matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF DRYING GARANCINE OR OTHER MOIST SUBSTANCES
Year: 1857

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by. James Higgin at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th July
1857.
I, JAMES HIGGIN, of the City of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster,
Manufacturing Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF DRYING GARANCINE OR OTHER MOIST SUBSTANCES,"
to be as follows:-
My improvement consists in using mechanical means of disturbing or
stirring garancine or other moist substances during drying, so as to causo
quicker drying, and I adopt for this purpose the following means:-
I spread the garancine or other moist substance on a series of circular trays
arranged one above another in a heated chamber. Through the centre of each
series of these trays passes a vertical shaft, on which are keyed arms of about
the same length as the radius of the circular trays; these arms are provided
with teeth like rake teeth. The shafts are made to revolve, and the teeth stir
up the moist substance, whereby fresh surfaces are constantly exposed to the
air, and a more rapid drying is effected than if the substance remained station-
ary; or the arms may be fixed on the shaft stationary, and the trays made to
revolve by suitable machinery; or, I spread the garancine or moist substance
on a long rectangular tray or trays, provided with several sets of teeth attached

page_text: to cross pieces, which cross pieces are then caused to traverse backwards and
forwards, whereby the same effect is produced as in the circular trays; or the
cross pieces with teeth may be stationary, and the rectangular trays made to
traverse backwards and forwards. The chamber containing the trays may be
heated by means of steam pipes or flues, or in any other convenient manner,
and suitable ventilation provided.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CLEANING AND DRESSING MINERALS
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Uren at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th December
1857.
I, WILLIAM UREN, of Redruth, in the County of Cornwall, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR
CLEANING AND DRESSING MINERALS," to be as follows:-
This machine, which I call a mineral separator, is so constructed as to sepa-
rate metallic and mineral substances which are conveyed to it by water
according to the specific gravity of each metallic or mineral substance. The
chambers 9, 9, surround the interior of a large circular vat or cistern, in
which the metals or minerals are kept in constant agitation by the revolving
centre bar c, c, with its projecting arms d, d, which being constantly kept in
motion by the central bar c, c, actuated by any convenient motive power on
which the arms d, d, are fixed, and around which the cylinder f, f, is formed;
this cylinder conveys the metals or minerals which enter by the launder 1, 2,
to the bottom of the apparatus. By the revolving motion of the cylinder and
the arms d, d, the substances are kept swimming, the valuable minerals falling
according to the respective gravity of each class into the chambers 9, 9, 9, G, I, 9.
whence they issue from the vat through the holes h, h, h, h, h, h; the surplus
water and lighter substances discharging themselves at the launder i, i.
TESTING THE STRENGTH OF WOOLLEN CLOTH, LINEN, AND ALL OTHER WOVEN FABRICS, ALSO OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL UPON WHICH A STRAIN CAN BE EXERTED
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Hebdon at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 9th May
1857.
I, WILLIAM HEBDON, of the Pavilion, Weedon, in the County of Northamp-
ton, Inspector of Army Cloth, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "TESTING THE STRENGTH OF WOOLLEN CLOTH, LINEN, AND ALL OTHER
WOVEN FABRICS, ALSO OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL UPON WHICH A STRAIN
CAN BE EXERTED," to be as follows:-
An iron frame (No. 2) grooved longitudinally in the inner sides, and
supported on a wooden stand (No. 1).
Moveable iron chaps (Nos. 3 & 4), each consisting of two parts, an upper
and under.
The under chaps work backwards and forwards in the groove of the iron
frame. Each end of the pattern of cloth or other material to be tested is
placed between the chaps, and then the upper chaps are fastened on the under
ones by means of screws (Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8). Being thus firmly held, tension is
exerted upon the pattern (No. 9) by turning a wheel (No. 10), whose axis
revolves in the iron frame at (11, and also in the under chap at 12.
The screw draws the chap (3) towards the wheel, bringing with it the
pattern. The pattern in stretching moves the chap (4,) which communicates
with a spring balance (13.)

page_text: At the moment the pattern begins to give way the hand of the balance
retires, leaving an indicator pointing out on the face of the dial the strength of
the cloth, as for example:-A pattern 9 inches by six might support a
strain of 150 lbs. before it would tear, another pattern of the same size might
tear at 200 lbs., and so on.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PIANOFORTE HAMMERS
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edmund Thompson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th June
1857.
I, EDMUND THOMPSON, of Barnard's Terrace, in the Parish of Scawby-with-
Sturton, in the County of Lincoln, Teacher of Music, and Pianoforte Tuner,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PIANOFORTE HAMMERS," to be as follows:-
In pianoforte hammers generally, the hammer head consists of a short pieco
of wood, the striking part of which is covered with leather, felt, or other
suitable material to strike the blow on the strings. This material, from
repeated action of the same point of contact, is liable to become soon
impaired, and to render the tone of the instrument harsh, rendering a
re-covering of the hammers necessary to keep the instrument in condition.
According to my Invention, I form the heads of pianoforte hammers in such
manner, that a new point of impact of the hammer may be presented as the
other becomes worn out or defective, without any necessity for re-covering until
the entire circle, of which the hammer head consists, is worn out. For this
purpose, I place a short piece of wood on the hammer shaft, in the same
manner as the hammer head now used ;. on each side of this piece I fix a thin
piece of tin, brass, or other suitable material, which extend in the form of

page_text: two arms in the direction of the strings; between these two arms I place a
small cylinder of wood, or other suitable material, having its periphery covered
all round with leather, felt, or covering material. This circular hammer head
is placed on a pin between the metal arms and the pin, so rivetted or fixed as
to hold the striking part sufficiently firm to prevent it turning round in the
act of striking, yet sufficiently free to permit its being turned round when a
little force is applied for that purpose. Thus, when one part of the periphery
covering becomes deteriorated, it is only necessary to turn this cylindrical
hammer head partially round on its axis to present a new surface to take effect
on the strings of the instrument.
RAIL- WAYS PASSENGERS' SIGNAL ALARUM
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Henry Baker at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th March
1857.
I, CHARLES HENRY BAKER, of No. 7, Angel Court, in the City of London,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "RAIL-
WAYS PASSENGERS' SIGNAL ALARUM," to be as follows, namely:-
My Invention consists of a box about 15 to 20 inches; I prefer it to be
square, made either of wood, zinc, iron, or other metal or substance.
I place
on the top, or partly inside, or at either side of the box, a bell, commonly called
a clock bell, about 6 or 8 inches high and from about 17 to 20 inches in
circumference, with a tongue or clapper, the cylinder having six, or eight, or
more hammers attached, and striking downwards into the box with a rapid
motion or ring, producing a shrill and clear sound six or eight times, distinct
and so loud that it can be heard at least for half a mile, carrying the sound to
the rear, caused by the rapid motion of the train. Such ring will at once give
notice to the guard that there is danger, and his presence is required imme-
diately. Such bell and box can be placed on any part of the carriage (the top
preferred), or just at the back of the carriage, so that the bell is above the roof,
to convey the sound loud and clear. The spring of the bell will be connected
by a wire steel rod or other connection passing along the roof or down the side

page_text: of the carriage, communicating with a handle inside of the carriage (at either
end) and within easy reach of the passengers; so, when required to give an
alarum, the slightest pressure inwards, the spring will become detached, and
immediately a shrill continuous ringing will follow six or eight times in rapid
succession, and at the same instant a connecting rod will spring up from the
side of the box, about 6 or 8 inches high above the bell, with a ball or
other sign attached, and set free by the action of the spring, so that the guard
on looking along the train can at once discover which carriage the ring
proceeds from, and give the assistance required.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL CORAL
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Spence at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 25th February
1857.
I, JAMES SPENCE, of Park Terrace, Brixton Road, in the County of Surrey,
do horeby declare the nature of the Invention for "AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL CORAL," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object an improvement in tho manufacture of.
artificial coral, and the Invention consists in forming the articles of vegetable
ivory and dyeing the same with a composition of lac dye, cochineal, and a
solution of tin, in which the articles aro boiled, and when the desired dye has
been obtained the articles are washed in a strong solution of soap.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MARINE AND FOG SIGNALS FOR REEPS AND OTHER LOCATIONS
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION. left by Henry Lawrence de Zeng at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th
March 1857.
I, HENRY LAWRENCE DE ZENG, of Geneva, in the County of Ontario, and
State of New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MARINE AND FOG SIGNALS FOR
REEPS AND OTHER LOCATIONS," to be as follows:-
I attach a vertical shaft to the reef or any suitable block at the point
desired for any marine or fog signal, and over said vertical shaft I place an
eye, formed in a lever, which lies nearly horizontal, and at the longer end of
this lever is a suitable float, and the aforesaid eye is supported by a collar on
the said vertical shaft. The lever and its float is thus free to assume any
direction from the vertical shaft, which may result from the separate or com-
bined action of the swell or current, and is not exposed to injury by any
lateral blows of the swell. From the motion of this lover and float, as moved
by the swell or waves, a signal is given by striking a bell, or in any other con-
venient manner. For striking a bell, I attach the ends of a chain to said
lever on opposite sides of the aforesaid eye, pass said chain over an arched
plate (moving with said lever around the shaft and a bell on the top of said
shaft), on which arch is a cam, acted on by the motion of said chain, that in
its turn raises a hammer that strikes the bell each time the float and lever
are acted on by the passing swell.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN LAYING DOWN SUBMARINE TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John de la Haye and Mark Bloom
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on
the 23rd September 1857.
We, JOHN DE LA HAYE, Submarine Engineer, and MARK BLOOM, Silk
Fringe Manufacturer, both of Salford, near Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN LAYING DOWN SUBMARINE TELEGRAPHS," to be as follows:-
We purpose to render the cable to be submerged buoyant by means of an
external covering of cotton or other light suitable substance enclosed in strips
of calico or other suitable fabric, each strip to cover only one half of the
circumference of the cable, so that the covering will be divided longitudinally
in two sections, the quantity of buoyant substance used to be such as to render
the cable about one-sixth heavier than water, bulk for bulk. Instead of
permanently fastening this covering to the cable, we fasten it temporarily by
glue or gelatinous or glutinous material, soluble in the water. We also
render the strips of calico in which the buoyant substance is enclosed
temporarily waterproof by coating them over with the above gelatinous or
glutinous substance. On being payed off from the ship, the cable floats on
the surface of the water or sinks slowly beneath the waves, but it is thus
rendered too buoyant to allow of its sinking to great depths; but when the
ship has advanced a considerable distance, the glue around the submerged
portion of the cable is acted on by the water and gradually dissolves. The

page_text: external covering separates itself from the cable, and the former being light
rises to the surface, while the latter sinks below. The strength of the glue
used for connecting the external. covering to the cable is regulated according
to the time required to keep it afloat.
We do not confine ourselves to the use of cotton for rendering the cable
buoyant, we would also use rushes or any suitable substance, whether vegetable
or animal, combining the qualities of lightness and cheapness; neither do we
restrict ourselves to the use of calico for enclosing the. buoyant substance;
we would also use sheets of gutta percha or any light. and, flexible substance
capable of being rendered temporarily waterproof.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Settle at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd August
1857.
I, THOMAS SETTLE, Manager to Messieurs Barlow, Gooddy, and Jones, of
Bolton-le-Moors, in the County of Lancaster, Manufacturers, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR
WEAVING," to be as follows:-
The nature of my Invention consists in an improved arrangement of parts
for raising and lowering the drop boxes of looms in which two or more shuttles
are employed. In performing my Invention I connect the drop box to a lever
in the usual manner, and this lever is acted upon by a cam having two or
more elevators and depressors, according to the number of shuttles employed.
This cam is turned partly round in one direction or the other, by vibrating
catches acting either at the upper or under side of a boss with projections;
the vibrating catches are worked from the tappet shaft or other convenient
part of the loom, and they are raised and lowered by means of a jacquard or
index, or by a lever actuated by an endless chain of links, with elevators and
depressors.
IMPROVEMENTS IN RAISING SUNKEN SHIPS, OTHER VESSELS, AND ALL OTHER MATTERS AND THINGS FROM UNDER TO THE SURFACE OF THE WATER, AND TO PREVENT THEIR SINKING
Year: 1857

page_text: vinue to pro
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Harvey and Robert Smith
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on
the 4th April 1857.
We, HENRY HARVEY and ROBERT SMITH, both of No. 22, Surry Street,
Strand, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAISING SUNKEN SHIPS, OTHER VESSELS,
AND ALL OTHER MATTERS AND THINGS FROM UNDER TO THE SURFACE OF THE WATER,
AND TO PREVENT THEIR SINKING," to be as follows:-
The application and use of balloons, and all other inflatable collapsing
machines, of what material soever the same may be manufactured, of every
shape and configuration, the same to be filled with gas, such machines
being attached to or connected with the ship, vessel, matters, or things to be
acted on for the above purposes, and afterwards inflated with gas, the gas
used in such inflation being at the time and during such inflation either above
or under the water, as may be most convenient.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ROLLER BLINDS
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Oldfield Ward at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
26th October 1857.
I, FREDERICK OLDFIELD WARD, of Cork Street, Burlington Gardens, London,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF ROLLER BLINDS," to be as follows:-
These improvements are applicable to all descriptions of roller blinds,
whether made to work by hand or by spring, or otherwise. By these improve-
ments roller blinds heretofore capable of working only in a straight line are
rendered capable of being adapted to & working in any required curve or
bend or varied outline, such, for example, as that of a circular-fronted brougham,
or that of the bow window of a house, or that of a window or object partly
straight & partly curved.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FASTENINGS FOR WINDOW SASHES
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas John Searle at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 13th April
1857.
I, THOMAS JOHN SEARLE, of Portland Wharf, 74, Wapping Wall, Shadwell,
in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FASTENINGS FOR WINDOW SASHES," to be as follows:-
My improvements in fastenings for window sashes consist in the use of a
curved bolt, describing a semicircle or any part of a semicircle, or circle or
any part of a circle, and travelling in a similarly shaped chamber raised on
a metal disc. When in action the said bolt passes partly into a corresponding
and suitable chamber provided for its reception, the chambers forming, when
fixed on the window sashes, a circle, or two semicircles, or any part of a circle,
and thus by the action of the bolt connecting and fastening the two sash
frames together. The chambers are raised on metal discs of a convenient
shape and size (one disc to be fixed on each sash) to correspond with the bolt,
and are slotted on the upper surface to allow of the free action of the spindle
or part connecting the bolt and the knob. (The use of the knob or handle is to
move the bolt). If required, a catch may be used to retain the bolt in its
position when the sashes are fastened. Two bolts, as above described, may
be used in corresponding chambers, raised on dises and slotted, counterparts
or nearly so of each other; both the bolts would act in the same circle or parts
of a circle, and doubly secure and fasten the sashes. If required a stop or

page_text: catch may be used. The points of the bolts are wedge-shaped to facilitate the
action in producing a proper adjustment of the sashes when fastened.
The advantages obtained are simplicity, efficiency, and durability, there
being no need of the ordinary spring, an ornamental and elegant appearance
combined with economy and facility of application for its intended use.
AN IMPROVED MANUFACTURE OF SAFETY ENVELOPE
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur Granger at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th March
1857.
I, ARTHUR GRANGER, of High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Stationer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN
IMPROVED MANUFACTURE OF SAFETY ENVELOPE," to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to provide a means of securing envelopes,
so that any attempt at tampering with them when once fastened will be
rendered apparent. To this end I employ what is generally known as a
"tuck fastening," forming the upper or seal flap with a tongue, which is
cemented on its inner face, and is passed through a slot formed in the pocket
flap to bring the cemented surface into contact with the side flaps which lie
beneath it. When the tongue of the seal flap is thus inserted in its place
(the cement on its inner face having been first moistened) the envelope will
be secured, the tongue not being accessible to moisture or to any instrument
for raising or displacing it without first separating one side of the pocket flap
from the end flap to which it is cemented.
A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF PREVENTING THE PICKING OF ORDINARY LOCKS AND OTHER FASTENINGS
Year: 1857

page_text: www
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Cotterill at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th May
1857.
I, EDWIN COTTERILL, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A NEW
OR IMPROVED METHOD OF PREVENTING THE PICKING OF ORDINARY LOCKS AND OTHER
FASTENINGS," to be as follows:-
My said Invention consists of an instrument or apparatus to be inserted in
the keyholes of locks and other such like fastenings. The said instrument
consists of two plates of metal jointed together, similar to an ordinary
measuring rule. The edges of the plates presented to one another do not
touch, and have notches therein, the said notches being opposite to one
another; a square rod is situated. between the two plates of metal, and a
button slides upon the said rod. By turning the rod the button may either
be made to lie in the same plane as the plates of metal, the said button
entering the notches in the edges of the plates, or the said button may be
turned at right angles to the plates. When the button is in the former
position the plates may be freely inserted into and withdrawn from a keyhole ;.
but if when the plates are passed through the keyhole the rod be turned so as
to bring the button at right angles to the plane of the plates, the said plates
can no longer be withdrawn from the keyhole. The button is adjusted on the

page_text: rod on which it slides to such a distance that when the plates are put to their
full distance through the keyhole the button passes through to the other side
of the door, and when turned prévents the withdrawal of the plates. A small
lock is situated on the unjointed end of the plates and is connected with the
rod, so that on turning the key of the lock the said rod is turned, and places
the button at right angles to the plates. In using the instrument, the button
is first adjusted on the rod to the thickness of the door, the instrument
inserted into the keyhole, and the key of. the small lock turned. The instru-
ment is thus fixed in. the keyhole of the door lock, and can only be removed
by the unlocking of the small lock.
My Invention is applicable to the securing of other fastenings than locks.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT AND APPLICATION OF SURCHARGED OR SUPERHEATED STEAM
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Binns at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th November
1857.
I, WILLIAM BINNS, of Claremont Villa, Victoria Grove, Brompton, in the
County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT AND APPLICATION
OF SURCHARGED OR SUPERHEATED STEAM," to be as follows, that is to say :-
I propose to apply to or in connection with steam boilers of ordinary con-
struction, tubes, pipes, boxes, or chambers of any desired form or convenient
shape, and in such manner, that the steam generated in the boiler shall pass
from the boiler or generator into and through a pipe or pipes placed in some
convenient part of the flue or flues of the boiler. After the steam has passed
through such pipes, which may be called heat absorbers, it is then conducted
back to the boiler and caused to circulate through heat distributors consisting
of tubes, pipes, boxes, or-chambers arranged in any convenient manner within
the boiler and below the low-water level.
By this arrangement the steam generated in the boiler, on entering and
passing through the flue tubes or heat absorbers, becomes surcharged or
superheated; the superheated steam then passes from the heat absorbers
within the flues to the heat distributors which are within the boiler and made
to extend over as great a portion of the water space as may be convenient or
found necessary.

page_text: The object of this arrangement is, therefore, to surcharge or superheat the
steam by passing it as herein-before described through a pipe or pipes
arranged in the flues of the boiler, and afterwards to deprive the steam of the
excess of heat by causing it to circulate through tubes, pipes, boxes, or
chambers immersed in the water of the boiler. The steam having given out
its superfluous heat, which is employed as an auxiliary generator, then enters
the steam dome, and from thence to the cylinder of the engine, which it enters
in a comparatively dry state, and deprived of that excess of heat which
accompanies surcharged or superheated steam. The mode of applying such
tubes, pipes, boxes, or chambers will vary according to the peculiar form and
construction of boiler, and will be more particularly described in the Final
Specification of the Patent.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR ETCHING OR ENGRAVING
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Lockett at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th April
1857.
I, JOSEPH LOCKETT, of the Strangeways Engraving Works, near the City of
Manchester, Engraver, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR ETCHING OR ENGRAVING," to be as
follows:-
The object for which this Invention is principally intended is to etch or
engrave copper rollers for calico printers.
The design to be transferred to the roller is placed on a flat table, and the
pointer by which the design is taced is mounted on a double carriage, as here-
tofore practised; the etching or engraving tools are moved laterally, and the
copper roller is turned partly round by means of pulleys or levers actuated by
bands attached to the double carriage, the relative proportion between the
pattern design and that etched or engraved being determined by varying the
diameters of the pulleys, or by moving the fulcrum of the levers.
THE IMPROVEMENT OF CIRCULAR GAS BURNERS AND THEIR CHIMNEYS, TO BE CALLED THE STEINMETZ BURNER & STEINMETZ CHIMNEY
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Andrew Steinmetz at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th January
1857.
I, ANDREW STEINMETZ, Barrister-at-Law, of the Middle Temple, and 20,
Edith Villas, North End, Fulham, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "THE IMPROVEMENT OF CIRCULAR
GAS BURNERS AND THEIR CHIMNEYS, TO BE CALLED THE STEINMETZ BURNER &
STEINMETZ CHIMNEY," to be as follows:-
Improved gas burner.-Firstly, it consists of two parts, the usual body; but
the upper portion of the same is made moveable, being ground so as to be gas-
tight and yet easily removeable for the purpose of cleaning the burner when it
becomes foul by use-a total impossibility in all previous burners. This con-
trivance will also enable me to place, when required, within the burner a
diaphragm adapted to reduce the pressure of gas, and thus secure the advan-
tage of a regulator to a certain extent. The burner is by my Invention
enabled to remain good for any length of time, instead of becoming useless
in a few months by the accumulation of impurities within, which are
constantly deposited by gas in transitu,-the common plan of merely forcing
a broach or pin through the clogged hole only adding to the internal
accumulation. My Invention obviates this entirely.
Secondly, a glass or chimney for the said circular burner to intensify its
light. This I claim distinctly an specifically also as new and original in its

page_text: design, & perfectly effective of its object, viz.; to intensify the light by effect-
ing more perfect combustion. I do this by merely bending in the lower end
or bottom edge of the chimney so as to cut off à portion of the lateral current
of air which tends to cool the flame:
By this, my Invention, the result of much study & many experiments,
the central current predominates & enlarges the flame with great brilliancy.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SHIRTS
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James King at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th June 1857.
I, JAMES KING, of Observatory Street, Oxford, Mercer, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
SHIRTS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates, firstly, to a new mode of forming the plaits of shirt
fronts, the object being to economise linen. In forming a shirt front which
has no opening in the middle, I make the middle plait by folding back the
stuff and sewing it up in the form of a tube, which when flattened will form a
plait. Then, if the front is to have the appearance, for example, of a line of
plaits, I fold back the piece of linen at its sides to such an extent and for
such a distance as will leave a space between these side plaits and the middle
plait about equal to the width of the middle plait, and in this position I secure
the plaits by sewing, and back the front, if necessary, with calico.' When
making a front with three plaits; I form the middle plait as explained, and
advance the side plait close to the middle plait, making the turn-in in this
instance only half the width of the plait; I then. back the single thickness
of linen with cotton cloth.
My Invention relates, secondly, to the adaptation to one shirt body of two
fronts, which shall be capable of overlying one the other, and thus enabling

page_text: the wearer to present two clean fronts without changing the shirt. This I
effect by attaching a front to opposite sides of the breast part of a shirt, and
providing buttons or other fastenings, so that either may be brought in front
of the other, at the option of the wearer, and secured in place. A string
at the upper end of one front enters a hole in the collar of the shirt, and
passing round the back of the neck is secured by the wearer to a string
similarly placed on the other front.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUSES FOR EXHIBITING DAGUERREOTYPE, PHOTOGRAPHIC, AND OTHER STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS AND PICTURES
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act).
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Louis Beckers at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th October
1857. A communication.
I, LOUIS BECKERS, of New York, in the United States of America,
Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUSES FOR EXHIBITING DAGUERREOTYPE, PHOTOGRAPHIC, AND OTHER
STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS AND PICTURES," (communicated to me by a foreigner
residing abroad) to be as follows:--
My improvements consist in arranging inside a box, case, or chamber an
endless belt or apron having a series of frames or slides to receive views and
pictures attached to it, in such manner as to stand perpendicular to its face;
by moving the belt through a handle outside the box, the pictures are
presented successively in a vertical or other suitable position, opposite to
magnifying glasses or other transparent media, or to suitable openings. By
arranging the pictures at right angles to the face of the endless belt or chain,
a larger number of pictures may be contained and exhibited in a box or case
of a given size than by the arrangement of the same parallel with the face of
the belt, as is usual in moving panoramas. I secure the pictures in the slides
by means of elastic bands and notches formed in the ends of the grooved
portions of the slides..
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CAST STEEL
Year: 1857

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Mushet at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 21st March
1857.
I, ROBERT MUSHIET, of Coleford, in the County of Gloucester, Metallurgist,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF CAST STEEL," to be as follows:-
Some descriptions of cast steel when cast into ingots or masses in moulds
are frequently incapable, or nearly so, of being extended into bars or rods, in
consequence of such ingots or masses cracking or breaking when they are
heated and subjected to the action of rollers or hammers for that purpose;
and, in some cases, although the bars or rods made from such ingots do not
crack or break, they are frequently found to be more or less unsound. These
and some other defects are frequently found in cast steel made by melting bar,
or blistered steel, wrought, malleable, purified, or decarbonized iron, or any
mixture of those varieties of metallic iron with any carbonaceous matter (if
any be required) in order to produce cast steel. Similar defects are also
frequently found in cast steel produced from wrought, malleable, purified,
or decarbonized iron, and pig or cast iron mixed and melted together, whether
with the addition of carbonaceous matter or without such addition; and also
in cast steel produced in other ways. The addition of a mixture or compound of
carbonaceous matter and manganese will in some cases remove some of the

page_text: defects from cast steel, but such a mixture or compound generally acts more or
less injuriously upon the pots, crucibles, or vessels in which the steel is melted
or made, and frequently fails to produce the desired amount of improvement in
the cast steel. For the purpose of removing or counteracting the defects in
and otherwise improving the quality of cast steel, as well as preventing or
diminishing the injurious action upon any pots, crucibles, vessels, or apparatus,
which may be employed in making it, I add to the cast steel, or to the materials
from which it is produced, a compound or mixture consisting of or containing
iron, carbon, and manganese. I add this compound to the cast steel when
they are both in a molten state so that they may be mixed and combined with
facility. The compound of or containing iron, carbon, and manganese, which
I prefer to use in consequence of its cheapness, is the cast iron obtained by
smelting those iron ores which contain a considerable quantity of oxide of man-
ganese associated with the iron, such as some of the sparry carbonates of iron
and spathose iron ores, or the red or brown oxydes of iron and manganese,
And I prefer to use such cast iron so obtained which contains the largest
quantity or proportion of manganese, and which is the most free from sulphur,
phosphorous, and silicon. The compound or material consisting of or con-
taining iron, carbon, and manganese may however be obtained or made in
any other manner which may be found to be convenient and economical.
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR CUTTING AND PULPING TURNIPS AND OTHER ROOTS
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Francis Mollett Blyth at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
17th December 1857.
I, FRANCIS MOLLETT BLYTH, of Norwich, in the County of Norfolk, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR
CUTTING AND PULPING TURNIPS AND OTHER ROOTS," to be as follows:-
Firstly, the front or cutting plate may be flat or curved, as required, having
a number of angular or wedge-form pieces longitudinally on the plate to assist
in retaining the roots when being cut.
Secondly, the barrel or cylinder, which is formed with plates on cylindrical
flanges, having longitudinal open spaces for the admission and emission of the
cut or pulped root, also to assist in passing stones through the barrel that fall
in with the roots which escape the cutting part of the knives or cutters.
Thirdly, the barrel will have a number of small steel knives or cutters pro-
jecting; and to insure the parts being cut that are left by the small knives
or cutters, the Patentee will fix wider knives or cutters, so that in every
revolution of the barrel the surface of the roots that are being cut will be
cleared. The wider knives or cutters are fixed near the edge of the plates
longitudinally for the cut root to fall from them, thereby requiring no extra
motion.

page_text: Fourthly, the plates taken off the flanges; the Patentee will fix knives of
suitablo form in one or more lengths longitudinally; each knife will have two
cutting edges to cut each way by reversing the motion. of the barrel, having
under each cutting part of the knife an iron bridge or guide of suitable form;
he length of the barrel which is fixed in the flanges to regulate the thickness
of pieces cut. The barrel is open between each large knife for the emission of
the cut root.
Fifthly, the Patentee will fix small knives perpendicularly from the bridge
to large knife on one sido of each large knife to divide the slice of roots.
One end of each small knife will be secured in the bridge with a wood or iron
koy or wedge, the other end of each knife to have a projecting piece to fix in
the large knife.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TEMPLES FOR LOOMS
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Vincent Newton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 24th
August 1857.-A communication from Frédéric Chrétien Keim, of
Thann, in the Empire of France.
I, ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TEMPLES FOR LOOMS,"
to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to provide a more efficient construction of
temple for looms than has heretofore been employed, the use of which is to
prevent the contraction or shrinking of the fabric as it is being manufactured.
The improved temple consists of two short rollers provided with radial pios
on their periphery; these rollers are mounted one on each side of the loom,
in a proper position for their pins to take into the fabric, which is being manu-
factured, near the opposite selvages. The axles of these rollers (on which
they are free to turn) are carried by compound brackets, so arranged as to
admit of the rollers being adjusted at an angle both vertically and horizontally;.
according to the amount of drag required to be put on the fabric; they are
also capable of being shifted laterally, according to the width of the fabric.
Over the rollers semicylindrical covers or guides are fitted for the purpose.
of keeping the fabric as it passes over the rollers as closely in contact there-
with as may be desirable.

page_text: By the use of this arrangement of temple an equable lateral tension may
be maintained on the cloth as it passes to the cloth beam, and in addition
thereto increased facilities will be given to the weaver to inspect the work as
the manufacture is proceeding.
AN IMPROVED FLUID METER, WHICH MAY BE USED AS A MOTIVE POWER ENGINE
Year: 1857

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Caldwell at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th December
1857.
I, WILLIAM CALDWELL, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED FLUID
METER, WHICH MAY BE USED AS A MOTIVE POWER ENGINE," to be as follows
(that is to say):-
Two double-action pistons and a double set of valve gear (of a peculiar form,
and which are herein-after described) are enclosed and work within a metal case,
which it is preferred to form of a square shape in the centre and cylindrical at
each end, and to cast in one piece the two cylinders with their ports, and all the
sides except one of the square-shaped centre; a partition or midfeather, which
divides the case into two chambers, is also cast therewith. A cover is fitted on
to the head of the upper cylinder, which has a glan opening therein, through
which a piston rod works to actuate the index pointer, when used as a fluid
meter, or to give motion to a crank through a connecting rod, when used as a
motive-power engine. The bottom of the lower cylinder is also closed by a
suitable cover, and when the machine is used to obtain motive power, has
a piston rod working through it; but when used as a meter only, the rod of the
upper piston will be found sufficient to denote the amount of fluid passed

page_text: through the machine. The open side of the square centre of the case is also
closed by a moveable cover, to admit ready access to the valves which are
placed therein; it is preferred to apply rolling packings to the pistons. The
valve cocks are formed with hollow plugs, having a port on one side and a
groove formed partially round the outside, so as to form a port passage between
the plug and its seat; the cylinder ports being formed in the side of the
valve seat. In one valve the supply passes through the hollow plug to the
cylinder by the opening in its side, and the exhaust passes through the groove
on the outside of the valve plug, and out by the discharge opening in the sido
of the valve seat. The other valve receives its supply from the outside of the
plug, and discharges through its hollow centre. The side opening in the
hollow valve plugs are brought opposite to the upper and lower ports alter-
nately by the action of the piston of the twin or roverso piston acting on the
ends of cranks keyed to the hollow plugs, to which they are connected by rods
and crank pins which work in a longitudinal slot formed in the ends of the
cranks. The valves are set to give one piston a little lead of the other, by
which a continuous flow and uniform discharge is obtained.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOXES AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1857

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Kendall at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd Apri!
1857.
I, WILLIAM KENDALL, of Blawith, Ulverstone, in the County of Lancaster,
Wood Turner, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOXES AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, AND IN
THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the manufacture of turned wooden boxes suitable
for pill boxes and other similar purposes, and consists of a peculiar con-
struction and arrangement of machinery or apparatus for making such boxes,
whereby the work is accomplished much more speedily and effectually than
hitherto.
The machine consists of an ordinary lathe bed carrying two fixed head-
stocks, in which revolves a hollow spindle fluted inside, and carrying a fast and
loose driving pulley.
The wood or other material to be made into boxes having been prepared or
turned to the desired diameter, is placed at one end inside the hollow spindle,
and is carried round therewith, the fluting inside causing the wood to be held
firmly. The end of the wood protrudes beyond the headstock a certain
distance, according to the desired height of the box, and is turned or shaped
i

page_text: outside by means of suitable cutters fixed on to a slide rest, worked to and fro
by a convenient hand lever, so as to be capable of approaching towards the
side of the box, and of cutting or shaping the same, and forming the shoulder
for the lid.
The box is hollowed by means of a chuck fitted with three different cutters;
and carried in the end of a slide, so as to cut the bottom sides and lip of the
box perfectly smooth, the slide which is in the same axial line of the wood
being pushed forward, so as to bring the cutters to bear upon the end of the
wood by means of a small hand lover. The box having been shaped and
hollowed is cut off at the proper place by means of another cutter fitted to the
opposite end of the transverse sliding rest, herein-before referred to. The
wood is now to be pushed forward, so as to present a fresh surface to the
action of the several cutters for a second box, and this is effected by means of
a travelling headstock, which carries a centro pin, bearing against the back
end of the wood, and serving to push it along when desired.
The motion of the travelling headstock may be derived from a rack and
pinion worked by a hand wheel, or by any other well-known mechanical
contrivance.
The length of the wood may be sufficient to make three dozen boxes, and
by this arrangement of apparatus I am enabled to turn off as many as eight
boxes per minute.
It will be obvious that this Invention is equally applicable to the manu-
facture of ribbon blocks, toys, and various other articles of a similar nature.
IMPROVEMENT} IN DISCHARGING ASHES FROM STEAM-BOATS
Year: 1857

page_text: rovisional Protection, out notice to proceed with the
application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Steel at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd April
1857.
I, WILLIAM STEEL, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain.
Brewer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENT}
IN DISCHARGING ASHES FROM STEAM-BOATS," to be as follows, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to an improved system or mode of discharging ashes
from steam-boats, to be employed in cases where, according to the present
practice, the discharge would be effected over the side of the steam-boat into
the water by means of buckets or vessels in which the ashes are raised up from
below, the labour and inconvenience and the annoyance to passengers attending
this operation being avoided in the improved system.
In carrying out the present Invention in practice the ashes from the boiler
furnaces of the steam-boat are discharged directly through the bottom of
the vessel, the discharge being effected through a pipe or tube of any
convenient size or form, opening outwards through the bottom of the vessel,
and rising internally in the engine room or near the furnaces to a higher
level than that of the water outside. The water of course rises in this
pipe or tube to the level of the water outside, and the stoker or furnace
attendant simply shovels or discharges his ashes into the open top of the
pipe, the ashes sinking down away from the vessel, just as they do when

page_text: thrown over the side of the vessel. The arrangement is obviously susceptible
of various modifications in its details. A valve or lid may be adapted
to the inner end of the pipe, to close it when the ashes are not being
discharged, or when the water from any cause has a tendency to overflow the
pipe. If it is found that in rough weather, or at any other time, as when the
steam-boat is lying over, for example, the water rises too high in the pipe, a
telescopic piece may be fitted to the pipe, and at such times the ashes will
require to be lifted a little higher than at ordinary times when the telescopic
piece is not raised. The exit portion of the pipe may be made to incline aft,
so that the forward motion of the vessel may produce a sucking action in the
pipe, and, if necessary or desirable, a constant current may be kept up in the
pipe by connecting to it, near its inner end, a secondary smaller pipe, opening
through the bottom of the vessel a short distance in advance, so that the
forward motion of the vessel may cause the water to rise up the smaller pipe,
and flow down the large one. The discharge pipe may be made with an
enlargement, into which any suitable valve, such as a floating ball valve, may
be introduced, for the purpose of closing the pipe in case of any sudden ingress
of water taking place.