matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVEMENT IN DINNER AND OTHER PLATES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Thorns at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 1st December 1877.
THOMAS THORNS, of Clapham, in the County of Surrey. "AN IMPROVEMENT IN
DINNER AND OTHER PLATES."
My Invention relates to an improvement in plates for table use, and consists in
providing receptacles for the salt, mustard, pepper, sauce, or other condiment to
prevent the same from falling or running into the middle of the plate and mixing
with the articles of food.
According to my Invention which is applicable to plates of metal, china, or
earthenware, a number of depressions or concavities of round, oval, or other desired
shape are formed at intervals in the rim or outer portion of the plate at the time
of its manufacture.
In manufacturing plates of china or other ware, the concavities might be made in
the moulds during the pressing operation, and while the material is in a plastic
condition; the depressions or concavities in the case of metal plates would be
stamped up by means of dies in one operation with the manufacture of the plate, if
stamped up, or afterwards if otherwise made. I however do not limit myself to any
special method of manufacturing, as other means may be employed if found
desirable.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ARRANGEMENTS AND APPLIANCES FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES IN MILLS AND OTHER BUILDINGS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Hodgkinson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 29th August 1877.
JAMES HODGKINSON, of Hindley, near Wigan, in the County of Lancaster, Cotton
Spinner. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ARRANGEMENTS AND APPLIANCES FOR EXTINGUISHING
FIRES IN MILLS AND OTHER BUILDINGS."
My Invention relates to arrangements and appliances for extinguishing fires in
buildings in order to prevent conflagrations, and is particularly applicable to the
cotton mills which are warmed by means of heated pipes, but may also be applicable
to other buildings similarly warmed.
Many cotton mills are now warmed by means of high-pressure steam, which is
conveyed into the parts of the mill to be warmed by means of wrought-iron pipes,
which extend around the floors or rooms of the mills, and the object of my Inven-
tion is to make use of these pipes, or of other warming pipes having sufficient
strength, for my indicated purpose. To this end I connect each range of steam
piping with water supply piping, and I provide means for quickly shutting off the
supply of steam, and for admitting a supply of water; and I provide the range of
steam piping with branches fitted with cocks or valves, and connected with suitable
water hose.
The arrangements for controlling the supplies of steam and water may be
varied.
In the arrangement which I consider to be suitable the water supply pipe is
connected with the steam pipe, and the cocks or valves for controlling the supplies
are so connected by means of levers, links, rods, or appliances as that the act of
shutting off the steam supply will open the water supply, and vice versa, as for
example, the plugs of both cocks may be connected with one handle.
In some cases the water of condensation is returned through piping to the boiler.
In such cases it will be necessary to shut off the access to the boiler, and I prefer to
connect the cock or valve employed for the purpose with the other cocks or valves,
so that all three can be operated simultaneously.
I provide the range of steam piping with branches situated at intervals on both
sides of the room or floor, and I provide each branch with a cock or valve and with

page_text: a suitable union, to which a length of water hose is attached. The free end of the
said hose may be provided with a suitable nozzie or spreader and also with a cock
or valve if considered to be advisable.
In the event of an outbreak of fire in any part of the floor or room the cocks or
valves would be operated to shut off the steam, and admit the water as quickly as
possible; and the operatives would open the cocks or valves on the branches
of as many of the lengths of hose as could be brought near enough to the seat of
the fire, and water could by these means be discharged on to the burning matters
with little loss of time.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FIBROUS PACKINGS FOR PISTONS AND GLANDS, AND FOR OTHER USES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Turner, of 3, Cannon's Marsh, in the City of
Bristol, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIBROUS PACKINGS FOR
PISTONS AND GLANDS, AND FOR OTHER USES."
Sealed the 13th November 1877, and dated the 6th June 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Turner at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th June 1877.
EDWARD TURNER, of 3, Cannon's Marsh, in the City of Bristol. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN FIBROUS PACKINGS FOR PISTONS AND GLANDS, AND FOR OTHER USES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in fibrous packings for pistons
and glands, and for other uses. For these purposes I take tapes or webbing made
from cotton, flax, hemp, or other fibrous material; I twist them and form them into
strands, and from such strands I form ropes either by twisting or by plaiting.
These ropes may be either round or square in section, or of other form
suitable to the purpose for which they are intended to be employed. They may be
prepared for use by saturating them with grease, together with which mineral
lubricants may be employed.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Edward Turner in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th December
1877.
" IMPROVE-
EDWARD TURNER, of 3, Cannon's Marsh, in the City of Bristol.
MENTS IN FIBROUS PACKINGS FOR PISTONS AND GLANDS, AND FOR OTHER USES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in fibrous packings for pistons
and glands, and for other uses. For these purposes I take tapes, webbing, or braids,
made from cotton, flax, hemp, or other fibrous material; I twist them and form
them into strands, and from such strands I form ropes either by twisting or by
plaiting; these ropes may be either round or square in section, or of other form
suitable to the purpose for which they are intended to be employed. They may
be prepared for use by saturating them with grease, together with which mineral
lubricants may be employed.
The annexed Drawing represents a piece of packing constructed according to my
Invention.
The sample indicated consists of eight strands plaited the one with the other, and
each strand is formed of five woven tapes twisted together.
The number of the strands, and the number of the tapes, or it may be webbings
or flat or round braids, or such like fabrics going to form each strand, may be varied,
but what I claim is the manufacture of packings from tapes or similar fabrics by
forming them into strands and plaiting or twisting such strands together.
hand
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Turner, have hereunto set my
and seal, this Thirtieth day of November, in the year of. our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
EDWARD TURNER. (1.8)
IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY BRAKES OPERATED BY VACUUM
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Haughton, of No. 1, Westminster Chambers,
•
Victoria Street, in the County of Middlesex, C.E., F.S.S., Membre de la
Société des Ingénieurs Civils, Paris, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
RAILWAY BRAKES OPERATED BY VACUUM."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Haughton at.
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th January 1877.
BENJAMIN HAUGHTON, of No. 1, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, in
the County of Middlesex, C.E., F.S.S., Membre de la Société des Ingénieurs Civils,
Paris. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY BRAKES OPERATED BY VACUUM."
This Invention has for its object improvements in railway brakes operated by
vacuum.
At the present time where vacuum is employed to apply railway brakes an
ejector at the engine is caused to produce a vacuum in a collapsible cylindrical
vessel of which the sides are flexible and strengthened with rings. When the air is
exhausted this instrument in consequence of the pressure of the external air tends
to become shorter, and being connected by levers to the brake blocks it causes the
blocks to be pressed against the wheels.
In order to render the action more rapid I fill up the interior of the instrument to
the extent of one half of its length, or thereabout, with a hollow block, which however
is kept clear of the collapsible sides so as not to interfere with their movement. In
this way the bulk of air which the instruments or vessels contain and which has to
be withdrawn from them each time the brakes are applied is much lessened; and
consequently a quicker action of the brakes is obtained.
In order to guide the moveable head or end of the collapsible vessel in its move-
ments in and out, I attach to it a rod which passes through a guide formed at the
centre of the hollow block. Around the guide rod I apply a coiled spring to expand
the apparatus when the ejector is not in action.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAFETY VALVES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles William Collins at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th April 1877.
CHARLES WILLIAM COLLINS, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAFETY VALVES."
This Invention relates to safety valves of the annular class, having external
and internal lips or openings for the escape of the steam when applied to steam
boilers, and consists in constructing the moveable and stationary parts of the valve,
commonly called the valve and seating, so that in proportion to the size a com-
paratively small area shall be exposed to the pressure of the steam and an amplo
area opened for its oscape.
The moveable part of the valve is formed of one, two, or more narrow rings held
together by ribs, each ring having at its bottom end two horizontal, angular, or
curved edges or surfaces, one projecting below the other, and fitted to corresponding
surfaces on the stationary or seating part of the valve, there being between the
surfaces any required space for the escape of the steam when the valve is open.
The narrow rings may be plain or solid, but I prefer them to have chambers open
at the bottom to the steam. And in order (when desired) to have an area exposed to
the steam, as nearly equal as possible, whether the valve is open or shut, I make
the internal tops of the chambers about the same width as the distance between
the outer sides of the edges or surfaces of the moveable part of the valve.
These improved valves (according to the pressure at which the steam is to blow
off) are weighted by dead weights or springs, lever weights or springs, or by any of
the modes at present in use, but as the areas exposed to the steam are comparatively
small in proportion to the diameters of the valves, the weights or pressures will be
lessened in the same ratio, and it will be found that although the weights are com-
paratively light the steam can escape through passages having areas as large or larger
than that of the pipe to which the valve is connected.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOWER VASES AND BOXES FOR TABLE AND WINDOW USE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Melville Clark at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th November 1877. A communi-
cation from abroad by Charles Henry Crater, of Oswego, in the County of
Tioga, and State of New York, United States of America.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOWER VASES AND BOXES FOR TABLE AND
WINDOW USE" [A communication from abroad by Charles Henry Crater, of
Owego, in the County of Tioga, and State of New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to the construction and arrangement of a self-watering
flower vase and parlor and window garden. The flower-pot proper is made of
perforated sheet metal, terra cotta, or any other suitable material, and provided
around its upper edge with a projecting bead or flange. The bottom of the pot is
perforated the same as the body, and from said bottom extends upward into the pot
one or more perforated cones. The cone or cones may be of any desired height, and
are intended to be made removable so that they can be taken out and others of
different size substituted. The pot has an exterior case or vase formed at the
bottom at the bottom with an enlarged reservoir, which constitutes the base, and near
the top provided with an inwardly projecting flange of such dimensions that when
the pot is placed within the vase, the bead around the upper end of the flower-pot
will rest upon the inner edge of the flange, and the pot be supported thereby.
The relative dimensions of the flower-pot and vase should in all cases be such
that a space will be formed between them. At the top of the vase, at or near the
outer edge of the flange, are hinged a series of segmental shields, which are 60
constructed that when closed down inward they will leave a central opening through
which the stein of the plant will project, said shields then forming a complete cover
to protect the plant from cold. The cover thus formed being made in sections can
be used to either partially or entirely cover the plant, and the different sections or
shields may be left in a raised position to protect the plant from the sun or wind.
In this manner when the flower-pot is inserted in the vase, the latter is perfectly
air-tight, and the reservoir being filled with water all the evaporation and conden-
sation from the water will necessarily pass through the perforations in the pot, and
be absorbed in the earth contained therein to be supplied to the plant.

page_text: By leaving one or more of the shields open the moisture supplied to the plant can
also be regulated, as more or less of the moisture will be evaporated and pass off,
according to the number of shields left open.
The window garden consists of a vessel which may be of rectangular or other
form, having an apertured top to receive a number of perforated pots which extend 5
downward toward the bottom of the vessel, leaving a space for containing water.
Either of these devices may be mounted on an ornamental stand or podestal.
A NEW OR IMPROVED ADMISSION AND EXHAUST VALVE FOR MOTIVE POWER ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Hall at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 27th December 1877.
JAMES HALL, of Bonnybridge, in the County of Stirling, North Britain. "A NEW
OR IMPROVED ADMISSION AND EXHAUST VALVE FOR MOTIVE POWER ENGINES.”
This Invention, which relates to a new or improved admission and exhaust valvo
for motive power engines, consists of a conical plug, which is rotated continuously
(by toothed or other gearing from the driving shaft of the engine) in a corresponding
conical recess into which the steam and exhaust ports of the cylinder open.
The conical plug is formed with two ports, viz., an admission and an exhaust port,
which are alternately presented by the rotating action of the valve to the steam and
exhaust sides of the piston.
By means of the valve being continuously rotated in one direction, the shocks
and strains due to the action of mechanism for reversing the direction of motion of
slide valves as ordinarily employed are got rid of, and a high speed of the engine
can be obtained with less risk of injury to the mechanism.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COACH OR CARRIAGE DOOR FASTEN- INGS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Sleigh and William Hawley
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd February 1877.
JOSEPH SLEIGH and WILLIAM HAWLEY, both of Walsall, in the County of
Stafford, Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN COACH OR CARRIAGE DOOR FASTEN-
INGS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Our Invention has for its object strength, durability, and facility of action.
Coach or carriage door fastenings have hitherto been weak and liable to breakage
or straining in consequence of being constructed externally generally of sheet
metal, and with springs liable to break; to obviate these defects we make the rim
and one side of the casing of cast metal, brass by preference, leaving the corners to
drill and tap so as to fasten the plate on firmly; in making the spring we construct
it straight, with an angular shaped end, of such strength that when a hole is drilled
through, breakage will be next to impossible. The tumbler or latch where it
impinges on the spring is constructed with a hardened roller, thereby facilitating
the action of the tumbler and retaining it in the position it is placed; these
fastenings are well suited to our Patent handle, No. 2085, A.D. 1875.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PIRN WINDING MACHINERY
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Stead and James Conlong at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st January 1877.
WILLIAM STEAD and JAMES CONLONG, both of Radcliffe Bridge, in the County of
Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PIRN WINDING MACHINERY."
Our Invention relates to the machinery or apparatus employed in the winding or
filling of the pirns ordinarily employed in some processes of weaving.
In certain descriptions of machinery which have been employed for the said
purpose previously to our Invention the pirn has been rotated by the frictional
contact of conically formed surfaces which have acted upon the conical portion of
the pirn or of the coiled yarn, and have been sufficiently wide to extend from the
least to the greatest diameter of the said conical portion. The result of this arrange-
ment is that owing to the differing velocities of parts of the driver and the driven,
or to other causes, the yarn is subjected to an amount of friction or rubbing which
is believed to have an injurious effect.
The object of our Invention is principally to remedy this defect. We employ revolv-
ing wheels or surfaces having faces or rims which are in contact with only a portion
of the length of the side of the aforesaid conical portion of the pirn or coiled yarn,
and we cause the pirn to move to and fro in a direction about parallel with the
driving surface. The driving wheel may be conical or cylindrical in form. When
a cylindrical driving wheel is employed the axis of the wheel has to be inclined
with respect to the axis of the pirn. We prefer to round off the edges of the said
driving wheel.
The traversing movements of the pirn may be obtained by various means. In
an arrangement which we now consider to be suitable the frames carrying the pirn
spindles are attached to a bar which is caused to slide to and fro so as to move the
pirns towards and from the driving wheels. When the pirns are moved towards
the said wheels the pirns rise, and when moved in the contrary direction the pirns
fall.
↓
We dispense with the ordinary rising and falling layer or yarn guide and employ
a stationary rod or quide

page_text: An important result of our Invention is that the yarn is wound at a nearly
uniform rate of speed, whereby the revolutions of the swifts are caused to be more
regular, and there is less strain upon the yarn or less tendency to breakage in the
case of fine or tender yarn. We may obtain the same result by moving the driving
wheels towards and from the pirns.
.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND MOUNTING OF SCREENS, SHOW CARDS, AND TABLETS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Chamberlain at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th November 1877.
EDWIN CHAMBERLAIN, of Edgbaston, in the County of Warwick, Gentleman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND MOUNTING OF SCREENS, SHOW CARDS,
AND TABLETS."
This Invention refers to the manufacture and mounting of screens, such as toilet
screens made of paper or paper material, show cards, and tablets required to be
folded or rolled, and the improvement consists in making such articles in a series of
strips formed by wholly or partially cutting through the surface of the material
upon which such articles are printed, or to which they may be attached, so that the
article may be rolled or folded without injury; thus, for instance, an illuminated
design may be printed on or mounted upon a sheet of cardboard backed with canvas
or cloth, if requisite, and the face of the cardboard being cut nearly, or, if preferred,
quite through the parts, are held together by the backing, and so the article may be
rolled or folded.
I also make toilet screens by the employment of designs produced in wool or
cotton flock paper, and mounted in manner already described.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COPYING PRESSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Williain McIntyre Cranston at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th January 1877.
WILLIAM MCINTYRE CRANSTON, of 36, Worship Street, Finsbury, in the County
of Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COPYING PRESSES"
This Invention relates to improvements in the construction of copying presses,
and consists of a platten or plate working within side fiammes (which may be of
11on 01 of wood) up and down under the control of a vertical 1od, and a foot pieco
oi tieadle
The vertical 1od is connected to a stiap huged to a cross bar or stay
near the bottom of the apparatus, and the strap is so hinged that the footboard or
treadle can be caused to bear upon it when it is necessary to use the press, but
which footboard or treadle can be folded up to rest against the vertical rod when out of
use The platten or plate ides in grooves in the side fiames or standards which
limit its descent, and the pressure when the footboard is depressed is received by a
partition between which and the platten the book is placed. The partition forms a
shelf upon which the copying book and accessories can be kept Above the shelf
is a top board upon which the book can be wetted and the letters inserted, pro-
Vision being made in the inner sides of the side frames to hold water and the
bush, should such he used, or the book can be kept within the casing or frame, and
the oilskin leaves upon the shelf
The front of the apparatus can be closed in by doors, the spaces on each side of
the vertical rod being available for other books or packages as desired
The footboard or treadle may have a tail piece to which the vertical 1od can
be jointed like a knuckle, and the fold up may take place froin the fiont if desired
In another form of construction, according to my Invention, I arrange the plattern
above the frame, and then by means of guide and connection rods or bars I govern
the up motion of the platten by weights or springs, and the down pressure by
the treadle or foot plate A rack may in some cases be used between the foot plate
and the platten.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PURIFICATION OF SULPHURIC ACID, AND IN THE OBTAINING OF AN ARSENICAL COMPOUND THEREFROM
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Duncan McKechnie and William
Gentles at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th August
1877.
DUNCAN MCKECHNIE, Manufacturing Chemist, and WILLIAM GENTLES, Analytical
Chemist, both of Saint Helens, in the County of Lancaster, "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OR PURIFICATION OF SULPHURIC ACID, AND IN THE OBTAINING OF
AN ARSENICAL COMPOUND THEREFROM."
Our Invention relates to an improved process for obtaining sulphuric acid in an
approximately pure condition, and in an economical manner, and it consists in the
adinixture with ordinary crude sulphuric acid containing arsenical compounds of
sulphuretted hydrogen, whereby the arsenic is precipitated in the form of tersulphide
of arsenic or orpiment, leaving the supernatant sulphuric acid in a pure or nearly
pure condition.
The admixture of the sulphuretted hydrogen with the crude sulphuric acid may
be effected by the aid of any suitable apparatus, such for example as a tower con
taining flints, brick, or other well known materials, the sulphuretted hydrogen being
conducted in an upward current whilst the crude sulphuric acid is caused to descend
to the bottom intermixed with the gas, with which it has been brought into contact.
The tersulphide of arsenic or orpiment is thus precipitated, and the sulphuric acid
with the orpiment in suspension may then be either run into a tank or other
receptacle, where the precipitate may be allowed to settle or be introduced into a
filter, the pure sulphuric acid passing through the filter into any convenient
receptacle, whilst the precipitate is retained in the filter to be withdrawn for
utilization for any required purpose.
The sulphuretted hydrogen may he economically produced from alkali waste and
alkali waste drainage, and weak hydrochloric or other acid, or in any other suitable
manner.
REDUCING OR REGULATING VALVE FOR STEAM AND OTHER PURPOSES."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Reid at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th August 1877.
"AN IMPROVED
WILLIAM REID, of 3, York Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool.
REDUCING OR REGULATING VALVE FOR STEAM AND OTHER PURPOSES."
Within a hollow casing or stand I fit or apply a spring, by preference a steel spiral
spring, which is connected to or with a slide valve, by which the requisite change
in the position of the valve and openings may be readily effected. The upper
portion of the hollow chamber or stand is separated from the lower by means of an
elastic diaphragm placed between the flanches thereof. A piston works in each
portion, and both are mounted on the superior end of the common spindle or rod,
whilst at the lower part or portion thereof is carried or attached the slide valve,
working upon a metal seating, with suitable passage ways by which the steam,
water, or other fluid pressure is under regulation, permitted to pass from the
"inlet" to the "outlet" side, acting on the under side of the vertically moving
piston.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CHAIN CLIPS OR GRIPPERS FOR CLOTH OR WEB FINISHING MACHINES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Kesson and Duncan
Campbell at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th September
1877.
ANDREW KESSON and DUNCAN CAMPBELL, both of Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain, Engineers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CHAIN CLIPS OR GRIPPERS
FOR CLOTH OR WEB FINISHING MACHINES."
This Invention has reference to a more simple, effective, and durable construction
of chain clips for the gripping of web fabrics by their selvedges or edges for stretching
and treating the same while carrying it through cloth finishing and "jigging"
machines.
And the nature and novelty of the Invention or improvements consist in forming
the upper moving jaw of the gripper with an open joint to oscillate vertically and
backwards over the lateral arm of the lower gripper, projecting out from the centre
of each link of the chain, and with the joint pin passed through both, preferably
some little distance behind and below the gripping faces of the clip, but at such a
distance back from the link of the chain, and with the slot or joint part of the upper
jaw sufficiently above the carrying arm of the lower jaw, to allow a blade spring to
be screwed or otherwise secured to the upper side of this arm, that the curved up
acting end of the spring will act on an angled or V shaped ridge formed in the slot
or recess of the upper jaw, above it and the fulcrum joint; also that the spring,
when acting on the inner angle, presses the upper jaw out and over on the
under jaw so as to grip the fabric with the full force of the spring acting on
the angle, and when the upper jaw is pulled or pushed back (by an arm pro-
jecting up from it for that purpose), the spring yields, while the angled ridge
passes over it so as to act on the outer angle and press or hold the upper jaw
quite back clear of the lower jaw, and so allow the fabric either to enter and
be caught or released by or from the clip when the upper jaw is pushed or
pulled out again on to the lower jaw.
Stationary angled or curved cam blades or brackets would be fitted at the ends
or other parts of the machine where desired for automatically tilting the upper jaw
out and in as described.

page_text: This improved simple acting clip or gripper admits of the jaws and links of the
chain being made shorter than usual, in fact, as short as the ordinary double and
single end joints can be formed on the same link to clear each other and not cut
through the metal, and which is a great advantage for the gripping and finishing of
the finer class of fabrics.
IMPROVEMENTS CONNECTED WITH WOOD LETTERS, FIGURES, AND LIKE DEVICES FOR PRINTERS' USE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gustav Garbe at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th September 1877.
GUSTAV GARBE, of Dean Street, Soho, in the County of Middlesex, Hardwood
Turner. "IMPROVEMENTS CONNECTED WITH WOOD LETTERS, FIGURES, AND LIKE
DEVICES FOR PRINTERS' USE."
In the usual method of preparing wood letters, figures, and the like, for posters
and other large show bills or tablets, they are carved by hand, or by tools, leaving
a raised surface only, a slight distance above, from which the impression has to be
produced. The evil of this method is, the wood absorbs the moisture of the ink or
colour used, and in a short time from the wearing down of the surface the printing
shows rough edges and imperfections of the letters, also an unfinished and unsightly
appearance on the poster or tablet. Now by my Invention I produce letters, figures,
and the like, with defined edges for the full depth of the cutting, so that notwith-
standing the amount of printings the letters and the like have to undergo, the
sharpness of the edges is maintained until they are worn out, or there is nothing of
them left, so to speak. By my plan I use a fret band or other like saw, and cut
out or remove solid pieces from the block of which the letter has to be made; the
piece so removed is of the same figure or contour throughout the depth of the wood
operated upon.
The thickness of the wood from which my letters have to be made is of no con-
sequence; I can therefore produce letters which can be severed or cut transversely
to enable several of the same letter to be produced from the first cut one.
The letters, figures, and the like so produced can be mounted or fixed upon a
wood or other backing by nails passed through holes previously made in them, or
by screws or other fasteners from the back after the letters are arranged in the
desired order upon the backing.
IMPROVEMENTS IN
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward French at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd September 1877.
EDWARD FRENCH, of Hitchin, in the County of Hertford.
RAILWAY SIGNALS."
"
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
One part of my Invention has for its object so to construct semaphore signal
arms, that when in the extended, or danger" position, the accumulation of snow
or action of the wind thereon shall not have any tendency to move the signal from
the "danger "into the "all right" position; and furthermore, that when moved
out of the "danger" position, the signal arm shall tend to return to it. For these
purposes I place the pivots on which the signal arm turns in the middle of its length,
and I make the parts on each side of the pivots so that the one part shall counter-
balance the other part, both as regards weight and superficial area. Thus as each
part presents the same area for the snow to accumulate, or for the wind to act upon,
these will have no tendency to move the signal arm out of whatever position it may
be placed in. Furthermore, I place the pivots of the arm vertically above the
centre of gravity thereof when in the horizontal position, so that the arm will
always tend to retain that position, and to return to it when inclined in either
direction.
The above-described principle of construction may also be applied with
advantage to the treadle plate for actuating audible signals, such, for instance, as
described in Burns' Specification, No. 774 of 1874, such plate being pivotted at the
side of the rails of the permanent way, and raised into an inclined position when
the danger signal requires to be given, so that a trigger on the passing train shall
strike against it.
According to my present Invention I provide on the opposite side of the pivot or
shaft of the treadle, at any convenient point, a plate of the same area as that of
the treadle, so that the snow lying upon the surface of the plate on the one side
will balance that on the treadle.
IMPROVED METHOD FOR PRODUCING ORNAMENTATION, LETTERING, OR FIGURING OF A SIMPLE OR COMPLEX CHARACTER AS APPLIED TO PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edmund Baugh Andrews at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th November 1877.
"AN
EDMUND BAUGH ANDREWS, of Handsworth, in the County of Stafford.
IMPROVED METHOD FOR PRODUCING ORNAMENTATION, LETTERING, OR FIGURING
OF A SIMPLE OR COMPLEX CHARACTER AS APPLIED TO PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
ANNOUNCEMENTS.
">
My Invention consists of the improvements herein-after described in the orna-
menting, the lettering, or figuring the parts of public or private buildings, designating
the occupier and his profession, or such other matter as may be required, the chief
feature of this my said Invention being to dispense with the complication and
expense that as hitherto occurred.
I will now proceed to describe my Invention. I adopt a prepared paper known
as transfer, upon the surface of which is temporarily arranged certain devices,
letters, or figures, according to my requirements; the said surface is then placed
against the panel or place I intend to illustrate; the paper is then removed by
moisture, leaving the ornament or matter transferred. I then secure the same by
the application of any suitable varnish.
A NEW OR IMPROVED Manufacturer of Clan Tartan and Fancy Wood Work. CASKET FOR HOLDING THREAD AND OTHER ARTICLES, THE SAME BEING APPLICABLE FOR PROVIDING GAMES OF AMUSEMENT
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Mac Ewan at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th December 1877.
EDWARD MAC EWAN, of Mauchline, in the County of Ayr, North Britain,
"A NEW OR IMPROVED
Manufacturer of Clan Tartan and Fancy Wood Work.
CASKET FOR HOLDING THREAD AND OTHER ARTICLES, THE SAME BEING APPLICABLE
FOR PROVIDING GAMES OF AMUSEMENT.”
This Invention, which relates to a new or improved cashet for holding thread or
other articles or substances, and which may be used for providing games of
amusement, is a further development of the Invention for which Letters Patent were
granted to the said Edward Mac Ewan dated the 14th day of June, A.D. 1877,
No. 2325.
According to the first modification of the present improvements the box or casket
is stationary and firmly fixed to the sole or foot instead of revolving on the sole or
foot as in the original apparatus, and between the stationary box or casket and the
sole of this modification a disc capable of revolving is situated. On this disc the
games of amusements, such as answers to a question, or numbers, or indices, or
marks, or signs, such as the marks or signs with which packets of cards are marked,
or others of analogous kind, are arranged in concentric, transveise, or radial spaces,
or both, so that when the disc is spun or rotated the answer, number, mark, or sign
to be referred to is singled out when the disc stops opposite a point or indicator,
which may be on the box at the centre, or on the circumference of the foot or sole.
Such revolving disc may however be on the cover of the box.
Under a second modification the box revolves as in the original Invention, but it
is in this case formed with an enlarged sole or disc which revolves with it, and upon
this sole or disc the answers, numbers, or other marks or symbols are arranged,

page_text: and questions or answers, or marks or symbols, may also be placed on the surface
of the box or foot.
The box or casket, besides being used for holding thread, may also be used as a
container for matches, postage stamps, wafers, pins, needles, scissors, counters, and
ink bottle, or other useful article, whilst the exterior may be fitted with books or 5
supports for carrying penholders, pencils, or other articles.
AN IMPROVED PUMP
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Andrew and Simeon Deacon
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th July 1877.
THOMAS ANDREW, Engineer, of 135, Commercial Street, E., London, and SIMEON
DEACON, Engineer, of Kennet Iron Works, Reading, Berkshire. AN IMPROVED
PUMP."
"
We form a double-action pump by means of a loose internal cylinder, having
lateral play only, as herein-after described. To effect this we form a pump cylinder
having the usual inlet and outlet ports at its ends, and containing the ordinary
piston and piston rod; the bottom of this cylinder is screwed in, and the whole
is externally fitted and turned (with or without piston rings) so as to fit into an
outer corresponding cylinder, which is also provided with inlet and outlet ports,
corresponding in size and position with those in the inner or piston cylinder, and
which outer cylinder is bored and turned to receive it. This outer cylinder chamber
is made longer than the inner cylinder to the extent necessary to allow the said
inner cylinder free lateral play to the extent necessary to shift the ports in the same
fashion as the ports of an ordinary steam slide valve are shifted. The working
result is, that after a stroke of the piston, the back part of the inner cylinder being
naturally full of liquid, which is retained by a foot or check valve fitted in the
suction pipe, the return stroke lifts or pushes the inner cylinder, which is loose, to
the opposite end of the outer cylinder, and thus shifts or reverses the ports after
the fashion of an ordinary steam slide valve, and allows the ejection of the liquid,
and a fresh suction from the opposite end, the ports being full open during the
whole time of suction and ejection, and only shifting their position at the com-
mencement of each stroke.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RAISING OR FORCING FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Henry Bailey at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY BAILEY, of The Albion Works, Salford, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RAISING OR FORCING FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS."
The object of this Invention is to simplify and cheapen the construction of that
form of apparatus for raising or forcing fluids and liquids known as "injectors"
and "ejectors," and consists as applied to an injector, in a novel method of mounting
the steam nozzle whereby the same is capable of adjustment with regard to its
distance from the discharge cone which in this case is a fixture.
In carrying out my Invention I prolong the passage leading from the steam space
to the water space, and on the cylindrical outside of this extension of the steam
passage I mount the steam nozzle, which for this purpose is provided with a suitable
sleeve piece so as to be capable of sliding thereon. The movement and adjustment
of this steam nozzle being effected from the outside by a rack and pinion, or its
equivalent, in the ordinary manner.
As applied to ejectors I cause the discharge cone to be moveable with regard to
the steam nozzle by mounting the same in an annular space surrounding the steam
nozzle, and in such a manner as to be capable of sliding up and down therein, a
pinion worked from the outside and gearing into a rack formed upon an extension
of the discharge cone being provided for the purpose of adjustment.
In some cases I employ a copper expansion rod for assisting self actingly the
adjustment of the steam nozzle and discharge cone herein-before mentioned
according to the temperature or pressure of the steam.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PIRNS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SPOOLS AND COP TUBES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Stevenson, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, Wood Turner, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PIRNS,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SPOOLS AND COP TUBES."
Sealed the 21st August 1877, and dated the 28th May 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Stevenson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th May 1877.
WILLIAM STEVENSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Wood
Turner. " IMPROVEMENTS IN PIRNS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SPOOLS AND COP TUBES."
This Invention, which relates to improvements in pirns, otherwise known as
spools and cop tubes, is especially adapted for use in combination with Muir's patent
cop winding mechanism, as well as other pirn or cop winding machines, whereby
reduction in size, and lightness, and strength, are obtained.
The improved pirns or spools are constructed principally of a thin metallic tube
or a tube of other material having the requisite strength consistent with lightness.
Upon the lower part of this tube a base or root formed of, wood or other suitable
material is fixed by a cement impervious to water or oil, or otherwise equivalently
fixed. By this construction of the pirns or spools the advantage is obtained of a
small and strong stem with a base of such material as can be accurately made to any
given size and shape, as may be necessary for every cop winding operation. The
metal tube is by preference corrugated or otherwise sufficiently roughened to prevent
the yarn from sliding or being drawn off.
With reference to cop tubes, these are also made in the same manner, vizt., of
metal or other material thin enough to impart the requisite strength with lightness,

page_text: but without having the base or root of the pirns or spools attached thereto. The
improved cop tubes are however lined with paper, felt, cloth, or other elastic
material, whereby more or less of a cushioning surface is formed at their interior for
the purpose of causing the said tubes to adhere or grip firmly to the skewers of the
shuttles in which they are used.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SPRING BOTTOMS FOR BEDS, COTS, BERTHS, AND HAMMOCKS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edward Newton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st August 1877. A com-
munication from abroad by William Peacock, of the City and State of New
York, United States of America.
"
WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN SPRING BOTTOMS FOR
BEDS, COTS, BERTHS, AND HAMMOCKS." [A communication from abroad by William
Peacock, of the City and State of New York, United States of America.]
The Invention consists in a combination of parts so constructed that they may
be rolled or folded up in a small space for convenience of transport, and when
extended and in use will form an elastic surface on which a bed or mattress may be
placed. The flexible surface is formed of a system or series of slats which are
strung or connected together by cords or straps so that they may be rolled up
when not in use. This flexible surface is supported on trestles, stands, or bearers,
provided on it upper surface with cleats or projections arranged to enter between
certain of the slats so as to keep the connected series extended. The stands or
bearers for supporting this series of slats to form the bed bottom have elasticity
given to them by placing between the two horizontal bearers a number of coiled
springs.
Increased elasticity may also be imparted by making a horizontal saw kerf for
a considerable distance from the end of the upper bearer towards the centre.
In order to give the stands a firm bearing on the ground they are provided with
cross feet, which, for convenience of stowage when not in use, may be made to turn
on centres so as to be snugly under the bottom bearer.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY AND CARRIAGES AND VANS, SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS, STOREHOUSES AND CHAMBERS." OTHER
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Wesley Lewis at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th February 1877.
"
JOHN WESLEY LEWIS, of the Town and County of the Town of Nottingham,
Merchant. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY AND
CARRIAGES AND VANS, SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS, STOREHOUSES AND CHAMBERS."
OTHER
My improvements relate to the construction of railway and other carraiges and
vans, ships and other vessels, storehouses, and chambers to be employed in the
conveyance and storeage of perishable commodities.
My first modification consists in constructing a carriage or van with a hollow
bottom, sides, ends, and top, and filling the hollow spaces with sawdust, hair, felt, or
powdered charcoal, or their equivalent; in each carriage or van I place one or more
refrigerators, each of which consists of one or more chambers to contain ice, or a coil
or coils of pipe, through which is passed a freezing mixture supplied from a tank in
the carriage or van, by means of a force pump operated by a connecting link and
levers, moved by a cam or cord and pulleys secured upon one of the axles of the
carriage or van or to one of the wheels. Each carriage or van I also supply with a
stream of pure air at a low temperature by means of a fan or blower, to which
movement is given by a cord or belt driven by a drum or pulley on one of the axles
of the carriage or van, or to one of the wheels. Before the air reaches the fan or
blower I cause it to pass through a chamber or chambers containing charcoal and
ice to purify and cool it, and also through sponge, hair, felt, or their equivalent, to
prevent the passage of dust.
My second modification consists in employing the means, apparatus and materials
described in my first modification in vessels, storehouses, and chambers; the power
required may be supplied by a gas, steam, or water engine, or hand power.
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLEANING AND DRESSING GOOSEBERRIES, AND REMOVING THE 'TOPS AND TAILS' THERE- FROM
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Faulder at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th March 1877.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
HENRY FAULDER, of Stockport, in the County of Chester.
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLEANING
AND DRESSING GOOSEBERRIES, AND REMOVING THE 'TOPS AND TAILS' THERE-
FROM."
This Invention relates to the construction of a machine or apparatus specially
designed for the purpose of cleaning and dressing gooseberries and removing the
"tops and tails" therefrom preparatory to preserving the same.
I construct a cylinder of suitable size of perforated zinc or other metal, and I fix
this cylinder with its axis at such an inclination to the horizon that the gooseberries
when fed into the upper end will roll freely down towards the lower end. The
upper end of this fixed perforated cylinder is closed and the lower end is open, and
within it and concentric with it I mount a second cylinder of smaller diameter,
having a cylindrical space of an inch or more all round between the two cylinders.
The inner cylinder is mounted upon an axis or shaft which is free to turn, and
which has upon it a small driving pulley, by means of which a rapid rotary motion
may be given to it. Upon the exterior of the inner cylinder are fixed longitudinal
ribs, so deep as almost to touch the interior of the outer cylinder, and to divide the
cylindrical space above referred to into a series of longitudinal cells. The inner
cylinder being put into rapid revolution, the gooseberries are fed through a hopper
into the upper end of the fixed perforated cylinder, and entering the cells above.
named are carried round with the inner cylinder and caused to revolve rapidly in
contact with the inner circumference of the perforated cylinder, against which they
are pressed by centrifugal force, and the consequence is that before they reach the
lower end of the cylinder they become thoroughly cleaned, and the tops and tails
rubbed off, which either fall through the perforations or out at the end of the
cylinder.
The speed of the cylinder should be so regulated that the gooseberries will be
thoroughly dressed before they reach the lower end of the cylinder.
The descent of the gooseberries is retarded by increasing the speed, and accelerated
by diminishing the same.