUEL BOTTOMLEY, of Vine Roller Works, Milnrow
Road, Rochdale, in the County of Lancaster. CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
DIFFERENTIAL PULLEY BLOCKS."
Our Invention consists in forming the top sheave with three pulleys of unequal
diameters, over which passes an endless chain. The chain first passes over one
outside pulley, then under a pulley, to which is suspended a hook, then over the
middle pulley, and then under another pulley to which is suspended a hook, and
then over the other outside pulley. By this means one hook is caused to ascend
while the other descends.