matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILER FURNACES
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Heginbottom at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th March
1867.
I, WILLIAM HEGINBOTTOM, of Mixenden, near Halifax, in the County of
York, Cotton Spinner, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILER FURNACES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates, firstly, to the furnaces of Cornish or fire-box boilers,
and the improvements consist in a mode of arranging and operating the
grate bars so that each alternate bar is capable of lifted and moved for-
ward, lowered, and then drawn backward, the other alternate bars remaining
stationary. I purpose to lift and move forward one-half of these moveable
bars whilst the other half are being lowered and drawn backward, and thus
alternating the motion thereof; these motions I effect by having a central shaft
underneath and extending the whole length of the grate bars supported in
suitable bearings at each end, and also intermediately when grate bars are in
two or more lengths; on this shaft are fixed cross heads or levers at each
eud of the bars; these cross heads support a shaft on each side of the central
shaft, which also extend the whole length of the grate bars and intermediately
of the one-half of the fire-bed carrying cross levers, each to support one-half of
the said moveable grate bars at each end thereof. Across the front of the fire-
box is placed a rotary shaft having two eccentrics fixed thereon and placed in
opposite positions, and to which the side shafts are attached, one to each, so
that by the rotation of this cross shaft one of the side shafts is lifted whilst the

page_text: other is lowered, and the central shaft is caused to turn on its axis, thus
effecting a parallel lifting of one side shaft and a like lowering of the other,
whereby one-half of the moveable grate bars are raised and moved forward
whilst the other half are lowered and drawn backward. By this means one-
half of the fire is carried forward or further into the fire-box and left on the
fixed bars at each alternate movement of the said bars.
The Invention relates, secondly, to means of taking away or removing the
ashes which pass through and off the ends of the grate bars, and the improve-
ment consists in having a plate the whole length and width of the ash-pit
placed under the said grate bars, which is supported upon a series of rollers
carried in suitable bearings. The plate is moved forward or further into the
ash-pit by means of cams or tappets on a rotary shaft acting against projections
on the said plate, and it is brought back suddenly striking against a stop by
the action of springs, and the continued striking thereof causes the ashes to
be gradually moved further on the plate towards the front of the ash-pit or.
the front of the furnace where they will fall off either on the ground or into
a suitable receiver.
Im- PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Wynne Peyton Gray at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd February
1867.
I, WYNNE PEYTON GRAY, of Fulbam, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in breech-loading fire-arms,
in order to effect which the breech piece is hinged or jointed at one side in a
direction parallel with the axis or centre line of the barrel in such manner as
to be capable of being turned or moved on its hinge or joint, so that its axis
or centre line may be placed either so as to coincide with that of the barrel
and to close the end thereof, or to be turned or moved clear of it for the
purpose of allowing the cartridge to be inserted. To the pin or axis of the
hammer of the lock at the back of the guard plate is attached a crank pin or
stud, which may be either formed with the ordinary notched piece or
"tumbler," into which the detent of the trigger takes, or may be otherwise
attached to the pin or axis of the hammer, as most convenient. To the crank
pin or stud referred to is jointed an arrangement of arms or pieces formed in
two parts hinged to each other, and kept in their relative positions by means
of a spring, in such manner as that the act of placing the hammer at half-
cock may cause a projection formed with or attached to the arrangement of
arms or pieces before referred to to act beneath the breech piece, and cause it
to move upon its hinge or joint, so that its centre line may be situated out of

page_text: the line of that of the barrel for the purpose of enabling the piece to be
loaded. The farther act of cocking the arm by giving a farther movement to
the arrangement of arms or pieces jointed to the crank or pin of the hammer
brings one of the arms or pieces of such arrangement into contact with a fixed
projection formed with or attached to the stock, or otherwise, and causes the
projection whereby the breech piece had been moved upon its hinge out of the
line of the fixed barrel to be withdrawn, and to draw it (the breech piece)
back into its position in a line with the fixed barrel, and to accurately close
the end thereof in readiness for being discharged. In some cases I arrange
the breech piece in such manner as that by the half-cocking of the hammer
of the arm the cartridge may be withdrawn from the barrel. For this
purpose I make use by preference of an arm having feathers taking into
corresponding recesses in the hinge of the breech, so that by the turning of
the hinge on its axis motion is communicated by the feathers to the arm,
which by its consequent movement partially withdraws the catch with the
cartridge from the barrel.
A COMBINED SLOP PAIL AND NIGHT COMMODE
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Abner Parkinson and David
Sweaney at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 12th March 1867.
We, ABNER PARKINSON and DAVID SWEANEY, of the City of Manchester, in
the County of Lancaster, Iron and Tin Plate Workers and Galvanizers, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A COMBINED SLOP PAIL
AND NIGHT COMMODE," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in arranging the slop pail and forming additional
pieces, so that the vessel can be employed both as a slop pail and night commode.
Instead of fitting the cover of the pail into the inside of the rim we fit
it on the outside, and to the inside we fit a loose rim or seat, into which
is fitted a cover, there being india-rubber bands when desired for making the
parts air-tight.
When used as a slop pail the seat and cover are dispensed with and only
the pail cover employed, but when to be used as a night commode the seat is
put in the pail, and after use the cover put in the seat, and then the pail cover
is put on over all.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ENTRENCHING TOOLS TO BE CARRIED ON THE STOCKS OF FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Kenneth Henry Cornish at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th July
1867.
I, KENNETH HENRY CORNISH, of 3, Saint Mary Axe, in the City of London,
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ENTRENCHING TOOLS TO BE CARRIED ON THE STOCKS OF FIRE-ARMS," to be as
follows:-
I construct a hand trowel or shovel with a suitable folding or removeable
handle, the blade of which is so shaped as to lie on the butt of the stock of
the fire-arm on which it is intended to be carried, a suitable slot being cut
in the wood for the reception of the handle when the entrenching tool is fixed
to the stock. When a folding handle is used it folds over to the upper surface
of the blade of the tool which rests on the wood of the stock when the
entrenching tool is fastened to the butt.. The blade of the trowel is kept in
place on the stock by fixed & moveable buttons & studs, or in any other
suitable manner, the chief desideratum being facility of rapid removal from
the stock when required for use. I prefer to shape the point of the blade
somewhat after the fashion of a bricklayers' trowel in order that it may be used
for digging, turf cutting, bricklaying, or plastering as required. When a
removeable handle is used it may be fastened to the blade by a screw or any
other suitable fastening, & when not required for use the handle should be

page_text: carried in a suitable groove cut in the butt of the musket so arranged as to be
covered by the blade of the trowel when this latter is secured to the stock by
the buttons & studs before-mentioned; of course a suitable socket or hinge
joint is formed on the blade of the trowel for the reception of the screw hinge
or other fastening of the handle.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CIRCULAR WEBBING OR GASKET, APPLICABLE AS PACKING FOR STEAM ENGINES, AS COVERING FOR TELEGRAPH CABLES, AND OTHER USEFUL PUR- POSES, AND IN THE MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Threlfall Carter at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 29th October
1867.
I, JOSEPH THRELFALL CARTER, of Sydenham, in the County of Kent, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF CIRCULAR WEBBING OR GASKET, APPLICABLE AS PACKING FOR
STEAM ENGINES, AS COVERING FOR TELEGRAPH CABLES, AND OTHER USEFUL PUR-
POSES, AND IN THE MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in manufacturing circular webbing or gasket from
several strands of hemp, wire, or other material, which are secured to each
other to form one circular piece by means of one or more wires, threads, or
cords, which are passed over one strand, under another, over the third, and so
on continuously. The webbing or gasket may have a central core or not
according to the purpose for which it is intended.
In carrying out my Invention 5, 7, 9, or other number of strands according
to the size of webbing or gasket required, are led as warps to the centre of
the machine at the top from reels placed outside an arm or bobbin carrying
the wire thread or cord which acts as the weft; this arm or bobbin is caused to
revolve on a slide on the middle plate of the machine, the arm or slide acts
on the strands or warp, and allows the wire or weft to pass under and over
the strands or warps as required, thereby securing or binding them together
and producing a webbing or gasket. The webbing thus formed may be.
applied to many useful purposes, for example, as packing for steam engines

page_text: and like purposes, as bell ropes, or made into a coil, and sewn to form a
mat.
In applying it as a covering to telegraph cables the conducting wires
covered with any ordinary insulator form the core, round which the webbing
is made; each strand of the webbing may consist of one or more wires or
rods wrapped round with hemp or other material, and the strands thus
composed are secured together into a circular webbing surrounding the
core by means of wires or cords as a weft, in the manner before explained.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GOVERNORS OF STEAM AND OTHER MOTIVE-POWER ENGINES
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Wilson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th March 1867.
I, ROBERT WILSON, of the Firm of Nasmyth, Wilson, and Company, of the
Bridgewater Foundry, Patricroft, near the City of Manchester, Engineer, do
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
GOVERNORS OF STEAM AND OTHER MOTIVE-POWER ENGINES," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to centrifugal or ball governors. In governors of the
usual construction the suspension rods of the balls are jointed to a stud coin-
ciding with the axis of the vertical shaft, or to studs passing through a cross
head projecting from the shaft, the points of suspension being on the same
sides of the shaft as the balls.
Now my Invention consists in connecting the suspension rods to the studs
of a cross head with the points of suspension at the opposite sides of the shaft
to the balls, the suspension rods thus cross each other at a point coinciding
with the axis of the shaft. By so connecting the suspension rods to the
vertical shaft the cone indicated by the plane of rotation of the balls remains
of the same or nearly the same height, and the requisite expansion or con-
traction of the balls for closing and opening the throttle valve is obtained with
the slightest variation in the speed of the engine to be governed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR TWISTING AND DOUBLING FIBRES AND THREADS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Dyson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th February
1867.
I, WILLIAM DYSON, of Thongsbridge, near Huddersfield, in the County of
York, Overlooker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR TWISTING AND DOUBLING FIBRES AND THREADS,"
to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is the construction of twisting frames in such
manner as to render such machines applicable to the production of a fancy
yarn, which I term "knickerbocker yarn," which is formed by twisting a
thread of silk around a woollen one, and at certain intervals such silk is wound
a number of times around the woollen, so as to form a bulb or knot of silk
thereon, these yarns are designed for fancy cloths and fabrics. On the cone
shaft and outside the end frame of a twisting frame I place a pinion wheel
gearing with a stud or carrier wheel, which gears with a plate wheel, and on
which are pins or studs for actuating a "star wheel" fixed to the face of a
third stud wheel in gear with a pinion wheel fixed on the shaft of the bottom
rollers, I thus obtain an intermittent motion for such rollers, in front of which
I also place two "guide wires," one of which is placed near the bottom roller
over which the woollen yarn is passed to the flyer. The silk is passed over
the top roller and over the second or outer guide wire, and from thence over
the first or inner guide wire (on which it bears) to the woollen. When the
rollers revolve the woollen and silk yarns are twisted in the ordinary manner;

page_text: on the motion of the rollers and traverse bar (and consequently the traverse
of the woollen to the flyer) being arrested. The silk is drawn from the bobbin
by the revolution of the woollen caused by the action of the flyer, and is thus
wound on the woollen at the point opposite the guide wire forming a bulb or
knot of silk thereon; the guide wires serving to diverge the silk from the
woollen to a proper angle for winding thereon. The distance of the bulbs or
knots from each other may be regulated at pleasure by changing-the pinion
wheel on the roller shaft for one of smaller or greater diameter.
I have above described the apparatus and process of producing a "knicker-
bocker yarn" of woollen and silk. The same mechanism and process are
applicable to the production of similar yarns, all wool, or wool and cotton,
worsted, or other threads suitable for twisting.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PEAT
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Eugene Chapron at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 25th February
1867.
I, EUGENE CHAPRON, of Luxembourg, in the Duchy of Luxembourg,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PEAT," to bo as follows:-
I make use of the ordinary turf, but instead of drying it on the ground as
is customary I place it in a long cylinder of sheet iron, which I fill entirely
and then close so as to be perfectly tight. In this cylinder thus filled with
turf I cause a vacuum to be made by means of an air pump; the effect of
this operation is to partly dry the mass of turf. When the vacuum has been
effected I inject in the cylinder by the aid of a second pump a hot solution
composed of coal tar, resin, or petroleum, or any other essential oil, and a
small quantity of tar, pressure being then applied to the interior of the
cylinder up to six atmospheres; to the solution I also add a small quantity of
clay, which serves to bind and harden the peat. The turf may form one piece
or block in the cylinder or may be previously broken up. These first two
operations being performed I pass through the cylinder a current of hot air of
from 80 to 100 degrees, allowing it to remain about 10 minutes, after which
I inject a quantity of pure petroleum oil, which is ignited in the interior of
the cylinder and allowed to burn itself out. The turf is then prepared, and

page_text: all that is afterwards necessary is to open the cylinder and withdraw it; in
opening the cylinder care should be taken that the air is gradually admitted
to the interior so as to avoid external pressure. The turf is placed on little
waggons occupying the whole surface of the base of the cylinder. The solu-
tions are prepared in an iron vat mounted on a furnace. The pumps are set
in motion by steam or hand power. Turfs thus prepared burn well, are free
from humidity, rich in carbon and hydrogen, and are perfectly inodorous
whilst burning.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MINERS' SAFETY LAMPS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Samuel Higgs at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st August
1867.
I, SAMUEL HIGGS, junior, of Penzance, in the County of Cornwall, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MINERS'
SAFETY LAMPS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in miners' safety lamps.
For these purposes the gauze of the ordinary Davy lamp is encased in a tube
made partly of glass and partly of gauze; this tube or casing forms of itself
a separate safety lamp, and encloses the whole of the Davy lamp. Instead of
the ordinary wick a flat plaited wick dipped in a preparation of tallow is
substituted. By these means,
1st. There can be no chance of explosion however strong the current of air.
2nd. The lamp cannot be tampered with, the inner lamp being locked with
one description of fastener and the casing with another.
3rd. By the use of the prepared flat wick the pricker or trimmer is done
away with.
4th. That part of the tube or case around the lamp being made of glass a
much better light is obtained.
My Invention thus consists in the encasing of any safety lamp in a tube or
201120
or of both. the double locks and the plaited
IMPROVEMENTS IN PENHOLDERS, AND IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING INK TO PENS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Darling at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 11th January
1867.
I, JOHN DARLING, of Stane, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PENHOLDERS, AND IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING INK TO PENS," to
be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention has for its object the supplying of ink to pens used for writing
without the necessity of practising the ordinary act of dipping the pen into
the writing fluid, as the body of the penholder is constructed so as to contain
and supply the ink to the writing points or nibs.
This part of the Invention is based upon another Invention for which
Provisional Protection was granted to me bearing date the 6th day of December
1866, and numbered 3215.
The second part of this Invention relates to the means or apparatus to
be employed for filling or charging the reservoir penholder.
In carrying out the first part of this Invention, the arrangement and
construction of the penholder is in some respects similar to that comprised
under the previous Invention herein-before referred to; it differs from it in
having a sliding case over the body of the holder to protect the diaphragm, by
means of which, the thumb or finger being pressed thereon, the ink is caused
to flow out of the reservoir to the pen. A tube is also provided extending
from the reservoir to the under side of the nibs, so that the ink is conducted
to that part of the pen from which it is supplied.
The holder is provided

page_text: with a removable top or cap, or instead of this with a plug or plate to close a
small hole through which the air escapes as the reservoir is being charged
with ink. The apparatus for filling or charging the reservoir consists of a
vessel provided with a flexible diaphragm, and the vessel is charged with the
ink or writing fluid; a hole is formed in some convenient part of the vessel
or in the diaphragm itself into which the penholder is placed, so as to fit the
hole air-tightly, the small tube above referred to dipping below the surface
of the ink. Pressure is applied to the diaphragm of the charging vessel,
and as the capacity of the vessel is diminished by the compression of the
diaphragm, in corresponding ratio is the ink forced into the reservoir in the
penholder; the cap, or plate, or plug in or on the holder is removed or opened
whilst the reservoir is being charged to permit the air contained therein
being easily displaced by the passing in of the ink. When charged the cap,
plate, or plug is replaced and the pen and holder are then ready for use.
AN IMPROVED OR METALLIC FRONT FOR SHIRTS OR OTHER ARTICLES OF UNDER CLOTHING
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Martin Stanley at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th March
1867.
I, JOHN MARTIN STANLEY, of Bradford Street, Birmingham, in the County
of Warwick, Metallic Ware Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "AN IMPROVED OR METALLIC FRONT FOR SHIRTS OR OTHER
ARTICLES OF UNDER CLOTHING," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to shirts and other articles of under clothing, and
consists of an improved front, which I propose to make partly of metal by
enamelling or otherwise coating and finishing the outer surface, or covering
the same with linen, or other fabric, or paper, so that the said outer surface
when soiled can be instantly cleaned with a wet sponge or flannel, or by
rubbing with a damp cloth. The linen or other fabric is put on so as to
represent ordinary linen plaits, and is then glazed or varnished. The linen,
paper, or other surfacing material may be put on so as to form a collar at the
top, or be perforated so as to have a scarf tie attached, or be provided with
studs for affixing an ordinary collar thereto. Eyelet holes are made at the
two shoulder points to receive a tape or elastic band for supporting the front
in position. The inner surface of the metal I line or cover with cloth or
flannel so that it thus acts as a chest warmer and protector.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR ROLLING BARS, RODS, AND PLATES OF IRON AND STEEL, AND OTHER METALS OF VARYING THICKNESSES OR OF IRREGULAR FIGURES
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Molineaux at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th September
1867.
I, WILLIAM MOLINEAUX, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford, Roll
Turner, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY FOR ROLLING BARS, RODS, AND PLATES OF IRON AND STEEL, AND
OTHER METALS OF VARYING THICKNESSES OR OF IRREGULAR FIGURES," to be as
follows:-
My Invention consists of the arrangement of parts herein-after described
for acting upon the upper roll of a pair of rolls so as to lower the said upper
roll to the required extent, and at the required time to produce the desired
taper, or varying thickness, or irregular figure in the bar, rod, or plate passing
through the rolls. In the framing in which the rolls work and immediately
above the top roll is a shaft carrying two excentrics or cams, the said excentrics
or cams bearing upon the top brasses or journals in which the neck of the
upper roll turns. On one end of the axis of the lower roll is a toothed wheel
which is geared directly or by means of a train of wheels to a toothed wheel
on the end of the shaft carrying the excentrics or cams. When the rolls are
set to work the excentrics or cams described perform a rotary motion, and by
acting on the brasses or journals of the top roll depress it more or less and
cause it to give a different thickness to different parts of the bar, rod, or

page_text: plate rolled. The train of wheels by which motion is communicated from the
lower roll to the excentrics or cams as well as the size and figure of the said
excentrics or cams must be varied to suit the exact figure which has to be
produced on the bar, rod, or plate operated upon.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF CONVEYING THE ROTARY MOTION TO AXLES OF STEAM ENGINES AND ALL MACHINES AND CARRIAGES WHERE CRANKS ARE USED
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Kenelm John Winslow at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 11th July
1867.
I, KENELM JOHN WINSLOW, of Montpelier Row, Twickenham, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF CONVEYING THE ROTARY MOTION TO
AXLES OF STEAM ENGINES AND ALL MACHINES AND CARRIAGES WHERE CRANKS ARE
USED," to be as follows:-
;
My Invention consists of a method of turning axles by means of two
connecting rods acting on two ratchets hung upon moveable bars, which bars
have the same centre of motion as the axle to be turned; these ratchets work
as ordinary ratchets upon a cogged or roughened wheel fixed on the axle.
The connecting rods are forced backwards and forwards by the piston or other
motive rod, and the ratchets being thus alternately lifted and depressed act in
the direction of the wheel and communicate the required motion. By a
simple contrivance, by stops attached to the moveable bars or otherwise, the
ratchets are made to act in the opposite direction, and the reverse movement
is communicated to the axle.
The advantages of my Invention are as follows:-By acting only over the
two quadrants of the axle, which are square with the motion of the connecting
rod, a constant maximum leverage is maintained, and the two dead points

page_text: which occur in each revolution of cranks (requiring large fly wheels, &c. to
maintain the motion communicated) are avoided. The power of an engine
may thus I consider be more than doubled, and the same work may be done
with a much less consumption of fuel. The cost of large fly wheels is also
saved.
AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIVES AND PROPERTY IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK AT SEA
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gregorio Russo and Claudio Alli
Maccaroni at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 25th October 1867.
We, GREGORIO Russo and CLAUDIO ALLI MACCARONI, both of No. 51, Via
Ghibellina, Florence, in the Kingdom of Italy (Civil Engineers), do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR
SAVING LIVES AND PROPERTY IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK AT SEA," to be as follows,
that is to say -
Our Invention consists in the employment of a float full of air and suitably
applied to a ship which is thus prevented from being sunk, whatever its size
and capacity. The float consists of a bag of nearly a cylindrical form made
of india-rubber or other material impervious to water and air, and provided
with taps, which when open give passage to the air and permit of distending
it, and when closed prevent the air from escaping. The interior sides of the
float are fixed to rings, or in any suitable way to iron plates or to cords, to
allow of closing and opening the apparatus like a bellows.
For greater safety two floats may be applied enclosed one in the other.
This float may be placed at one end of the ship, and by reason of its flexibility
will take up little room.
When required the float may be extended in the length of the ship, its ends
being fixed to the ends of the ship; the float is then unfolded, the air enters

page_text: through the taps previously opened, and fills the space in it. Another float
similarly arranged is placed on the other side of the ship. A larger quantity
of air or of hydrogen gas may be introduced into the bag or float by com-
pression.
Our Invention may be suitably applied to known means of preventing the
submersion of men and merchandise.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BOXES OR BEARINGS OF THE AXLES OF RAILWAY CARRIAGES AND OTHER ROLLING STOCK
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert Allman at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th May
1867.
I, HERBERT ALLMAN, of Ampthill Square, Loudon, in the County of
Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BOXES OR BEARINGS OF
THE AXLES OF RAILWAY CARRIAGES AND OTHER ROLLING STOCK," to be as follows:-
My Invention of improvements in constructing the boxes or bearings of the
axles of railway carriages and other rolling stock relates to the employment
of hard wood, such as lignum vitæ or other similar wood in the construction
of such bearing or boxes. I construct such bearings or boxes of metal and
hard wood, the hard wood being inserted or fixed in the metal part of the
bearings either as dovetailed slips or stumps in circular holes in the metal, or
in other convenient manner; but in all cases the hard wood must project
from the metal face so as that the hard wood and not the metal comes in
contact with the axles. The hard wood should be fitted, as described, so as to
be easily removed and renewed. It is necessary that the said bearings when
in action should be well and sufficiently lubricated with water or other lubri-
cators such as water and saponaceous matter, oils, or other fatty matter to
prevent heating, I prefer water lubrication of the bearing as cheapest when it
can be employed. I claim the employment of hard wood for the purpose
herin described.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Samuel Cunliffe Lister at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 21st September
1867.
I, SAMUEL CUNLIFFE LISTER, of Manningham, in the County of York;
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
FURNACES," to be as follows:-
In the Provisional Specification. of a Patent applied for by me on the 17th
July 1867 (No. 2099), was described the supplying air to the fuel on the
fire-bars of a furnace by employing hollow fire-bars pierced at intervals with
holes, and forcing air into the furnace through these hollow perforated
fire-bars.
My present Invention has, firstly, for its object the supplying air to the
gases and vapours as they arise from the surface of fuel on the fire-bars of a
furnace. This I effect by forcing air by mechanical means into the furnace
through perforations in chambers or pipes placed along the sides, or it might
be along the centre or at other points of a furnace; the perforations being
above the surface of the fuel a very intimate mixture of air and gases is thus
obtained by which combustion is facilitated, and so a saving of fuel effected.
In some cases in order thus, to introduce fine jets of air above the surface of-
the fuel on the fire-bars of a furnace I employ perforated pipes which incline
downwards from the dead plate above the fire door towards the bridge at the
back of the furnace, and I make them capable of turning on a joint where
they pass through the dead plate, and at this point connect or combine them

page_text: with the fire-door in such manner that when the fire-door is opened the
pipes are turned on their joints so as to raise their lower ends away from the
fuel; the pipes will then be raised out of the way and leave a clear space for
the fireman to clear the fire or put on fuel. The perforated pipes may be pro-
tected with exterior tubes of fire-clay, or may be otherwise protected.
may
In steam boiler furnaces the pipe or pipes for supplying air to the fuel
be placed within the boiler, and the air led out from the pipe or pipes through
nozzles or jets passing from them through the skin of the boiler and into the
furnace. The air pipes will thus be protected from injury arising from the
heat of the furnace. In some cases in order to supply air to the gases and
vapours arising from the fuel on the fire-bars after that the gases or vapours
'have passed beyond the bridge at the back of the furnace I place in rear of
the bridge a perforated pipe or pipes through which air is forced by any
suitable forcing apparatus. The novelty of this part of my Invention consists
in forcing air through finely perforated pipes placed in rear of the bridge.
Perforated pipes to supply air to this part of a furnace having before been
used, but in this case the air was simply allowed to flow into the furnace
through the pipes, and was not forced in as I now propose.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS OR STREETS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Murray at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th December
1867..
I, JOHN MURRAY, of Whitehall Place, in the County of Middlesex,
do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS OR STREETS," to be as follows, that is to
say:
This Invention relates to the production of a road or street, suitable as well
for traffic of the heaviest description as to roads or ways for lighter purposes,
whereby the surfaces of the roads or ways may be kept uniformly level whilst
the under material is prevented from exuding through the interstices between
the blocks or pieces of granite or other material used for the upper surface.
This Invention consists in first preparing the under surface so as to render
the same hard and tolerably level. This may be done either by gravel or other
similar material well rammed, or a layer of concrete may be used when the
materials for it can be obtained at a reasonable cost; I then lay down upon
tbis surface a series of lengths of timber, and if necessary these timbers may be
bolted or otherwise fastened to one another so that they may be kept in their
position with respect to each other; upon these timbers I set the usual
granite or other paving, natural or artificial asphalte or other material being

page_text: laid between the stones and the timber, and also between the stones themselves,
so that the stones are covered on every sido except the upper surface or that
surface exposed to traffic by such asphalto or other material. The timber
employed may be prepared with creosote or other preserving material in
the manner at present adopted for the treatment of railway sleepers.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COCKS OR VALVES FOR DISCHARGING WATER, OIL, AND OTHER FLUIDS OR GASES
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Wilson at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 25th October
1867.
I, HENRY WILSON, of Stockton-on-Tees, in the County of Durham, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
COCKS OR VALVES FOR DISCHARGING WATER, OIL, AND OTHER FLUIDS OR GASES," to
be as follows:-
My improvements consist in an arrangement by which the passage of fluids
through cocks or valves is so regulated that no waste can take place through
negligence in closing the same. I form the barrel of the cock with a valve
seating inside, through the centre of which a spindle passes on which two
valves are fixed at any suitable distance apart one above and one below the
valve seating; under the bottom valve I fix a spring which rests upon the
bottom of the cock and presses against the valve above, thereby keeping it
against the seating. On the top of the upper valve rests a flat disc on the
upper surface of which ridges or teeth are formed which fit into corresponding
ridges or teeth formed upon a similar disc which is fixed to the spindle by
which the valve or cock is opened. Then by moving the spindle of the valve
or cock either to the right or left the valve is forced off the seating by the discs
at the same time compressing the spring; as soon as the spindle is released the

page_text: spring closes the valve. Or the cock may be so arranged that only a certain
quantity of liquid can be drawn off. I form the cock with a plug and valve
combined; attached to or forming part of the cock is a vessel or receiver having
two inlets to the cock, one through the plug and one from the valve so
arranged that both. cannot be open to the vessel or receiver at one and the
same time. The lever of the cock is first moved so as to open the valve, then.
the liquid passes into the vessel or receiver and rises until the air within the
receiver becomes so far compressed that no more liquid can enter; the lever of
the cock is then moved so as to close the valve and open the communication
between the receiver and the plug of the cock, then the compressed air within
the receiver forces the liquid out. To prevent concussion in the pipes from the
sudden closing of the valve or cock, I form within the receiver an air vessel
which communicates with the inlet pipe to the cock below the valve..
AN IMPROVED COMBINATION OF WOOD & TEXTILE SUBSTANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOATS, BATHS, & OTHER VESSELS TO BE FOLDED UP FOR CARRIAGE
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Wilmot Bradford at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st June
1867.
I, WILMOT BRADFORD, of the Junior United Service Club, in the County of
Middlesex, Colonel in Her Majesty's Service, do hereby declare the nature.
of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED COMBINATION OF WOOD & TEXTILE
SUBSTANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOATS, BATHS, & OTHER VESSELS TO BE
FOLDED UP FOR CARRIAGE," to be as follows:-
I take thin slips of wood and attach them firmly to cloth or textile material,
so that their edges are close where a curve is required, and are further apart
where a sharper angle is to be formed. The slips are flat, and the whole can
be rolled up or folded for carriage, or when the edges are bent and confined by
suitable bars, strings, or bolts the whole may be made to form a boat, or bath,
or other vessel, according to the various forms of the slips and the relative
positions of their edges and ends.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN RAILS FOR RAILWAYS, AND IN CHAIRS FOR SUPPORTING THE SAID RAILS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Benjamin Billingham, Abraham
Griffiths, and John Dudley at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 23rd February 1867.
We, BENJAMIN BILLINGHAM, of Bradley, in the County of Stafford, Black-
smith, and ABRAHAM GRIFFITHS, of Bilston, in the County of Stafford, Sheet
Iron Shearer, and JOHN DUDLEY, of Daisy Bank, near Bilston, aforesaid,
Stock Taker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN RAILS FOR RAILWAYS, AND IN CHAIRS FOR SUPPORTING THE SAID RAILS,"
to be as follows:-
Our improvements in rails for railways consist in making them of a com-
pound bar of wrought iron and steel in the following manner:-We make
the lower part or foot and sides of the rail of a trough-shaped bar of wrought
iron, the bottom or foot being much broader than the other part. The inner
sides of the trough are inclined so as to form a wedge-shaped opening, the
widest end of the said opening being at bottom. We fill up the opening
in the trough, and form the head of the rail of a bar of steel, made by prefer-
ence of Bessemer steel. The greater part of the said bar of steel has a wedge
shape so as to fit in the wrought-iron trough described, the top or cross head
of the said steel bar resting upon the top edges of the trough-shaped bar.
The inner bar of steel is introduced into the trough from the end by a sliding
motion. When the head of the steel bar of the compound rail is worn the

page_text: The sides of
said bar can be readily removed and replaced by a fresh one.
the broad base or foot of the compound rail are inclined or made of a dovetail
figure.
Our improvements in chairs for supporting the compound rails described, or
rails having a similar shapeil base or foot, are as follows:-We make the chair
of a plate of cast iron, which we fasten to the sleeper by screw pins and nuts.
In the said plate a depression is made, the sides of which are inclined, one
of the inclined sides being undercut. In fixing the rail in the chair one of
the dovetailed or inclined sides of its base or foot is placed in the under-cut side
of the depression in the chair, and the space between the opposite dovetail or
inclined side of the base or foot of the rail and the depression in the chair is filled
up by a detached wedge-shaped plate, the sides of which accurately fit against
the side of the depression in the chair and the side of the rail respectively.
By fastening the detached wedge-shaped plate by screws and nuts the rail is
securely fixed in the chair. Instead of a separate plate for fixing the rail in
the chair a hinged or jointed plate may be used, but we prefer a detached
plate as first described.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF GUAGING AND CUTTING SOAP
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Whele at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th June
1867.
I, EDWIN WHELE, of Victoria Road, Aston, near Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF GUAGING AND CUTTING SOAP," to be as
follows:-
In the first place I plane and guage the bar of soap on two sides at right
angles, so as to reduce them to one size, in such a way that a given length will
weigh a given weight. I do this by placing the bars in a trough and passing
a plane or scraper over them; after this I take a frame with a fixed knife
standing upwards upon it, and by a lever I force the soap against it, cutting
it through to a given length, then using a slide and screw guage for this
purpose similar to the one now in use, and in cutting a second piece it pushes
the first one before it, and so on in succession, and instead of a single knife a
row of knives may be used so as to cut a bar at once; these knives may be
screwed on a flange of collar, these collars being placed on a bar so as to slide
and set to any guage by a set pin in the collars may be lapped on to the
shaft, say, for the first 3 inches with a worm of one-sixteenth pitch, the second
3 inches two-sixteenths pitch, the third three-sixteenths, the fourth four-
sixteenths, and the fifth 3 inches five-sixteenths pitch, so that by turning the
shaft the knives travel wider or closer, but keeping at the same time the same
relative position to each other.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR APPLYING CONCENTRATED HEAT, AND SUITABLE FOR LIGHTING FIRES, BRAZING, AND SIMILAR USES
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John M°Kechnie at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th April
1867.
I, JOHN MCKECHNIE, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
General Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR APPLYING CONCENTRATED HEAT, AND SUITABLE
FOR LIGHTING FIRES, BRAZING, AND SIMILAR USES," to be as follows, that is to
say:
This Invention has for its object the obtainment of convenient portable
apparatus for applying concentrated heat, such apparatus being simple in
construction, easy to work, and efficient in use, and suitable for lighting fires,
brazing, and similar uses.
The Invention consists in adding to ordinary portable bellows an equalising
air compartment, compressed by a spring or weight, and by fitting thereto a
duplex nozzle in place of the ordinary one, such duplex nozzle having a central
channel for the air, and a concentric annular channel for gas, or for oil or
other burning fluid. When made for gas the nozzle has fitted to it a small
stop-cock to receive a flexible tube from any convenient gas pipe or bracket,
but when made for oil it has fitted to it a small receptacle for the oil, and if
the apparatus is made for lighting house fires the receptacle may be male of
a size to contain the small quantity requisite for lighting one fire. A wick is
by preference used with the oil, and the annular channel must be made large
enough to receive it, and in two parts that can be separated so as to introduce

page_text: it. In using the improved apparatus for lighting a house fire, the coals being
put in the grate without any wood or paper, the gas or the oil is lighted at
the nozzle of the bellows, and the nozzle being directed as in ordinarily blowing
a fire, a gentle blast is produced by working the bellows, and the coals will be
completely ignited with about two minutes' work and with a very trifling
expenditure of gas or oil. The flame produced is similar to that obtained with
a blow pipe, and it may be used for brazing or any other operation in which
an ordinary blow-pipe flame is used.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM OR OTHER POWER HAMMERS
Year: 1867

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Fletcher at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd September
1867.
I, JAMES FLETCHER, the younger, of the Firm of William Collier and Com-
pany, of Salford, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM OR OTHER POWER
HAMMERS," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates, firstly, to the hammers driven by a crank or cam
shaft actuated by steam or other power, and consists in an improved mode of
starting, stopping, and regulating the speed of the hammer by means of a
lever upon a shaft having two cams, one of which applies a break to the fly
wheel and the other throws the driving power out of geer or shuts off the
steam.
My Invention consists, secondly, in making the tup or upper part of the
hammer block hollow for the reception of two spiral springs acting above and
below a disc or piston which is connected by a link to the crank shaft driven
by steam or other power. As the crank shaft revolves the disc or piston
acting on the springs raises and lowers the tup or hammer block, the force of
the blow depending upon the weight of the tup or hammer block and parts
connected therewith, the speed of the crank shaft, and the strength of
the springs. Instead of springs atmospheric air or other elastic medium may
be employed.
'

page_text: My Invention may be modified by suspending the hammer block to a
horizontal double-acting steel spring, the ends of this horizontal spring are
connected by links to the crank shaft, which in revolving raises and lowers the
tup or hammer block.
The break described in reference to the first part of my Invention may be
applied to the hammers described in the second part thereof, and to all power
hammers in which a crank or cam shaft is employed.