matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
A NEW AND IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN PERSONS AT ANY DISTANCE FROM ONE ANOTHER
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Cantrell Gibbs at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th December 1883.
GEORGE CANTRELL GIBBS of 10 Clare Terrace West Brompton in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer "A NEW AND IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING
BETWEEN PERSONS AT ANY DISTANCE FROM ONE ANOTHER
"
In order to produce a simple and efficient communication by which two or more
persons may speak by signs, names, letters or number I provide two or more boxes
or cases of any convenient size which I place at any distance from one another.
These boxes may be fixed to a wall or post. On the outside of this box I affix a
dial plate and around which I write names, questions to be asked or answered also
the alphabet or numbers as may be desired preferably radial from the centre of the
dial plate so as a hand or pointer fixed to a spindle may point to any individual
name question letter or number. Inside the cases and secured to the spindles I fix
two drums which may be turned by means of the hands or pointers in either
direction. Around the drums I turn a wire gut line or other convenient fibrous
material which is kept stretched out between the two or more boxes by means of
weights or springs attached to the ends of the lines, and by turning either one of
the hands or pointers the drum revolves which in turn drives the pointer on the
other instrument to the sign alphabet or numbers required and an answer may be
made in return by reversing the band or pointer. On the side of the drum or
secured to the spindle in any convenient position I fix a ratchet wheel which
actuates a lever or spring causing a hammer to strike a bell in order to cause the
attention of the persons using either instrument to be drawn to it.
Another form of apparatus I sometimes prefer to use is that in which I arrange
a slide instead of a circular dial or face plate the hand or pointer is fitted into a
sliding groove and points to either the names alphabets or numbers. The same
apparatus for ringing the bell is used.
For some purposes I provide an endless wire or gut or other convenient fibrous
material, instead of the single line referred to in the first part I may also use a
drum or cylinder having the names alphabets or numbers on its surface.

page_text: In order to show the correspondence or make any message register itself so as to
be read afterwards I provide at the back or in any convenient position close to the
above forms of apparatus a drum around which is coiled a sheet or sheets of
paper at the back of the pointer or hand I affix a pencil or marker preferably of
lead the paper is fed forward by feeding rollers (actuated by the pointer or hand) to
any required distance and the pencil pressing against the paper produces a device
that may be easily deciphered.
Where more than one bell is used for different rooms I may use a switch or
lever to thrust over the wire gut line or other convenient fibrous material to the
dial plate thereby using only one dial plate to many bells.
IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC PENS
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Duncan Cameron at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th October 1883.
DUNCAN CAMERON trading as Macniven and Cameron of Edinburgh Wholesale
Stationer "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC PENS'
"
My invention consists in the improvements hereinafter described in metallic pens
whereby the pens are made to take up a larger quantity of ink than pens of the
ordinary construction and are free from the inconveniences attending most of the
so called fountain pens.
I make in each of the nibs of the pen a U shaped or other like incision thereby
forming a semi-detached tongue which I bend inwards that is from the outer convex
side of the pen into the inner concave side so as to make the said tongues incline
at a greater or less angle to the part from which they are cut. The tongue may be
turned either towards the point of the pen or in the reverse direction and may
either be straight or curved.
Besides making one of the said tongues in each nib of the pen a third incision
and tongue may be made in the line of the middle slit the said middle slit
terminating in the said middle incision
Although I have found that two side tongues either alone or combined with a
middle tongue answer well in practice yet I do not limit myself to any particular
number of the said tongues.
Pens made according to my invention take up more than twice the quantity
of ink taken up by ordinary pens and deliver it as required to the point of the pen
in writing.
My improvements are applicable both to slip and barrel pens
APPAratus for CLOSING VESSELS, DOORS, AND SUCH LIKE AIRTIGHT, AND FOR PACKING PISTONS AND OTHER OBJECTS.
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Emil Leinert at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 17th November 1883.
EMIL LEINERT of the City of Dresden and German Empire APPAratus for
CLOSING VESSELS, DOORS, AND SUCH LIKE AIRTIGHT, AND FOR PACKING PISTONS
AND OTHER OBJECTS.
My Invention relates to improvements in apparatus for closing openings of
various section and making the same air tight.
The apparatus consists of an upper plate, lower plate and square bolt with handle
for connecting both plates.
The upper plate is provided with a number of slide guides on the inner side, in
the present case 16, in which the said arms can be slid outwards in radial
direction.
These arms carry a number of teeth which are arranged in the form of a right
handed screw thread. The heads of these arms are, in the present arrangement
for a vessel closure, semicircularly hollowed out whereas like cavities are formed
in corresponding parts of the vessel
The spaces so formed serve to receive the packing rings which are either
arranged in the hollow of the arms or in the rim of the vessels.
The lower plate of corresponding form with the upper plate carries a spiral coil
Corresponding to the arrangement of the teeth on the arms.-The bolt which
connects the two plates to each other is fixed in the upper plate and is moveably
arranged in the lower plate.-If the plate is turned, by means of the handle to the
bolt, to the right, the coil on the lower plate slides between the teeth of the arms
and compels the said arms to move from the centre outwards. The ends press
hereby equally on the packing ring whereby a perfectly airtight closure is
attained.
Three apparatus can be combined side by side. The centre apparatus carries a
right hand spiral thread. The right and left hand apparatus carry on the other
hand a left hand thread. The spiral is in this case cut or milled into the upper
plates and the edge of each of these plates is toothed. The central plate is firmly
connected to the bolt.
A number of bolts are arranged to slide in the guides on the lower square plate.

page_text: Two of the bolts are arranged radial to a circular plate, five bolts, radial to the
one side plate, & five bolts radial to the other side plate. These bolts are
provided with teeth which are spirally arranged in correspondence with the
aforenamed spirals.-If the centre plate is turned to the right by means of the
handle to the fixed bolt, not only the first five bolts are moved from the centre
outwards but the rotary movement of the plate is transferred to the side plates so
that the same are moved to the left and in consequence of the left hand arrangement
of the spirals the corresponding bolts moved from the centre outwards.
The bolts catch in the rim of the frame and connect in this manner the plate
with the frame.
In this manner it is possible to close openings of any desired section by adapting
one or a combination of several apparatus to the same.
IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN PASSENGERS AND GUARDS OF RAILWAY TRAINS.
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Darby at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd February 1883.
WILLIAM DARBY of Margate in the County of Kent
"IMPROVED MEANS OR
APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN PASSENGERS AND GUARDS OF RAILWAY
TRAINS.
"
My Invention relates to improved means for enabling passengers in railway
trains to communicate an alarm to the guard and simultaneously operate au
indicator denoting the carriage whence the alarm proceeded.
The apparatus of my Invention is efficient and comparatively inexpensive and it
consists of a series of indicators or signal apparatus and bells or gongs arranged in
the guards van, combined with special cords or connections which run along the
train, one being appropriated to each carriage and furnished with as many pull
handles as there are compartments in each carriage. There would be as many
separate indicators and alarms as there are carriages composing the train. The
connections extend along the train inside the carriages, or outside along the roof or
other convenient position and the pull handles depend therefrom in a readily
accessible position. The pull handles are attached to the communicator cords by
means of bell crank levers, and the communicator cords are connected to the
indicating apparatus by similar levers so proportioned and arranged as to enable
the slack of the communicator cords to be quickly taken up when the pull handles
are drawn down and ensure the immediate and unfailing operation of the apparatus.
The bells and indicators in the guards van are so combined that the movement
given to the connections will simultaneously sound one of the alarms and bring
the appropriate indicator before an opening in a frame in which they are fitted.
The indicators bear distinguishing marks or numbers corresponding respectively
to the positions of the carriages in the train to which they are respectively
connected in making up the train.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SCRIBBLING AND CARDING ENGINES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Harry Marsden at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th August 1883.
HARRY MARSDEN of Huddersfield in the County of York "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SCRIBBLING AND CARDING ENGINES"
This invention relates to that part of scribbling and carding Machinery known
as the "feeding portion" and has for its object the obtaining of a more uniform
and regular layer of the fibrous substances to be scribbled or carded before passing
into the scribbling portion of the Machine. By this means all weighing of the
fibrous substances by the attendant is dispensed with and a more uniform, regular,
and proper feed is obtained.
According to this my invention I employ between the two fans a sheet forming
a partition so as to enable the fans to act at greater advantage upon the fibre in
forwarding the latter to the delivery rollers-I dispense with the two vertical
endless sheets and employ a horizontal sheet-The machine is driven from the axle
of the feed roller nearest the breast roller by means of a chain passed round
pulley on the bottom sheet roller top and lower spiked roller and the delivery
roller.
MENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR " EXPLOSIVE STORES OTHER BUILDINGS WARMING
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walker Whittle at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd March 1883.
WALKER WHITTLE of Whitehaven in the County of Cumberland IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR
" EXPLOSIVE STORES
OTHER BUILDINGS
WARMING
"
AND
The Invention has for its object improvements in means or apparatus for
warming" explosive stores," magazines and other buildings and relates to a novel
arrangement whereby the warming can be effected without the use of fire, chemicals
or other dangerous warming media.
Dynamite, nitro-glycerine or other explosives liable to freeze at a comparatively
high temperature must be thawed or softened by heat before they can be used and
such softening process in the hands of miners involves a loss of time is always
attended with danger and often with loss of life or serious accident.
In carrying the Invention into effect I propose to employ a vessel, of any required
size and shape, made of copper or other suitable material fitted with a cover and
with air-tubes, passages or surfaces therein.
In a space in this vessel I form or fit a copper or other vessel provided with one
or more small holes or other means. through or by which water placed in the outer
portion of the apparatus gradually enters the said interior vessel
This last mentioned vessel is provided with unslaked lime and when the water
comes into contact therewith heat is generated and the whole apparatus becomes
warmed including the water contained in the outer portion of the apparatus,
thereby raising the temperature of the air passing through or in contact with the
heated air-channels, tubes or surfaces of the apparatus, by which means the
temperature of the magazine, "explosive store or other building can be raised
without the use of fire or other dangerous warming medium.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF GAS
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Harris Lake at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th December 1883. Communicated
to him from abroad by Martin Edvard Braundbeck of Stockholm in the
Kingdom of Sweden Consulting Engineer.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING
THE FLOW OF GAS." [A communication to him from abroad by Martin Edvard
Braundbeck of Stockholm in the Kingdom of Sweden Consulting Engineer.]
This invention relates to apparatus for regulating the flow of gas from the
mains to the points at which it is consumed, and has for its object to equalize the
pressure of the said gas under all conditions, whereby economy of consumption is
effected.
The said apparatus is so constructed as not to contain any liquid such as glycerine
or mercury, whatever. The advantage of this is, that the apparatus will not easily
leak and there are no injurious vapours of mercury to be feared. The apparatus is .
moreover solid in construction, and does not easily get out of order; it also possesses
many advantages over the gas regulators usually employed.
In carrying the said invention into practice I provide a case having a lid which
is secured by screws and tightened by packing which renders the apparatus proof
against leakage. Within the said case is a partition having an opening for the
passage of the gas. Above the said partition is a yielding partition consisting of a
piece of flexible material such as soft leather or india-rubber, The said yielding
partition is fitted to the walls of the case, by means of a frame secured by screws
to a shoulder below the yielding partition is secured a metallic plate and at the top
another such plate. A screw and nuts, together with rivets, secure the material of
the said yielding partition between the said metallic plates.
The top plate has two wings through which pass screws, the points of which
enter small grooves in the case so that the yielding partition is thereby partly
supported and can pivot on the points. A screw supports a valve at its inner end
by means of a ball and socket joint
The regulator is connected with the conduit-pipe from the gas-meter and with
the pipe leading to the gas burners. A screw is provided which serves to let out
any liquid, which possibly may gather in the apparatus.

page_text: The operation of the apparatus is as follows that is to say. If the gas has too
great a pressure, then the yielding partition is raised, whereby the valve lessens the
area of the passage in the fixed partition, so that no more gas is allowed to pass
than is required. If on the contrary, the pressure of the gas be too low, then the
yielding partition is lowered and the gas will then have a larger passage area. By
means of the said nuts the apparatus may be regulated.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TRACTION ENGINES OR ROAD LOCOMOTIVES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Hill Abbott at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th February 1883.
ROBERT HILL ABBOTT of Dewsbury in the County of York Engineer
IMPROVEMENTS IN TRACTION ENGINES OR ROAD LOCOMOTIVES
"
The chief object of my invention is the construction of traction engines or road
locomotives possessing greater strength and power and occupying less space than
heretofore without causing the strain produced by the cylinder or cylinders and
working parts to act on the boiler.
"
According to my Invention I provide a frame plate preferably of wrought iron
and extending the whole length of the engine. This plate carries directly or
indirectly all the bearings and working parts and the strain is thereby equally
distributed over the whole frame. The boiler of the engine rests on the frame
plate and on a suitable saddle formed on the cylinder or cylinders (which is or are
supported and fixed to this frame plate) and is secured thereto by bolts, the boiler
can thus be removed from the frame plate and saddle with facility for repairs
by loosening a few bolts and the pipe joints without disturbing the engine as
heretofore.
By fixing the double or single cylinder or cylinders below the boiler (onto the
frame plate) and not on the boiler as is now usual and by otherwise securing all
the working parts to the frame plate as above described strain is removed from the
boiler this being now so objectionable in traction or road locomotives as at present
constructed.
By my invention I produce an engine of greater power, occupying less space and
specially suited for Engineers and others requiring heavy haulage work.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH THE TIPS OF CUES EMPLOYED FOR BILLIARDS, BAGATELLE, AND OTHER ANALOGOUS GAMES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Hyde at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th June 1883.
THOMAS HYDE of Oldbury in the County of Worcester "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR
CONNECTED WITH THE TIPS OF CUES EMPLOYED FOR BILLIARDS, BAGATELLE, AND
OTHER ANALOGOUS GAMES,"
My invention relates to improvements in the construction and arrangement of
the tips of cues, my object being, first, to prevent the said tips coming off, second,
to dispense with the chalking which causes trouble and uncleanliness
I will describe my invention thus, I construct the tip of India rubber or the
composition in commerce known as such and of the shape required by means of
moulds into which it is pressed, this is fitted into a tube (slightly tapered cor-
responding to the cue) of metal or alloy, bone, ivory, horn or other suitable
material, the rubber tip may be affixed in the tube by cementing or lapping over,
if in metal, the tubes being secured to the cue by screwing or cementing, or the
parts above named may be connected in any other suitable manner
In some cases I may dispense with the tube by constructing the end of cue with
a hole and having the rubber tip with a stem which can be cemented in the hole,
or the end of the cue may be reduced in circumference and the rubber tip made
hollow to fit thereon and then cemented
In other cases when required I may employ therein leather tips to the tubes
but in any case when the rubber or leather tip is worn it can be removed and
another substituted by these improvements with facility.
MENTS IN PICKERS EMPLOYED IN WEAVING
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Lister at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 16th January 1883.
RICHARD LISTER of Keighley in the County of York, Manufacturer
MENTS IN PICKERS EMPLOYED IN WEAVING.'
"
"IMPROVE-
The said invention relates to constructing Pickers employed in weaving, of a
suitable wood instead of Buffalo, and with metal picker spindle slides which are
secured in the tops of the pickers and over which are passed and secured the
picking bands or straps; also in forming in the body of the pickers conical holes in
which are fitted and secured, by preference. conical pieces of india rubber which
strike and actuate the shuttles when weaving
In carrying out my invention I make each picker of suitable hard wood and with
lugs on the top in which I secure a metal tubular picker spindle slide having
heads and flanges formed on the ends, the heads are made with flat surfaces which
are fitted in openings made in the lugs and the metal tubular picker spindle slide
is secured to the picker by metal rivets, pins or screws; the spindle of the picker
is passed through the hollow of the slide and over the slide is secured the picking
band or strap.
The body of the picker is made with a conical opening in which is placed a
conical elastic shuttle striking substance by preference india-rubber; the larger
surface of the conical substance strikes the shuttle and the smaller end is brought
through the small end of the conical hole and turned over and fitted in a circular
recess made in the body of the picker.
By the employment of my improved pickers I prevent waste of yarn when spun
soft on the tube, prevent grease spots on the fabrics from the shuttle box; the
picking straps will last longer besides giving a great saving in cost and in the wear
and tear of the pickers.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPLICABLE TO WHEELED VEHICLES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Fleetwood Lloyd at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st December 1883.
HENRY FLEETWOOD LLOYD, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Carriage
Builder, "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPLICABLE TO WHEELED VEHICLES
"
The invention relates both to the general construction of wheeled vehicles and to
improvements in certain parts thereof. The objects are mainly to provide wheeled
vehicles possessing advantages as regards comfort, adaptability, simplicity of
construction, lightness and durability of parts.
The first part relates to vehicles having two wheels and consists in making such
vehicles with a body capable of being opened or closed so as to provide one or two
seats facing the front and arranged so as to be moved on its carriers in such manner
that the centre of gravity shall be approximately in the same relative position as
regards the axis of the wheels whether the body is arranged in single or double
form. One seat is connected to or forms part of the main body which latter is
fitted to slide on suitable carriers to which the springs are attached, the other seat
is connected to the said body by means of links and joints so that it may be either
folded on to the top of the front seat or rest on the body behind the said
front seat.
Under a modification of the first part the hind seat is hinged or pivotted so as to
be capable of being swung-horizontally to the body of the vehicle to facilitate
getting on and off the said vehicle.
The second part relates to three or four wheeled perambulators or like vehicles
and consists in fitting such vehicles with a compound body constructed substantially
as set forth under the first part the sliding arrangement being dispensed with.
The third part relates generally to wheeled vehicles having two seats one behind
the other the latter of which is provided with a hood and consists in pivotting or
attaching the said seat and hood to the main body of the vehicle in such fashion
that they may be reversed so as to face either in front or behind.
The fourth part consists in constructing elliptical or like vehicle springs of metal
and elastic material, such as rubber, combined in novel manner. Between the
ends of two springs one of which is constructed with an eye a block or blocks of
rubber are interposed the whole being protected by washers held in position by
bolts or their equivalents.

page_text: The fifth part consists in combining with the brake lever and brake block a step,
either formed therewith or attached thereto instead of having a separate carrier
for each.
The sixth part consists in constructing back rests with two sustaining bars
passing through or fitting in or around guide pieces secured in duplicate to the
body of the vehicle at suitable distances apart and in regulating the height of such
guide bars and back by means of a screw and nut or handle.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF PRESERVING BEERS OR OTHER FERMENTED LIQUORS IN GOOD CONDITION
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert George Bell at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd September 1883.
ROBERT GEORGE BELL of Walton Street, Oxford, in the County of Oxfordshire
Brewer IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF PRESERVING BEERS OR OTHER
FERMENTED LIQUORS IN GOOD CONDITION
The object of my invention is to preserve beers and other fermented liquors in
good condition.
I accomplish my object by combining the process of injecting carbonic acid gas
under pressure into beer or other fermented liquors in the usual manner and
subsequently subjecting the liquors so treated to a temperature varying according
to the nature of the liquor under pressure in order to produce a liquor in a
sparkling bright condition and with increased stability. I may in some cases use
where necessary the ordinary antiseptics commonly employed. Hereto-fore this
object has been attempted by using one or other of the above processes.-Now
when the injection of carbonic acid gas only was attempted experience showed that
the beer or other fermented liquor became turbid and charged with sediment after
being kept sometime; and when the second process alone was used, the beer or
other fermented liquor contained a considerable sediment and also was deficient in
dissolved gases which rendered it flat and insipid.
For injecting the gas into the liquor (which should be contained in strong
bottles casks or other suitable vessels) I use aërated water machinery or other
machinery suitable for the purpose and the closed vessels are subsequently
subjected to a temperature varying according to circumstances from 60° Fahr.
to 212° Fahr.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MULTIPLE CYLINDER ENGINES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd June 1883. Communicated to
him from abroad by Henri Toussaint, of Pamiers, France.
"
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MULTIPLE CYLINDER ENGINES a communication to me from abroad by Henri
Toussaint, of Pamiers, France
This invention relates more particularly to multiple-cylinder steam-engines
with upright cylinders and has for its principal object the casy and effectual
lubrication of their moving parts.
For this purpose I place the valve chest at the top end of the cylinders and
distribute the steam by means of a horizontally moving inlet valve or valves. I
further provide the top of the valve chest or its cover with a lubricator, from which
lubricant is admitted to the valve chest, so as to grease the valve seat and pass
through the steam ports into the cylinder, where it lubricates the vertically moving
pistons.
A part of the lubricant is afterwards expelled by the up-motion of the piston, so
as to pass through the exhaust ports to the outlet valve or valves, while another
portion of the lubricant drops down along the connecting rod and is collected by a
cup fixed to the latter.
The fixed portion of the engine is chiefly composed of a hollow casting which
contains the steam-cylinders and carries the bearing for the crankshaft, the valve
chest and its cover placed at the top end of the cylinders, preferably three in
number.
Every cylinder has an inlet valve set in motion by a pivoted rod linked at its
lower end to a yoke which carries a pair of friction rollers between which the
connecting rod moves so as to impart a to and fro motion to the pivoted valve rod.
To the opposite end of the same yoke is linked a pivoted rod which moves the
exhaust valve, which is also a horizontally moving slide valve, situated near the
top of the cylinder. The connecting rods are pivoted to their respective pistons,
and the crankshaft is supported at both ends by bearings secured to the main
frame or casting of the engine.
CONSTRUCTION OF FILTER-PRESS PLATES OR CHAMBERS
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Pedder at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 17th November 1883.
JAMES PEDDER, of Appleton-in-Widnes, in the County of Lancaster
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FILTER-PRESS PLATES OR CHAMBERS."
"IMPROVE
This invention has reference to the method of attaching filter-cloths and to the
mode of jointing the plates of filter-presses, which improvements may be applied to
presses for various purposes whether made with square or circular chambers, and in
working such presses according to this invention there is a great saving in the
quantity of cloth used.
Each filter-cloth is held in position within its chamber by metallic rings, a large
ring being used to secure the outer edge of the cloth within the outer flange of the
press-plate, and a small ring to secure the centre of the cloth within the feed-orifice
of each plate, the cloths being supported at the back by wire diaphragms as
hitherto but the latter require no special fastenings.
The large rings push the cloths into the angles of the chambers against the wire
diaphragms, so that when the press is started there is an uniform strain on the
cloth and it is not liable to tear in the corners of the chambers as hitherto.
For central-feed presses each cloth has a hole cut in it to suit the position of the
feed but of less diameter than the hole in plate, and as the small rings are pushed
in from each face of press-plate the cloth is caught between the ends of the rings
thus forming a good central joint.
The press-plates are jointed with roll-packing or other suitable flexible material
which is laced to the outer flange of recessed joint, so that when the plates are
taken asunder for clearing out the cakes, the jointing material remains in the
recess which is formed on one face of each plate.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR CUTTING THE EDGES OF LAWNS
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Green and James Hargrave
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th August 1883.
THOMAS GREEN of Smithfield Iron Works, Leeds, Engineer and JAMES HARGRAVE
of Burley near Leeds both in the County of York "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES
FOR CUTTING THE EDGES OF LAWNS
"
Our said invention has reference to machinery for cutting the edges of grass in
a more perfect manner than usually obtains in machinery hitherto in use for such
purposes. In place of the circular clipper generally used in machines for cutting
lawn edges we employ a spindle or cylinder carrying a number of cutters similar
to what are used in the ordinary lawn mowing machines. This cutting cylinder is
placed vertically or if desirable it may be in a slightly inclined position. The
cutters may be parallel or conical as required and are driven by and connected to
the driving drum or pulley by gearing or chains. This driving drum may be
cylindrical or conical, in the latter case its sinallest diameter is the side furthest
from the cutters so that when at work it will have a tendency to draw or keep
the cutters towards the edge of the grass. Before and behind the said cutting
cylinder we place suitable adjustable guides or pulleys in order to regulate the
distance of the cutters from the grass and raise and lower them when required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FORMING THE HEADS OF BOLTS, RIVETS, SPIKES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF A SIMILAR DESCRIPTION, AND IN THE APPARATUS OR MEANS THEREFOR;
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Bilsland at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th January 1883.
JOHN BILSLAND, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Rivet,
Bolt, and Screw Manufacturer, "IMPROVEMENTS IN FORMING THE HEADS OF
BOLTS, RIVETS, SPIKES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF A SIMILAR DESCRIPTION, AND IN
THE APPARATUS OR MEANS THEREFOR;"
This Invention relates to the dies whereby the heads of bolts, rivets and other
analogous articles are formed, and has for its object to form the heads of the same
more accurately concentric with the shank or stem than has hitherto been effected.
In carrying this Invention into practice, the lower die into which the shank of
the bolt, rivet or other analogous article is placed is at its upper and outer part
formed taper. The upper die or heading tool is formed at its under side with a
recess whose sides if found necessary may also be tapered and which fits over the
tapered part of the lower die before mentioned and the "snap" or cup for forming
the head is situated at the upper part of the recess.-The advantage to be gained
by this form of the die and heading tool is that, should there be any "play" in the
guides of the heading tool or the working of the table carrying the lower die, the
entrance of the lower die into the recess in the heading tool draws the two into
the necessary position for forming the head truly upon the shank.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY SWITCHES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Newall Molesworth-
Hepworth at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th June
1883.
EDWARD NEWALL MOLESWORTH-HEPWORTH of Manchester in the County of
Lancaster "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY SWITCHES
"
The object of this invention is to dispense entirely with what are known as
hinged or jointed "tongue-rails" which are a source of great weakness and
consequent danger and to afford a means of switching an engine or train from a
main line onto a diverging line (or vice versa) by springing or bending the switch
rail.
The end of the switch rail at the point of divergence is made with a butt joint
and "fished" firmly to the main rail and in addition thereto it is keyed firmly in
a chair or chairs fixed to a foundation plate so that this part of the rail is held in
a perfectly rigid manner.
The length of the switch rail will depend upon the angle of divergence of the
side rail, and the main and side rails are cut off square at a point where they are
(say) about two or three inches apart, the end of the switch rail being cut square
also so as to form a butt joint therewith, that is with either the main line or the
diverging line according to the direction in which the free end of the switch rail
is sprung or bent. The foundation plate extends from a little in front of the
point of divergence to this butt joint or a little beyond it, and the ends of the two
permanent rails are supported in a chair firmly fixed to the said foundation plate
so that there is a solid connection between these two portions of the permanent
way.
The free ends of the two switch rails are carried by chairs fixed to a light girder
frame or carriage which is supported on the foundation plate and is capable of a
transverse movement between two stops just far enough to allow the switch rails
to spring or bend so as to bring their butt ends exactly into coincidence with the
main or diverging rails as may be required; the requisite transverse movement
being given to this carriage by a lever, screw, inclined plane or other suitable
mechanism under the control of the pointsman.
The intermediate parts of the switch rails between the butt joint and the fixed
ends at the point of divergence are supported on chairs having a limited freedom

page_text: of movement on shoes fixed to or formed or placed on the foundation plate, the
said shoes being provided with fixed stops to limit the springing or bending of the
switch rails.
The latter are connected together at intervals by means of tie-rods to keep them
always to the true gauge.
A suitable locking device is also provided to lock the carriage in either position
ɛo as to hold the free ends of the switch rails firmly when adjusted in coincidence
with either the main or diverging rails.
In cases where the angle of divergence is very gradual the ordinary rails are
capable of being sprung or bent sufficiently for switching purposes but in cases
where the curve is shorter the switch rails may be made of tempered steel.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDOES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Raphael Hunter Brandon at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th October 1883. Commu-
nicated to him by William. E. Winsor, a citizen of the United States of
America.
"
RAPHAEL HUNTER BRANDON of N° 1 Rue Laffitte, Paris, in the Republic of
France, Engineer and Patent Agent, "IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDOES (a commu-
nication to me by William E. Winsor, a citizen of the United States of America.)
These improvements have reference more especially to that class of torpedoes
which contain a motor whereby they are made self-propelling, and they consist in
novel means or attachments whereby they are constantly maintained entirely
submerged to such a depth that they cannot be damaged by the projectiles of
machine guns and other similar weapons usually employed for the destruction of
Buch torpedoes. For this purpose, assuming the torpedo to which such improve-
ments are to be attached is too weighty to float on the surface of the water, I
attach thereto a floating body of sufficient buoyancy to maintain itself on the
surface of the water and the torpedo immerged in the water at such depth from
the surface as may be considered practically advisable and which depends on the
length of the attachment or attachments whereby it is connected with the floating
body and further in order that such floating body may retain its buoyancy for a
considerable time after it has been penetrated by projectiles, I construct it with
various water-tight compartiments, which I charge with any convenient light
material, such as soot, lamp black, ground cork, or other liquid repellents.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER-BLIND FURNITURE
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Merrall Simons at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th September 1883.
WILLIAM MERRALL SIMONS, of the Town and County of the Town of
Nottingham, "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER-BLIND FURNITURE,"
Near one end of each blind roller, I reduce its diameter by cutting a groove
round it, in this groove I secure one end of a cord when the blind is rolled upon
the roller, the axle pins at each end of the roller revolve in either plain or
ornamental bearings, the bearing nearest the grooved end of the roller either carries
or forms an axle on which a weighted rocking lever is free to turn, the lower end
of the lever forms a loop or eyelet, through which the blind cord is passed, the
upper end of the lever is bent towards the roller and lies under one or other of two
or more pins or studs which project and radiate from the end of the roller, thus
preventing the roller from revolving and letting the blind down, but when the
blind string is held vertically under the groove in the roller, its pressure on the
lower end of the weighted lever removes the bent upper end from under either of
the studs, and allows the blind to fall as low as required, then upon the blind cord
being loosed the bent end will immediately engage with one of the studs and
prevent a further descent of the blind, the lowering of the blind winds the cord in
the groove by which it can be again raised, the groove near the end of the roller
may form part of a metal cap terminating in an axle pin, and forming two or more
studs as above described. The blind roller is grooved for a length equal to the
width of the blind to receive a wedge shaped lath, this has the top end of the blind
folded over it, before it is inserted in the groove, by such means, the blind is
secured to the roller.
A NEW OR IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY LAMP
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Imray at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 19th March 1883. Communicated to him
from abroad by Gabriel Mangin and Charles Achille Le Royer of Paris France
JOHN IMRAY of N 28 Southampton Buildings Chancery Lane in the County of
Middlesex "A NEW OR IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY LAMP." [Communicated to
him from abroad by Gabriel Mangin and Charles Achille Le Royer of Paris France]
When incandescent electric lamps are employed in mines or places where there is
a surrounding atmosphere of combustible gas, there is risk of fracture of the globe
of the lamp, in which case an explosion might be caused. This invention relates to
means of providing against such casualties.
For this purpose the lamp is suspended within a strong glass cylinder
containing water, which may be made to circulate through the cylinder. The
cylinder is held between a top and a bottom plate which are tied together by
springs, and the lamp is attached to the top plate by a boss of insulating material
containing the conductors to and from the lamp. If the lamp globe should
accidentally be broken the lamp will be extinguished but the electric current will
be maintained through the water. In cases where the light is required mostly in
one direction the glass may be so shaped on one side as to act as a dioptric lens,
and may have a reflecting surface on its other side...
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MAKING KNITTED UNDER SHIRTS (.
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Michael Grieve of Leicester in the county of Leicester
Hosiery Manufacturer's Overlooker, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR MAKING KNITTED UNDER SHIRTS
(Void by reason of the Patentee having neglected to file a Specification in
pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Michael Grieve at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 9th May 1883.
MICHAEL GRIEVE of Leicester, in the County of Leicester, Hosiery Manufac-
turers Overlooker, "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MAKING KNITTED UNDER
SHIRTS
"
My invention consists in improved apparatus for shaping and narrowing the
necks of knitted under shirts, so that the neck is lower in front than behind and
is in a suitable state for the subsequent attachment of an elastic ribbed collar.
In order to carry out my invention I attach to the machine well known in
the hosiery trade as Cotton's patent frame, or to any other frame adapted for
making shirts, narrowing tackle for the neck of the shirt similar in principle to
the narrowing tackle in common use for other similar purposes in the hosiery
trade but so made as to begin narrowing from a point at or near the centre of the
neck in front and narrowing out on both sides instead of narrowing inwards as has
always been the case hitherto, for this purpose I attach extra points to the centre of
the narrowing bars (I use double carriers).
To a shirt the neck of which has been narrowed on a machine adapted to the
purpose as above described I can now attach a ribbed collar by looping on or
otherwise, the said collar having been made on a separate machine adapted for
making ribbed fabrics
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH APPARATUS FOR HAT-PRESSING MACHINES
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Hugh Cecil Birley of the firm of Charles Macintosh and
Company of Manchester and London Manufacturers for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH APPARATUS FOR HAT-PRESSING
MACHINES" communicated to him from George Yule a person resident at
Newark New Jersey in the United States of America
(Void by reason of the Patentee having neglected to file a Specification in
pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Hugh Cecil Birley at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th February 1883.
HUGH CECIL BIRLEY of the firm of Charles Macintosh and Company of
Manchester and London Manufacturers "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH
APPARATUS FOR HAT-PRESSING MACHINES communicated to him from George
Yule a person resident at Newark New Jersey in the United States of America.
"
The said Invention relates to the machines used for pressing hats by hydraulic
pressure in which a flexible bag is used to receive the water and act as the top or
internal die of the pressing machine. It has hitherto been found difficult to
maintain a tight joint at the part where the bag is connected to the plunger or lid
of the press and the object of this Invention is to obtain a tight joint without the
necessity for the use of a large number of bolts to secure the said bag in place.
According to the said Invention a raised rim or ring of the flexible material is
formed on the flange of the bag the said rim or ring being of an external diameter
about equal to the internal diameter of the hollow part of the plunger to which it
is attached. When the bag is put in place on the machine and its flange is confined
between the plunger or lid and the washer or securing piece the aforesaid raised
rim or ring covers the joint between the bag and the plunger whereby a thoroughly
watertight closure of the said joint is obtained which tightness is greater as the
pressure increases. A few bolts are thus only necessary to secure together the
parts of the plunger or lid between which the flange of the bag is held.
IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE APPLIED TO THE OUTSIDE SEATS OF TRAMWAY CARS AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Hugh Cumming Clanahan at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th May 1883.
HUGH CUMMING CLANAHAN of Manchester in the County of Lancaster
"IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE APPLIED TO THE OUTSIDE SEATS OF TRAMWAY CARS
AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES "
This invention relates more especially to the outside seats of tram cars and
other similar vehicles but it may also be applied with advantage to other seats
which are exposed to the weather and liable to become wet, the object of the
invention being to provide a waterproof covering which can at any time be drawn
up over the seat when the latter is damp, and thus present a dry place for any
person to sit upon, returning automatically into its former position when the said
person rises from his seat.
To illustrate my invention I will describe it as applied to the outside seat of a
tram car which is made with longitudinal bars or strips of wood forming an open
work seat. Beneath the central bar or strip I place a series of spring rollers
longitudinally arranged, corresponding in number to the number of persons that
the car is built to accommodate.
Upon each of these rollers is wound a doubled sheet of waterproof material to
one end of which is attached a suitable tag. This tag projects from between the
two central bars or strips aforesaid so that when it has been raining or snowing
and the wood work is damp, the passenger can by simply pulling up the tag
unwind the waterproof material which (coming up from the centre of the seat and
being double) he can spread over the damp wood and thus a dry seat is always
procurable for each person, who keeps the waterproof in place by sitting thereon.
When any one rises to descend from the car the spring roller immediately
winds up the doubled sheet of waterproof material, the two dry sides of the same
thus come together and are always prevented from becoming damp,. The springs
are arranged so that as soon as the waterproof has passed between the two central
strips or bars of the seat, the roller no longer has a tendency to revolve, and in
LD017

page_text: order to prevent the impetus acquired by the rebound of the springs from drawing
the waterproof entirely out of reach between the said strips or bars I provide
suitable stops, against which projections from the sides of the outer edges of the
waterproof are caught, and the aforesaid tag at each seat is always ready to hand.
It is not necessary to have a tag on both ends of the doubled sheet of waterproof
as when one is pulled out the other comes up with it.
I make one of the central bars or strips removable by mounting it upon hinges
or otherwise so that in case any part of the apparatus is out of crder the rollers
are readily accessible.