IMPROVED MACHINERY AND APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SUGAR
Year: 1850

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
JOSEPH CURTIS, of Port of Spain, in the Island of Trinidad, in the West
Indies, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present Majesty Queen Victoria, in and by Her Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-third day of March,
now last past, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, did give and grant unto
me, the said William Joseph Curtis, Her especial licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that I, the said William Joseph Curtis, my exors,
admiors, and assigns, and every of them, by myself and themselves, or by my and
their deputy and deputies, servants or agents, or such other person or persons
as I, the said William Joseph Curtis, my exors, adñiors, or assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after during the term of years therein unexpired, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, and within all or any and every of Her Majesty's Colonies, my Invention
of "IMPROVED MACHINERY AND APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF
SUGAR;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso obliging me,
the said William Joseph Curtis, by an instrument in writing under my
hand
and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to
cause the same to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery
within six months next and immediately after the date of the said recited
A

page_text: Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto bad, will
more fully appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
William Joseph Curtis, do hereby describe and ascertain the nature of my
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by the
plans and Drawings hereto annexed, and by the following description, that is
to say:
1. My first improved machinery and apparatus is my improved sugar mill,
shewn in Plate 1, in which Fig. 1 is a side view, Fig. 2 a front view, and
Fig. 3 a plan of the machine; the same corresponding parts are described by
the same letters as they are shown or occur in each Figure. A is the framing
of the machine, which is made of timber, but it may of course be formed of
metal. B is the framing of the anvils or hammer blocks K. C are the
squeezing rollers, which are supported at intervals by the framing, as shown.
When the rollers are made of the large diameter usual in the ordinary sugar
mills, then the intermediate bearings may be dispensed with, but I prefer that
the rollers should not exceed 7 inches in diameter; but I do not confine
myself to any size of roller. D is the spur wheel, fixed on the gudgeon of the
driving roller, which works the pinion E, fixed upon the cam shaft e, upon which
shaft the cam wheels F are hung, the cams or wipers of which lift the hammers
H, by means of cam blocks G, fixed to the hammer shafts I. In Fig. 1 the
position of a hammer at the highest point is shown, and at the lowest point or
upon the anvil, by the dotted Drawing. H are the hammers, which are jointly
as wide as the length of the squeezing surface of the rollers. K are the anvils
or hammering blocks corresponding with the hammers H. L are springs of
elastic timber, against which the hammer shafts violently impinge, so that
when the hammers descend they have a greater velocity than that due to
gravity alone. M, M, are feed rollers placed in front of the anvils to feed the
mill and draw the canes regularly under the hammers. n are the compensa-
tion levers, which allow the rollers to adapt themselves to the varying thick-
ness of the canes by permitting a certain movement in the lower rollers.
O are the rods supporting the weights p, by which the pressure upon the
rollers by means of the levers n is produced. q is the inclined plane, along
which the hammered canes descend to the squeezing rollers.
rare the
ratchet levers, which work into the ratchet wheels fixed on the end of the
feeding rollers, and which, by means of the ratchets which take into the teeth
of the wheels, produce a progressive motion to the canes passing through the
feed rollers. Upon the end of each roller wallow wheels are fixed to keep
the rollers in corresponding motion. s are the links connected with the

page_text: ratchet levers, and which are worked by a pin upon the hammer shafts I,
whereby motion is given to the feed rollers. T is the receiver for the
expressed juice as it comes from the rollers. W is the horizontal connecting
shaft connected with the driving roller by a clutch in the usual way.
V are
the universal joints connecting the inclined shaft W with the horizontal shaft.
X is the draught bar to which the beasts are attached. Y are supporting
rods connected with a swivel bolt Z working in a beam overhead, whereby
the draught bar is suspended throughout its revolution. A' is the framing of
the horizontal shaft around which the beasts travel. The mode of operation
is as follows:-The attendant places the end of the cane on the anvil blocks,
which by the blow of the hammer becomes crushed and flattened; then,
when the hammer rises, the flattened end is presented to the feeding rollers,
which drags it a certain distance forwards, and by the successive strokes of
the hammer it becomes hammered or crushed throughout its entire length.
When it has passed through the feed rollers it falls down the inclined plane
and passes through the squeezing rollers in the usual way. The feed rollers
have an alternate progressive motion, that is to say, they are turned round
only when the hammer is rising, and stand still when the hammer is
falling or at rest upon the anvil. The slot in the rods s is for the
purpose of allowing the hammer to rise a small space before motion is
given to the feed rollers, in order that the canes may be perfectly free before
they are drawn forward. In the descent of the hammer the ratchet levers
occupy the position shown by the dotted lever in Fig. 1. The levers aro
provided with holes at the extreme ends, as a means of adjustment of the
speed of the rollers, which object can be equally accomplished by a slot
and a set screw, or by various other well known means. The mill, as drawn,
is intended to be worked by beasts, but any motive power may be applied,
whether steam, water, or wind, &c., the usual gearing being supplied to the
driving roller. Also the hammers can be applied to an ordinary mill and
worked by cam wheels hung upon a shaft turned by the mill, or the ham-
mers may be applied in a detached and distinct machine. The hammers
may be as drawn, or stamped, or beetles applied, as found most convenient.
2. My second improved machinery and apparatus is a self-acting machine,
whereby the proportions of bisulphite of lime and cane juice are mechanically
controuled and regulated. The Drawings explaining this Invention are shewn in
Figs. 4 and 5 of Plate 1, in which Fig. 4 is a side view partly shown in section,
and Fig. 5 a plan. The machine is shown applied to the sugar mill before
described; the same letters refer to corresponding parts as they occur or are
shown in both Figures. A is the reservoir for the juice mixed with the bisul-

page_text: phite of lime, as it leaves the apparatus; b, the wheel, like an overshot water-
wheel, motion to which is given by the juice and bisulphite falling into the
buckets as in an ordinary water wheel. c is a governor similar to that used
in steam-engines, which is turned round by the cog-wheel 7 working into the
screw m cut on the axis of the governor; or any other suitable means of
producing motion by wheels, or bands may be used as found most convenient.
d is the lever worked by the governor, and which rises or falls as the governor
revolves quicker or slower as in the steam-engine. e is a link connected with
the lever d, and the spanner of the cock f¹ connected with the pipe g, which
pipe conducts the bisulphite in the vessel h to the wheel b. i is a ball cock
floating in the bisulphite which keeps the liquid in the vessel always at the
same level; by this means there is always the same pressure of liquid against
the cock f.k is connected with a reservoir containing the supply of bisul-
phite of lime, the proportions of bisulphite to the cane juice, ascertained to be
the most advantageous, varied, according to Melsens, from one to half per
cent. of bisulphite to that of cane juice; whichever it be, or what other pro-
portions, the flow of bisulphite through the pipe is regulated by means of the
lever on the cock f¹; if the flow of juice increases and causes the wheel b to
revolve faster, this increased speed produces a corresponding velocity in the
governor c; the balls expand and the lever d is depressed by means of the link
e; the spanner f is likewise depressed and the cock opened wider, when a
corresponding increase of bisulphite enters the buckets or cells of the wheel.
When the velocity decreases, the cock, by a reversed motion, produced by the
governor, is closed in a corresponding ratio, and thus the proportions of
bisulphite and juice is constantly regulated, the apparatus will merely require
to be adjusted in the first instance; the bisulphite, by being introduced into
the cell or bucket in advance of the juice, ensures the perfect and intimate
admixture of the two liquids, which is very important for the success of the
operation.
3. My third improved machinery and apparatus is a machine or apparatus
for curing, drying, or depriving the sugar of its melasses. The Drawings
explaining this Invention are shown in Plate 2, in which Fig. 1 is a side view
partly shown in section, and Fig. 2 a plan of the machine; the same letters
refer to corresponding parts in each Drawing so far as they are seen or shown
in each. A is the framing of the machine; B, the draught bar to which the
beast or beasts are attached which work the machine, any other first mover
may be applied, whether steam, water, or wind or hand labour. C is the
vertical shaft of the horse wheel on which the spur wheel D is hung working
into the pinion E, on the spindle of which is hung the rigger F, working by a

page_text: R are
strap the rigger G, upon the spindle of which the rigger H is fixed, working
by a strap the rigger I fixed on the vertical shaft K of the perforated
cylinder L, which is surrounded by a jacket or casing M, which receives
the melasses from the perforated cylinder. N is a pipe by which the
melasses flows off into any suitable receiver. O, O, are the two arms
or orifices thro' which the cured sugar escapes into the hopper P, by
means of which the sugar is delivered into the hogshead Q.
rammers which ram the sugar in the hogshead, lifted like ordinary stampers
by the wipers of the cam wheels S, S, S, the shaft of which is turned round
by the rigger S, worked by a strap from a pully fixed on the shaft of
the riggers H, G. Upon the end of the cam shaft the pulley W is fixed,
which by means of a strap works the rigger V, fixed on the upper end of the
vertical shaft a. Upon this shaft the pinion x works, which slides along the
lower end of the shaft as the framing to which the pinion is connected by
means of a bearing, and the hogshead and wheel W rise or fall by means of
the screw Y, which screw works in the nut b, fixed in the foundation framing
shown.
The operation of the machine is as follows:-The train of wheel work and
pullies is for the purpose of producing a rapid movement in the upright
perforated cylinder L, the most advantageous velocity being about 400 revo-
lutions per minute. The sugar from the cooler is thrown into the machine,.
and when in motion the centrifugal force has a tendency to cause the sugar to
fly off from the circumference, inducing a pressure against the sides of the
perforated cylinder in proportion to the velocity. This pressure causes the
melasses to be pressed through the holes of the cylinder, when it is then
received in the jacket or outer casing M, and falling or flowing to the bottom
is let off by means of the piper at the lower end of the perforated cylinder.
Two arms of exit are formed, the orifices of which. are closed by means of
slides, which are acted upon by the bent levers d, d, which, as these levers are
raised or depressed by the long straight lever c, passing through the hopper,
allow more or less sugar to pass out into the hopper. Thus the sugar may be.
kept any length of time exposed to the action of the machine, and any
required degree of dryness may be attained in the sugar. The sugar flows
out of the arms, on the principle of the centrifugal pump, and there is no
occasion to stop the machine, for either charging or discharging, but the
action is continuous, and the sugar may be either supplied to the machine in
small quantities at a time by hand, or a feeding hopper may be placed over
the perforated cylinder in the same way, and of a similar construction as the.
shoc and hopper of a grist mill, or an apparatus like the ordinary sugar roller.

page_text: mill used by grocers, having grooved rollers on the same principle as the
rollers of the sugar mill described under Figs. 1, 2, 3, in Plate 1, through
which the sugar will be delivered to the perforated cylinder. The sugar may
be raised by a Jacob's ladder or other usual means. The hogshead to receive
the sugar, as shown in the Drawing, is supported upon the screw. Y, which
by means of the wheel and pinion W and X produce a circular and descending
motion on the hogshead, so that the surface relatively to the beetles or
rammers, or the ground line, always remains the same, and every part of the
surface of the sugar in the hogshead will be equally and perfectly rammed or
packed. When the hogshead and frame have reached the lowest point shown
by the dotted lines, the hogshead will be then full; it is then removed, and
another placed on the wheel and frame. The hogshead and frame may be
raised by reversing the wheel by hand, or a reversing motion may be applied
to the vertical shaft by corresponding pullies being placed on the cam shaft
and vertical shaft, or by any other usual and suitable mode for such purpose.
In some cases it may be desirable to omit the ramming apparatus or the
equalizing apparatus for the hogshead, in which case the machine will
be so much simpler as the parts described for ramming and equalising
will be omitted, and in that case the hogshead standing still the sugar must
be spread or packed by hand, the best size for the holes will be about 1/16 of
an inch in diameter, but whatever other size found convenient and adopted
must be such as to give free space for the melasses; at the same time, to
prevent the escape of the crystalised sugar, strong wove wire may be likewise
used for the purpose; in some cases it may be advisable to use larger holes
and to employ a casing or diaphragm within and around the cylinder of hair
cloth, flaunel, or coarse bagging in order to intercept the passage of the sugar
and still to allow free exit to the melasses. I do not confine myself to the
vertical position shown in the Drawing for the perforated cylinder, but in some
cases I make the cylinder to incline like a bolting machine for a corn mill, or
the cylinder may be horizontal like a grindstone, the centrifugal action
applying in all cases, the perforated cylinder may be likewise substituted by a
perforated cone, but the vertical position I consider to be the best.
4. My next improved machinery and apparatus is an apparatus for making
bisulphite of lime. The Drawings explaining this Invention are shown in
Plate 2, in which Fig. 3 is an elevation of the bellows and section of the
agitater, Fig. 4 a plan of the machine, and Fig. 5 a section of the ærometer
and sulphur chamber; the same letters refer to corresponding parts of the
machine as they occur or are shown in each Drawing. A is the framing of
the machine; B, the horizontal shaft of a horse wheel or other first mover ;

page_text: C, a pully fixed on the end of such shaft, which by means of the strap works
the pully D fixed on the crank shaft E. F is a three-throw crank working
the three bellows G, G, G. H is the air chamber connected with each of
the bellows. I, a pipe leading from this chamber and terminating in the
ærometer K like a gasometer which forms a reservoir of air and equalises
the pressure of the air and gas throughout the machine. L is a pipe which
leads off the air to the sulphur chamber M, which is best formed of cast-iron.
N, a box or ring perforated with small holes like a nozzle through which the
air is forced into direct contact with the burning sulphur contained in the
dish or vessel O. P is the bottom of the sulphur chamber supported upon
the screw Q which, by means of the fly handle S, is brought into contact with
the sulphur chamber; a luting of clay or other suitable material seals the
chamber and prevents the escape of the sulphurous gas. R are bars or
pillars supporting the chamber, two opposite legs forming guides for the
cover P. S, the pipe of communication with the agitator W, which is similar
in construction to that used in gas works; the sulphurous gas enters the lower
part of the agitator, traverses each diaphragm from side to side, passing
upwards through each succeeding compartment thro' holes perforated in the
diaphragms on opposite sides, the surplus gas not taken up by the lime water
passes into the atmosphere thro' the valve d like a safety valve, the weight
upon which furnishes a ready means of adjusting the pressure to be applied
against the gas. v, v, are the wings of the agitator worked by the bevil
wheel W fixed on the same spindle, motion to which is given by the bevil
pinion a fixed on the end of the crank shaft E. y is the discharge cock thro'
which the bisulphite is discharged. Z, the reservoir for the cream of lime.
a, the pipe and cock by which the agitator is supplied. b, the funnel and
cock by which the cream of lime is introduced into the agitator.
The mode of operation is as follows:-The bellows are set to work,
and the air forced into the receiver K by means of the pipe I, and
by the double syphon L, into the sulphur chamber, the sulphur being.
kept in a state of combustion by means of the air blown upon it, the
sulphurous fumes or gas filling the chamber, which is then let off to the
agitator, and kept in contact with the cream of lime until it acquires a density
of 10 degrees Baumé; when this is effected, the bisulphite is let off into any
suitable vessel, and the supply of cream of lime renewed from the reservoir Z
by means of the pipe and cock a. I consider two feet head of water sufficient,
but this amount can be increased or diminished at will.
5. My next improved machinery and apparatus is an apparatus to dip or
transfer the liquor from pan to pan. The Drawings illustrating this Invention:

page_text: are shown in Plate 3, where Fig. 1, is a side view,. and the copper shown in
section, Fig. 2, a plan, and Fig. 3 an end view of one of the suction pipes;
the same letters refer to corresponding parts as they occur or are shown in
each Figure. A is a shaft, worked by any first mover, hung along the boiling
house, in this case over the center of the series of pans; B, the crank
working the pump C. D is the main suction pipe, which communicates
with each pan by means of the branch or offset pipes f. E, E, are the
coppers. g. 9, the joints which connect the offsets f with the main D, which,
when they are lifted out of the liquor and made to occupy the position shown
in Fig. 3, serve as cocks to shut off the communication. H is the canal
connected with each copper, and communicating with the pump.
The mode of operation is as follows:-When it is necessary to transfer
the liquor from any copper to any other, the offset pipe is let down into
the copper required to be emptied, and the sluice taken up in. that required
to be filled; then the pump is set to work, when in a few seconds the
transfer is made. When this is done the offset pipe is lifted out of the
pan, assuming the position shown in Fig. 3, when the pump is shut
off.
For discharging the teach the same pump may be used, in the manner
described, by a branch or offset pipe; but I do not recommend this mode,
as the sugar would be probably damaged by being brought into contact
with some remains of juice from the other pans; but a separate pump,
on the principle already specified, may be provided for the teach only:
or the method following may be adopted, shown in Figs. 4 and 5; the
same letters refer to the same parts shown. I is a spur wheel working
on the shaft A, having a clutch to throw it in and out of gear. K is
another wheel, of the same or any other diameter. L, a chain wheel, having
cogs on one side, which are formed in concentric circles, shown in the lines
1, is a rib, equidistant between each set of cogs. m, a pinion working
into the respective circles and 11, and kept in gear by the end of the spindle
acting against the rib , and the guide plate x, having a vertical slot in it
which, when the pinion arrives at the end of each circle, rises or falls as the
case may be; thus, when the pinion is in gear with the outer circle, it produces
motion in one direction, and when in gear with the inner circle a motion in
the opposite direction; thus the chain wheel has an alternate rotary motion
which causes the chain O, coiling round the chain wheel L, to have a vertical
reciprocating motion; thus the shoot or scoop n, working on a joint Q, dips
and discharges the sugar or syrup over the edge of the teach, when at its
highest point it assumes the position shown by the dotted lines. This
apparatus may be used, if preferred, for transferring the liquor from pan to

page_text: pan, or the pump may be locomotive, and transferred by a rail or other
suitable means to each pan as may be required.
6. My next improved machinery and apparatus is a machine for skimming
the coppers. The Drawings illustrating this Invention are shown in Plate 3,
where Fig. 6 is a side view, Fig. 7 a plan, and Fig. 8 a front view.
Figs. 9 and. 10 show the scoop wheel on a double scale, Fig. 10 being an
end view of the scoop wheel; the same letters refer to corresponding parts in
the respective Figures, as they are shown or occur. R is the vertical shaft
receiving motion from the bevil wheels S fixed on the shaft and main shaft A.
T is the framing carrying the vertical shaft which crosses the copper.
U are the scoop wheels, which traverse the coppers nearly midway.
v, v, v,
or
are 3 bevil wheels, one being fixed to each scoop wheel, the crown
vertical wheel being fixed to the frame T. W is the spindle which
carries the scoop wheels. X is a scraper which fills up the space between
each scoop wheel and guides, or scrapes the scum rising in the center of the
pan into the track of the scoop wheels. The operation is as follows:-A slow
horizontal motion is given to the scoop wheels by means of the vertical
shaft R, and by means of the bevil wheels v, v, v, each scoop wheel is
turned round in a reverse way it would do, if left to itself, in contact with the
fluid. It has a lifting motion, shown by the arrow in Fig. 10. The shape of
the buckets or vanes of the scoop wheels are clearly shown in Figs. 6 and 10,
the flatter parts of the buckets or vanes being perforated with holes, so that
any clean juice taken up with the skimmings run through the holes and
back into the coppers, the scum in the rotation of the scoop wheels being
lifted and rolling towards the center; and when the end of the vane or bucket
is at the top of the wheel the scum runs out over the center of the wheel, and
is received into a suitable trough made to receive it, shown in Z in Figs. 8
and 9. Another mode of skimming may be adopted by an oscillating paddle,
as shewn in Fig. 11, where A is the shaft, B a spur wheel hung on it,
C and C two spur wheels of equal diameter working into the wheel B; upon
each of these wheels a stud protruding forms cranks K, K', upon which
is the paddle D shown in the Drawing in 3 positions, at the beginning, the
end, and the middle of the stroke. The line made by the end of the paddle
is a very flat curve, so that the point of the paddle dips very shallow into the
liquor. The line formed in the return stroke is denoted by the dotted line
which, with the exception of the vertical arch, forms a curve very nearly
coinciding with the arch of a circle, .of which the center is the position of the
crank K' of the upper wheel when at its highest point. Two slots are
formed in the arm of the paddle, as shown. The scum or skimming is swept

page_text: off the paddle by a scraper placed as shown, which acts against the rising
paddle. When it has finished its stroke, during the short part of its course,
previously to its return, the pure liquor which may have been taken up by
the inner side of the paddle falls off in the return stroke. The face or
blade of the paddle may be a flat perforated board or metal, or formed
of a material like a flat broom of coco nut leaves or other suitable ma-
terials;
but of whatever materials it be formed it must be slightly elastic,
and the scraper be elastic likewise. If formed of metal it must have a joint
and be governed by a spring, so as to accommodate itself to the motion of the
paddle. During its ascent the skimmings are swept into a receptacle Z, as
in the former case. The mode of action of the apparatus is as follows:-The
crank wheels C, C¹ have the same velocity and move in the same direction,
and alternately carry and govern the paddle in the forward stroke, as shown
in the Drawing; the upper crank is the carrier and the lower one the governor,
the paddle being carried over the center by the upper crank, whilst the lower
crank is passing below the center and sliding along the lower slot; then, in the
return stroke, the lower crank carries the paddle over the center, whilst the
upper crank passes below the center, sliding along the upper slot; the dotted lines
within the paddle show the position of the paddle at the quarter stroke, and the
dotted lines without the paddle the position of the paddle at the point of return.
7. My next improved machinery and apparatus is an apparatus to shield
or protect the teaché from the action of the fire during the period that
the teache is struck or emptied of the sugar. This Invention is shown in
Plate 3, where Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view, Fig. 12 a side view, partly
shown in section, and Fig. 13 a plan of the apparatus; the same letters
refer to the corresponding parts of each Figure. A is the fire place and
fire or furnace; B, the shield formed of cast iron, and its outer surface
faced or protected with fire clay. For the purpose of more securely holding
the clay, dovetail recesses are cast in the outer surface, by which the clay
is securely held on the shield, and when baked by contact with the fire
it becomes as hard as a fire brick. C is the frame connected with the
shield supported upon the 3 wheels E running upon the rails or iron surface
of the lower plate D. F is a toothed rack fastened to the outer end of
the lower plate, in which works the pinion G fixed on the cross shaft to
which the handle H is applied, and which carries at the same time the
wheels E which run loose upon the spindle. The weight K is applied to
counterbalance the load of the shield B. L, L, are the pillars or supports
of the plate D. M is the stop or brickwork forming the side of the furnace
under which the shield passes. I, the masonry of the furnace.

page_text: The mode of operation is as follows:-When it is required to strike the
teach, a man turns the handle H, the shield is then passed across the fire,
as shown in the Drawing, and when the copper is again charged the shield
is withdrawn by the handle being turned in the reverse direction. When
the shield occupies the position shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 12,
during the period of striking the teach the fire is kept up without intermission,
so that the coppers beyond the teach are not cooled down nor is any time
lost.
8. My next improved machinery and apparatus is an apparatus to burn
the liquid asphaltum or pitch, found in the pitch-lake and other places. The
mode in which this apparatus is applied to a steam-engine furnace, is shown
in Fig. 16 which is a section of the apparatus. A is the furnace of the
engine; B, the steam boiler; C, a strong vessel containing the liquid
asphaltum or pitch; D, a pipe passing out at the bottom of the vessel, and
which is carried along each side of the fire and across the bridge, in order
that the pitch may be heated to a high temperature before it is passed over
the fire; then a nozzle enters the fire place, the end E of which is flattened
and formed somewhat like a batswing gas burner with a slit or cut, so
that the issuing pitch or asphaltum will pass over the fire in a fine shower
indicated by the radiating dotted lines shown in the plan.
F is a
pipe by
means of which the steam from the boiler enters the vessel C, and, pressing
upon the surface of the pitch, causes it to issue from the orifice E continuously
and with any required force. G is a vessel containing a new charge for the
vessel C when it requires another supply. I is a two-way cock, which answers
the double purpose of shutting off the steam and opening the communication
between the vessels C and G. I is an air cock to allow the air or steam to
escape from the vessel C whilst the two vessels C and G are in communica-
tion. K is a guage cock by which it may be ascertained when the pitch is
exhausted in the vessel C and requires to be recharged. L is a cock placed
in the pipe D, whereby the supply of pitch or asphaltum to the fire may be
cut off. It may be desirable, when the inflammable crude oil procured by
distilling the bitumen is used, that the oil should not pass round the fire,
in which case the communication may be made with the nozzle at once in the
line of the dotted pipe shown in the Drawing. It may be desirable likewise,
under some circumstances, to pass the liquid pitch into the fire direct, instead
of previously passing it round the furnace. The mode of operation is as
follows:-The vessel C is charged with pitch, and when the pipe leading to
the nozzle is heated the steam is let on by means of the cock H, which
pressing upon the surface of the pitch causes it to issue in a shower over the

page_text: burning coke or coals. After the furnace is well heated bricks or fire balls
may be introduced into the furnace, which, when red-hot, will suffice to keep
the engine going with very little aid from the fuel, but in the first instance it
will be necessary to get the steam up with coals or other usual fuel in the
usual way. When the cock K shows steam it will be time recharge the
vessel C, then the cock E is turned in the direction of the arrow, the steam.
shut off, and the communication made with the vessel G. The air cock I
being opened, the charge may be made in a few seconds; then, when the air
cock shows the pitch or asphaltum, has risen to its level the cock H is reversed
and the steam turned on. The pitch is then forced into the furnace as before.
The apparatus is supported in any convenient manner near the furnace.
9. My next improved machinery and apparatus is a mode of applying the
liquid pitch or asphaltum to a sugar copper when steam is not used. This
Invention is shown in Fig. 15, Plate 3, which is a section of the apparatus.
A is the copper furnace; B, the chimney, having an offset B', in which the
vessel C, containing the pitch or asphaltum, is enclosed, the fire and hot air
from the coppers being made to envelope the vessel in its progress into the
air. The vessel C may be likewise inclosed in the chimney, but I prefer the
plan as shown. D is the descending pipe, which passes round the furnace and
terminates in a nozzle E, made like a gas burner, by which the pitch is made
to pass over the fire in a fine shower, shown by the dotted radiating lines.
F is a barrel or other vessel containing a supply of pitch or asphaltum, which
is applied to the reservoir G by means of the pipe and cock K, and which is
kept always at the same level by the ball and cock I, K. H is the pipe of
communication between the vessels C and G. L is the cock to shut off the
supply of pitch from the fire. M, a damper to direct the fire into the
chamber B. n, a bell-crank lever to work the damper. O, a rod or chain to
enable the attendant below to open or shut the damper at will. The operation
is as follows:-The vessel C and reservoir G are filled with pitch; then, when
the pitch. is sufficiently heated, it is let on to the fire by the cock L. The
height of the vessel C ought not to be less than 15 fect from the surface
of the fire, so that sufficient pressure may be ensured to cause the pitch
to issue with force over the fire. The fire must be made in the usual
way with megass or other fuel, and when sufficiently heated the pitch or
asphaltum may be let on; it may be desirable, when the inflammable oil
procured by distillation from the pitch is used, not to pass the pipe D round
the fire, in which case the communication with the nozzle and the pipe D
must be made direct, as in the former Figure. Any suitable hoisting
apparatus may be used to supply the vessel F, or the liquid pitch or oil can

page_text: be pumped up from below; also a force pump worked by any first mover may
be employed to inject the pitch or oil into the fire, instead of the apparatus
described for that purpose, both in the case of a sugar pan or steam-boiler
furnace before described.
10. My next improved machinery and apparatus is my employment of
electrotyped and enamelled pans for the boiling of the syrup. Vessels on botli
these principles are in common use for ordinary culinary purposes, but they
have not been hitherto used in the manufacture of sugar in the electrotyped
pan; any metallic deposit may be used, found advantageous, but copper or
silver will be the best. The enamelled pan is enamelled with the usual
enainel in the usual way.
11. My next improved machinery and apparatus is a machine or apparatus
for concentrating the syrup at a low temperature. The Drawing illustrating
this Invention is shown in Plate 1, Fig. 6, which is a sectional side view of
the apparatus. E is the teach; the syrup is represented by the prolonged
dotted lines within the teach. A is an endless web or band which dips into
the teach, and then passes successively over the drums c, c', c¹. The band
has a motion of about 1 foot in 3 seconds. 20 feet per minute or any other
velocity may be given to it, found useful. The band.is set in motion by the
pinion B, moved by any first mover taking into the spur wheels D, fixed on
the drum shafts. The drum C¹ is represented dipping into the surface of the
syrup.
Whilst the body of the band passes along the bottom of the pan the
syrup in its course along the band is exposed to a very large surface of air,
and hence a rapid evaporation of the water contained in the syrup will be
effected. Various arrangements of the band may be made; one is shown in
the dotted lines, a being the band or web, c, c, c, the drums over which the
band passes; in this case, the web in its course being either horizontal or
inclined at a considerable angle with the horizon, the syrup will drop like rain
from the band. The globules in their descent will expose a very large surface
to the air, which will be very advantageous in the working of the apparatus.
Two inclined surfaces M, M, are provided, in order to carry the liquid dropping
from the web back again into the teach. Motion is given to the web by
The
means of a rigger driven by any first mover placed on the drum shaft c.
web may be formed of woollen, horsehair, sacking, or thick cloth, or wire-
wove cloth. The evaporating power of the apparatus will be much increased
by enclosing the web or band in a case or box, through which a stream of hot
dry air is made to pass. The air may be heated in the same way as the hot
blast usual in iron furnaces, or by making the fire bars hollow, or pipes
surrounding the furnace or pipes heated in a separate fire, and air forced

page_text: through them by a fan or blower; or any other convenient method of
heating the air, and causing a current may be adopted. The best form of
teach for the working of the apparatus will be a longitudinal section of a
cylinder.
1. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 1, and shown
in Plate 1, Figs. 1, 2, 3, I claim as my Invention the application of a hammer
or hammers, a stamper or stampers, or other equivalent means, to break up or
crush the canes before they pass to the squeezing rollers; and I claim the sole
right of using hammers or stampers, or any other equivalent means, whether
combined in the mill, as shown in the Drawing, or in a distinct machine for
breaking or crushing the canes before they pass to the squeezing rollers.
Secondly, I claim the application of the universal joint, as applied and
shown, to a cattle sugar mill. Thirdly, I claim the self-feeding apparatus, as
described and shewn.
.
2. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 2, and
shown in Plate 1, Figs. 4 and 5, I claim the apparatus described and shewn,
whereby the proportions of bisulphite of lime and cane juice are regulated
and governed by the self-acting machinery and apparatus described and
shown. I claim likewise any other equivalent self-acting machinery and
apparatus for the same purpose.
3. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 3, and
shown in Plate 2, Figs. 1 and 2, I claim as my Invention, first, the apparatus
described and shown for depriving the sugar of the melasses. Secondly, I
claim the equalising apparatus, whereby the hogshead is equally filled and the
surface of the sugar always at the same level relatively with the ground line.
Thirdly, I claim the rammers for ramming the sugar by mechanical means, as
described and shown. Fourthly, I claim the apparatus for regulating the
discharge of the sugar from the cylinder, whereby more or less is discharged
at will, and for the continuous motion of the apparatus, whereby it may be
charged or discharged whilst in motion as well as when at rest.
4. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 4, and
shown in Plate 2, Figs. 3 and 4, I claim as my Invention the combination of
machinery described and shown for making bisulphite of lime.
5. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 5, and
shown in Plate 3, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and in Figs. 4 and 5, I claim as my Inven-
tion the combination of machinery described and shown for dipping or
transferring the liquor or syrup from pan to pan by the mechanical means
described and shown.
6. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 6, and

page_text: shown in Plate 3, Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, I claim the combination of ma-
chinery described and shown for skimming the coppers.
7. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 7, and
shown in Plate 3, Figs. 12, 13, 14, 1 claim the combination of machinery
described and shown for shielding or protecting the teach from the action of
fire whilst the teach is being struck or discharged.
8. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 8, and
shown in Plate 3, Fig. 16, I claim as my Invention the combination of ma-
chinery described and shown for burning the liquid pitch or the inflammable
oil from the pitch-lake or other places under a steam-engine boiler, likewise
the use of a force or injecting pump for the same purpose.
9. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 9, and
shown in Fig. 15, Plate 3, I claim the combination of machinery described
and shown for burning the liquid pitch or inflammable oil from the pitch-lake
or other places in the furnace of a sugar pan, likewise the use of a force or
injecting pump for the same purpose.
10. In my improved machinery and apparatus described under No. 10, I
claim the sole right of using sugar pans coated, by means of the electrotype,
with copper, silver, or other suitable metals; also enamelled pans, enamelled
in the manner usual in culinary vessels.
11. In my improved machinery and apparatus, described under No. 11 and
shown in Plate 1, Fig. 6, I claim as my Invention a web or band, and the use
of hot air as described and shown for concentrating the sugar at a low
temperature.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Joseph Curtis, have hereunto
Taken and acknowledged by William
Joseph Curtis, party hereto, this
Second day of Angust, 1850, before
me,
W. J. CURTIS. (L.S.)

page_text: I, Alexander Gray, of the Island of Trinidad in the West Indies, now
residing at Tichfield Terrace, Regent's Park, in the County of Middlesex,
Esquire, make oath and say that I know and am well acquainted with John
Joseph Cadiz, of the Port of Spain, in the Island of Trinidad in the West
Indies, Esquire, and that the said John Joseph Cadiz is the Chief Justice or
Magistrate of the said place. And I further say, that I know and am well
acquainted with the mode and character of the handwriting of the said John
Joseph Cadiz and his signature. And I further say, that I have looked upon
the paper writing or Specification hereto annexed marked with the letter A,
and now produced and shewn to me at the time of swearing this my Affidavit,
and that the name or signature, "John Jos. Cadiz," set and subscribed at the
end of the said writing or Specification and on the last page thereof is, to the
best of my knowledge and belief, the handwriting and signature of the said
John Joseph Cadiz.
Enrolled the Twenty-first day of September, in the year of
One thousand eight hundred and fifty.