matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE HYDRAULIC ENGINES KNOWN AS TURBINES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Evan Owen at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd March
1862.
I, EVAN OWEN, of Bala, in the County of Merioneth, North Wales, Joiner,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE HYDRAULIC ENGINES KNOWN AS TURBINES," to be as follows:-
The object of my Invention is to afford facility in varying the power of the
turbine according to the load to be driven. It is well known to persons con-
versant with turbines that the water by which they are driven is conveyed
from a central aperture to the buckets or chambers in the turbine. Now my
Invention consists in applying a perforated annular shield between the central
aperture and the buckets through which the water passés. The perforations
are so made that when the shield is in one position the greatest quantity of
water can pass to the buckets; when lowered or raised a short distance a fresh
set of perforations is brought into position for admitting only a part of the
water, and when the position of the shield is again altered another set of
perforations is brought into position to shut off still more of the water; any
number of sets of perforations can be used, according to the variations in the
power required to be exerted by the turbine.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ORNA- MENTAL FILLINGS FOR DOMESTIC STOVE GRATES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Robson, at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th December
1862.
I, JAMES ROBSON, junior, of South Shields, in the County of Durham, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORNA-
MENTAL FILLINGS FOR DOMESTIC STOVE GRATES," to be as follows:-
The object of my Invention is to ornament the grates of parlor and other
domestic stoves when not in use for warming purposes with economical and
brilliant materials.
My Invention consists in preparing or manufacturing the materials in the
following manner:-I take ordinary coke cinders, charcoal, coal, the refuse
of furnaces, brick burrs, stones or wood, or similar forms to coke or cinders
made of Paris plaster, or plastic substances, or stamped out of sheet metal,
and give them an electro conducting surface by rubbing them over with
plumbago, or by dipping them into a solution of bi-sulphuret of carbon, and
then into a weak solution of nitrate of silver and water. I then coat them
by electro-deposition with any of the ordinary metallic deposits, such for
example as copper, and then connect the coke or other material herein
described with an electric battery and place the same in a deposition trough
containing sulphate or other solution of copper until the said coke or other
material is coated with copper. I then remove the said materials. and dip
them into ordinary acid pickle, and afterwards wash the same in water and
dry them in sawdust or in any other ordinary manner, and lacquer or varnish

page_text: them for use; or I would sometimes coat the said coke or other materials with
gold size or other ordinary, adhesive substance, and cover their surfaces with
gold or bronze leaf, foil, or dust, parts of which I would sometimes burnish
and varnish, when they would be ready for use to be filled into the grates
required to be ornamented.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ENVELOPES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Hely at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th October
1862.
I, EDWARD HELY, Junior, of Merchants' Quay, Dublin, and Clonliffe
Mills, Co. Dublin, Envelope Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ENVELOPES," to be as follows:-
Instead of making envelopes in one piece or from one piece of paper or
other material I employ two pieces. I take any ordinary "blank" or pattern
of envelope having side flaps or lappets, and the top or seal flap and the bottom
or pocket flap each so shaped that there is no one flap or folding piece of the
same size or shape as the envelope face; I fold and gum the "blank" in the
ordinary way, and along the upper edge of each of the sido flaps or lappets
and inside thereof, I lay on a thin strip of gum; I then introduce the second
piece of plain or colored paper or other material so as to form a square pocket,
this second piece being secured to the under face of the side lappets and the
upper point or tongue of the bottom or pocket flap. Or, instead of gumming
the side flaps, the second piece may be gummed on its face at the lower edges
thereof, and be slipped in and secured. I prefer for the sake of economy to
employ for the second piece a lighter and less expensive paper than that of
the body of the envelope and the paper may either be colored or white. I
form the second pieces of my envelopes by preference from the waste or cuttings
of other envelopes, and, although a piece of only equal size to the seal flap

page_text: need be used, the second piece may be of the same size as the face of the
envelope.
By the method of envelope making which I have described, a perfectly
secure envelope may be made equal to what are known as bankers'
envelopes, with a considerable economy of material and cost as compared
therewith.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING MULES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION. left by James Evans, at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th June 1862.
I, JAMES EVANS, of Hyde, in the County of Chester, Overlooker, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING
MULES," to be as follows:-
First, I turn the twist shaft by means of a vertical shaft and pair of bevil
wheels and catch or coupling box, instead of the driver or counter strap at
present employed. Secondly, I give positive motion to the centre shaft by
fixing on the end of the twist shaft a spur wheel, gearing into a spur wheel on
a horizontal shaft, which carries a bevil wheel gearing into a bevil wheel on
the centre shaft. The wheel on the horizontal shaft traverses to and fro with
the mule carriage, and gives the required revolution of the spindles with
greater certainty than the ordinary grooved pulleys and rim bands.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEERING SHIPS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Seymour and Daniel George
Hatcher at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 25th July 1862.
We, JAMES SEYMOUR, of Queenstown, in the County of Cork, Wine and
Spirit Merchant, and DANIEL GEORGE HATCHER, of the Town and County of
Southampton, Yacht Builder, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEERING SHIPS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME,"
to be as follows:-
Our Invention relates to the application of blades or surfaces to both sides
of ships for the purpose of steering, either as an auxiliary to the ordinary
rudder, or in case it should be carried away. These surfaces we prefer to place
on cach quarter of the ship at a sufficient depth below the water line, and we
recess them in the side of the ship, so that when not in use they are flush and
present no obstacle to the passage of the vessel through the water. Each of
these surfaces are mounted on an axis or pivot at the forward part, and have
motion thereon similar to the action of the rudder; this may either be com-
municated through the axis itself or by a curved bar fixed to the plate or
surface and passing through a stuffing box in the ship's side; the curve is
described by a radius, taking the pivot as a centre. Motion is communicated
to the curved bar by rack teeth and wheel gearing, or by levers, or otherwise
actuated by a steering wheel or suitable apparatus. When it is desired to
steer the ship by these blades or surfaces, one or other is projected from the

page_text: side of the ship, according to the direction required, when the surface so
projected presents an inclined surface on which the water acts, as on a rudder
itself. The two auxiliary steering apparatus may be worked in combination
or separately; they may also be used for stopping the way of a ship, in which
case they must necessarily be disconnected, as they require both to be projected
at same time. One or more of these steering surfaces may be fitted to each
side of the vessel. .
IMPROVEMENTS IN FOLDING IRON CHAIRS & CHAIR BEDSTEADS
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Holt at the Office" of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th January.
1862.
I, THOMAS HOLT, of Edward Street, Blackfriars Road, in the County of
Surrey, Bedstead Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FOLDING IRON CHAIRS & CHAIR BEDSTEADS,"
to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to that class of chairs and chair bedsteads which are
commonly used in hospitals, and by officers campaigning, being adapted for a
change of form and position for the occupant, and for packing in small compass
for the sake of portability or stowage. These bedsteads, as well understood,
consists of three principal frames or parts, which with the laths constitute the
bedstead bottom, which are hinged to and fold on each other. To the middle
piece the four principal legs are fixed or hinged as usual. The foot and head
parts have light auxiliary legs or supports, which fold up as usual. The head
and middle part of the frame are fitted with jointed pieces, which form the
arms when the head part is raised to form a chair back and it is the mode of
sustaining the chair back, which constitutes my Invention. Near the forward
upper angle of the parallelogram or other figure described by the bars forming
the arms, I joint a diagonal piece, and on the horizontal part of the arms
I cut notches to receive a pin or other catch of the diagonal piece; this
diagonal piece fixes the arms in position and thereby sustains the chair back.

page_text: An invalid or other person sitting in the chair can readily alter the position or
incline of the back as he pleases while sitting in the chair, by simply moving
the diagonal catch from one set of notches to another; instead of notches it
may be holes or other modes of holding.
Instead of the diagonals being at the forward angle they may be at the
angle described by the horizontal part of the arm and the chair back, but I
believe the position first described to be the best.
Instead of fixing the laths of the head part to the principal frame, I fit a
light frame thereto to carry them; this is jointed and furnished with a strut
piece, so that when used as a bed it can be inclined at any angle so as to
dispense with a pillow, or for the purpose of raising the shoulders of the
occupant.
The raising strut piece is jointed to the slope by means of notches in the
side frames, & can be adjusted at any suitable incline. When used as a chair
it is well understood the foot part of the frame or bottom is folded on the
middle part of the chair bedstead, but chairs alone may be constructed
according to my Invention.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR MACHINERY FOR LASTING AND MAKING BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Wright and Henry Wheat-
croft at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 18th March 1862.
We, JAMES WRIGHT, of 42, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, City of London,
Engineer, and HENRY WHEATCROFT, of 27, Fore Street, City of London,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR MACHINERY FOR LASTING AND MAKING BOOTS
AND SHOES," to be as follows, that is to say:
Our Invention consists of a machine for lasting boots and shoes when the
uppers are seamed and the inner sole is to be affixed. On a suitable stand
or frame are mounted four sliding plates, two corresponding in outline to the
sides of the boot or shoe, and the two others fitting the toe and heel. These
plates are adjustable by screws to any size of boot, and slide in grooves so as
to open and shut by the action of two parallel shafts on which are mounted
cams pressing against the two side plates, the ends of the two side plates are
formed wedge shaped, so as to embrace the two toe and heel pieces. By this
means we are enabled to contract the whole of the plates simultaneously, when
not acted on by the lever the plates are kept open by a spring. The last with
the upper leather and inner sole is placed within these plates, and supported
from underneath at each end, the plates are then closed which stretches the
upper leather and makes it to fit accurately the last. On the same spindle

page_text: which actuates the slide are fixed pincers which grasp the projecting edges of
the leather, stretch it tight, and keep it so till the workman has pegged the
upper to the inner sole, the tacks or pegs being put in through holes or slots
in the edges of the sliding plates.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OF PLATING OR SHIELDING SHIPS OF WAB
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Lakin at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th September
1862.
I, ROBERT LAKIN, of Ardwick, in the County of Lancaster, Machinist,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MODE OF PLATING OR SHIELDING SHIPS OF WAB," to be as follows:-
First, in applying springs between the plates or shields and the sides of the
ship to act as an elastic cushion to the plates.
Secondly, in supporting the plates on brackets or the like attached to the
sides of ships instead of bolting the plates to the sides.
Thirdly, in applying to the sides of ships metal pipes or tubes, or metal
bars made wholly or partially of a circular or other curvilinear form, instead
of the plates as ordinarily used.
AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR INSTANTANEOUSLY LIGHTING CERTAIN LAMPS, AND WHEN DESIRED EXTINQUISHING THE SAME
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Henry Cotter at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
4th January 1862.
I, RICHARD HENRY COTTER, of Cambridge Heath, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR INSTANTANEOUSLY LIGHTING CERTAIN LAMPS, AND WHEN
DESIRED EXTINQUISHING THE SAME," to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to afford a ready means of producing an
instantaneous light by a simple movement of the handle of the apparatus, which
light shall be permanent until.extinguished by a similar movement, and shall
be capable of reproduction a given number of times without recharging the
instrument. The apparatus consists of a lamp provided with a wick for
burning paraffine, coal oil, or other inflammable fluid, in connection with an
apparatus for striking an ordinary congreve or other friction match. The
apparatus for striking the match consists of a revolving disc, furnished with a
given number of sockets for holding one match, each in connection with a
revolving barrel placed on a different centre, and carrying a frictional surface
for igniting the match. To this barrel a cord or gut is attached, to one end
of which a handle is connected, and to the other end a ball. The sockets
having been charged with matches (cut to a suitable length) and the lamp
being properly trimmed, a smart pull at the handle will pass the frictional
surface over the match, igniting the same, and also by means of a small lever

page_text: and other details will bring the wick of the lamp into contact with the flame
thus produced, and hold it there until the handle is released, thereby ensuring
the lighting of the lamp, which upon the handle being released assumes its
original position by means of a spring. When the light is no longer required
it may be extinguished by pulling down the ball, which raises a tube round
the wick, thus extinguishing the light at the same time that it brings
another match forward, and brings the frictional apparatus into a position
ready to be again actuated by a pull at the handle.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LACE
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Hartshorn at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th
June 1862.
I, JAMES HARTSHORN, of the Mansfield Road, Nottingham, Lace Manufac
turer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LACE," to be as follows:-
One part of the improvements relates to employing extra threads
operated by bottom guide bars (when two sets of guide bars are used) in
combination with extra stump bars or spaces for such threads, by which such
threads so operated may at times be used to produce looped, purl, or open
edges to holes, and at other times be used to produce increase in substance
or other effects in or upon the body of the fabric. The tension on such
threads is regulated as required.
Another part of the improvements relates to producing in machine made lace
holes inclined or at angles to the selvage of the fabric by the working of certain
of the warp threads operated by figuring or embroidering bars and supplied
from the main beam or beams. Such threads being caused to loop with certain
of the bobbin threads at the hole or holes to be diverted or drawn upon and then
to traverse in and form part of the body of the fabric to a distance sufficient
for the required tension. Extra weighting is applied as required. Sometimes
in order to control the form or character of such holes, as well as to obtain the
appearance of an internal looped edging or purl thereto, I employ another thread

page_text: or other threads to take hold of the threads forming the sides of such holes.
In machinery where top and bottom rows of guide bars are employed (in
carrying out this part of the improvements) threads which had been working
with bottom bars to produce ground or body of fabric may be taken out of
such bars and conducted through so as to be operated by the embroidery or
top bars,
IMPROVEMENTS IN BAILWAY SIGNALS
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Davies at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 8th September
1862. A communication from abroad by Jean Baptiste Java Mignon
and Stanislas Henri Rouart, both of Paris, France, Engineers.
I, GEORGE DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Strect, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of
Middlesex, and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BAILWAY SIGNALS," (a communication to
me from abroad by Jean Baptiste Java Mignon and Stanislas Henri Rouart,
both of Paris, France, Engineers,) to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object the placing beside the rails at a suitable
distance from the stations of a detonating signal requiring no change of the
customary usages, capable of being put in action from the station, and infallible
in effect.
The principal difficulties to be overcome in effecting the above object are
that it is not only necessary that the apparatus should be capable of being
worked from a distance, but also that it should contain a number of "petards,"
or "detonators," so that the signal man is not obliged to go and exchango
each exploded "petard" for an unexploded one without which all the
advantages of its working from a distance would be lost.
This apparatus will usually be worked by the same wires which work the
ordinary disc or semaphore signals at the stations, and will serve as a very
simple means of controlling and ensuring their action.

page_text: The apparatus is constructed as follows:-At the inside of the rail is a
pedal or lever which is depressed by the flange of the first wheel of tho
locomotive engine. This pedal is moveable in a lateral direction, and is
placed near to the rail when the apparatus is required to work, and is moved
and held away from it when not required to act. This movement of the
pedal is effected by levers which may be actuated by the ordinary signal wires
or otherwise.
A cylindrical cast-iron box containing as many petards" as may be
considered necessary is furnished at the bottom with a circular slide having a
cavity of suitable form, into which the lowest of the "petards" falls. This
slide is connected to the pedal in such a manner that the lateral movement of
the latter causes the slide to move also and carry the "petard" contained in
its cavity beneath a mass of cast-iron the solid part of the slide at the same
time keeping the other "petards" in their place in the box.
The pedal or lever is keyed on a shaft, at the other end of which is a lever
connected to a vertical pin passing through a hole immediately under the mass
of cast iron above named so that as the flange of the engine wheel depresses
the pedal, the pin is raised and forcing the "petard" up against the head of
a bolt (passing through the mass of metal abovo named) explodes it by
percussion.
The bolt works loosely through the mass of metal, which latter is held in
its place by powerful springs forming a sort of elastic cushion against which
the shock of the explosion is expended.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Manuel Iturriaga at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th August
1862.
I, MANUEL ITURRIAGA, Colonel in the Army of Her Majesty the Queen
of Spain, of Tavistock Street, Bedford Square, in the County of Middlesex,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
FIRE-ARMS," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of certain improvements in connection with firer
arms, whereby a great number of shots may be simultaneously and con-
secutively discharged from one arm, the arm itself being fastened around the
body of the soldier, and concealed if desired by a coat or cloak,
The arm is constructed as follows:-A segmental or semicircular bar of iron
or steel of a square section is pierced or bored at its periphery in four or other
number of rows, so as to form a number of barrels on the same principle as
the revolving chamber of a repeating pistol, the breeches of all the barrels in
each separate longitudinal row communicating with each other by the medium
of a channel or groove. The interior periphery of the segmental series of
barrels is provided at or about the centre thereof with four or other number
of nipples (according to the number of rows of barrels) set obliquely under
each other, one nipple serving for the discharge of one entire segmental row
of barrels. This segmental or semicircular series of chambers is then to be
fixed in a metallic belt by means of sluts or grooves cut obliquely vertical

page_text: therein, and into which corresponding projections on the segment slide so as
to hold the series of barrels firmly thereto; either the right or left side of the
belt is provided with a lock and a handle or trigger, which actuates the main
spring, and raises the hammer simultaneously, and discharges the same upon
the uppermost nipple of the series; upon renewing the motion of the handle a
lever acts upon projecting studs behind the segment, and slightly raises the
same obliquely upwards in the belt, bringing the next nipple underneath the
hammer, which is consequently discharged, exploding the second series or row
of chambers in like manner to the first. So, also, the third and fourth or
other number of rows may be discharged. The arm may be made in two
semicircular divisions so as to form a ring, completely encircling the body of
the soldier, and enabling him to discharge projectiles in every direction
around him.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING THE INJURIOUS EFFECTS OCCASIONED BY SMOKE, SULPHUB, AND THE DELETERIOUS GASES WHICH ESCAPE FROM STACKS, CHIMNEYS, CALCINING HOUSES, CHEMICAL AND OTHER FUR- NACES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bickford Smith and
William Bennetts at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 1st May 1862.
We, WILLIAM BICKFORD SMITH, of Camborne, in the County of Cornwall,
Merchant, and WILLIAM BENNETTS, of Tucking Mill, in the County of Corn-
wall, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING THE INJURIOUS
EFFECTS OCCASIONED BY SMOKE, SULPHUB, AND THE DELETERIOUS GASES WHICH
ESCAPE FROM STACKS, CHIMNEYS, CALCINING HOUSES, CHEMICAL AND OTHER FUR-
NACES," to be as follows:-
In
This Invention has for its object improvements in mechanism which
prevents the liberation and diffusion of smoke and noxious gases by confining
and preserving them so that they may be turned to valuable purposes.
order to effect this object the flue which is conducted from the back of the fire
must be carried on to a small case in which is a blast fan, from whence the
flue is continued to a chamber, or if need be, to a succession of chambers.
When the blast fan is made to revolve rapidly it causes a draft in the flue
which can be regulated as desired and which carries onward the suioke and
the gases evolved during combustion, and the air which passes in to the fire
and discharges them into a chamber or a succession of chambers where they

page_text: are treated according to their nature, no air being allowed to escape but that
which is harmless, and this is passed through a finely perforated metallic plate
or through a sheet of canvass or such like material which is affixed to the
outlet from the chamber into which they are discharged.
AN IMPROVED RAILWAY BRAKE
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Séraphin Honoré Laurent at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
23rd September 1862.,
I, SERAPHIN HONORE LAURENT, of 29, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris, do.
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED RAILWAY
BRAKE," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to an improved sliding railway brake for stopping:
trains almost instantaneously, whatever may be the speed. at which they are
running: This improved brake consists of clamps, which embrace and slide
on the rails, power being exerted at a given moment to force them on the
rails, and thus to oppose such resistance, almost in an instant, that the speed of
the train is reduced to zero. By means of this improved brake the train may.
be stopped in a minimum distance of twenty-five yards, and within fifty yards.
at most, even on a steep incline.
This apparatus realizes two great advantages which have never hitherto been
attained. The first is that of preventing the train from leaving the rails, as it
is clear that the brake, which embraces the inner and outer sides of the rails,
will always keep the train in the position which it should occupy, and thus
render impossible and annul all attempts of the wheels to rise from the
rails.
The second advantage is that of preventing all collisions and shocks between
trains, the apparatus being so disposed and of such power that it acts
immediately, offering a resistance and tractive force which almost instan-

page_text: taneously neutralizes the impetus of the train however great it may be. This
apparatus is furnished with a screw, which is set in motion at the required
moment by the guard or brakesman. The screw carries at its lower end a
plate for carrying the different parts of the apparatus, the level of which is
above the rails, to enable it to pass the crossings and junctions. A nut is
placed on the screw before mentioned, which rises and falls on rotating the
latter; this nut is connected by means of toggle rods to the clamps for bearing
on and exerting the lateral pressure on the rails. The parts carrying the
clamps slide one on the other in such manner that the clamp on the inside of
the one rail corresponds with the one on the outside of the other rail, and vice
I thus obtain a brake power by means of the rods which are extended
and forced outward by the nut; the clamps are constructed in such manner
that this brake action does not injure the line in any way. The brake is
placed at the back of the train, being fixed thereto by means of four long rods;
when not in action, it is suspended by means of a rack; the clamps are then
sufficiently withdrawn to allow them to pass freely along the rails; they also
serve as guides to prevent the wheels running off the rails. When the brake
is to be put on the brake is disengaged, and falls immediately upon the rails;
the brakesman then turns the hand wheel on the screw, and so effects the
stoppage of the train, which, as before stated, may be effected even on an
incline in twenty-five yards.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FASTENINGS OF BEDSTEADS, WHICH FASTENINGS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PORTABLE FRAMEWORK
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James John King at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 3rd February
1862.
J, JAMES JOHN KING, of Chase Lodge, Lavender Hill, Wandsworth Road,
in the County of Surrey, Cabinet Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FASTENINGS OF BEDSTEADS, WHICH
FASTENINGS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PORTABLE FRAMEWORK," to be as
follows:-
My improvements in fastenings for bedsteads and other framework consist
in the application of a disc having snail grooves in the sides, or other suitable
snail piece, which I dispose in one part of the framework (in the horizontal
rail by preference), while in the post or upright I fix a dovetailed socket piece;
this socket piece projects from the side of the post, and is received in a recess
in the end of the rail. The disc snail piece I recess in the end of the rail, &
mount it on a suitable axis, so as to present its periphery towards the end of the
rail. The part of the periphery of smallest radius permits the insertion of the
socket piece. The snail piece is rotated by a suitable key applied to its spindle.
When fixing the parts together, the part of the periphery of smallest radius is
turned to position, & the socket piece as fixed to the post inserted; the disc
piece is then rotated, when the narrow part of the dovetailed socket enters the
snail grooves on each side of disc, while the broad part of the periphery is

page_text: received in the wide part of the dovetail. The snail form of the grooves draws
the parts forcibly together, and fixes and holds them firmly as required. The
socket part & axis of snail are furnished with plates or parts, whereby to screw
or otherwise fix them securely to the bedstead or other framework.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN PIANOFORTES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Tarr and Enoch Farr at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the
1st November 1862.
We, WILLIAM TARR, of 112, York Street, Oxford Street, Manchester, and
ENOCH FARR, of 40, Cavendish Street, Oxford Street, Manchester, both in the
County of Lancashire, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVEMENT IN PIANOFORTES," to be as follows:-
This Invention of improvements in pianofortes will be more clearly under-
stood by reference to the accompanying Drawings.
1st. The improvement consists in bringing the sticker A, A, Fig. 1, and the
hammer butt B together in firm contact immediately after the hammer strikes
the strings, thereby producing an efficient "check."
2ndly. In attaching two "levers" C, C, Fig. 1, to each sticker A, A, at
such inclinations as to give an outward movement to the top of sticker A, A,
and thus making the hopper D escape from under the butt B.
3rdly. In centering the damper E into rail F, and connecting it by a
bridle G with sticker A, A, so that the outward movement of sticker A, A,
caused by the inclination of the said levers C, C, draws the damper E from
the strings L, L.
4thly. An improved "octave couplet," which, by means of an additional set
of keys or levers H, H, placed obliquely under the manuals, and acting under
sticker A, A, causes each key to strike in addition to its own note the octave
above or below.
The noiseless method of connecting octave couplet is shewn in the ac-

page_text: companying Drawing, Fig. 2, and is effected by the hoppers K being centered
at the bottom, and into levers or keys H, H, and regulated to vertical positions
under manuals I, I, by screw buttons L, thus connecting the manuals I, I, to
levers or keys H, H.
The method of disconnecting the octave couplet is by an iron rail M in
front of the hoppers K, centered at the bottom edge, which, when moved
backwards, comes in contact with and presses the hoppers K from under the
manuals I, I, and out of action, leaving the octave couplet in a state of rest
detached. This octave couplet is applicable to organs, and all similarly keyed
instruments.
Lastly; this Invention has for its object the general simplicity and durability
of the whole action, as herein-before described.
AN IM- PROVED MOTIVE-POWER ENGINE
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Eugène Hippolyte Duru at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
15th November 1862.
I, EUGÈNE HIPPOLYTE DURU, of Poitiers, Town in the French Empire,
Sculptor, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IM-
PROVED MOTIVE-POWER ENGINE," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in employing mercury and water as the motive
power, either separately or in combination, in a machine of the following
construction, for example, to a suitable framing, either mounted on wheels or
to be fixed to the ground, I connect the following parts, a reservoir with
compartments containing the liquid motive power fixed to the top of the
framing; to the bottom of this reservoir two tubes are fixed, the lower ends
whereof are respectively fixed upon two water-tight vessels, furnished each
with a revolving wheel, having float boards or plates about and across its
periphery, somewhat similar to a water wheel; each of the aforesaid vessels
has a pipe connected to the bottom thereof, and inclining downwards nearly
to the bottom of the framing of the machine. Other smaller wheels with
plates about and across their peripheries are placed so as to revolve in the
inclined pipes aforesaid for the purpose hereafter stated. To these inclined
pipes other pipes are connected, and pass upwards nearly to the top of the
framing of the machine by which they are supported; other pipes are also con-
nected with the last-mentioned pipes, each of which, as also the first-mentioned
tubes, is fitted with a pump bucket worked by suitable rods and levers. The

page_text: operations of this improved engine are as follows:-The descent of the water
from the reservoir aforesaid imparts rotary motion to the large water wheels,
said motion being transmitted by endless straps or bands to the machinery to
be moved thereby; the water in its passage in like manner imparts rotary
motion to the smaller water wheels, and such motion is transmitted by the
rods and levers before mentioned to the several pump buckets, some of which
force the water, and others lift the water again into the reservoir, thus main-
taining constant circulation of the water. In using mercury I adapt a separate
reservoir alongside of the water reservoir, and place mercury therein, and I
connect this reservoir of mercury with the vessels containing the large water
wheels by means of pipes, one to each vessel, placed over the centre of each
wheel, and furnished with a cock for admitting and shutting off the mercury
as desired, and using it either by itself as a motive power agent or in com-
bination with the water as above stated.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TRACTION ENGINES
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Jesse Lee at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th May
1862.
I, JESSE LEE, of Church. Gate, in the Borough of Leicester, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF TRACTION ENGINES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates first to the wheels of traction engines; secondly, to
the balancing of the boiler; and, thirdly, to the supporting of the intermediate
wheel which connects the spur wheel with the pinion on the fly wheel shaft.
As regards the wheels the improvement consists in adapting transverse bars of
metal to the felloes of the wheels, to ensure greater hold of the said wheels on
the ground than heretofore, so as to prevent the slipping round of said wheels,
and further in connecting together at will two of such said wheels by plates.
extending from the felloes of one wheel to the felloes of the other and opposite
wheel so as to enable said wheels to be worked in a similar manner to a roller.
As regards the balancing of the boiler, I propose to balance the boiler across
the axle and to elevate and lower same as may be desired by means of a lever
worked either by hand or by a screw from the fire-box end of the engine.
As regards the supporting of the intermediate wheel which connects the spur
wheel with the pinion on the fly wheel shaft, I propose to employ links for
that purpose attached to the axle tree and fly wheel shaft.
A SMOKER'S PIPE AND TOBACCO POUCH
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Rufus E. Dixon at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 29th April
1862.
I, RUFUS E. DIXON, of the City and State of New York, United States of
America, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A SMOKER'S
PIPE AND TOBACCO POUCH," to be as follows:-
The distinguishing nature and character of this Invention consists in
arranging and fitting a small compact box or case for holding and protecting
the pipe when not being used, and for keeping and carrying matches and other
little articles of convenience for smokers, and in connecting and combining
therewith a bag or pouch for keeping the tobacco for smoking, which, how-
ever, is entirely distinct from the pipe case, except when the pipe is to be filled,
when communication is made between the two without opening or detaching
either, and the pipe filled without the use of the hands or fingers to put the
tobacco in the pipe.
The case for the pipe is made wide enough to receive the bowl of the pipe,
and long enough to take in such bowl and the short stem made with it, as
meershaum and briarwood and other pipes are generally made; and such case
may be made of any thin metal, plain or embossed, or plated, or may be of
hard rubber, leather, papier mache, or any other material desired. On each
side of the central recess for the stem of the pipe are other little spaces suitable
for matches and other conveniences of the smoker. This case need be only of

page_text: such a height as to receive the pipe bowl upwards, and should open at about
the middle, so that when opened the bowl will be partly above the lower part
of the case, and can be easily removed. To the top of this case is attached or
connected a bag or pouch of any material suitable and proper for holding
tobacco for smoking. The upper side or top of the pipe case forms the bottom
of the tobacco bag or pouch. Through such part of the case and directly
over the bowl of the pipe, the position of the pipe in the case being on its heel
with the bowl upward, is an opening of about the same size with the bowl, and
which is opened and closed by a slide or valve moved by a wire projecting
from one side of the case, or by some equivalent arrangement. While this
opening is kept closed by its slide or valve, the tobacco is kept within the
pouch, and none can get into the pipe case, but as soon as such slide or valve
is pulled out, the tobacco will drop into and fill the pipe bowl and load it all.
ready for smoking, and the slide being then pushed back no more tobacco can
pass. When a person who is provided with one of these convenient articles
wishes to take a smoke," he has only to take the pouch from his pocket, draw
out the slide or valve closing the opening between the tobacco and the pipe,
when his pipe will fill itself, pushing back the slide and opening the case, his
pipe is ready charged, a match at hand to fire it, and the fragrant cloud begins
to rise.
My Invention consists in the arrangement and combination of a pipe and
tobacco pouch substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPA- RATUS FOR MOVING, ELEVATING, CLEANING, AND DRESSING GRAIN
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Brinsmead at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 7th February
1862.
I, HENRY BRINSMEAD, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk, Machinist,
do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPA-
RATUS FOR MOVING, ELEVATING, CLEANING, AND DRESSING GRAIN," to be as
follows:-
My Invention is intended to simplify the operations of moving, elevating,
awning or hummelling chobbing (that is, removing the calyx or white coat
from the kernel) cleaning and dressing grain, and may be used either in
connection with thrashing machines or otherwise, and to effect simultaneously
the whole or a portion of the operations mentioned above..
My improved apparatus consists of a rotary fan, having a chob cleaner and
awner on one or both sides as may be desired, the moving parts of which I,
by preference, attach to the shaft or spindle which carries the fan, arms, or blades
or to the arms or blades themselves. The fan is fed with air by one or more
tubes of any convenient section communicating with one or both sides of the
fan, as may be desired. The grain to be operated upon is introduced into this
tube or tubes, and by the current of air therein is moved towards the fan..
Between the aperture or apertures for the inlet of air to the fan, and the
revolving fan blades or arms, there is placed a diaphragm formed of perforated
plate, wirework, or other material pervious to the air, but not to the grain, by

page_text: which the air that has moved the grain is separated from the grain which
remains in the chob cleaner and awner. These, as before mentioned, are
placed at the side or sides of the fan or fans, and after operating on the grain
as much as convenient, deliver it by their centrifugal action through suitable
spouts or shoots, at such places as may be desired. The current of air set in
motion by the fan may escape into the atmosphere; but one object of my
Invention is to utilize it by making it perform, before its final discharge, other
operations than those previously described, as for instance, when the Invention
is applied to thrashing machines, I employ the whole or a portion of the
current of air issuing from the fan for those purposes in the machines for
which it has hitherto been the custom to use a blast of air produced by a fan
or fans provided for that purpose only.
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR DRYING GRAIN
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Vincent Newton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
6th October 1862.-A communication from abroad by Albert Hubbell
Wright, of New York, United States of America.
I, ALFRED VINCENT, NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR DRYING GRAIN,"
to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a novel combination and arrangement of parts by
which damp grain may be thoroughly and expeditiously dried and cooled.
The grain is received from a hopper on to a slightly inclined perforated plate,
which forms the bottom of a drying chamber, and it thence passes through a
perforated discharging trunk or spout hinged to the chamber for the purpose
of adjusting its inclination. The drying chamber is situate over a hot-air
chamber, which is heated by means of a furnace and flues. The hot-air
chamber is supplied with air by a blower, which draws it through the dis-
charging trunk (thereby cooling the grain that has been dried), and throws it
into the hot-air chamber to be there heated. From this chamber the air
passes up into the drying chamber, and acting on the damp grain drives off
the vapour therefrom. While thus acted upon by the hot air, the grain is
well stirred by means of rotating stirrers mounted in a reciprocating carriage,
in which also are mounted series of blades for sweeping the grain down the
inclined pierced bottom of the drying chamber towards the discharging trunk.

page_text: This carriage is operated by a mangle motion. The rotation of the stirrers is
effected by pinions on their shafts gearing into fixed racks, the traverse there-
fore of the carriage will ensure the rotation of the stirrer shaft. The sets of
blades or conveyers are mounted respectively on crank spindles, and caused by
means of fixed cams to turn, so as to present a broad surface to the grain on
their advance, and to present their edges to the grain on the return motion.
Slides or gates are provided for regulating the passage of the grain into and
out of the chamber, and also from the discharging trunk.
A COMBINED SPRING TAPE MEASURE, NEEDLE CASE, AND PINCUSHION
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edmund John Franklin at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 11th
October 1862.
I, EDMUND JOHN FRANKLIN, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A
COMBINED SPRING TAPE MEASURE, NEEDLE CASE, AND PINCUSHION," to be as
follows:-
My Invention consists of a combined spring tape measure, needle case, and
pincushion, constructed essentially as follows:-The body of the combined
instrument consists of hollow rectangular case or box, in a portion of which the
spring tape measure is contained, the said spring tape measure being of the
ordinary kind. The pincushion is formed upon a portion of the edges of the
said case or box, that part of the interior of the box or case not occupied by
the spring tape measure being filled with sawdust, wool, or other material, to
retain the pins inserted into the pincushion. On the sides of the box or case
containing the tape measure and pincushion flaps or covers are situated, one
or both of which may open from the case after the manner of the cover of a.
book. Between the moveable flap or flaps and box or case pieces of fabric
are placed, into which the needles are inserted, or openings or recesses may be
made in the inner sides of the flaps for the reception of packets of needles.
The flap or flaps are secured-in their places when shut down upon the case by
elastic loops or other fastenings. The sides of the combined spring tape

page_text: measure, needle case, and pincushion may consist of plates of glass, to the
backs of which photographs, paintings, engravings, or other designs or devices
are pasted or secured, the said photographs or designs being viewed through
the said glass, and giving an ornamental appearance to the case.
Instead of
glass, wood or other material may be employed, either plain or ornamented.
I do not limit myself to the rectangular figure of the case or box, in and
about which the parts of the combined instrument are situated, as the said case
or box may be made of a circular or other ornamental figure, my Invention
consisting in combining together, essentially in the manner described, a spring
tape measure, needle case, and pincushion, whether the combined instrument
have a rectangular or other figure.