IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS USED IN QUARRYING SLATE AND STONE, AND IN. CUTTING, DRESSING, PLANING, FRAMING, AND OTHERWISE WORKING AND TREATING SLATE AND STONE, AND IN APPARATUS AND WAGGONS USED FOR MOVING AND CONVEYING SLATE AND STONE, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN JOINING, FRAMING, AND CONNECTING SLATE AND STONE
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, EDWYN
JOHN JEFFREY DIXON, of the Royal Slate Quarries, Bangor, and ARTHUR JOHN
DODSON, of the City of Bangor, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twelfth day
of June, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the fifteenth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto us, the said Edwyn John Jeffrey Dixon and Arthur John Dodson,
our exors, admors, and assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege
and authority, that we, the said Edwin John Jeffrey Dixon and Arthur
John Dodson, our exors, adñiors, and assigns, or such others as we, the
said Edwyn John Jeffrey Dixon and Arthur John Dodson, our exors,
admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time
to time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales,
and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, our Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY AND APPARATUS USED IN QUARRYING SLATE AND STONE, AND IN.
CUTTING, DRESSING, PLANING, FRAMING, AND OTHERWISE WORKING AND TREATING
SLATE AND STONE, AND IN APPARATUS AND WAGGONS USED FOR MOVING AND
CONVEYING SLATE AND STONE, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN JOINING, FRAMING, AND
CONNECTING SLATE AND STONE;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a
proviso that we, the said Edwyn John Jeffrey Dixon and Arthur John
Dodson, or one of us, shall cause a particular description of the nature of our

page_text: said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an
instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand and seal
of one of us, to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being
thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
Edwyn John Jeffrey Dixon and Arthur John Dodson, do hereby declare that
the nature of our said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be
performed, are fully described and ascertained in and by the following state-
ment thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to
the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to say:-
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING A.-IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SHAFT
SINKING, &C.
To facilitate the operations of "sinking" in quarries or in mines, &c., we
adopt improvements in machinery for making the "shaft" or "well," which
we will now proceed to describe. Drawing A shows three views of the
inachine. On the rock where it is intended to make the "sink" the circular
platform, a, a, formed like a railway turntable, is to be of nearly the diameter
of the intended "shaft," and is made to revolve on the racked railway b, b,
supported on friction rollers 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2. On this turntable we place a
stone drilling machine of such construction as is now in common use, and
known as the "American stone drill" (excepting as to the improved parts
which are of our Invention, and which parts we hereafter particularly describe).
This stone drilling machine we firmly attach on the extreme, edge of the
turntable, and in such a position that the "jumper" or drill bar c, when
lifted perpendicularly by the crank d of the machine, shall fall on the rock
outside the edge of the turntable, but close to it. At the centre of
this turntable a, a, we erect the perpendicular driving shaft e, upon which
we place the bevil cog-wheel f, which gears into the pinion g fixed upon
the crank shaft of the stone drilling machine. The rope or band wheel h is
keyed upon the head of this perpendicular driving shaft e, which is set in
motion by steam or by any other of the known primary powers. By the
revolving of this perpendicular shaft the crank d is set in motion, and the
"jumper" or drill bar rises and falls in the usual manner. By the arrange-
ment as far as yet described, it will be understood that the effect would be to
make a hole of the size of the cutting bit, which may be attached to the
"jumper" or drill bar (say of about five inches in diameter) in the rock, and

page_text: close to the edge of the turntable a, a; but this is not the intention of these
improvements, but rather that instead of a hole or holes the "jumper" or
drill with its cutting bit attached shall make a groove as wide as the breadth
of the cutting bit all round the edge of the turntable a, a; and we effect this
improvement in the mode of working, and in the uses of the stone drilling
machine, by causing the turntable a, a, to revolve on its racked railway b, b,
at the same time that the crank d of the stone drilling machine is in revo-
lution and the "jumper" or drill bar with its cutting bit is rising and falling
and cutting by the means already described.
"
On the
The movement of the turntable a, a, is performed in the following manner:
On the axle of the pinion g we place a crank, which we connect by the rodi
to the lower crank k, and attach it by bearings to the turntable a, a.
axle of the crank k is a partially toothed pinion l, which works into the circular
racked railway b, b. Now as this pinion has only a few teeth on its
periphery, each revolution of the crank k will cause a slight movement of the
turntable a, a; and this movement we regulate by the number of teeth we
place in the pinion 7 according to circumstances. By this arrangement we
continue to deepen the circular groove, which is ultimately to form the wall of
the "sink" or "shaft," as long as we continue to supply a succession of the
"jumpers" or drill bars, as at c, and keep the crank d in regular revolution,
and the turntable a, a, also moving. This movement of the turntable a, a,
is intermitting, being effected on the ascent only of the "jumper" or drill
bar c, and this is necessary, as in a continuous movement the "jumper" or
drill bar would sometimes be standing in the groove, and would thus impede
the regular movement of the turntable. We construct our "jumpers" or.
drill bars each varying in length, that when the first has been sunk as deep as
it can be worked its place may be supplied by a longer one, and we so repeat
the change until the circular groove is cut to the depth of about thirty-five or
forty feet. We then remove the turntable a, a, with its centre shaft e, and
machinery, and blast out the core in the ordinary manner.
The depth
which we now indicate is that usually required for a "sink" in a slate quarry.
When it is required to sink a "shaft" deeper than this, as for mines, &c., we.
then reset the turntable a, a, within the "shaft" already made in the rock to.
the depth of thirty-five or forty feet in the manner described, and then recom-
mence the operation; but in place of the upright driving shaft e, we now use a
small portable steam. engine placed upon the turntable a, a, within the.
"shaft," and by the direct action of its piston we lift the "jumper" or
drill bar, and proceed with the work as before, the only difference being in
the mode of giving motion to the machinery, and in this manner we cut the
Q

page_text: "shaft" or "sink" to any required depth. We adopt modifications of the
mechanical arrangements of the machinery as may be convenient to attain the
object of cutting a groove, either circular or otherwise, in slate or stone rock,
by means of "jumpers" or drill points as described, and it constitutes part of
our Invention so to do.
In the use of this part of our Invention we do not confine ourselves to the
employment of one stone drilling machine only on the turntable a, a, but we
use two or more at the same time if required; and to effect this we have only
to gear each of them into the bevil wheel f, and fix the stone drilling machines
on the turntable in the same manner as before.
We now proceed to describe our improvements in the parts of the usual
American stone drill." Two of these have reference to the means of
placing the "jumpers" or drill bars c into their places in the machine without
the necessity of the same being jointed. We construct a cradle ladder, Figure 2,
to which the long "jumper" or drill bar c is temporarily attached by moveable
shakles m, m, m, and by its T end n, n. This cradle ladder is fastened with
an eye draw bolt to the lower part of the frame of the stone drilling machine.
A line is attached to the end o of the cradle ladder and then passed over the
head of the stone drilling machine, and being wound by a windlass at its back
lifts the cradle ladder, and with it the "jumper" or drill bar c, to a perpen-
dicular position against the face of the stone drilling machine in which it is
intended to work. The keys of the shackles are removed and the cradle
ladder is lowered, and by drawing the eye bolt is easily removed.
This arrangement would be incomplete without our second improvement,
and this applies to the "cams or pincers, Figures 3 and 4, which lift
the drill bar. Through the iron frame which connects these we make a
section p, Figure 4, and by withdrawing the two bolts q, q, on which the
pincers turn, and which also keep the parts together when in use, we easily
take off the face of the "cams" r, r. The "jumper" or drill bar can now
readily fall into its place (without being passed through the "cams" from the
top, as in the original American machine). The face of the cams r, r, is
again put on, and is secured by the two bolts q, q. This arrangement is of very
great importance, as the "jumpers" or drill bars often exceed five cwt.
each.
Our third improvement, Figure 5, consists in the mode of attaching the
cutting bits s to the ends of the "jumpers" or drill bars c. We effect the union
by scarfing the one on to the other and fastening the two pieces with external
iron hoops or rings t, t, driven on tight, instead of the present method of spill
and socket with a cross key.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING B.-MACHINE FOR CUTTING FOOT AND OTHER JOINTS
IN THE PROCESS OF QUARRYING SLATE AND STONE.
To attain a ready means of detaching masses of slate or stone from the
original beds in the quarries, when no natural joints are obtainable, we employ
the following method:-Against the face of the rock we place the frame a, a, a, a,
made of timber by preference for greater portability. On the top and under
rails of this frame we place the longitudinal bars of iron b, b, to be used as
traction bars. Inside this frame a we place another frame c, c, c, c, which
has eight small wheels d, d, d, d, attached. These wheels roll on the traction
bars b, b. Against the top rail of the inner frame c, c, c, c, the shafts or handles
of a series of hammers or beaters e, e, e, e, e, e, are pivoted. On the ends of
these shafts or handles the segment heads f,f,f,f,ff, are placed, which each
carry a few cogs. In connection with these segment heads f. f. f. f. f, f, are
the partially cogged pinions 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, on the shaft h, which bears the fly
9 wheel, and is set lengthways of the frame c, c. When the latter is revolved by
the crank handle i, the pinions g, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, catch in the cogs of the segment
heads on the ends of the hammer shafts c, and raise them until they lose the
cogs and fall. The hammers k, k, k, k, k, k, then strike on the ends of the
drills or borers 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, and they continue to be lifted and to fall and to
strike in this manner as long as the crank handle i at the end of the shaft h is
revolved. Upon the rails b of the inner frame c, and immediately under the
face of each of the hammers or beaters k, bearings are placed, upon which the
series of drills 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, with chisel points (similar to the "hand drills" or
"borers" used by miners) are laid. These drills are of sufficient length to
reach the face of the rock intended to be operated upon, with an allowance for
the depth of their intended cut into it. The drills or borers would each make
a separate hole if worked in this manner, but as they are intended to cut a
groove on the same principle as described in the mine sinking machine, we
effect that object by the following arrangement. The outside ends of these
drills or borers 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, are made square, and on each of these small pinion
m, m, m, m, m, m, are fitted, but not keyed on, that the drills or borers may
readily pass through on being struck by the hammers k. Against the lower
rail of the outside or stationary frame a, a, we fix the inverted rack n. This
rack n gears into each of the pinions m, m, m, m, m, m, and by an alternating
movement of the inner frame c, c, upon the traction bars 6, which is produced
by means of a right and left handed screw o working upon the fork-headed
swivel nut p (or by any other convenient backward and forward motion), they
all revolve, while they are also carried to and fro lengthways, and are acted

page_text: upon by blows of the several hammers k, k, k, k, k, k, striking against their
heads at the same time and in manner described. The effect of these com-
binations of movement and action is to cut the desired groove or channel into
the rock and to a depth equal to the length of the drills or borers outside the
pinions m, m, m, m, m, m. When the heads of the drills or borers 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1,
become flush with these pinions, the former are removed and a longer set is
supplied. When the groove is sufficiently deep in the rock we withdraw the
machine altogether and split the rock from the bed in the usual manner.
The arrangement here described is for cutting "foot joints;" but we do not
confine the use of this machine to that purpose only, but we render it available
to the working of rock out of quarries in any position by a modification of the
mode of driving; and where it is needful to make perpendicular grooves in the
rock, we dispense with the action of the hammers, and by lifting the drills or
bores with "cams" they fall and cut by the force of their blow alone (as in the
shaft sinking machine), the alternating movement being preserved. And we
claim the mode herein described of combining several drills or jumpers for
cutting a groove in rock by alternating and rotatory motions combined.
We will now explain an improved construction of the hand jumper. In
order to add weight and give a better direction to the stroke of the instrument
in common use, Figure 4, Drawing D, represents our improvement, which
consists in having the metal ball z detached and capable of being slid upon and
set at any part of the "jumper" shaft x as shown, and this shifting of the ball
to any desired part of the jumper as the hole becomes deeper constitutes our

page_text: manner of the Welsh slate sawing machines in common use. We place these
machines side by side, and we construct their under parts a, a, a, upon V
grooves or slides (reversed) b, b, b, so that the machines may be drawn
asunder laterally or pushed together at will, according to the requirement of
the work to be done. By this arrangement we can at pleasure obtain a
greater or less distance between the right hand and the left hand circular saw
or cutter, and regulate the same to the length or width of the slab or block
required to be cut. The more easily to recede or advance the machines upon
their under grooves or slides b, b, b, and so to alter the distance between the
saws or cutters, we introduced transverse right and left-handed screw rods
c, c, c, c, which we place in the nuts 'd, d, d, d, attached to the machines, and
fix a bevil gear pinion e, e, e, e, upon each screw rod. Between the machines
we set a longitudinal shaft f, which has corresponding bevil gear pinions g, g,
to gear into those marked e, e, e, e, on the transverse screwed rods c, c, c, c.
By turning the hand fly wheel h placed on the longitudinal shaft ƒ the
operator can easily expand or contract the machines. By this method a
portion of the slab to be cut will rest on each platform or table of the
machines, which we clamp together (after they are adjusted), by the brace
picces i, i, which have slots to allow of the alteration of the machines, and
are afterwards pinched upon and secured by the tailed nuts k, k, k, k. We
cause these circular saws or cutters to revolve by any of the usual primary
powers, and in using a driving band we construct the drum of sufficient
breadth to allow of the band shifting its position laterally thereon, as the
machines are expanded or contracted by the screws c, c, c, c. We can modify
this plan by fixing one of the machines and moving the other, and we can
place the transverse slides or grooves immediately under the saw table or
platform, and we can use a rack and pinion or racks and pinions for moving
the machines laterally, or the machinery may be otherwise modified without
departing from our Invention; but we prefer the arrangement we have shown
and described.
What we claim is, the combining and working machines as herein described
for sawing and cutting slate and stone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING D.
We will now describe another improvement in machinery for cutting slate
or stone slabs, blocks, &c., and which we denominate the combination movement
sawing machine. In the machine last described the saws or cutters
placed under the tables or platforms, and have a part only of their diameters
above. In this one, Drawing D, Figure 1, we place the saws or cutters
are
we
another provement m machine for cutting slate
or stone slabs, blocks, &c., and which we denominate the combination movement
sawing machine. In the machine last described the saws or cutters are
placed under the tables or platforms, and have a part only of their diameters
above. In this one, Drawing D, Figure 1, we place the saws or cutters

page_text: altogether above the platform or table. At the sides of the machine frame a we
erect the standards b and c. To the standard 6 we attach a mandril d, having
a band wheel and a silent wheel e, e, thereon. On the standard c we place a
shaft or spindle bearing. One end of an accurately turned shaft or spindle f
is fitted into the mandril d, and the other end falls into the bearing on the
standard c. We provide the pipes 9, 9, carefully bored to fit this shaft or
spindle f, and have collars cast thereon, which are turned true on their faces.
Against these pipe collars 9, 9, we attach the saws or cutters h, h, by screws.
The pipes g, g, with their saws or cutters h, h, are then strung upon the shaft
or spindle f, which is placed in the mandril d and opposite bearing. The pipe
collars g, g, with the saws or cutters h, h, are slid upon the turned shaft or
spindle f, and are fixed in any required position thereon by means of steel
keys or by set screws. Motion is communicated from a driving drum to the
wheele on the hollow mandril d, and the saws or cutters are revolved. The
table i is fitted into V grooves in the sides of frames a, a, and is drawn forward
towards the saws or cutters by means of the chain k, which is fastened thereto
and winds round a polygon-sided roller l, placed under the machine. This
roller receives motion by the band wheel m, connected by a band with the
wheel n on the end of the saw shaft or spindle f. To render this contrivance
complete, it is requisite that the table o should be capable of being raised up
to the saws or cutters, or lowered, as occasion may require, and we effect this
in the following manner :-In the four corners of the lower table we attach
the bosses p, p, p, p, and into these we tap the four upright screws q, 9, 9, 2,
the heads of which are constructed with turned collars and top pivots, upon
which the table top o rests. To move this table up and down correctly, it is
requisite that the four screws q, q, q, q, should all be moved at once, and we
perform this by means of the flat chain r passing over the small chain wheels s
placed upon the screws q, q, q, q, and rotation is effected by means of the
hand fly-wheel t, placed upon one of the screws. This arrangement admits
of very nice regulation, not only as to the distances at which the saws or
cutters may be easily placed from one another, but also for the lifting of the
slate or stone blocks up to the edges of the saws or cutters. Any required
number of saws may be worked on the shaft or spindle f at the same time,
and from the peculiar construction of the machine we find these improvenients
well adapted to the purpose of cutting grooves in slabs for cisterns and for
other purposes where the depth of the cut requires nice and accurate adjust-
ment. It will be evident that in place of lifting the table with the slate or
stone thereon, the saws or cutters may be caused to descend to the slate or
stone, and it will also be evident that in place of the chain and screw shown,

page_text: and which we prefer, other means may be resorted to, such as racks and
pinions, or hydrostatic pressure, or other means. And in place of the saws or
cutters shown, other forms may be employed.
What we claim in respect to this machinery is the combination of parts
herein described.
At Figure 1 there is shown an improvement which we have made in
sharpening or notching the circular saws.
The circular saws or cutters according to our improvements are made either
of iron or of steel, and are not provided with regularly cut teeth like the
circular saw in common use; but are simply cut or notched on their edges with
a chisel or tool, and present an edge somewhat like a file, yet not with the
same careful regularity of burr which we find is unnecessary for their intended
use. And part of our improvements also consists in arranging the machinery so
as to be constantly notching rotatory cutters when at work in their respective
machines, so that the saw or cutter may always be kept sharp and capable of
efficiently acting on the slate or stone to be cut.
The circular saws or cutters h (Drawing D, Figure 1), having been pre-
viously cut with a chisel upon their blank edges in the manner of file cutting,
and which operation has also thrown a burr over each side of the saw or
cutter, which acts in lieu of "sett" given to the toothed circular saw in com-
mon use for its "way" and clearance through the "cut," are placed in the
machine, and are ready for work. But as the fine edges of these small notched
teeth or burrs soon require replenishing, we provide the levers u, u, with the
chisel heads v fixed upon them, so as to cut 'across the periphery of the cir-
cular saw or cutter. The end of the levers u, u, are made to slide upon the
spindle w, and can be fixed in any part of its length by means of keys or set
screws. The spindle w is placed in bearings on projections from the standards
b and c behind the saws or cutters, and at such distance from them that the
chisel heads of the levers u, u, shall fall upon the edges of the saws or
cutters h, h. The end of the spindle w has an arm x set on at right angles,
which is acted upon by an escapement wheel keyed upon the saw spindle f,
lifts the levers u, u, and their chisel heads fall and cut notches or burrs on the
edges of the saws or cutters h, while they are in revolution. This is repeated
in rapid succession as long as the levers u, u, are kept in gear. We place a
coiled spring or indian-rubber buffer under the arm x to recoil the hammer
chisels and prevent their making a half blow on the saws or cutters.
The arrangement we have described is particularly adapted to the machine,
Figure 1, on which we have shown it in the Drawing D, though for any other
stone sawing machine the same principle is applicable, but with a
slate

page_text: modification of the arrangements for working the chisel hammers on the saws,
which we sometimes effect by an up blow from underneath the saw bench.
In some cases also we remove the saws or cutters, and notch them indepen-
dently of the machine in which they are accustomed to work. This part of
our Invention consists of constructing and using circular cutters notched on
their peripheries similarly to files for cutting slate and stone, and also in
causing the requisite notching to be kept up during the time such or other
saws or cutters are revolving or at work, as herein explained.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING E.
Our further improvements in machinery for the cutting of slate or stone
are shewn on the Drawing E, and these we now go on to describe. In any
convenient situation we lay down a portion of railway A, A, of any requisite
guage or necessary lengths. Upon this railway we place a locomotive or
other portable engine, which is made to carry a strong saw spindle a, having
on its ends circular saws or cutters, which overhang the railway A on each
side. The saw spindle A is connected with the gearing of the locomotive or
other portable engine, and receives its rotatory motion therefrom. The timber
framing B, B, B, B, is laid parallel with the railway on both of its sides, and
for all its length. On this framing the slate or other stone slabs required
to be cut are arranged, and are fastened by means of cramps. The loco-
motive or other portable engine advances by the traction of its driving wheels
upon the rails A, A, (or assisted by a toothed rail and cog wheel, if required,)
and the circular saws or cutters b, b, being in revolution, come into contact
with the edges of the first slab, and so proceed through the whole line, and
cuts off the superfluous edge of each slab in succession.
We have here shewn the manner in which we work a locomotive or portable
engine, carrying forward and driving its own saws, but this is only shewn
as far as one pair of circular saws or cutters are concerned. For more extensive
operations we attach auxiliary saw carriages C, C, by the connecting and
adjusting rod and screws c, c; each carriage sustains a separate saw spindle d,
with its own pair of circular saws or cutters e, e, e, e, and each performs the
same amount of work as the engine which draws on the tram and gives the
power to the first pair of saws b, b. We load the auxiliary carriages C, C, with
any amount of dead weight, which is necessary to keep the saws from riding
over the slab; we revolve the saws or cutters by band from the saw spindle a
on the engine to saw spindle d on first auxiliary carriage C, and by a band
from first to second auxiliary carriage, and by band from second to third,
auxiliary carriage, and onward in the same manner through the train.
We render this contrivance of a locomotive carrying its own saws, revolving

page_text: them, and going forward with them to its work, subservient and effective to the
cutting of rock out of the solid beds in quarries generally, and particularly to
the cutting for "foot joints" in the "galleries" or other parts of slate quarries,
or of assisting to do so by a convenient and proper adjustment of the rail-
ways, and by adapting the gearing of the locomotive or other portable engine
to work the spindle or shaft, with the circular saws or cutters in a vertical
instead of a horizontal position on a projecting frame, as the local position of
the rock may require. We do not confine ourselves to the use of steam, but
use any other power which can be rendered "locomotive." But we claim as our
Invention the plan of a locomotive power carrying and driving its own saws
or cutters, and proceeding onward to perform its work with them alone, or
with them and auxiliary saws, to which the same power gives rotation.
'
We shall now describe our improvement represented on Drawing D,
Figure 2, and which we denominate a "slate slab cross cutter," as blocks or
slabs of slate are divided across their grain by its operation. On a platform A,
placed on the wheels B for greater portability, we erect the upright frame C of
convenient height, and into this frame we introduce a series of perpendicular
shafts a, a, a, a, a, a, a, a, with iron sockets b, b; into the under part of these
sockets we fix the steel cutting tools c, c, with their cutting points or edges
so placed as to form a straight line across the block of slate or slab, when the
shafts a, a, a, are arranged side by side like the "stamps" of a mine. A
horizontal barrel d is placed in bearings to revolve across the frame C. To
this barrel the crank handle e is placed at one end, and the fly-wheel f
at the other; pins or lifters are placed at convenient distances round the
barrel d, which meet with corresponding pins in the perpendicular shafts
a, a, a, and on the barrel d being revolved the shafts are lifted up,
and by slipping off the pins or lifters in the barrel they fall in the same
manner as the "stamps" of a mine. Across the platform A and in a line
with the edges of this series of steel tools, a strong iron bar or rest g is firmly
bolted; the upper edge of this rest is shaped like an inverted V. The slabs
or blocks of slate or stone are placed flat on the iron rest g; the barrel is
turned, and the chisels c, c, c, by being lifted and again falling, cut a groove
across the face of the slab or block at the part where it is intended to divide
it. When this is sufficiently deep on one side, the slate slab or block is turned
over, and the ridged edge of the iron rest, by slipping into the groove in the
slab or block, indicates the exact position for repeating the operation on the
second side, and by that repetition the block is divided.. We claim in respect
to this part of our Invention the arrangement or combination of cutters to
nick or mark in a line across a slab to ensure the breaking in that direction.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING F.-SLATE DRESSING MACHINES.
We shall now give a description of our several improvements in machinery
for the purpose of cutting or "dressing" the edges of slates which have been
previously split into proper thicknesses, and are intended to make roofing
slates.
Drawing F, Figure 1, consists of the iron frame A, A, supported on the
standards B, B, which sustains the bracket C; this bracket moves to and fro
upon the friction wheels a, a, when receiving alternating motion by any of the
approved means in use. To the bracket C is attached the iron wheels D, D,
which are banded with gutta percha or with vulcanized india-rubber, or any
other suitable substance. Against the face of this iron wheel D we screw the
polygonal cutter 6 (an enlarged view of which is shewn at Figure 5). When
thus attached to its wheel D this many-sided cutter has the appearance of a
flange. On the outside of this arrangement we fix a bench E, which supports
the rest or "travel" d, d, which is made of iron or of steel, but has a piece
of vulcanized india-rubber, gutta percha, of leather or other suitable sub-
stance, screwed all the length of its back. These elastic substances are so
set as to rise higher than the edge of the "travel" d, d. On this soft substance
the slate to be "dressed" is placed, and motion being given to the machine,
the india-rubber, gutta percha, leather, or otherwise banded wheel runs for-
ward on the slate, and presses it between its own soft band and the soft
material on the "travel" d, d, while the polygonal cutter 6 screwed against
the face of the wheel D cuts off the overhanging and superfluous edges of the
slate against the iron or steel edge of the "travel" d, d. By this contrivance
the slate to be cut is firmly held and supported between the soft substances
described the while it is being cut by the polygonal cutter, and the splintering
of the slate is avoided. We work this machine on both sides, or, if requisite,
we work it at each corner, in the latter case making use of both the forward
and the backward stroke. The peculiarity of this machine is, that the cutters
used constitute flanches of the wheels, by which the slate to be cut is pressed
on by, and it carries the wheel whilst the cut is made by the flanch.
Drawing F, Figure 2.-This improvement is a pair of circular shears O, P,
(either plain edges, polygonal, (as in Figure 5,) or toothed like circular saws).
These are fixed on bearings in the iron frame A, A, and are made to revolve
in opposite directions by means of the two spur gear wheels B, B, placed upon
their axles and gearing together. Band wheels C, C, on the axle of the shear O
receives motion from any convenient rotatory power. The side edges of these
circular shears O, P, come into contact with one another, and the slate to be

page_text: "dressed" is passed between them while resting upon the moveable table D,
sliding in V grooves on the frame E fixed in front of the machine. We
modify this plan by placing an india-rubber roller instead of the undermost
shear P, and upon the end of this roller we put a steel ring, against, which the
top shear O cuts the slate; the steel ring on the india-rubber roller being a
sort of revolving "travel" or rest for the cutting tool to act against, while the
roller itself forms a cushion of support. And to cut or "dress two edges
of a slate at the same time, we set one of these machines on either hand, and
adjust the distance between the cutters for the various sizes of slate in the
same manner as described for our sawing machine, Drawing C, Figure 3. We
claim in respect to this machine the combination of parts suitable for cutting
slate and stone.
"
Another of our improvements for the "dressing" of roofing slates is shewn on
the Drawing F, Figure 3. This we denominate the "lever cutter," and we
now proceed to describe it. A lever or arm A of springy timber, and of the
length of about eight feet, has a fulcrum B at about fifteen inches from its
end C. Against the standards D, D; a lying shaft E is placed in bearings, and
at right angles with the lever A. On this shaft the wheel F, of suitable
diameter, is keyed in such a position that its ring may be close to the portion
of the lever A which is outside the fulcrum B. To the ring of this wheel F,
or attached to its arms, we place spurs or pins a, a, at such distances from
each other that their contact with the shorter end of the lever A on rotation
of the wheel shall depress it, and cause it to slip off as many times in a
minute as may be convenient or necessary for the operation of "dressing" by
the following further arrangement. The lever A is thus worked up, and falls
down in the side guides G, G, and against its longer end we screw the steel
cutting knife H. On a bench by the side of the lever A we place a metal
rest or "travel" K, in such a position that the edge of the knife H on the
descent of the lever A shall pass close to the "travel" K; but without
touching it. On this rest or "travel" we lay the undressed piece of slate
while the lever A is rising, and when the end C slips off the pin a in the wheel
F, the other end wth its cutting knife H falls and cuts off the superfluous edge
of the slate which overhangs the "travel" K. The force of the blow after
passing through the slate is broken by india-rubber or other recoil buffers
L, L. On every fresh rise of the lever A the slate is turned or re-applied, and
a cut takes place at its fall (the proper length and breadth of the slates being.
regulated by a fence or stop placed in a convenient position). We sometimes
place the knife or cutting tool of this machine at the extreme end of lever A,
and at right angles with it like a T ; and when this is the case the situa-

page_text: tion of the rest or travel K must be similar with respect to the lever A
and its cutting or dressing tool. For dressing straight edges, we prefer the
arrangement we have described and shown; but to dress slates to carved or
pointed ends, we always use the knife or dressing tool on the extreme end of
the lever. The mechanical arrangement for lifting the lever may be modified,
but what we claim is the combination of parts as shown and described.
Our fourth improvement in machinery for "dressing" roofing slates is
shown on Drawing F, Figure 4, and this we name the "guillotine" dresser.
The cutting or "dressing' knife A is placed in side guides b, b, in the
frame B, B, and is attached to the perpendicular rack C working in the
roller guides f. f. On the shaft d, placed in bearings across the frame B, B,
is placed the pinion E, which has cogs on one half of its diameter only. On
rotatory motion being communicated to the pinion shaft d by the band wheel F,
the cutting or dressing knife A is lifted, and being suddenly disengaged from
absence of cogs in the pinion E, it falls and "dresses" the edge of the slate
which is placed on the rest or "travel" G, fixed below in the same manner as
is described for the other machines. What we claim in respect to this
machine is the mode of combing the parts as shewn and described.
Another improvement in machinery adapted to the "dressing" of roofing
slates is shown on Drawing C at Figure 1, and this machine we denominate
the "segment knife dresser." To the upright frame of iron or of wood A, A,
made of convenient width, we attach at the bottom and on each side a segment
of cogs a, a, and which describes an arch of the circle, as shall (if dressing at
one hand only) be the length of the longest slate at any time required to be
cut or "dressed." Level with the floor we lay two racks b, b, and of sufficient
length for the cogs on the segments a, a, to work into. One of these racks is
laid on each side of the upright frame, and to prevent the cogs of the segments
a, a, or of the racks b, b, from working too deeply into one another, we cast a
railway against the outside of the racks b, b. On these railways we set the
guide wheels c, c, which are fastened to the centre of the segment frame a, a,
and are so adjusted as to prevent the segments a, a, from going in too deeply
into the cogs of the racks when they are rolling upon the railway; against
each side of the upright frame A, A, and at such height as shall be convenient
for the workman, we attach steel segment knives or cutters d, d, which corre-
spond in their radius to those of the segment of cogs below. On benches placed
on each side of the frame A, A, we fix rests or "travels" e, e, and before these.
the segment knives or cutters d, d, pass, but without touching. We give
motion to this machine by connecting an arm from a heavy pendulum to the
frame A, A, which, on vibration of the pendulum, rocks the frame backwards,

page_text: and forwards on its wheels c, c, and segment racks a, a. By these arrange.
ments it will be understood that the segment cutters d, d, being of equal
radius with the racks, can never bury itself deeper in the slate being cut at
one time than at another, but must always maintain the same line of cut along
the edge of the "travel" as if they were straight instead segment cutters.
(Fences and stops are placed to make the various dimensions of slate as
described in the other machines.) The Drawing represents a machine
intended to be worked by an operator standing on each side, but we sometimes
also work these machines right and left, and then we make the segment
cutters and the segment cogs, the "travels," &c., of double the length which
is necessary when working only at one hand. The racks and segments of
cogs may be dispensed with altogether, and the machine may make the same
movement on a plain railway, but as the principal of this plan is to create a
new position of the fulcrum, so that at every part of the "travel" the cutting
angle against the edge of the slate shall always be the same. We prefer to
use the cogs to prevent any slipping of the segments, and that the accuracy of
the cutting angle may be preserved. We can employ other means of giving
motion to the "segment knife dresser." What we claim is the mode of
combing the parts into a machine, whether it be driven by a pendulum or
other means, and we also claim the giving motion to suitable cutters for
dressing slate by a weighted pendulum.
We shall now describe another improvement for the "slate dressing"
process. Our Invention here goes to the production of a simple and very
portable machine, which may be worked by manuel power, tho' we can also
apply power from any other source to machines constructed on this principle.
We show the machine on Drawing C, Figure 2. D, D, are standards
bolted to sole pieces E, E. F is a "travel" or rest placed upon bearing
pieces G, G, and bolted fast. A is a roller placed in bearings, and to
which the cutter or dressing knife is fastened by the arms b, b. These arms
are made of flat bars or pieces of spring steel to afford elasticity, and they are
of sufficient length to reach the face of the "travel" F. The cutting or dressing
knife c must pass the face of this travel F, but must not strike it in passing.
d is a spring bow attached to the head piece of the standards D, D, and from
which the gutta percha or other material of line e depends. This winds round
the roller a, and then passes to the treddle f, which is placed underneath the
machine, and to this treddle the other end of the line is made fast. g is a
stop piece, and h are indian-rubber or other recoil buffers, against which the
dressing knife c rests when thrown back. The operator places the slate to be
dressed upon the eilge of the "travel" F, and by the weight of his foot pressed

page_text: upon the treddle f he brings over the dressing knife c with considerable force,
and its passage being intercepted by the slate on the "travel" F, the uneveness
of the edge of the slate is immediately cut off, and the edge of the dressing
knife c strikes upon the block R, beneath which are collars of india-rubber to
give the dressing knife a recoiling movement. When relieved from the pressure
of the man's foot on the treddle f, the roller a is drawn back by the spring
bow d, and strikes and rests upon the buffers h; the operation is repeated, and
the side of a slate is dressed at every fresh pressure from the operator's foot.
This description is for the dressing of straight edges only, but we use the
machine for dressing the edges of slates to any desired shape or pattern by
altering the "dressing knife" and "travel" to the forms of slate desired to be
cut. We claim in respect to this machine the mode of combining the several
parts as described.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING I.-IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR
PLANING SLATE AND STONE.
Our improvements in machinery for planing slate or stone, refer to the planing
of flat surfaces only. For this purpose they are calculated to make great dis-
patch with the work, and in their original construction are more economical.
To effect these objects we entirely discard the transverse movement of the tool
box on the fence, as adopted in other planing machines, for slabs of above two
feet broad, and confine ourselves to two movements only, namely, the forward
motion of the table carrying the slab against the tool and the "feed" movement
of the tool itself. By this arrangement we are enabled to use a tool of the full
breath of the table and to plane slabs of that breath over their whole surface at
the same time.
Drawing I., Figure 1, shows a longitudinal section, and Figure 2 a trans-
verse section, of the same; a is the fence attached to the stand A; b is a screw
worked by the hand wheel as shown, which moves the tool and adjusts it cor-
rectly according to the thickness of the slab. We can place the planing tool
at an acute angle across the table of the machine that it may cut askew, and
we can divide the knife into one or more parts or pieces on the same tool fence.
What we claim in respect of this machine is the employment of and com-
bining the parts in such manner that they may work with two movements only.
Our improvements in the travel or rest in common use for the hand dress-
ing of roofing slates are shewn on Drawing D; Figure 3 represents an iron
stand, which is fastened to a suitable bench through the bolt holes a; on the
top edge of this stand b is a rebate or groove, into which is fitted the steel
rest c, which is fastened by the screws d. This steel piece form the "travel"
"

page_text: or rest upon which the slate is laid to be dressed, and as often as required it.
is unscrewed to be sharpened. We make the steel rest c either flat, indented,
or cut into points like the teeth of a saw, as shall best suit the description of
slate to be dressed.
We claim the combination and forms of parts described; and the facility with
which these steel pieces or rests can be removed, sharpened and replaced
constitutes our improvements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS G.-IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR
MAKING THE FRAMES OF WRITING OR SCHOOL SLATES:
We will now proceed to describe the machinery of our improved construction
for cutting and making the wooden framing for the ordinary writing or school
slates. We premise that the timber has been previously cut into the proper
dimensions as to length, breadth, and thickness required for the different sizes'
of frames by the usual methods of machine sawing.
In Drawing G, Figure 1, we therefore at once proceed to describe our
machine for the next operations, say,
Division No. 1 is for "shouldering" the rails of the frame.
ditto.
"
No. 2 is for "tenoning'
ditto
"
No. 3 is for "morticing" the "styles "
ditto.
;
"
No. 4 is for "grooving" and moulding both the
"rails" and the " "styles."
On a bench A of suitable length we place four iron stands or cradles
a, a, a, a, and within the sides of each of these stands or cradles we set driving
pully wheels (for bands) upon the small spindles b, b, b, b, the ends of which
overhang the said cradles, and are fitted with collars and screwed ends to
receive circular saws; the four stands or cradles a, a, a, a, are bolted firmly to the
top of the bench A. A driving bar B, above the machine A, receives motion
from any of the usual primary powers, and is to communicate the same with
great velocity, by means of bands upon the drums C, to each of the small saw
spindles b, b, b, b.
Having now explained the arrangement of the series of saw spindles, and
how they are revolved, we proceed to explain their uses singly.
No. 1 is for "shouldering" the "rails" of the framing.-On the bracket or
stand d, which inclines inwards towards the saw e, we place a frame, into
which a small platform f is nicely fitted with side slides. The saw is required
to project a very little through this platform f, and that little to be very nicely
regulated, in order to prevent the "shoulder" of the tenon from being cut too
deep to the injury of its strength. This regulation is effected by an adjusting

page_text: screw i, in the side of the frame d, by which the latter is raised or lowered
with its platform over the saw e. The object of the inclination of the platform
d towards the saw e, is that the shoulder of the intended tenon may be a little
undercut to secure good joints to the slate frame. In front of the platform d
a stop is fixed at right angles with it, and against this stop g the piece of
wood intended to be shouldered for the slate framing is now placed, so that
its end grain points to the side of the circular saw e; it is there firmly held by
the fingers while, with the pressure of the hand, the small platform f is pushed
in its slides rapidly against the saw e, and a fine cerf is cut across the grain of
the intended "rail" piece, and a "shoulder" is made to the depth which the
adjustment of the platform f has permitted. A fence or guage h, presenting
a thin edge to the centre of the "rail" piece, is regulated by the two screws i, i,
and this determines the distance from the end of the "rail" piece, at which
the cross cut for the "shoulder" just explained shall be made, and which
therefore also indicates the length of the intended "tenon" in the "rail"
piece under operation. One "shoulder" having been made as described, the
process is repeated for the cutting of the remainder with great rapidity and
extreme accuracy, and we find that this plan of single presentation to the saws
fitted up as explained is a great improvement over those machines at which
much time is occupied in fixing a number of pieces on a travelling table to be
cut all at once, and while the operator is only looking on.
No. 2 is for "tenoning" the "rail" pieces which have been "shouldered"
by the process last described.-On the spindle 6 of the cradle a, a, we fix two
saws separated from one another by a thin collar of metal, the thickness of
the intended "tenon" only, plus the "set" of the saws. A small frame / with
nicely fitted side guage, is placed in front of this pair saws k, and in such
manner that the "shouldered" "rail" piece when placed on its edge and with
its side against the fence m shall point to the centre of the saw spindle b, and
that the pair of saws k thereon shall strike to the centre of the "rail" piece.
A stop is placed against the fence m to regulate the depth to which the pair
of saws k are to cut. The operator pushes the "rail" piece endways against
the pair of saws k, the “checks" of the tenon immediately fall off from the
previously cut shoulders," and a perfect tenon is produced. The rail
piece is now turned end for end and the operation repeated to finish the
piece.
"
No. 3 is for "morticing" the "styles" of the slate frame. In place of the
double saws used in the last described process, we place on this spindle ba
single saw n of sufficient thickness to cut the "mortice" completely out to the
thickness of the "tenon," and to this saw for greater accuracy of fitting

page_text: " mortice and "tenon"), in the slate frame we do not give any." sett" to
the teeth. The arrangement of the fence o, frame p, &c., &c., adjusting
screw q, &c., are in this process exactly similar to those described for the last.
No. 4 is for making the "grooves" in the slate frame pieces which are to
receive the slate, and for the "moulding" of the same. In this process we
use the saw r of much larger diameter than for the operations 1, 2, and 3, and
this is rendered necessary to admit of the "moulding tools," Figure 4, being
placed by its side and screwed together on the same spindle. The "grooving"
saw r is to be of the. thickness necessary to admit the slate into the frame.
Sufficient only of its periphery is to penetrate through the top of the platform S
as shall make the depth of the intended "groove." A fence t with regulating
screws u at the right hand, as in the Nos. 2 and 3, are placed here also, that
the groove may be thrown exactly in the middle of any thickness of slate
framing timber. The top or cover piece v is placed against the fence t to keep
the pieces of slate framing from rising up by the pressure of the saw r in the
operation of cutting the "groove;" one piece of the framing timber pushes the
other through the machine as it is applied to the sawr from the front. This
operation of "grooving" and the one for "moulding" is performed at the
same time. The "moulders," Figure 4, are screwed one on each side of the
saw on the same spindle. These "moulders," Figure 4, are constructed of
circular plates of cast-iron of about half an inch in thickness, and accurately
turned openings are made at three or more different places on the flat surfaces
of these "moulders," Figure 4, through which steel tools formed to the
pattern of the "moulding," are introduced and are set and regulated by screws
on the side. These tools, Figure 4, cut the "moulding," while the saw r
between them is sawing out the "groove."
setting
"
We have now to describe another improved machine for completing the
framing process of writing or school slates, and which we call a clamping
and boring machine," its operation being that of "
"the framing
square about the slate, of "clamping" it to perfect joints at the "shoulders"
of the tenons, and of boring the four holes in the corners of the frame for
the pins, which keep the same together; and all these operations it performs
at the same time. This machine is shown by Drawing G, Figures 5, 6, 7,
and 8. The form of the machine when its parts are all together is that of a
long and narrow chest. On the top we place the frame A, which has blocks
a and b forming a fixed angle in its compartment at C, against which one
side and one end of any size. slates. when framed may be set; the other
dimentions to form the proper "pool" for. the framed slates of any size are
created by filling blocks (as at d and e) accurately made and marked for

page_text: 66
each size. The lever f is placed on the frame A, and has its fulcrum at g
which is regulated by the screw h in the slide i; at the opposite end the
wedge k, which works transversely to the frame A, is attached to the lever f
by the screwed stem l, with two regulating and punching nuts. Against the
edges of the fore part of the lever fa perpendicular lever m passes through
this transverse wedge piece k, which presses the filling piece e against the
rails" of the framed slate S in the "pool," while the long lever at the
back likewise presses against the filling piece d, which appertains to the
"style" of the framed slate S. The action of the horizontal lever f and the
wedge is simultaneous when the perpendicular lever m is pulled forward,
and the framed slate S is then instantly "set" square, and made perfect
against the blocks a and b, forming the fixed angle at C on the top frame A
of the machine. The boring of the four holes in the corners of the framed
slate S, to receive the pins which are to keep it together, is now to take
place while it is in "clamp," and we perform this, and render the four
drilling bits q adjustable to any required dimensions of slate framing, by the
following arrangements:-On the inside of the machine A the perpendicular
frame n is set in guides, and carries the four drilling or boring bits 1, 2, 3, 4,
Figure 8, on small brackets conveniently attached. The perpendicular frame
n is made to rise up and to fall down in its side grooves or guides by the
levers O, placed under its bottom rail. This "rising" is required to be just
sufficient to send the four drilling or boring bits 1, 2, 3, 4, Figure 8, through the
thickness of the slate frame S to complete the boring. The bit 3, Figure 8,
placed in the fixed angle of the machine frame A, has this rising and falling
movement (in addition to its rotatory one,) only while the three others
1, 2, and 4, (Figure 8,) are regulated by the collard screws p, p, p, p, which
slide them backward and forward on their brackets, attached to the rising and
falling frame n, and they are by these screws easily set to any required
dimensions for slate framing. To effect the rapid revolution of the four
boring bits 1, 2, 3, and 4, while in the act of boring, the small pullies q, I, I, I,
are placed upon the spindles. The driving pully B and the straining pulley C
are placed within the machine. The line D round the driving pully B
interlaces the four pullys q, q, q, q, Figure 8, on the spindles of the drilling or
boring bits 1, 2, 3, 4, Figure 8, and then embraces the straining pully C,
which is fixed on the frame E in proper slides, and has the weight W attached
to afford proper tension to the driving line D of the boring bits 1, 2, 3, and 4,
Figure 8. The upright spindle r, on which the driving pully B is placed,
comes through the top frame A of the machine, and has a crank handles on
its end, by which motion is given to the whole. A cord is attached to the

page_text: end of the lever O, which is under the perpendicular frame n, and this cord
passes over a pulley, and from thence to the spindle r of the driving pully B,
round which it winds, and thus raises the lever O, and presses the four
bouring bits, 1, 2, 3, and 4, Figure 8, through the slate frame S, while the
revolution of the upright spindle.r is also giving rapid rotation to the bits
1, 2, 3, and 4, Figure 8. The sudden return of the perpendicular frame n and
the withdrawal of the four drilling bits from the holes they have bored in the
slate frame S, as likewise the uncoiling of the cord from the upright spindle,
is all assisted by the weight t, which presses by its stem on the end of the
under lever 0.
What we claim in respect to this part of our Invention are, the arrange-
ments or combinations in each machine of its several parts, in order to accom-
plish the several processes of slate frame making as described.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING H.-WAGGONS AND AXLES.
Our improved construction of quarry and mine waggons we shall now de-
scribe under two divisions,-the waggons or trucks and the axles for the same.
Drawings H. Figure 1, 2, 3, shew our improvements, which consist of
waggons or trucks constructed without any under or "carriage framing"
upon which to build up the waggon. Instead of this, to give strength, and
also to form a lasting bottom, we substitute the iron plate A of the full
dimensions of the waggon, and of sufficient substance to prevent any bending
of the bottom when the waggon is loaded, the iron plates we use for this
purpose being from half an inch to seventh-eighths or more in thickness,
according to the uses to which the waggon is to be put. This iron plate A
makes the foundation of the waggon, and to this iron plate bottom we firmly
bolt on the under part two separate pieces of timber B, B, the lengthways of
the plate. The ends of each of these extend beyond the length of the plate, and
are banded for strength in their uses as "buffers." To the under part of these
pieces of timber we attach the "bushes" c, c, for receiving the ends of the
wheel axles; and these "bushes" c, c, are fastened by strong bolts, which
pass through the iron plate bottoms and the buffer timbers B, B; to the
sides of these two longitudinal timbers we attach the wooden sides of the box
or body of the waggon by the projecting stauncheons d, d, d, d, fitted into the
iron loops e, e, e, e. To attach the ends of the box or body of the waggon
5 we bolt iron sockets f, f, in a projecting form from the iron plate bottom A,
and into these the iron stauncheons 9, 9, of the end board of the body of the
waggon is fitted. We bolt the draught iron h to the iron plate botton, which,
without any underframing, constitutes the bottom of the waggon, and the

page_text: plate is of sufficient strength to build the sides of the waggons thereon; and it
is this construction which constitutes the peculiarity of this part of our
Invention. Waggons made on the plan of this Invention present great
strength and durability. The "trucks" are similar in construction to the
waggons, excepting that no arrangements. are made for connecting the box
or body, though with these arrangements waggons can also be readily con-
verted into "trucks" by lifting the side and end body boards out of their
loops and sockets..
Our improvements in waggon axles are shewn at Figures 4, 5, and 6, and
they consist in an economical and easy method of lubricating, and by which
the flued is conveyed at once to the centre of the box of the wheels, and
likewise to the centre of the "bushes" in those waggons where the axle turns
in "bushes," as well as the wheel upon the axle.
"
In the centre of the axle we make a chamber A, sufficiently into the arm
that its termination shall be at the centre of the wheel box. Into the end of
this chamber, which is the nose of the axle, we screw the breech B, through
which we make a small hole c. The difference in the diameter of the
chamber A and of the hole c in the centre of the breech B forms a "step
through the axle arm. We make the transverse holes d, d, one of which is
for the centre of the wheel box, and the other for the centre of the "bush,"
when the axle is attached to the waggon. The oil is squirted by a syringe
through the small hole c. in the centre of the breech into the chamber A.
The "step" prevents its return at the end of the axle, and the escape for the
oil is only through the lateral or transverse holes d, d, into the wheel box and
into axle bush, and this prevents any waste. The axles of the waggons can
by this Invention be lubricated in any position either while loaded or
otherwise.
IMPROVEMENTS IN JOINING, FRAMING, AND CONNECTING SLATE AND STONE.
DRAWING C.
"
Under this head of the title, we first explain our improvements in joining
slate or stone so as to make the joints secure against the escape of water or other
fluids. In the edge of each piece of slab that we intend to connect, we make
a groove a, Figure 4; a " tongue or strip of gutta percha or of indian-rubber,
of sufficient size to fill both grooves exactly, is introduced into one of them, and
they are then pressed together when the other groove is also filled "by the
tongue" and the joint perfected in the manner of "tonguing" flooring boards
in carpentry.
In cases where a greater security of joint is required, we cut off a small

page_text: "
portion of the upper edge of the slabs s, s, (Figure 5) at d, d, and as far from
their top surfaces as the grooves a, a, and we bevil the corners f, f. Instead of
the "tongue" of gutta percha being in the form of a flat strip or lath, we
make it as shewn by a section in the slab s, s, (Figure 6); is the "tongue
which fits into the side grooves a, a, in the slabs s, s, and is made a little
thicker in the centre, that it may press tightly into them when the slabs
áre brought together; c is the return piece formed in moulding the gutta
percha, so as to stand at right angles with the tongue 'b, that the shorter
edges d, d, of the slabs s, s, (Figure 7,) may press against it when they are
brought together. This return piece is made larger on the top edge at e, and
after being set is heated by a properly shaped iron, and the softened gutta
percha is pressed or rivitted into the vacancy made by the bevilled corners f,f,.
of the flag s, s, Figure 5.
.
We use this plan for joining and connecting slabs of slate or stone for roofs
of houses, the flooring of cisterns, &c., or in any situation where a water-tight
joint is required. In connecting the sides and ends and other parts of slate or
stone cisterns where the slabs do not meet end to end, our improvement con-
sists in the applicable of thin strips of sheet gutta percha or of indian-rubber
placed in a rebate or groove instead of the white lead, or putty, or other similar
plastic substances or compounds now employed.
Other of our improvements in "connecting" refers to the fastening of slate
or stone "ridge rolls" and "hips" used in roofing houses. We sink the nails
or screws which attach those to the timber "ridge piece" sufficiently deep
into the slate or stone "ridge roll" or "hip" to admit of a stopper or cork of
gutta percha boing driven down tight upon the head of the nail or screw to
prevent the admission of water. To render this more perfect, we previously
soften these "gutta percha corks" in hot water, and then "set" them firmly
upon the head of the nail or screw with a proper punch.
"
Our improvements in framing slates consists in the application of gutta
percha or of india-rubber, or of other substances combined with either or both
of these, to the making of frames for writing or school slates pressed while in a
plastic state into moulds of the exact form and size of the frame required. We
embellish the moulds with any pattern, device, letters, or figures, that the
counterpart may be impressed upon the frames. To enable us to place the
slate in these frames, we prevent the joining of one corner while in the mould
by a fillet in the mitre, and we afterwards unite the joint by heat.
Our additional improvements in "framing" slate consist in the application
of gutta percha or india-rubber or leather, or other suitable substances in

page_text: connection with wood in the formation of the framing for writing or school
slates.
Instead of making mortices in two of the pieces and tenons in the others
of the four pieces which compose the frame, we make open "mortices" in all
the four pieces intended for the frame. Into two of these pieces we glue or
otherwise fasten small pieces of gutta percha, india-rubber, or other suitable
substances to form what is in carpentry is termed a "false tenon." These
again fit into the mortices in the other two pieces of timber for the framing,
and we fasten the frame by metallic or other pins in the corners.
In "mitreing" slate frames (instead of mortice and tenon), we use the same
materials for the "tongue" as we do for the "false tenon," and we cap the
corners of the frames with an angular capsule or clamp of gutta percha or
india-rubber or other proper substance or substances set on with cement.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edwyn John Jeffrey Dixon, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Tenth day of December, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Tenth day of December, in
the year of our Lord 1852, the aforesaid Edwyn John Jeffrey Dixon came
before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the
Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified,
in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped
according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.