Mines, Warming, and Cooling Buildings, and Constructing Roofs, Urinals or Water Closets, Sewers, and Treat- ing the Produce therefrom
Year: 1852

page_text: Ventilating Mines; Ventilating, Warming, and
Cooling Buildings, and Constructing Roofs,
Urinals or Water Closets, Sewers, and Treat-
ing the Produce therefrom.
LETTERS PATENT to Samuel Perkes, Civil Engineer, 1, Walbrook,
City, London, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
MINES, BUILDINGS, AND SEWERAGE, FOR EFFECTING SANATORY PURPOSES,
AND TREATING THE PRODUCE TURDEDDAY"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Perkes
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 12th October 1852.
SAMOEL PERKES, Civil Engineer, 1, Walbrook, City, London, do
5 hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MINES, BUILDINGS, AND SEWERAGE, FOR EFFECTING SANATORY
PURPOSES, AND TREATING THE PRODUCE THEREFROM," to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention relates to the ventilation of mines,
and novel modes of extracting the foul air or gases therefrom, which I
purpose to effect as follows, viz. :-

page_text: Along the floor or ceiling of the mine I lay pipes of any required
diameter, either of iron or other suitable material, and inserted in the
floor or otherwise, and from which I continue branches and standard or
drop pipes, as the case may be, with properly protected bell mouths or
otherwise, for the free admission of the foul air or guses; these pipes
to be jointed and connected either by sockets, flanges, & bolts, or
otherwise, and conducted to the shaft or shafts, and carried up, either
one or both shafts, to or near the surface, and, in certain cases where
the situation will admit, to carry a continuation of said pipes under-
neath or above the ground to the furnace or boiler, and so brought in
contact with the heat near or at the end of same, in order that it
may cause a continuous rising of foul air or gas from the mine thro
these pipes or arteries towards the heated outlet, where it can either be
discharged or consumed, or both.
A similar effect 1 propose to obtain by having a rising main or
mains from pipe or pipes in shafts and mine as aforesaid, and just
brought underneath the surface to a short distance from the mouth of
the shaft or shafts, and cause the outlet or outlets to stand upright or
.otherwise about the surface, and which outlet or outlets I cause to be
heated either by fire, stean, or gas. In certain cases, where necessary
in order to facilitate the extraction of foul air, such pipes to be pro-
tected either with perforated metals and revolving cowls, or not, as
required. Also 1 propose, in certain cases where necessary, to employ
pumps or centrifugal apparatus as an auxilliary for extracting and
expelling the foul air or gases, and either attached to the pipes or not,
and at the surface or in the mine, or both, as may be required.
The afore-going system will completely extract every particle of foul
air from any mine, however foul, and from any part thereof, whilst a
continuous stream of fresh atmospheric air will find its way down the
shafts themselves to supply its place, and with which view every
description of door way and air traps, as now constructed in mines in
general, I propose to abolish altogether, as being alike injurious and
opposed to natural principles, which I adopt. I also propose to adop
a system of using water and a solution of lime or steam for certain
mines, each of which I propose to distribute about by hand, or b

page_text: means of forcing thro' a rose jet from hand apparatus or gravitation, or
force pipes, where required.
The next part of my subject relates to ventilating, warming, and
cooling buildings, and an improved mode of constructing roofs, with a
view to stimulate a more healthy exercise of the true principles of
ventilation.
I
For ventilating generally, I employ a series of reception pipes, bell
or funnel mouthed, or otherwise, to apertures left around the walls and
ceilings of each apartment These reception pipes to be carried thro
the floors, between the joists, to mains to be built in the walls or
otherwise, and as soon as possible to lead into one or more main or
mains, which must be conducted to a general main or air shaft
or shafts, and the upper part of which vitiated air shaft or shafts I
propose to heat when necessary by means of fire, gas, water, or steam,
as may be most convenient, at or near the outlet, in order to facilitate
the extraction of foul air; and such main outlet or outlets to be either
provided with a revolving cowl or not, as may be deemed desirable
according to circumstances. Also the cornice of the rooms, where any,
propose to separate at intervals or otherwise from the ceiling so as to
form openings thro' the same and between the members to branch
receivers, to be placed in the walls, if necessary, and conducted away
in the most convenient direction towards the main air shaft or other-
wise, as required. These pipes & tubes I propose to construct either
of iron. zinc, copper, or other suitable material; and where necessary
I propose to leave one or more openings along the walls near the
ceiling, and provided with leading tubes as aforesaid, in any required
and most convenient direction. Such orifices, where required, I pro-
pose to cover either with perforated metal wire gauze, flannel &
horse hair, or other suitable material, and which can be stained, &c. to
imitate the ceiling, or cornice, or wall of apartment, so as to render the
openings or outlets for vitiated air as slightly conspicuous as possible.
I also propose to construct flowers, mouldings, ornaments, and
enrichments, or parts thereof, for ceilings & cornices, &c., either in
panels or otherwise. of wire work, zinc, copper, horse hair, or other
suitable material, whereby and wherein perforations and openings can

page_text: be left almost imperceptible to the distant eye, but by and thro' which
the ventilation can be effectually carried to the receiving pipes, &c. as
aforesaid, and assisted where required with contrifugal or other appa-
ratus for extracting and expelling the vitiated air as may be found
necessary.
In warming, I propose to use warm water, and for cooling I propose
to uso cold water, and in certain cases iced; and the distribution of
such water I propose to be effected by gravitation from an upper
apartment; or if from the basement story, I propose to pump the waters
to a cistern or reservoirs at the top part of the building, in order that
the water may descend throughout the whole building as required, and
then to be conducted to another cistern or reservoir, situated likewise in
the upper story at a little distance below the supply cistern, and by
which means the water will always find its own way thro' the whole
series of pipes and to every part of the building by its own gravity alone;
and from each of the supply cisteins of hot & cold water, I would
attach one or more mains, and from thence branches to supply every
apartment, so that they may each be respectively supplied at will with
any amount of hot water or cold water they may require These branch
pipes I propose to conduct either under the floors or at the back of the
skirtings or wainscotings, which I propose to be of colored or plain
glass, or any suitable metal, or other suitable material, and perforated
or not, as required, and as may be deemed necessary for developing the
temperature more freely. All these series of pipes I propose to have
proper regulating cocks and valves, as required.
In each apartment, where required, I propose to place a regulating
valve box with a double valve or cock in it, one for the cold water
and one for the hot water, and on the front of which valves to be affixed
a dial plate and handles, so as to regulate each valve to the greatest
nicety as to the amount of heat or cold which it may be deemed
necessary to have by the occupants of the apartment, as both these
valves or cocks discharge themselves into one wherein the waters mix,
and thus flow thro' the series of pipes around the room, &c., as
described; and the dial plate being provided with figures or degrees
plainly marked thereon, both for the cold & hot supply, the handles

page_text: can be left to any required degree, so that any reasonable amount of
heat or cold may be had at will.
These valve boxes can be inserted in the wall or a closet, and the
exterior I propose to make, in certain cases, quite ornamental, in the
shape of a bracket or otherwise, for a time piece or sculpture, and
within which can open one or two secret doors, underneath which the
dial plate & handles appears. Or the valve box can be placed inside
any small cupboard or recess, as may be found convenient, either inside
the apartment or not, as required.
For large establishments these arrangements can be conducted from
the cuisine by almost self-acting means, and in all cases where
practicable the cuisine should be constructed in the upper stories
of the building, and the whole heating apparatus can be thus arranged
by the simple gas cooking range, or ordinary range, if required; or else
the water can be heated in the hot reservoir itself by means of gas jets
or small furnace, but, as before observed, can be effected nearly as well
from the basement or cooking apartments, as now existing, as each
of the reservoirs & cisterns propose to supply with self-regulating
valves & stop-cocks where required. The pipes 1 propose to use for
best apartments are of iron, copper, or other suitable material, and in
certain cases, where required, to be coated inside and out with enamel,
or vitrified or glass substances, but enamelled wrought iron I prefer
where extreme purity is required.
By these means of warming and ventilating. I propose to dispense
with the use of fire-places and chimneys as ordinarily constructed, and
to abolish them entirely in new structures, and in lieu thereof prepare
only one or more main vitiated air shafts according to the size of the
structure to receive the vitiated air conductors as before described. I
next propose to employ pipes or tubes along the ridges of roof and eaves
also, so as to permit a stream of cold water to be forced thro' them
by any ordinary means on bot sultry days, and such tubes to be per-
forated so as to allow the water to escape from the same over the roof
and also from the eaves, which would render the atmosphere within the
building much more cool and pleasant than it otherwise would be.
Open gutters I also propose to use for this purpose, but horizontal per-

page_text: forated tubes I prefer. The waste water from any of the aforesaid
methods I propose to use where practicable for the supply of fountains,
&c., either for public or private use, in certain situations where
required.
The next arrangements I propose, wherein buildings can be rendered
more healthy and useful, is an improved mode of constructing the roofs,
wherein I propose to adopt an improved kind of principles and rafters,
which I construct of several shapes, but the rafters have each a groove
or recess on the side wherein & whereon the sheets of glass or slates
or other covering material can rest from one to the other in single
thicknesses, with about 1 or 2 ins. weather lapping, instead of in
reality covering over the entire roof with two thickness of slates, &c.,
as at present; and the sheets of slate, or glass, or other covering material
I propose to affix or attach to the grooved or otherwise constructed
rafters, and to each other, by means of copper or galvanised iron hooked
slips, of even and in some cases various thicknesses, so as to keep the
slates or covering sheets any required distance apart in the overlappings,
in order that a free circulation of aur may be obtained between then,
and that they may be easily taken out & restored if any one is broken,
and the ends of said sheets to be filled over with and bedded upon
putty, cement, or other suitable material, and covered over with capping
plates or not, as may be required, according to form of rafter employed.
Louvres and turrett ventilators 1 propose to construct, with vertical
sheets of glass, or other suitable material, with curved sheets reversed
and standing before each other, in order to allow of a free circulation
& escape of air between them.
The next improvement consists in the construction of a urinal or
water closet, particularly for public use, and which I propose to con-
struct with a double rim so as to form a channel of water entirely around
it, and into which the water must flow continuously in a gentle stream,
(or intermittently will do for private use,) so as to wash entirely down
the interior of the vessel, which I propose of glass or other well vitrified
substance in order that there be no lodgement whatever, and the foot of
which can be trapped in the usual way. If the water is supplied inter-
nittently as in private use, then the supply cock or valve should be

page_text: placed close by the side of the vessel, and thus the flow of water will be
instantaneous, instead of waiting, as at present, for several seconds for
the water to flow from a cistern above, during which period a con-
siderable amount of effluvia is allowed to escape. If for a water-closet
the channel should be covered with a small rim to gently slope inwards,
of a convenient shape for seat. By the method here proposed no
urinary deposit or excremental matter can possibly accumulate inside
the vessel, as a continuous descending stream, on all sides alike, will
carry everything along with it, and not permit any deposit to take place.
The next arrangemont consists in an improved mode of forming a more
perfect system of sewage, and treating the produce therefrom. These
improved descriptions of sewers I propose to construct, where required,
at a considerable distance underground, say below the lowest part of the
lowest main as now in use, and which I propose to call the sub-main
sewer or sewers, and into which, as far as practicable, all existing sewers
should empty themselves in order to afford better drainage, and give
greater facilities for collecting the sewage manure. I therefore propose
to construct these deep submains on the tunnelling system, and of cast
iron, and in segments of convenient lengths, and well jointed, bolted,
and cemented, in order that no escape of water may take place from
the joints to saturate the adjoining earth and polute the springs of wells,
&c., and also that now foundations of future buildings or sinking of
wells, &c.. may interfere with it. These segmental plates I propose to
make with recesses in the flanges or sockets, in order that the bolts,
cotters, or dovetails & wedges may be secured from the inside of the
sewer, and each length to have the joints broken or crossed in the fix-
ing; all these recesses and joints I propose to be properly filled with
metallic, Roman, or other suitable cement, so as to have the interior of
tube of as even a surface in the water way as possible, and of an equal
diameter throughout. I also propose to use ordinary socket flanged
joints, in certain cases, on cach side of said tube. I
propose to con-
struct a rail bed or bearing for wheels to run upon when necessary, as
will afterwards be explained, the tubes to be of any required strength so
as to withstand any pressure from above, and the excavations can be
conducted, and the tubes filled in every few feet as they proceed, with-

page_text: out any risk or danger to the operatives; and each length of tube, when
properly secured and attached, to be well rammed up with earth work
or other work all around as solid as it is possible to make it. These
segmental lengths of tube will be found very convenient for working if
about 3 feet, 4 feet, or 4ft. 6 long, (the former most recommended).
Thus the real length of excavation need never be more than 4 ft. 6 or
6 feet in advance, which will always be found tolerably secure, and in
general quite free from liability to slips or accidents. All carthwork
excavated can be taken back thro' the tube itself' upon a tram way, and
the plates brought up in return by the same means as back journeys.
These tubes I propose to be provided with proper gulley holes in the
centre of the top, with internal drip rims and external seats for conduit
gulleys to rest upon, and placed at regular distances apart, say about
every six feet, ninc, or twelve feet, or other distance, and covered with
blank studded plates so as to easily lift off when required for the intro-
duction of drainage to them. Also I propose to erect, at certain con-
venient places, air shafts which can be conducted from any of the vacant
gulley holes to the ground surface, and so carried up to any required
height in order to carry away the foul air or sewage effluvia from the
main subdrains, and likewise prevent explosions from confined air
below. These shafts can be constructed of brick or stone; but I pro-
pose to construct them of cast iron with internal flanges, and properly
secured together with bolts, &c, so as to leave the exterior of even finish
with a moulded cap, &c.; or which said shafts 1 also propose to con-
struct them as pillars or columns for statues, &c., which can be placed
on the top of either without at all interfering with the ventilation of
sewer beneath; & thus ornament and use can be combined. At or
near the ground should be placed a door way for workmen, to descend
upon recessed steps or looped footings into the sub-main below for any
equired purpose. These air shafts should be placed at about every
of mile apart, or at any other convenient distance as may be found
desirable.
The rail before alluded to, which I propose to be constructed on
each side of interior of tunnel, say about half way up or so, I propose
to use for the purpose of a tran way, and to construct one or more

page_text: carriages for the purpose of riding thro' the tunnel occasionally to
examine that there should be no great accumulation of deposit, which,
if found, could easily be removed by means of a dash wheel attached
to the axle of the carriage, and set in motion by the men, which
would revolve at a rapid rate like a paddle wheel, and would soon clear
away the deposit with the assistance of the continuous flow of water
as there would be, and which would materially assist the working
of the wheel; or a portable engine could be placed on the same truck
to work the whole affair up & down at leisure. This wheel should be
made to revolve at a few inches clear of the bottom of tunnel. These
tunnels or sub-mains I propose to continue to a convenient distance
from the centre of the town, and under the general level thereof, and
the outlet to be prepared as a large reservoir, within which I construct
one or more dash wheels, or centrifugal or other lifting apparatus, for
the purpose of lifting the sewage water, and to be worked by an engine
or engines. or otherwise; and such wheel and engine or other appa-
ratus to be placed on a revolving bed plate, or otherwise fixed so that
the sewage water may be conducted thereto thro' a limited channel,
and lifted up either in one or more heights by means of said apparatus
into a circular or other channel, which shall communicate with a
number of drainage bels, which can either be constructed as parrallelo-
giams, or as segmental reservoirs, radiating from a centre all around
the lifting apparatus; and the channel of sewage water as lifted or
lischarged from the rising main channel, I propose to be provided with
properly constructed sluices or other apparatus, so as to cut off and
divert the flow of sewage into cither one or more of these drainage
beds or reservoirs, in order that they may be filled alternately, by
which means the solid matter will sink by its own gravity, and the
water will run off at the overflow into a properly constructed channel
prepared to receive it. This partially drained sewage I then propose
to be conveyed to the rinsing mill or mills into where it is discharged.
These mills 1 propose to construct so as to work upon the centrifugal
principle, and the sides prepared either of properly prepared and bedded
horse-hair work, wire work, perforated metal work, flannel work, or
wicker work, or other suitable material, and supported to the frame-

page_text: work of the machine, which I propose to be provided with the means
of allowing the rinsed sewage matter to escape at the bottom of
machine, and discharge itself into the mixing machine, where 1
propose to mix said matter thus partly drained and solidified with peat
charcoal, or other disinfecting or other matter, and then discharge
itself into the drying machine or machines, which I first propose to
effect also by centrifugal apparatus, similar as above described, but
provided with a continuous supply of heated air, so as to cause a
current to rush thro' the entire body of the matter operated upon.
Secondly, I propose to dry said matter by placing it upon iron trays
on carriages, and passed thro' a stove or stoves properly heated, so as
to keep the carriages and stoves as hot as possible, consistent with the
work. These iron trays I propose to construct of finely worked wire
or perforated metal, on proper frames, and each of sufficient capacity
to hold a considerable quantity of matter; say one quarter, one half,
three quarters, or a ton on each waggon, or other quantity, as may be
found most convenient. These stoves to be provided with rails, and at
each extremity iron doors and turn-tables, so as to allow the carriages
to go in and out in the most convenient manner. Also I propose to
rinse and dry it by means of revolving cylinders, either heated or other-
wise, and of a convenient length and slightly inclined, so as to permit
the matter to run in at one end and discharged at the other, and dried
in its passage thro' such cylinder, to be constructed within a heated
kiln or stove, or not, as required. I do not confine myself to mixing
the sewage with the peaty disinfecting or other matter, before rinsing
or drying, or even mixing it with other matters at all, as the sewage
manure can be collected and dried by the above means, and rendered
useful without mixing with charcoal or other matter at all, but it can
cither be introduced and mixed before or after drying or riusing, as
may be found most desirable; but when finished drying, and mixed or
not as required, it can be stored away for sale as required; and if
necessary, the sewage matter can be pulverised in a properly con-
structed mill for that purpose at any stage of the process which may
be deemed most desirable. I propose to adopt these means of
collecting and converting the sewage into marketable manure to

page_text: existing systems of drainage at any place where a considerable quantity
can be collected, in order to give as great a body as possible to operate
upon at one establishment, for the larger the quantity the more
remunerative it will be.
I claim the methods of effecting and carrying out the aforesaid
objects, and the apparatus and means by which they are accomplished,
as herein set forth in this general description, together with the
application of any portion thereof to other useful purposes, wherever
they are or may be found applicable.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Samuel Perkes in the Great Seal Patent Office,
on the 12th April 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
SAMUEL PERKES, Civil Engineer, 1, Walbrook, in the City of London,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the
sixteenth year of Her eign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and succes-
sors, give and grant unto me, the said Samuel Perkes, Her special
licence that T, the said Samuel Perkes, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Samuel Perkes, my
executors. administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands. and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MINES, BUILDINGS, AND SEWERAGE, FOR EFFECT-
ING SANATORY PURPOSES, AND TREATING THE PRODUCE THEREFROM," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Samuel Perkes, by an instru-
ment in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner.
the samic was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in

page_text: the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Samuel Perkes, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, that is to say:
The first part of my Invention relates to the ventilation of mines,
and the nature of which consists of an entirely novel mode or modes of
extracting the foul air or gases therefrom. in order to make them more
healthful to work in, and also to render them less liable to those terrific
explosions which now so frequently occur in consequence of the
accumulation of such deleterious gases, without any efficient means of
escape. To effect this desirable object, I propose to lay a main pipe or
pipes or culverts, of any required diameter, either of iron or other
suitable material, along the floor, or sides, or ceiling, of the mine, and
inserted or otherwise from the shaft to the extremity of the mine, and
to which main I attach side branches to any required distance, direc-
tion, or angle, each terminating with a standard or drop pipe (as the
case may be) against the sides or pillars, or root, or goaf, or any other
part of the mine, with properly protected perforated or latticed orifices,
which may either be bell or funnel mouthed or not, and either inverted
or otherwise, as required for the free admission of the foul air, &c.
These pipes to be jointed and connected either with sockets, or flanges
aud bolts, or otherwise, and all connected with the main or mains which
will be conducted in the most convenient direction towards the shaft,
and carried up the same by means of a continuation of such tube, or
pipes, or culverts, as before described, and when near the surface of the
earth, then, as may be found most convenient in certain situations,
where there is an engine or furnace eniployed, to carry this main air
tube or tubes a little underneath or above the ground to the said
engine, furnace, or chimney, and place the end thereof in such a
position that it can receive the heat from such furnace or chimney, and
which heat will cause a continuous extraction of the foul and vitiated
air or gases from all parts of the mine to which the branches or suction
pipes extend.

page_text: Also in certain situations where mines are worked without an engine
or furnace, then I propose to effect the same object by means of simply
carrying the rising main or foul air tube, either under ground or other-
wise, a few yards, or any convenient distance from the shaft, and cause
it to terminate in a vertical stand pipe, or otherwise, which I also cause
to be heated either by fire, steam, or gas, in certain cases where
necessary, in order to facilitate the extraction of foul air, &c.; such
pipes to be protected at their orifices either with perforated metal or
lattice work, or revolving cowls, or not, as may be required.
The whole of the air culverts or pipes and branches used throughout,
I construct either of iron or other suitable material, and either with
flanged socket or other joints, and so arranged that their joints shall be
packed and made sufficiently close for air tubes of this description; and
in cases where there is more than one shaft to a minc, either or both of
them can be used according to the extent of the mune and area to be
ventilated; and when the external outlet or discharge pipe is once
waimed, the vitiated or foul air will naturally rush up the mains to the
heated part, and which will completely exhaust the mine of the foul air
in a very short period, and at the same time every part of the mine will
be instantaneously filled with a corresponding amount of pure air,
according to the extent of the mine and the capacity of the pipes; and
that every particle of foul air will be completely extracted by exhaustion
from any mine, however foul, and from the most remote part thereof,
whilst a continuous stream of fresh atmospheric air will find its way
down the shaft or shafts themselves to supply its place; and thus every
description of air trap and door-way for regulating the currents of
air (as it is now termed) in mines, as at present existing, may be
abolished altogether, and the dangers attending their regulation by in-
competent and ignorant persons entirely avoided; hence a considerable
saving of money as well as a serious risk to life and property prevented.
Also in very extreme cases, where the nature of the case may require it,
I propose to assist the exhaustion of the foul air by means of a simple
pump, or centrifugal apparatus, similar to a blowing apparatus, as an
auxiliary, and attach it either to the exhaust pipe near the bottom of the
shaft, or on the surface somewhere near to the heated extremity.
I

page_text: These machines can either be worked by power or by hand; but the
latter will be found most convenient, if fixed at or near the bottom of
the shaft, as they can be set in motion by any one of the laborers at
any moment, and will be found very valuable auxiliaries in the event
of any sudden inlet of gases to the mine. I also propose to use the
series of tubes and exhaust pump or fan alone, without the addition of
the heat, if required, and either on the surface or in the mine This
centrifugal fan I would construct of an encased revolving dix or blades,
and admit the foul air into the fan through what is termed a breeches
pipe to each side of the fan, and the discharge ends of the breeches
pipe will require to cover over the entire centre of the side openings of
each side of the fan, and then the air is taken into the fan, exactly at the
centre of the revolving disc; the discharge end from the centrifugal
fan will be connected with the vitiated ascending air tube, and into
which it is discharged.
Each of the terminations of the standard pipes, as arranged about
the mine, 1 propose, in certain cases were required, to supply with a
slide or sluice, or else a covering to the orifice, in order that they may
be closed at pleasure in any part of the minc, if required, whilst any
excess of foul air can be exhausted from the opposite part, or wherever
any sudden influx of foul air may present itself.
I do not confine myself to any particular amount or size of tubes,
either for the mines, or in ascending the shaft; but what I claim is
the mode of operation as herein detailed, and the general application of
this principle to the ventilation of mines, and also for laying throughout
the mines, or series of pipes or tubes for the extraction of foul air, &c.
from any part of the mine, and also causing, by this means, a natural
and healthy supply of fresh atmospheric air to supply its place, which
goes at once directly to the root of the evil, which is almost invariably
the extremity of the workings of the mine. The number of tubes or
pipes, and their respective capacities, can only be determined upon by
the area of the mine itself, and the number of times it may be deemed
necessary to change the air in a given time being known; for by
this simple and efficient auxiliary to nature, the entire cubic contents of
vitiated air from any mine, however extensive, can be exhausted, and

page_text: the mine refilled with pure atmospheric air almost at pleasure; and this
can be entirely arranged so as to be self-acting in all cases where there
is a furnace or fire to warm the outlets; but in cases where a cen-
trifugal fanning apparatus may be deemed necessary, its working must
be provided for with either manual labor or power; but if the tubes are
properly laid, I can scarcely conceive a case where such a fan may be
required.
The next part of my Invention relates to the adoption of a system of
using water and a solution of lime or steam for certain mines, each of
which propose to distribute about the mine, either by a portable
forcing engine and rose jet, or by a series of gravitation pipes from
the surface, if required. The using of lime in solution forced or
sprinkled about the mine by means of pipes and rose jets, &c., will
cause a very healthy and refreshing atmosphere, and more especially
in connection with the exhaust pipes as aforesaid for the extraction of
the vitiated air. By the adoption of the foregoing principles of
ventilating, purifying, and exchanging the foul and vitiated air in mines,
which I claim, the majority of these kind of accidents to life and pro-
perty can be prevented, as the operation of the principle and extraction
of the foul air is thus entirely beyond the control of any individual
whatever in all cases where there is an engine au furnace to work the
mine, as the tubular exhaust pipe being connected with the furnace
itself, the action of the fire will, of its own accord, exhaust the air from
every part of the mine in a few minutes, and which will be replaced by
pure atmosphric air, several times over, during the short interval which
is employed by the engine tender in getting up the steam, before the
men can by any means descend into the mine to commence their daily
toil; which fact, itself, will be a very satisfactory security against
accidents; and in cases where there is no engine or furnace, it is only
then for the foreman of the mine to see that a small fire is made
around the standard or exhaust pipe upon the pit bank, as before
lescribed, for a short time prior to the workmen being allowed to
descend into the mine, and then the same results will ensue as.above
named in the case of the engine or furnace, and the hotter the orifice
of-the exhaust-tube becomes, the more rapid will be the exhaustion of

page_text: vitiated air, and consequent purification of the mine, whereby its sana-
tory condition will be very materially enhanced, and the general health
of the workmen improved.
The nature of the next part of my Invention consists of an improved
mode of ventilating, warming, and cooling buildings, and constructing
roofs, with a view to stimulate a more healthy exercise of the true prin-
ciples of ventilation, heating, &c., and improving their sanatory condi-
tion in general, and which I perform as follows:-
T
In ventilating buildings in general. I employ a series of vitiated air
reception pipes, bell or funnel mouthed, or otherwise, to apertures left
around the walls and about the ceilings of each apartment requiring to be
ventilated; these reception pipes to be carried through the floors between
the joists, where required, to mains to be built in the walls or otherwise,
and as soon as may be practicable to be connected to one or more of the
sub-mains, which must be conducted to a general main or vitiated air
shaft, the upper part of which I propose to heat when necessary by
means of fire, gas, water, or steam, as may be most convenient, at or
near the outlet, in order to facilitate the, extraction of foul air, and such
main outlet or outlets to be either provided with a revolving cowl where
necessary, or not. Also where cornices are employed in rooms, I propose
to separate them at intervals from the ceiling, so as to leave openings
through the same or between the mouldings thereof, and connect them
to branch receivers previously prepared, and placed in or attached to the
walls to receive the same, thus forming a series of tubes communicating
from the upper part of the walls and ceilings to the main vitiated air
shaft already alluded to. These pipes or tubes I construct either of iron,
zinc, copper, or other suitable material; and in certain cases I propose
to leave one or more openings along the walls near the ceiling, provided
also with leading tubes as aforesaid, in any required direction. Such
orifices, where required. 1 propose to cover either with perforated metal
wire gauze, flannel, and horse hair, or other suitable material, and which
can be stained or colored, where required, to match the color of any
apartment wherein they may be placed, so as to render such vitiated air
outlets as slightly conspicuous as possible.
I also propose to construct flowers, moldings, ornaments, and enrich-

page_text: ments, or parts thereof, for ceilings, cornices, &c., either in panels or
otherwise, of wire work, zinc, copper, horse hair, or other suitable
inaterial, whereby and wherein perforations and openings can be luft
almost imperceptible to a casual observer, but by and through which
such ornaments, &c. the ventilation can be effectually carried to the
receiving pipes, as aforesaid, and assisted where required by means of a
small centrifugal blowing or exhausting fan placed at or near the main
vitiated air shaft, and so arranged as to form a connecting or auxiliary
link between the said vitiated air shaft and the main conduit pipes
leading thereto.
In warming 1 propose to use hot water, but on a different principle
to what is now ordinarily employed, and for cooling I propose to use
J
cold water, and in certain special cases I propose to use ice or a re-
frigorating apparatus to reduce the temperature of the water in very hot
weather; and I propose to effect the listribution of such waters as above
described by gravitation from an upper apartment in all cases where it
can by any means be effected, but where it is not convenient, then from
the basement or kitchen. and so pump the waters to a cistern or reser-
voir situated in the upper part of the building in order that the waters
may descend throughout the whole building where required. and then
discharge itself also into another cistern or reservoir situated likewise
also in the upper story, at a few feet below the level of the supply cis-
tern, and by which means the water will always find its own way through
the whole series of pipes, and to every part of the building, by its own
gravity alone, to where the pipes are laid. And from each of the supply
cisterns of hot and cold water I would attach one or more mains, and
from thence branches to supply any required apartment, so that they
may each be respectively supplied at will with any amount of heat or
cold that may be required. These branch pipes I propose to conduct
either under the floors, or at the back of the skirting, or wainscoting,
or otherwise, as may be desired. These wainscotings and skirtings I
propose to be filled in with panels of plain, or colored, or ornamental
glass, or china, or earthenware, or other suitable material, and either
perforated or not, as may be found necessary for the free admission of
the temperature of the pipes. To all these series of pipes I propose,
P

page_text: where necessary, to provide them with proper regulating stop-cocks and
valves. Also in each apartment, or where required, I propose to place a
regulating valve box, with a double valve cock or valve in it, viz., one half
of such valve box or cock to be used for the hot water, and the other for
the cold water. In the central junction of this valve box, where the two
temperatures of waters meet, I place a packing of a few thicknesses of
flannel, horse hair, or wire guage, or felt, or any of these combined.
This packing place in the interior of the cold water branch by means
of an interior stuffing box prepared to receive the same, and through
which the cold water is delivered into immediate contact with the warm,
and which simple arrangement will provent all that horrible dithering
noise so continually made on board steam ships, locomotive engines.
baths, &c.
Therefore I claim the application of this principle just enumerated,
of inserting such packings in such cases for steam engines generally
or other purposes, where icquired, as it is quite. new. On the face of
such valve box I attach a dial.plate and handles, so as to regulate
cach valve to the greatest nicety as to the amount of heat or cold
required by the occupants of any particular apartment, for both these
valve cocks discharge themselves into one whenever the waters mix,
and the temperature is thus regulated, and from thence flows through
the apartment, as required; and any reasonable amount of heat or cold
can be given at pleasure simply by the adjustment of the small
handles over the dial plate of the valve box, which is provided with
an index of figures or degrees plainly marked thercon, both for the
hot and cold supply, and the handles can be turned at pleasure to
any required degree. These valve boxes I propose to insert in any
wall or closet, and the exterior 1 propose to make in certain cases
quite ornamental, such as a bracket for a clock or time-piece or
sculpture, and within each of which can be arranged one or two small
private doors to cover the dial plates and handles respectively. It is
not absolutely necessary for the regulation valves to be thus fixed in
any apartment, but their convenience will be very great, and any
amount of decoration can be combined with their utility. In some
establishments these arrangements can be conducted from the cuisine

page_text: by an almost self-acting apparatus in connection with the kitchen
range, but in all cases where practicable the cuisine should be placed
on the top part of the building, and the whole heating apparatus can
be thus arranged by the simple gas cooking stove or ordinary cooking
range, if necessary. I also propose to heat the water, where required,
in the reservoir itself. by means of gas jets or a small furnace, either
underneath or through the same; but, as before observed, it can be
effected from the basement or ordinary cooking apartment, as now
existing, as each of the reservoirs or cisterus I propose to supply with
self-regulating valves and stop-cocks, where required. The pipes I
propose to use for warming or cooling such apartments are of iron,
copper, or other suitable material, and in certain cases where required
to be coated inside and out with enamel or vitrified or glass substances, -
but enamelled wrought iron I prefer where extreme purity is required.
By these simple means of warining and ventilating I also propose in
certain cases, where required. to dispense either partially or entirely
with the use of fireplaces and chimneys as ordinarily constructed, and
to substitute in lieu thereof this mode of heating and ventilating for
the ordinary living rooms of the establishment, as all that is required will
be one or more vitiated air shafts for the complete warming and venti-
lating of a very large establishment, and which shaft or shafts will be
so arranged as to receive the vitiated air conduit pipes, as before
described. from between the floors and ceilings and walls, and where-
soever they may be placed. Thus, a very considerable expense will be
saved in constructing and fitting up chimney breasts and fireplaces with
stoves, &c. in every apartment, in addition to which the annoyance
from dust, &c. arising therefrom will be prevented, and at the same
time the occupants of each separate apartinent so provided with this
apparatus will have the control of the temperature at will by the
simple valve box already alluded to, and which, together with the
meaus provided for the outlet of the vitiated air, as before described,
will very materially add to the comfort and sanatory condition of any
place wherein they are employed, and which means as aforesaid
described are entirely new, and which arrangements I claim.
I next propose to employ pipes or tubes along the ridges of roofs, and

page_text: caves also, or over the window or door leads, and so arranged as to permit
a stream of water to be forced through them by any ordinary means on
hot sultry days, and such tubes to be perforated so as to allow the
water to escape from the samic over the roof, and also from the caves
or window heads, &c., or wherever they may for convenience be fixed,
and when the water is discharged it will render the atmosphere within
the building much more cool and pleasant than it otherwise would be.
Open gutters I also propose to use for this purpose, but horizontal per-
forated tubes I prefer, and the waste water from any of the aforegoing
methods I propose to use, where practicable, for the supply of fountains,
&c. either for public or private use, in certain situations where required.
The next arrangements propose whereby buildings can be ren-
dered more healthy and useful is a novel and improved mode of
constructing the roofs, the rafters for which I construct of several
shapes, most of which have each grooved edges or recesses in the
side wherein and whereon the sheets of glass or slate, or other
covering material, can rest from one rafter to another in single thick-
nesses, with about one and half to three inches weather lapping,
which will render the roof covering much less weighty than as at
present constructed, which requires a slated roof to be in reality two
layers in thickness throughout. The sheets of glass. slate, or other
covering material I propose to affix or attach to the grooved rafters,
and to each other, by means of copper or galvanized iron hooked
slips, of even, or in some cases various thicknesses, so as to keep the
slates, glass, or covering sheets at any required distance apart in the
overlapping, should it be deemed necessary, in order that a free circu-
lation of air may be obtained between them for the sake of health, and
also that they may be easily taken out and restored, if any should be
broken; or, where required, they can be bedded close upon each other,
without the copper or galvanized iron slips aforesaid; the ends of such
sheets to be filled over with and bedded upon putty or cement or
other suitable material, and covered over with capping plates or not,
as may be required. Also I propose to lay sheets of glass, slates, or
other covering upon the timbers only from one to the other, and in
like manner as laid in the grooves, only that they are laid from rafters

page_text: to rafter on the top thereof, and there secured. The ends are then
filled over with suitable cement or mortar, and covered over by means
of a strong central weather plate for covering, and attached to the
rafters by means of screws, nails, or ridge spikes, screwed or otherwise.
These rafters may be placed at any required distance apart, so as to
provide for the various sized sheets or slates which it may be deemed
most advisable to use. This mode of fixing slates, tiles, glass, or other
sheets on roofs I claim, together, with the application thereto of grooved
and other rafters for the said sheets, &c. to slide in and rest upon,
and also the formation of such rafters or any slight variation thereof,
either of iron or wood or other suitable material, and either solid or
combined, and in one or more materials when required, and also for
this novel mode of laying slates or sheets for roofing. This kind of
roofing will also be found very useful and of economical construction,
and where roof lights are required a sheet of slate or other material
can be at any time removed, and a simple sheet of glass put in in lieu
the cof, which will save at any time the breaking up of the roof in the
event of requiring a skylight for the upper stories at any future time,
and these lights I propose to provide with the means of lifting up and
down, if necessary. Windows, louvres, and turrets, or such like
windows or ventilators, where ventilation is required, I propose to
construct with vertical sheets of glass or other suitable material,
standing before each other in two thicknesses, but so arranged that
they shall stand at any required distance apart, and also made to slide
towards each other, if required, in any direction, and so arranged that
the sheets of one thickness shall stand before the aperture of the
others to break the currents of air. These sheets I would also use
either with flat or concave or convex surfaces, as may be required, and
each of which I claim for.
The next improvement consists in the construction of urinals and
water closets, for the first of which I propose to construct an upright
reception pan with a double rim or case, so as to form a channel of
water entirely around it, and into which the water will flow in a gentle
stream, either intermittently or continuously, as may be required; and
the great advantage over ordinary closet pans will be, that instead of

page_text: the water being admitted through a tube at one part of the pan only, it
will, in my improved pan, be admitted equally all around, by which
means the soil or ammoniacal deposit from urine, &c. will be prevented
from accumulating upon the sides of the vessel, which can be con-
structed either of iron, glass, or other suitable material, and the bottom
trapped in any of the ordinary ways now in use. I also propose to
construct a portable commode pan, either in connection with the above,
or to be used separately, of glass or other suitable material, which J
furnish with a suitable lid, either attached with hinges or catches, and
provided with a ring of india-rubber all around, or other suitable sub-
stance, so as to provent the escape of the effluvia as far as possible
before removal; this will be found very useful for invalids, and espe-
cially so in cases where required for medical examination in illness, &c.
I further propose to apply the article of glass to the construction of all
kinds of water-closet paus, and dished or hollow urinals in general,
which will be found better calculated for keeping clean than any other
substance whatever, whereby the sanatory condition of such conve-
niences will be very materially improved, and which novel application I
claim, together with the construction of the water-closet pan and the
portable commode, as above described.
The next part of my Invention consists of an improved method of
forming a more perfect system of sewerage and treating the producc
therefrom. These improved descriptions of sewers I propose to con-
struct, where required, at a considerable depth, to form a completo
main sub-sewer or sewers below the lowest part of the lowest sewer
as now in use, and which I propose to call the sub-main sewer or
sewers, and into which, as far as practicable, I would discharge all
existing sewers, in order to afford better drainage, and give greater
facilities for collecting the sewage therefrom. And in order that the
public streets or traffic may not be interfered with, and with a view to
save the enormous expense of forming such sub-mains from the surface,
I propose to construct them, as far as practicable, on the tunnelling
principle, and of cast iron of convenient lengths and in segments, or
otherwise, for convenience of removal and erection. The joints I would
either form of sockets or flanges, and bolted or otherwise recessed, so

page_text: as to admit of easy and secure connection, and the joints properly
cemented, in order that no escape of sewage matter may take place to
the injury of private wells or springs which may be adjacent; and
I would also construct these seven tunnels of sufficient strength, so that
they shall be able to carry the weight of any reasonable superstructure
which may be above or hereafter placed there. These segmental plates
I propose to form with recesses, where required, in the flanges or
sockets, in order that, whichever mode of joining them may be
adopted, the method of securing them together shall be recessed from
the interior surface, especially at the bottom portion of such tunnel, and
when secured together in their places, then to be filled up
with proper
and durable cement, and finished quite level and even with the interior
surface of such tunnel, with a view to prevent any accumulation of
stones or soil and other foreign matters in such recesses, &c., and
which will leave a perfectly even and clear water way of equal
diameter throughout, and free from liability to obstruction. These
tubes or tunnels will require to be of large dianieter, which can only be
decided upon according to the area to be so drained; but in any case
where it is necessary to employ these main arteries or sub-drains, they
will always be required of sufficient diameter to enable the excavations,
&c. to be performed within itself immediately cat the advance of the
erection of the tube. And on cach side of such tube I propose to cast
a projection of a few inches, so as to form a tramway or bearing for a
tramway for trucks to run upon right through the tunnel from end to
end, by which means the workinen can be taken up and down to their
work When necessary, all the excavated earth can be run through the
tunnel from the excavation to the mouth as fast as it may be procured,
and the cast iron plates and materials can be taken up by back
carriage; and in addition to which, arrangements can be easily adopted
so that the tunnel can be brought into use as fast as it is completed,
within about fifty yards or so, which must be left for convenience of the
workmen and their materials. If a large size tunnel of, say, twelve to
twenty feet diameter, such as would probably be requisite for metropo-
litan use, than double lines of rails can be worked throughout, which
will enable the work to be performed in much less time than otherwise.

page_text: The segmental plates may be cast of any convenient length, but about
two or three feet I would recommend, in order that all dangers from
advanced excavations may as far as possible be avoided, and cach
length of segmental plates to break joints with the length preceding it.
Then, say, if three feet cach, the excavation will only require to be
about that distance in advance of the secured or finished part, and at
every three feet advanced excavation, then keep adding another ring of
plates, which should be very particularly well rammed up quite solid all
round the exterior upon every additional three feet by plates as the
work advances; and by this simple arrangement very little danger need
be apprehended from falling in of earth work above, for at only one
step backwards the men will be entirely protected by the substantial
portion of the tube already constructed, and which no pressure from
above will affect if properly constructed; also, in the event of meeting
with any sudden influx of water, they will by this means be quite
secure, as the tunnel will be secured during construction from about the
upper half of its diameter with cross sleepers and tramways, upon
which the workmen can at any time mount and run themselves in
their carriages through the tunnel in a very few minutes, if necessary,
whilst the water will be beneath them in the lower half of the tube.
These tunnels or main-tube sewers I propose to be provided with
proper gulley holes, either in the centre of the top or other convenient
position, and provided with internal drip rims, when necessary, and
external seats for conduit gulleys to rest upon, and placed at any con-
venient distance apart, say about six, eight, ten, or twelve feet, so they
may be conveniently found and made available for the admission of
sewage, whenever required. and covered over with blank, studded, or
flanged dates so as to casily lift off and be taken away at any time the
drainage is required to be conducted thereto. Also, I propose to erect
at convenient places air shafts, which can be conducted from any of the
vacaut gulley holes to the ground surface, and so carried up to any
required height, which should always be fully as high as the surround-
ing buildings, in order to carry away the foul air or sewage effluvia
from the main sub-drains, and likewise prevent the accumulation and
injurious effects of confined air below.

page_text: I also propose to apply suh description of air tubes or shafts to any
ordinary sewers now in public use. These shafts can be constructed
either plain or ornamental, and a brick, or stone, or other suitable
material, or iron, which latter I would prefer, with internal flanges and
properly secured together with bolts, &c., so as to leave the exterior if
even finish with a moulded cap, &c. I also propose to construct these
shafts in certain cases so as to resemble pillars or columns for monu-
ments, statues, &c., which can be placed on the top of either without
at all interfering with the ventilation of the sewer beneath, and thus
ornament can be combined with utility to a very considerable degree,
and they will also serve as land marks to notify the line of sub-sewer.
In certain cases, also. around the foot of such columns or adjoining
thereto, where required, I propose to construct a public cistern or
water fountain, or water closets, or urinals, which can be kept regu-
larly supplied with water, as may be required. At the foot of cach or
any of these columns or air shafts I also propose to construct a small
door way for the use of workmen at any future time to descend to the
sub-mains by means of recessed or looped or other stepping places, which
will be very convenient for examination. These air shafts should be
placed at about every quarter of a mile apart, or at any other con-
venient distance, as may be found desirable. The rail bearings before
alluded to, which I propose to be constructed in each side of the tunnel,
say about half way up. &c., I also propose to use for the purpose of a
permanent tramway, and to construct one or more portable carriages to
work thereon by hand gear for the purpose of riding through the
tunnel occasionally to examine the state thereof, to see whether there
are any great accumulations of deposits, which if discovered could easily
be removed by means of a portable machine which I propose to con-
struct so as to run upon the tramway aforesaid, and provided with onc
or more paddle wheels made to revolve by means of suitable gearing,
and driven either by hand or engine power. The paddle wheel or wheels
should be of sufficient diameter to reach nearly to the bottom of the
said sewers or tunnels, and worked in the direction of the outflow, and
this arrangement will probably be found of great benefit to the free
working of the sewer if such paddle wheels were occasionally worked

page_text: through the whole length of such tunnel, as it would agitate all
sedimentary deposit, and would greatly facilitate its being carried away
by the assistance of the continual streams of water running into the
same. Engine power can be used in such tunnel, provided there are
sufficient air shafts constructed as the work proceeds.
These tunnels or sub-mains I propose to carry to any convenient
locality from the district to be subdrained, and from under the lowest
level thereof, and the outlet to be prepared as a receiving reservoir.
which should be brought sufficiently low so as to receive the sewage so
discharged; and if the locality will not admit of a low surface level, then
such reservoir to be excavated to such depth as may be required, and
the sewage lifted to the surface by menus of ordinary pumping apparatus,
if required. But what particularly propose to be constructed for this
ppose is a narrow rectangular channel or channels of convenient size,
and continue the same as far as may be required, according to the
height of the surface level of the locality. This channel I would
construct on ascending clevations so as to raise the sewage a certain
elevation at a time, say five to ten or twenty feet each rise, according
to the size and power of the apparatus I propose to employ I then
propose to construct and apply to sewage purposes a description of
common paddle wheel, and would recommend the dash boards thereof
to be set at an inclination from the radial line of centre, and worked
inversely, and either curved or otherwise, so that the water or sewage
cannot be carried round the pheriphery of the blades by centrifugal force.
These wheels can be worked by means of engine power placed in any
convenient situation; but a pair, viz., one to each side of cach wheel,
would be most advantageous, so that a continuous working may bo
depended upon, and by this nicans any amount of sewage can be
worked to the surface from any depth required. I do not confine
myself exclusively to the precise mode of lifting the sewage as hero
stated by paddle wheels, but propose to use any ordinary pumps, if
considered more desirable, and likewise the sub-main sewers 1 propose
in certain cases to construct of brick or stone or either combined with
iron linings, but iron 1 prefer, and either galvanised or plain, for all the
works as. included in this Specification, where required.

page_text: I do not confine myself either to use only one series of paddle wheels,
but propose two or more series in works of magnitude, if required. The
sewage I then propose to be discharged into a circular or other channel,
which shall communicate with a number of drainage beds or resorvoirs,
which can either be constructed as paralleograms or as segmental
reservoirs radiating from a centre round the lifting and discharging
apparatus; and the stream of sewage water. as thus lifted or discharged
from the main tunnel. &c.. I propose to be provided with properly con-
structed sluices or other convenient modes of cutting off and directing
the outflow of sewage into either one or more of these drainage beds or
reservoirs in order that they may be filled alternately, by which means
the solid matter will sink by its own gravity, and the water will run off'
at the overflow into a properly constructed channel prepared to receive
it. These reservoirs and sundry works I construct with high walls, all
around, if required, in order that the neighbourhood shall not be affected
by any nuisance from the works. This partially drained sedimentary
sewage I then propose to be conveyed to the rinsing mill or mills, into
where it is discharged either by its own gravity down an inclined
channel, or by simple Archimedian screw lifting apparatus. These
mills I propose to construct so as to work upon and apply thereto the
contrifugal principle, either horizontal or vertical, and the sides of such
niachine or machines prepared either of wire work, horse hair, perforated
inetal work, fanuel or felt. or wicker work. or either one or more of
these materials combined, and supported to the frame work of the
machine, which is also provided with the means of allowing the rinsedl
sewage matter to escape therefrom by an aperture at the bottom. or by
a conduit pipe at the top, and into which the contrifugal action of the
machine will force it, and from either of which it discharges itself into
the mixing machine, which is a combination of rollers working in an
encased enclosure. Their peripheries. I have either plain, or with
projections on their surfaces, and working into each other, and working
cither horizontally or otherwise, and into which machine I admit the
said partially drained sowage matter on the one side, and on the other
side a quantity of sifted ash brees or peat charcoal or other disinfecting
substance, which meeting and mixing together with the sewage will

page_text: cause it to become more solidified, and somewhat pulverised in its passage
through the rollers, from whence I discharge it into the drying machine
or machines, which I first propose to effect also by centrifugal apparatus,
similar as before described, but provided with a continuous supply of
heated air so as to cause a current to rush through the entire body of
the matter to be operated upon. Secondly, I propose to dry the said
matter by placing it upon large iron trays on portable carriages, and
passed through a stove or stoves properly heated so as to keep the
carriages, trays, and stoves as hot as possible consistent with the work
required. These trays I propose to construct either of sheet iron or of
finely worked wire work or perforated sheets on iron frames, and each
of sufficient capacity to hold a considerable quantity, say about a
quarter or half a 'ton, or one ton cach, spread thinly and somewhat evenly
over its surface. These stoves I propose to construct of iron, brick, or
stone, or a combination of the same, and of a considerable length, so
that the carriages may be admitted at one end, and taken out at the
other end. and in consequence of the length of the stove they will dry
in their transit through. The fines for heating can be placed along
cach side, and feil from the exterior, and the smoke and effluvia from
the diying and underground flues can be all carried to the one main
air shaft for that purpose. Also in some situations I propose to simply
burn the coals for the purpose of cooking them, and so economise the
use of the fuel for drying the sewage manure, which can be easily
affected by a simple arrangement in the furnaces, so that their backs
and flues shall afford heat to the drying stove for that purpose.
These stoves will require to be provided with rails for carriage way,
turntables, &c., so as to allow the carriages to be taken in and out in
the most convenient manner. Also the stoves to have iron sliding doors,
cither vertically or horizontally, to fit close for the confinement in the
heat internally as far as possible. I also propose to rinse and dry the
sewage produce by means of revolving cylinders, either heated or other-
wise, as may be required, and of a convenient length, and slightly
inclined, so as to permit the matter to be run in at one end and to be
discharged at the other, and driod in its passage through, such cylinders
to be constructed within a heated kiln or stove or otherwise to give them

page_text: heat as required. I do not confine myself to the mixing of the peats,
disinfecting or other matter, with the sewage produce, before rinsing
or dressing or even mixing it with such matters at all, as the sewage
manure can be collected, and solidified, and dried by the above means.
and rendered useful for agricultural or other purposes without mixing
with peat charcoal or other matter at all; but it can either be introduced
and mixed before or after drying or rinsing, as may be found most
desirable; and when the produce is thus finished drying and mixed or
not, as required, it can be stored away for sale, similar to guano, or
substances of the like nature.
| propose to adopt these means of collecting and converting the
sewage into marketable manure to all existing systems of drainage at
any place required, and where a considerable quantity can be collected,
n order to give as great a body as possible to be operated upon at one
establishment; for the larger the quantity of sewage the more produce
and remuneration will ensuc, as the greater part of this system of col-
lection and conversion of sewage will be effected by mechanical means,
simply requiring superintendance, and will regularly deliver itself in
continuous rotation from one process to the other from beginning to end
by their simple arrangements herein set forth; and the last machine will
consist of a simple hopper so arranged that the finished and dried pro-
duce shall be discharged thereinto from the carriages and drying appa-
ratus as they arrive through the stove and get cool, and from which
hopper the sacks will feed themselves, and then be removed by the person
in charge of the store in a marketable shape.
Now I claim as my Invention the novel modes of effecting and
carrying out the aforesaid sanatory objects contained in the whole of this
Specification, so far as they are new, together with the within-described
means and apparatus by which they are respectively accomplished, as
herein set forth and described, either separately or collectively, together
with the application of any portion thereof to any other useful purpose
or purposes where they are or may be found applicable.
I also especially claim the application of iron for the formation of
sub-main sewers or tunnels, as herein described, and also for ordinary
sewers in general as a substitute for brick sewers, and also for the appli-

page_text: cation thereof (either cast or wrought) to the formation of railway and
other tunnels in general, and for all kinds of public works where tunnels
are required instead of brick or stone work. Another form of portable
carriage for the workmen to ascend through the tunnel by whilst it is
constructing, and which can either be run along the bottom or along the
planked tramway before alluded to, I construct with a single saddle
bar, either straight or curved, and upon which the person sits. Attached
to this bar in a linear direction, I fix two wheels of any convenient dia-
meter; the first one of which is provided with a swivel and handle.
which the individual holds to guide himself as required, whilst he sits
across the saddle bar and impels himself forward with his feet at any
rate he pleases. 1 claim also tho design, make, and use of this portable
carriage for the aforesaid or other uses where it may be found applicable,
and particularly for exercise of children, &c., whereby their health will
be materially improved.
In witness whereof. the said Samuel Perkes hath hereunto set his
hand and seal, this Twelfth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
SAMUEL PERKES. (L.S.)