transverse section, D=depth of section, l-length between supports; to express the transverse strength of a rectangular bar of glass supported at the ends and loaded in the middle. Our Weekly Gossip. Charles Barry sends us the following letter, in ence to that of Mr. Loseby which appeared a fortnight since in this Magazine, and in the Society of Arts' Journal the succeeding week : 66 TO THE EDITORS OF THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE." "Gentlemen,-My attention has been called to a letter in the last number of the Journal of the Society of Arts, from Mr. Loseby, respecting the Westminster clock, in which he alludes to a statement recently made in the House of Commons by Mr. Fitzroy respecting the minute hands made by my authority, the weight of each of which he reported to be above 3 cwt. "That statement was made, I find, upon the authority of Mr. Denison alone, and, as it has already misled Mr. Loseby, and possibly the public also, I think it right to put you in possession of the facts of the case. "These hands, which are now condemned by Mr. Denison, were prepared under his own control; one of them was submitted to him as a specimen before the remaining three were made, and niet with his cordial approval; the others were made by his orders, in strict accordance with the specimen which he had approved; and he fixed the whole of them when finished, and made himself responsible for the cost of so doing. The weight of each hand, exclusive of the external counterpoise, is 1 cwt. and 251b "It is obvious, therefore, that Mr. Denison, and he alone, is as fully responsible for those hands as he is for all the other going parts of the clock. "I am, Sir, yours faithfully, NOTICES. Mr. Webb, of New York), was copied from the Scien- questions is really no part of our business, and if it were it description of ship-of-war." In a former number of M., of Preston.-Do not be angry with us: answering would be a part to which we could not afford to devote time. Nine out of ten of the requests made to us in this respect are either absurd or inconsiderate, and we there fore attach but little importance to them. You, being a sensible man and a man of business, we hope, would, we dare say, become as guilty as ourselves were you in our position. The screw propeller to which you refer is Mr. Joseph Maudslay's patent feathering screw, and the yacht in question is the Dragon Fly. The screw was 'described and illustrated in the MECHAN CS' MAGAZINE, NO. 1724, for Aug. 23, 1856; it has not, we think, been altered from the form there described. (See p. 137.) We cannot undertake to prescribe for the pitch of your new screw. and her draft of water will not exceed 25 feet. Her The MECHANICS' MAGAZINE will be sent free by post to all subscribers of £1 1s. 8d., annually, payable in adrance, Post Office Orders to be made payable to R. A. Brooman, at TO ADVERTISERS. All Advertisements occupying less than half-a-column are charged at the rate of 5d. per line for any number of insertions less than 13; for 13 insertions, 4d. per line; and for 52 insertions, 3d. per line. Each line consists of 10 words, the first line counting as two. Wood-cuts are charged at the same rate as type for the space occupied. "Sir William Armstrong, Superintendent of the Special Arrangements for larger or Serial Advertisements To ensure insertion, Advertisements must reach the Office by 5 o'clock on Thursday evening each week. None can be received after that time for the ensuing number. use. ON THE MODIFICATIONS WHICH THE SHIPS OF THE ROYAL NAVY HAVE UNDERGONE DURING THE PRESENT CEN TURY, IN RESPECT OF DIMENSIONS, FORM, MEANS OF PROPULSION, AND POWER OF ATTACK AND DEFENCE," has been so great that the Journal of the Society of Arts, the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE, and all other Scientific Journals in which it appeared in December last, are now out of print. The demand still continuing, it has been deemed desirable to reprint it in a separate form. An 8vo. edition of it, in large type, and on fine paper, his, therefore, been prepared, and may now be had at the Office of this Magazine, price 1s. Shoeburyness in the most successful manner with Some experiments have been carried out at some of the guns which have undergone the metamorphosis, or transformation from the smooth to the rifled bore, hitherto considered impracticable. The first gun submitted to trial was an 80-pounder on Sir William's original plan; the second, an ordinary 32pounder service gun rifled on a plan of Sir William Armstrong's, adapted for elongated cast-iron shot or shell. They were transported from the department in Woolwich Arsenal without preliminary proof or test, as the most implicit confidence is placed in the judgment of Sir William Armstrong, and were fired over a range of 3.400 yards. The result exceeded the general anticipation. The target was six feet square, into which every shot-namely, six rounds from each to the Russian frigate General Admiral, and I will gun-penetrated with terrific and certain aim (sic.). classified, according to the subjects to which the respective The energy and diligence displayed in the present certainly a very fine vessel, built quite on the American restricted limits of the establishment present ample classification adopted, the numerical and chronolo rizal "Old Palace-yard, Aug. 23." "CHARLES BARRY." A correspondent--an experienced naval officer politely favours us with the following remarks upon the Russian frigate General Admiral, now lying at Spithead :-"I have ust come on shore from a visit give you some rough notes of my observations. She is plan, with fine lines forward and aft, much spring, no head knee, and altogether resembling a large cotton ship with guns in her. We were certainly much disappointed with her main deck: the guns are very close together, ports only seven feet from each other, and the beam of the ship not in proportion to her length. The ship had been so recently commissioned that it could not be expected that she should be in perfect order; but still she was very fair, and every endeavour was evidently being made to fit her well up. The guns were being polished, and the crew were otherwise actively engaged in bringing her into order. She has guns on her gangways, and the objection which has, hitherto existed towards this by the want of room has been met by stowing the boom on gallows, leaving the whole deck clear. A very large bridge nearly covers the quarter deck, under which is a cabin, which we understood was the captain's. The armament consists of thirty 7 inch. guns and two 5 inch guns on main deck, and twenty-eight 8 inch and two 102 inch on upper deck, making in all sixtytwo guns mounted, although she is pierced for seventy-two guns. The carriages of the broadside guns are on the French plan-no after trucks-each carriage being provided with a roller handspike for training, &c. The knees of the ship are wood, with a thin broad iron plate on the outside. Large bins extend the whole length of the lower deck for the men's clothes. We understood that she has not all her coals on board; the midship main deck port is 12 ft. 2 in. out of the water, which, of course, is a great height. One of the officers informed us that she was 325 feet between perpendiculars. The main deck is 7 ft. 6 in. high between the beams; the engines were stated to be 800-horse, and the greatest speed they have got out of her 12. Just after we had left, the Mersey ranged up close along. ride; and the comparative sizes, &c., of the two frigates were admirably seen. The impression left on our minds was that the Mersey was much the finest frigate of the two. Yet I must repeat that His Imperial Majesty's ship General Admiral is unquestionably a fine frigate, and suggests the necessity of our keeping a vigorous eye upon a country which is evidently endeavouring to excel in this important Patents for Inventions. ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS. THE abridged Specifications of Patents given below are evidence of Sir W. Armstrong's stipulation to furnish ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and ear- "Sidmouth, August 21, 1859.-Gentlemen,-I feel FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils, METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture, 100, 101. On Tuesday and Wednesday the Great Eastern was densely crowded with visitors, the grand saloon, which had been closed in consequence of damage done to the furniture by some ill-disposed persons, being re-opened for inspection on those days only, and the price of admission being raised to 5s. It is stated that no public intimation will be given as to the exact time of her departure from the Thames, in order to avoid the inconvenience which might arise from a crowded state of the river. CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 51, 67. LETTER PRESS PRINTING &c. None. 40. J. II. JoHNSON. applicable to the manufacture of varnished cloths, ani "An improved textile fabric, to other purposes." Dated (A communication.) Jan. 6, 1859. This fabric presents two different appearances in its face and back; the one surface is composel of a fine warp and weft, and the other of a considerably coarser warp and weft; and the two surfaces are con nected together by occasional threads of the finer warp being interwoven with the coarser warp and weft. Patent abandoned. 50. J. H. JOHNSON. "Improvements in machinere or apparatus for boring or piercing rocks, applicably also to the dressing or working of stone, and as a power hammer generally." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 6 1859, This machine is composed of two principal and distmet parts, the first portion, and the moveable porton. The power consists, 1, of a steam-engine driving a shaft in the ordinary manner; 2, of two parallel beams upon which the moving parts slide, and which are formed with portions of screw threads or racks on their inner faces; 3, of a square sectionel second tion driving shaft for transmitting all the requisite Kovements. The details are voluminous. Patent completed. 51. W. SPENCE. Improvements in the mode of taking photographic pictures on wood." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This consists in the application of the albumen so as to form an insoluble base within the pores of the wood, and the taking of the photographic pictures on wood, the pores of which have been filled with gelations matter, and subsequently removing the gelatine from the block without injury to the picture, by the application of a warm solvent. Patent complete. 32. I. and A. HOLDEN. "Improvements in means or apparatus employed in preparing and combing wool and other fibres." Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This comprises various improvements in preparing wool and other fibres, and relates more especially to that method of combing where the fibre is passod through two sets of gill combs. Patent completed. 53. E. HEYWOOD. "Improvements in weaving." Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This consists in the production of double fabrics united in the weaving at parts, and enclosing between them thread or yarn as stulling, such fabric being alapted for various purposes. Patent completed. 51. J. J. FLORENCE. "Improvements in reels or spooling-wheels." Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed. 55. G. K. GEYELIN "Regulating gas-burners, which he calls the Universal Gas Burner Regulator."," Dated Jan. 7, 1859. The difference between the ordinary gas regulators rith valves and this consists in that the inventor in terposes between the valve and the burner an inner perforated chamber, the whole of which will not pass more gas under low pressure than is necessary for the consumption of the various kinds of burners. Patent completed. 58. A. BARCLAY. "Improvements in electric and magneetie telegraphs." Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This invention relates to some extent to two invenas of improvements in electric magnetic telegraph ropes or conductors, also improvements in obtaining alistributing or applying electricity and magnetismn and in obtaining motive power therefrom, for which the present inventor obtained provisional protection, and it consists of certain arrangements whereby electric and magnetie telegraphs may be rendered of perior efficiency in working. Patent abandoned. 57. J. PATERSON. "An improvement in bands ad belts for the waist." Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This consists in rendering leather belts and bands of the waist elastic by introducing one or more pieces of elastic web under one or more covering pieces of ather, and connecting the elastic web to the ends of the leather forming the belt. Patent abandoned. 55. H. REYNOLDS. "Improvements in refining and decolorizing saccharine substances." Dated Jan. 7, 1859. For bleaching and decolourizing saccharine substances the inventor uses stannate of alumina, the stannate and meta stannate of lime, as well as the free meta stannate, and stannic acids, and several other chemical compounds of tin. Patent abandoned. 5. W. E. NEWTON. "Improvements in machinery for winding, twisting, and doubling fibrous materials." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 7, 1859. This invention cannot be described without referen to the drawings. Patent completed. . H. HARDEN. "Improvements in fire-bars for stam-boiler and other furnaces." Dated Jan. 8, 1850. This consists in forming and arranging fire or grate bara so that the space between them for the admison of air will pass in a zig-zag line, thus breaking up the grate surface into a series of short parallelograms, and each of which is nearly surrounded by an air space, so that there are no considerable lengths that are unbroken by air spaces as in ordinary bars. Poteat completed. 61. C. F. VASSEROT. "An improved chain and huket pump." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 8, This invention consists of an iron endless chain feed of long links having double articulation. Each point is rivetted by means of a steel bolt. Each link passes through the centre of a bucket to which it is fixed, the capacity of the buckets being in propor tion to the power to be employed for working the apparatus. Pateat abandoned, "An improved smoking 62. D. FRIEDLAUDER. pipe." Dated Jan. 8, 1859. This consists in connecting the bowl of the pipe with its stem or tube, by inserting each into the sides of an india-rubber ball. Patent abandoned. 63. T. B. HUBBELL. "An improved trap for rabbits, rats, mice, and other like animals and verinin." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 8, 1859. and economy of fuel is effected. voluminous. Patent completed. The details are 71. W. A. LYTTLE. "Taking the place of springs in many, if not all, of the combinations into which they enter, and also for equilibrating a varying force or weight." Dated Jan. 8, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent abandoned. 72. R. D. CLEGG. "Improvements in signalling apparatus." Dated Jan. 10, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed. 73. L. A. NORMANDY, jun. "Improvements in the process of distilling and clarifying resinous substances." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 10, 1859. This trap is composed of a ring or frame, having connected with it a barb or spear, or barbs or spears attached to a cross piece, and acted upon by a spiral or other spring, so that when the trap is set the barbs or spears fly across the same, and penetrate and hold the animal. The trap is set by a jointed rod or lever which keeps it set while the parts of the rod or lever This comprises, 1, an agitator which being placed are kept in a line, but lets it off under the action of in the still, prevents the burning of the substance, and the spring as soon as the parts are put out of line by by rakes continually stirring up the bottom, the inthe animal touching one of them. Patent abandoned. crustation of the substance is prevented. The agi61. F. VERSMANN and A. OPPENHEIM. "Improve- tator at the end of each heating drives away also all ments in the treatment of various substances by which foreign bodies. 2. Of a reservoir into which the resin to render the same uninflammable." Dated January is led as it leaves the still, and by reason of the 8, 1859. different specific gravities of the substances the earthy This relates to the adaptation of salt of tin, anti-matters are in a short time deposited therein. 3. Of moay, and zinc, excepting the chloride of zinc, to the rotary filters provided with fine metallic cloths or articles to be rendered uninflammable. Patent wire gauze, by which all the foreign substances held abandoned. in suspension in the resin are retained. After these operations the products will be found perfectly purilied. Patent abandoned. 65. A. W. WILLIAMSON. "Improvements in condensers for steam-engines and other purposes." Dated Jan. 8, 1859. These improved condensers consist of a metal case to which a number of tubes are connected at one end. These tubes are closed at their other ends, and contain each of them a smaller tube passing from the closed end of the exterior tubes to a smaller case conPatent tained within the case before mentioned. abandoned. 66. W. DELANY. "Improvements in submarine boats or vessels, and in apparatus used for working under water." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 8, 1859. in transverse section, and running off to a point at Here a vessel is constructed of an egg-shaped form both ends, and fitted with one or more keels to keep the vessel steady in the water. The sinking and floating of the vessel are affected by means of tanks for the reception of air or water. The vessel is fitted with a screw propeller for shifting her position. In conjunction with this vessel a diving armour is employed so that a diver may leave the vessel to do whatever may be required. Patent abandonet. 67. W. CLARK. Improvements in purifying natural phosphates of lime." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 8, 1859. This invention consists of various processes for the purification of natural phosphates of lime to render them more soluble and easier of transportation, which processes are severally applicable according to the variable composition of the phosphates of lime. Patent abandoned. 6S. E. CовBOLD. "Improvements in instruments for writing and marking, and for the preparation of certain substances for conversion into instruments for writing and marking, and for the application to useful purposes of certain products arising from preparation aforesaid." Dated Jan. 8, 1859." In order to render reed or cane, or other similar stalks, suitable for conversion into an instrument for writing, the inventor divests the same, or strips thereof, by means of a sharp gauge-like instrument, of all, or of a sufficient portion, of the internal soft, cellular, spongy material, to render such reed or strips, or portions of reed or cane, when made into pens, either by means of a penknife or other suitable instrument, capable of performing clear and fine writing equal in every respect to the writing produced by the quill and metal pens of commerce. Patent completed. 69. J. T. FORSTER. • Improvements in bed births applicable for bunks, hammocks, cots, and other fixed and moveable sleeping places." Dated Jan. 8, 1859. These improvements in bed berths consist in the application of canvas or sacking bottoms, which the inventor nails or otherwise fixes at each end, or at the sides, to forms or pieces of wood or other material, shaped and of an extent suitable to keep the canvas distended and in the form required. When used for bed places or bunks on board ship he lashes or otherwise fixes them up at each end to stancheons or other fixtures by which they aro stretched. Patont completed. 70. W. E. NEWTON. Improvements in steamengines and steam generators." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 8, 1859. This comprises various improvements in marine and stationary engines, and also in boilers by which greater power is obtained from the elastic force of the steam than in engines of the ordinary constructon, 74. T. J. CLAXTON. "Improvements in the manufacture of boots and shoes." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 10, 1859. This consists in applying to the toes of boots and shoes a guard or cap of metal, gutta-percha, or indiarubber, Patent completed. 75. F. LEHR. Improvements in machinery for manufacturing metallic ribs for umbrellas, parasols, and other articles." Dated Jan. 10, 1859. This comprises, 1, a reciprocating jaw or pincer, for feeding and drawing the wire. 2. A shear having a compound motion to cut off the wire. 3. Clumps for holding the wire. 4. Mandrils and turning slubs to bend or coil up the wire to form loops or eyes as required. 5. A mandril and turning slub which takes the end of the wire and turns thereon a loop or eve for the joint by which the end of the rib is attached. Patent completed. 76. J. S. MARGETSON. "An improved box or case, suitable for hats, collars, and other useful purposes." Dated Jan. 10, 1859. Here a piece of card board or other suitable material is cut into a strip and bent into a cylindrical form, after which it is placed into a bag or reticule made in a like form, having a bottom inserted. The upper part of this bag projects above the top edge of the card board, &c., and has eyelet holes through which cords are passed. Upon drawing these cords in opposite directions the mouth of the box is closed. Patent abandoned. 77. J. WHITE. "Improvements in cleansing or purifying air, and in increasing or reducing the temperature thereof, and in the application of air so treated to sanatory and other uses." Dated Jan. 10, 1859. Here the air is caused to pass through channels, into which, and in contact with such air, water is caused to flow in jets or streams; or the air is forced into water in suitable vessels. By impregnating the water thus used with suitable purifying agents adapted to absorb or neutralize impurities combined with the air, putrifaction thereof will be effected, whilst by heating or cooling the fluid thus used, the temperature of the air may be increased or reduced to the extent desired. Patent completed. 78. T. II. TоMS. "The employment of certain materials for the production of raised ornamental figures or devices upon textile fabrics." Dated Jan. 10, 1859. This consists in employing braid, manufactured from mohair coiled round a central core or cord in undulating thicknesses, so as to produce the same form and character as the well-known "coronation braid," and admit of being readily sewn in the requisite figure or design to crape, arcophane, cloth, silk, &c. Patent completed. 79. E. AGNENI. Increasing the effect of decorative pictures, landscapes, drawings, and prints, through looking glasses." Dated Jan. 11, 1859. Here the inventor engraves the outline of a painting, &c., upon the quicksilver, of looking-glasses, or upon any other substance employed in manufacturing the same. He scratches out the quicksilver and applies upon the cleared part the artistic production. Patent completed. 80. C. M. KERNOT. "Improvements in purifying and decolorising paraffine, and rendering the same white, hard and sweet." Dated Jan. 11, 1859 To separate the paraffine from the tar, and thus purify it, the inventor applies sufficient heat to the crude paraffine to melt the paralline which it contains without melting the tar, and he then subjects the melted material to filtration, when the paraffine will pass through the filter, leaving the tar behind. Patent completed. 81. J. BIERS, jun. "A self-acting carriage wheel break." Dated Jan. 11, 1859. This consists in giving to the fore carriage, by slots or otherwise, a longitudinal motion as well as the present rotary one. Patent completed. 82. B. ROBBINS. "Improvements in the machinery for working pumps." Dated Jan. 11, 1859. To apply this invention to (say) a pair of pumps, above the pumps mounted upon suitable framing is a horizontal beam or cross-head, which works on a transverse axle in the centre of its length, and to the ends of which the pump rods are jointed. Formed on, or rigidly attached to, the under side of the balance beam is a toothed segment, which gears into a second toothed segment formed on the head of a pendulous lever, which has its fulcrum below and in a vertical line with the axes of the horizontal beam or cross-head. A vibratory motion in the direction of the length of the balance beam is communicated to the pendulous beam by a transverse horizontal cranked shaft, the crank of which is coupled to its lower limb, or the crank pin may work within a vertical slot formed in the lower portion of the lever. Rotary motion is given to the crank shaft by a spur wheel staked thereon gearing into a toothed wheel on the driving shaft, which is parallel to the crank shaft, and is provided with a fly wheel and so forth. The power is applied thereto by crank handle or other mechanism. Patent completed. 83. W. TILLIE. "An improvement in the manufacture of shirts and shirt fronts." Dated Jan. 11, The principal object here, is to maintain the insulation of submarine telegraph wires after the guttapercha, &c., has become impaired. One mode by which the inventor attains the desired end, is to insert in the gutta-percha tube that encloses the conducting wires a semi-fluid or soft non-conducting material, which, when the gutta-percha coating is pierced or cut, will ooze out and fill up the fissure. Patent completed. "Improvements in 85. B. J. RUBENSTEIN. dentistry." Dated Jan. 11, 1859. This consists in the application of gold plates, as base pieces beneath artificial gums of hippopotamus tusk (or the tusk of the sea horse,) or ivory. The inventor employs tortoiseshell in certain cases as a substitute for metal plates of various kinds and shapes used in connection with artificial teeth. Patent abandoned. 86. R. and W. HAWTHORN. "Improvements in apparatus for promoting combustion, and preventing smoke in coal-burning locomotives, and other steamboiler furnaces." Dated January 11, 1859. According to this invention, it is proposed to emply a number of inclined deflecting plates fitted to the doors or other parts of the fire-box or furnace. Deflecting pieces may be interposed between the plates for deflecting the air right and left over the surface of the fuel. It is also proposed to use an arrangement of steam jets to be introduced into the fire-box or furnace through the back part, and on each side of the fire-doors to a little above the surface o the fire. Patent completed. 87. C. W. SIEMENS. "Improvements in supports for electric telegraph line wires, and in tools or appa. ratus to be used in the construction of such supports, part of which improvements are applicable to the joining of pipes and other articles." Dated January 11, 1859. This invention comprises a variety of details which are described in the specification at too great length to be reproduced here. Patent completed. 88. S. VERSMANN and A. OPPENHEIM. "Improve ments in rendering fabrics and substances non-inflammable." Dated January 11, 1859. This consists in rendering fabrics, and other matters of an inflammable nature, non inflammable, by the application thereto of sulphate of ammonia. Patent completed. 89. N. P. BURGH. "Improvements in steamengines." Dated January 11, 1859. This consists in substituting for the ordinary trunk and piston arrangements a piston having an opening in the centre for a trunk or tube of a parallelogram or other convenient form to pass through, or slide upon. Patent completed. 90. P. BoUCHE. "Improvements in the used means for mechanically raising up the gowns of ladies and young ladies.' Dated January 12, 1859. Here a girdle or waist band, made of some strong fabric, is worn under the gown, but independent thereof, being kept round the body of the wearer by hook and eye, or similar attachment, and it has suspended from it two cords or strings, so that both ends of each cord or string hang down. At about equal distances apart on the inside of the skirt four tapes are attached in an upward direction, each of which has formed in it three or four eylet holes, through which are passed the ends of the cord hanging down from the girdle, and having attached to it at bottom or more wooden or other balls of sufficient weight for keeping the cords distended. The cords may also pass over little wheels or pulleys fitted in a steel or whalebone band attached to the end of the girdle. Patent abandoned. one 91. W. and W. T. G. BRAY. "Improvements in locomotive and traction engines." Dated January 12, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed. 66 92. W. OLIVER. Improvements in boats, and in the mode of propelling them." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This consists in employing paddle wheels placed on either side of the boat, and connected through the medium of a crank shaft, to which motion is communicated through the intervention of treadles; the said wheels moving in either direction, and one or both of the same actuated at pleasure by the use of a slide rod motion and disconnecting gear, whilst for the convenience of steering the yoke lines are brought round and secured in the front of the operator, who sits with his face towards the bows. Patent completed. 93. J. THOMSON. "Improvements in the manufacture of rings," Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This relates to the manufacture of what are technically known as "beam rugs," entirely or chiefly from jute or jute-hemp. The essence of the invention is the application and use of jute, or jute-hemp in the portion of the warp which is made to form the pile or shag in the manufacture of beam rugs. Patent completed. 94. J. HANDS. Improvements in preserving or preparing skins intended to be converted into leather, or otherwise manufactured." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This consists in a mode of preserving or preparing skins intended to be converted into leather, by subjecting them to the action of gaseous binoxide of nitrogen, nitrous acid gas, and sulphurous acid gas, either separately or combined. Patent completed. 95. J. GIBBONS. "Improvements in fixing door and other knobs." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. Here the outer end of the male screw has a moveable cover applied to it, which is separated from the projection on the fixed rose, and also separate from the female screw in the moveable or covering rose. This cover and the fixed rose are made with notches, slots, recesses, &c., which when they come together and are in use connect the cover with the hollow male screw or other parts of the fixed rose, so that the cover will be prevented turning when the knob is turned, and such connecting of the cover with the fixed rose on the door, may be such that the pull to open the door may be on the fixed rose without acting on the covering rose. Patent completed. 96. S. CANNING and H. CLIFFORD. "Improvements in machinery for paying out and for recovering or picking up submarine telegraph ropes, cables, or chains." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This consists of one or more grooved pulleys or rollers, each having a jockey pulley or roller with levers working into it. These levers may be either simple or compound, and are raised or lowered by screw or other gear for regulating the speed in paying out or picking up cables, ropes, or chains. On the shaft of each of the grooved pulleys or rollers a break or friction wheel is fixed, fitted with friction straps of wood, leather, &c.; or the patentees fix on each shaft of the grooved pulleys or rollers a friction roller with another intermediate roller running between or on them. This intermediate roller is so arranged that it is capable of being raised or lowered by lever screw or other gear, so as to press down on the other friction rollers, acting both as brake or friction roller, or as the means of connecting together the grooved pulleys or rollers. Patent abandoned. 97. T. ELWELL. "Improvements in governors for steam engines and other motive power engines." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. The patentee claims, 1, the method of constructing governors for steam engines, and other motive power engines, essentially as described with reference to the drawings. 2. The method of transmitting motion to the expansion slips of steam engines and other motive power engines by means of two pairs of friction surfaces constructed and arranged with other operat ing parts essentially as described and illustrated in the drawings. Patent completed. 98. W. and W. MCNAUGHT. "Improvements in steam engines and in apparatus connected therewith." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed. 99.. S. PHILLIPS. "Improvements in fastenings for securing windows, shutters, and doors, and for other similar uses.' Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This consists in one of its forms of a spring cotter pin made of a length of metal doubled back to form a spring; each end of the metal thus doubled being furnished with half a knob or thumb piece, so that when the spring is compressed the end intended for the hand to act upon has the appearance of being terminated with an ornamental knob or thumb piece. Patent abandoned. 100. R. MUSHET. "A new or improved metallic alloy." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This consists of an alloy composed of cast iron and' metallic tungsten. Patent completed. 101. R. MUSHET. "A new improvement or im. provements in the manufacture of cast steel." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This consists in alloying cast steel with the metallic tungsten, by which the quality of the steel is improved. Patent completed. 102. C. N. MAY. "Improvements in sluice valves." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. This relates to valves having double faces, and which act by pressure approaching either in one direction or the other. Both faces of these valves are brought into contact with the faces of the valve case or passages simultaneously, by reason of their wedge form or inclination to each other, which is also the case with the valve. According to this invention the inventor makes such valves to move on a centre, and disposes them in a semi-circular case, from which they may be removed by a suitable cover. He communicates motion to such valves by a segment of teeth on the periphery and pinion on the handle shaft, or it may be by a tangent screw or other means and whereby to force the valve home or remove it from between the edge faces inclosing or opening such valves. He mounts these valves so as to perform their motion on a centre pin, which the valve embraces sufficiently to form a secure fulcrum, but from which it can be lifted when it is desired to remove the valve from its case for repairs. abandoned. Patcat 103. C. BESLAY. "Improvements in coating or covering iron or steel with tin, zinc, or lead, or alloys of shale metals by electrical deposit." Dated Jan. 12, 1859. The inventor coats iron and steel by the direct deposit thereon (by electrical agency) of the coating metal or alloy which adheres firmly thereto, and no tendency to oxidation is produced, and whereby a firm and durable coating is applied to the iron or steel. For the batteries he employs solutions of caustic soda or potash, instead of acids. Patent completed. 104. C. N. MAY. "An iraproved heat indicator." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. This consists of an external face or dial upon which are marked figures indicating the degree of heat to which the apparatus is exposed. Internally there is a semi-circular compound lever of brass and steel, one end of which is firmly screwed to the frame or case of the apparatus; the other end, which is free to move, presses upon the short end of a lever, the opposite end of which carries a toothed segment gearing into a pinion on the axis of a pointer which traverses round the dial face. At ordinary temperatures this pointer stands at zero, but the action of heat upon the compound metal bar causes it to expand and press upon the lever, giving motion through the toothed segment and pinion to the pointer, which moves round the dial until it points to a number that indicates the heat of the oven. By this apparatus the heat of an oven may be easily regulated. Patent completed. 105. R. A. LIGHTOLLER. "Certain improvements in machinery or apparatus for spinning cotton or other fibrous materials." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. This consists in the use of a first train of gearing for driving the drawing rollers, and running or drawing out the spindle carriage for the first stretch, when a double-acting coupling is thrown out of gear and into gear with a second or slower motion, so as to turn the drawing rollers and advance the carriage together at a slower speed, during which time the second stretch is produced, and the drawing rollers can be stopped by a second and independent coupling or catch box, and the carriage still continue its motion outwards until its catch box is thrown out of gear. Potent completed. 106. W. BENNETTS. "Improvements in mechanism used for preventing accidents when raising or lowering skips, baskets, or apparatus particularly applicable to mines." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. Here the skip onbasket is so suspended that, immediately a breakage takes place, two projections which move on axes are pressed outwards by springs against the wood framings, and so as to retard and arrest the downward movement. Patent completed. 107. W. H. CRISPIN. "Improvements in the construction of ships and other sailing and steam vessels." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. Here the hull of the ship is constructed of iron, the same being covered internally and externally with wooden planking bolted through the iron and wood, and so arranged as to break joint. The decks may be constructed upon the same principle. Patent abandoned. 108. H. CRITCHLEY and S. ELSTON. "Certain improvements in pistons for steam engines, or other purposes." Dated January 13, 1859. This relates particularly to the arrangement of a series of small cylinders or recesses contained within the interior of the piston; also to the peculiar construction of the several parts connected therewith for the cause of isolating or confining from the action of steam, &c., the means whereby a uniform and continuous pressure is constantly exerted upon interior of cylinder in which such piston works. Patent completed. 109. G. SCOPES. "Improvements in apparatus for communicating motion to cots, cradles, and other articles for children's use." Dated January 13, 1859. This consists in giving motion to cots, &c., by a spring and train of wheels, exactly as the motion is given to the pendulum of a clock. Patent abandoned. 110. J. PICKSLEY and R. SIMS. "Improvements in lawn-mowing machines." Dated January 13, 1859. This consists, 1, in forming the rollers of the full length of the cutters; 2, in disposing the driving wheels so as to work outside the frame, at the same time those wheels are entirely or partially encased so that nothing can come in contact with them; 3, in adapting a carrying or supporting ball or balls in front of the machine as a substitute or substitutes for the wheel or wheels, or rollers of such machines, whereby it is readily and easily suited to operate on large or small lawns, as well as on narrow verges, or borders, or detached spaces; 4, in mounting and fitting the front part of the machine so as to elevate or depress the cutting parts across the whole breadth by means of racks and pinions, screws, or other means for giving simultaneous motion to both sides of the machine. Patent abandoned. 111. W. H. MORRISON. "Improvements in wind musical instruments." Dated January 13, 1859. This applies to those instruments in which the sound is obtained by blowing through a mouth-piece, and consists in adapting to such mouth-piece a flexible and elastic receiver which is to be filled with air by blowing through the opposite end of the instrument, or through an opening otherwise suitably placed. The air thus forced into the receiver will then by the elasticity of such receiver have a tendency to be forced back through the instrument to produce the required sounds; a stop catch, or other regulator may be applied. Patent abandoned. 112. D. L. BANKS. "A method of constructing a travelling suspension rail or roadway, applicable among other uses, as a bridge and lifting agent." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. The inventor describes a method of constructing a travelling suspension rail or roadway which cannot well be explained without referenco to drawings. Pateat completed. 113. J. J. STEVENS. "Improvements in railway signal apparatuses." Dated January 13, 1859. The patentee claims, 1, the construction of railway signal posts or pillars of wrought or cast-iron; 2, eertain means for raising and lowering the lanterns in railway signalling apparatuses; 3, certain means of and apparatus for compensating for the expansion and contraction in the wires, and to work signals at a distance; 4, an arrangement of compensating apparatus to be placed at some point between the ordinary lever and the signal; 5, an arrangement of signalling apparatus to be worked by a passing train, all as described with reference to the drawings. Patent completed. 114. F. J. MANCEAUX and E. N. VIEILLARD. Improvements in breech-loading fire arms and in cartridges." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. The patentees claim, 1, the use in breech-leading fire-arms of two plugs, one of which is hollowed out conically, and the other of which is solid, and has a conical exterior entering partly into the hollowed-out portion of the former, the two plugs being connected by a threaded stem and a nut or other equivalent means, so that while the explosive force of the powder is free to drive the inner plug further into the outer plug, and thus close the breech effectually, the inner plug is not at liberty to leave the outer plug when the said force is removed. 2. The use of a projection formed upon the face of the inner plug, in order to provide for the admission of the explosive gases behind the cartridge, whereby the expulsion of the whole of the said cartridge is effected. 3. The construction of cartridges as described with reference to the drawings. Patent completed. 115. J. GRIST. "Improvements in machinery for cutting and shaping staves and heads for casks, and for the manufacture of casks." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. The specification of this invention describes the arrangements of machinery used in detail with the aid of drawings, and is too elaborate to be quoted here at sufficient length for an intelligible abstract. Patent completed. 116. W. A. CHADWICK. "A musical instrument chiefly for teaching the intervals of musical scales." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. This instrument is composed of a hollow box or shell the two sides of which are connected internally by a sound-post; two or more apertures or soundholes are made in one of the sides, and a base bar is also fixed inside. On the top side of the case the inventor fixes a rail or finger-board with the places at which to stop for notes indicated by pins or studs. A string or wire is attached at one end of the rail and is carried along over the rail and over a bridge near the opposite end thereof, it then passes through a slot in the rail and is attached to a nut, which is adjusted by a thumb screw, so as to regulate the tension of the string. Sound is produced by a bow similar to that of a violin, which will vary according to the part of the string at which it is stopped by the finger. Patent abandoned. 117. W. WILSON. Improvements in machinery for felting bodies of hats and bonnets." (A communication.) Dated Jan. 13, 1859. This consists chiefly in the use of iron cylinders (lined with lead) supported by an iron frame at each end. Through the length of each cylinder four grooved wooden rollers are placed, so as to cross each other, the ends passing through the iron frame. These cylinders are actuated by suitable mechanism, giving to the grooved rollers the needful oscillating movement, and between these grooved rollers the bodies to be felted are passed. Patent completed. "Im 118. T. HERBERT and E. WHITAKER. provements in the manufacture of warp lace." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. Here three warp threads work with a needle, two of which are called twisting threads and one a pillar thread, and in the working of the machine one of the twisting threads is caused to lap over a needle, and the other twisting thread is caused to traverse under the same, and both threads are caused to rise up and to pass back over the same needle, by which means the first-mentioned twisting thread will be over-lapped from the needle, and the second-mentioned twisting thread will be lapped in the needle, and the two twisting threads will be twisted together. The pillar thread is then caused to lap on the needle, and its lapping is passed under the beard of the needle; but the lapping of the twisting thread is knocked over with the previous loop of the pillar thread. Patent completed. 119. O. RoWLAND. "Improvements in laying electric telegraph wires in streets." Dated Jan. 13, 1859. Here the inventor employs iron troughs furnished with covers so constructed as to form part of the pavement of a street. Patent abandoned. 120. J. BARRANS. "Improvements in traction and portable steam engines." Dated January 13, 1859. This consists chiefly in supporting the boiler and cylinders on a beam or lever; in the application of india-rubber springs to certain parts of the engine and in driving the driving wheels by pinions gearing into cog-wheels fixed to the driving wheels. completed. Patent PROVISIONAL PROTECTIONS. Dated June 29, 1859. 1545. W. and J. Wray. Certain improvements in reaping machines. Dated July 13, 1859. 1656. W. A. Munn. Improvements in reaping machines. 1787. A. Pin. The compounding, preparing, and application of a new sort of paint. 1788. J. Hewett. Improvements in self-acting water-closets. 1789. W. K. Peace. An improvement in canisters for hermetically scaling paints and other substances. A communication. 1790. M. Mason. Improvements in machinery for printing, and in apparatus connected therewith. 1791. W. H. Tooth. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for the manufacture of iron or steel. 1793. J. Petrie, jun. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for washing wool. 1794. J. H. Phipson and W. A. Watson. A new or improved lubricator for lubricating shafts and other articles requiring lubrication. 1795. W. H. M. Blews. A new or improved regulator for gas burners. 1796. E. Dowling. Improvements in rosettes or ornaments applicable to harness, and for other pur 1845. B. Browne. Improvements in the manufac ture of paints and pigments. A communication. 1847. W. Mac Lellan. Improvements in parts of the permanent way of railways. A communication. Dated Aug. 10, 1859. 1819. W. Muir. Improvements in machinery for communicating motion to foot lathes and other machines to be worked by treadles. 1851. W. K. Westly. Improved machinery for combing, heckling, and preparing to be spun flax and other fibrous substances. 1853. A. Shaw. Certain modes or methods of preparing sheep or other skins or pelts, or the linings thereof, and for raising nap on the same, and also for preparing the said skins for kid leather, and for enamelling and japanning the saine. NOTICES OF INTENTION TO PROCEED WITH PATENTS. A com 7 108.0 6 119 0 8 5 1090 3 120,0 10 31100 3 1210 7 1110 3 1220 4 90 0 3 101 0 5 1120 10, 123,0 3 1290 6 146 3 1300 3 1470 6 131 1 4 1510 7 1320 4. 1330 10 5 1310 (From the London Gazette, Aug. 23, 1859.) 898. B. Baugh. Fly presses. 904. A. Bower. Keels of vessels. 907. W. S. Clark. 909. J. Marland. Cop tubes. 925. H. Eekhorn. Lamp regulator. 929. A. R. Johnson. Instrument for damping. 930. J. A. Coffey. Heating liquids. 932. J. L. Stevens. Fire-grates. 936. T. Bird. Lubricating. 941. E. Dowling. Weighing machines. 913. A. McDougall. Coating metallic surfaces. 914. L. J. Higham. Billiard tables. 952. H. Barrow. Fastening. 955. L. Collier. Feeding apparatus. 958. J. Hamilton. Regulating prime movers. 959. A. Courage. Obtaining metallic particles from smelting works. 968. R. Warry. 969. W. Prosser. 971. J. Whitaker. Mowing machines. 972. J. Seaman. Cultivating the soil. 977. J. Freer. Planting machines. 987. I. Dutton, R. Martin, and T. Phillips. Ma chinery for preventing accidents. 991. J. M. and E. Johnson. Ornamental surfaces. 995. A. W. Williamson. Obtaining extracts. 1007. E. Lewthwaite and G. Ambler. 871 6 98 88 0 3 99 Time Subjects of Design J. Chandler, Deptford... Water guage. J. Dookree, Kingsland Funnel valve. (Williams and Biven, Valve. Reading (Cooper and Smith, Ash bourne Fastener. J. Caddick, Birmingham Candlestick. PROVISIONAL REGISTRATIONS. II. J. and D. Nicoll, Belt. R. R. Cox, Regent's-pk. Cinder-shifter. E. & J. Turner, Sheffield Vico. Gregory and Redfern, Fire-escape. New Cut 10, 1035 J. Clark, jun., Leeds... Slate machine. ,, 21, 1098 M. Boyle, Queen's-sq. LIST OF MISCELLANEOUS TENDERS IN VITED, AND ENGAGEMENTS OPEN. The tenders and vacancies which appear in this weekly list are not repeated in succeeding numbers. RAILWAY, Llynri Valley.-Diversions of portions of the line. Plans at the Company's Office at Porth Cawl Tenders to August 31st. DEFENCES, Drop Redoubt, Dorer.-Candidates desiring to tender for the above works must signify their intention at the Royal Engineer office, Dover, before September 4, where terms may be known. A meeting of candidates, to elect a surveyor, will be held at the Royal Enclaver Office, Dover, at 12 o'clock on Thursday, August 25th. GUARD HOUSE, Dover.-Candidates desiring to tender must signify their intention at the Royal Engineer of, Dover, until August 27th. Bill of quantities, half-aguinea. Tenders to September 5th. MATERIALS, Dover.-And performance of such bricklayers masons', paviours', carpenters', slaters', smiths, pa terers', plumbers', painters', glaziers', and paper-hanger work required by the Royal Engineer Department at various stations of the Dover district from September 1859 to March 1860. Only one contractor will be accounted for all the trades at each station, and parties tondering must state according to the printed directions, the rate at which they are willing to perform the work. Printed schedules and all particulars at Royal Engineer office, Hythe, to September 5. HYDRAULIC MAIN, Sowerby Bridge.-36 feet long, and 29 inches diameter, for 20 retorts; also exit, H and P pipes, all complete. Plans, Sowerby Bridge Gas Work. Tenders to August 29. GASHOLDER, Teignmouth.-With cast-iron tanks, a vertical condenser, a scribbler, governor, &c. Plans, &c., ov of Mr. Win. Cotton, Surveyor, Teignmouth. Teadersio August 30th. CHURCH, Downton, Herefordshire.-Plans, &c., office of Mr. S. Poutney Smith, Shrewsbury. CHAPEL, &c., Edinburgh.-For the erection of a chap", school, and schoolmaster's quarters at Piershill bars, Edinburgh. Tenders to the Director of Contracts, War Department, Pall Mall, London, September 12. PARSONAGE, Kirton Lindsey, Lincolnshire.-Plans, &, with Rev. F. Stuart, Kirton Lindsey. Tenders to p tember 6th. Schools, &c., Liverpool.-For the erection of parochial schools and teachers' residences for the parish of Wes Derby, near Liverpool. Drawings, specifications, &, Mr. II. P. Horner, architect, 10 Basnett-street, Liverpool, where tenders. No date supplied. SCHOOLS, Brandon, near Durham.-Plans at the offer of Mr. Dobson, architect, Newestle-upon-Tyne, and at ta Rectory, Brancepeth, near Durham. Tenders to Ag. 2. ASYLUM, Alterations, Worcester. Including resavoir, pump-well, water tower, steam engine, boilers, Plans at office of Mr E. L. Williams, C.E., Diglis, Worcester. Tenders to September 3rd. HOUSES, Spaldington, near Howden.-Upon the estate o Sir Henry Mervyn Vavasour, Bart., at Spaldingto Plans, &c., Messrs. Stephens and Robinson, architects17 Tennet-street, Derby. Tenders to September 7ta. LAUNDRY, Chichester Parracks.-Plans, &c., Royal En neer's Office, Portsmouth. Tenders to September ta CART SHED AND TOOL HOUSE, Poplar District,-For the erection and completion of a cart shed and tool house, th the stone yard, St. Leonard's-road, Bromley. Forms of tender, Mr. C. C. Ceely, clerk to the board, East Ind Dock-road; where tenders September 6. SEWERAGE, Crumpsall.-250 yards of Tyson-street. Plans, &c., of Mr. Bell, surveyor, 51 King-street, Manchest Tenders to the chairman, J. Knott, Esq. (Overse's offices) Crescent-road, Crumpsall. Tenders to beptenlber 10th. SEWERS, Poplar District.-For laying down sewers in t', parish of Bromley. Willis-street and Desart-street, 654ft. run, 12in. patent pipe; Tetley, Randal, and Cawdor-streets, 663ft. run, 12in. patent pipe; with the requisite gullies and connections. Tenders, noon, September 6, with Mr. C. Ceely, clerk to the board, Last India Dock-road, where forms of tender. PIPE DRAINAGE, Trentham, North Staffordshire.excavating and laying down about 1,600 yards of 18-inch drain pipes. Apply to Mr. Roberts, Trentham offes. No date given. METAL ROLLER.-One to undertake the management of a mill. Apply to Mr. S. Walker, itolling, Tube, and Wire Mills, Lower Fazely-street, Birmingham. MACHINIST.-One accustomed to fine drilling, acquaint d with perforating tools, and accustomed to making aparatus for working same. Address by letter, C. B., Daily Post Office, Biriningham. PUDDLERS AND UNDERHANDS.-Good characters for stellness and ability necessary. Apply to Mr. J. Brodd, Lower Furness Iron and Steel Works, Ulverston. LAMP MANAGER.-One who understands the manufact of lamps and arrangement of stock. Apply to J. Tay. and Sons, Warwick-lane, Newgate-street, London. GAS CHANDELIER MAKERS.-Several first-rate, and two burnishers. Apply to Benju. Vickers, Atlas Works, Sheffield. MILLWRIGHT.-To superintend the machinery and mik patterns. Apply to E. J. Hunt, Prince of Wales Ironworks, Millwall, Poplar, London, E. HEAD FOREMAN-Thoroughly acquainted with smiths' work, and the fitting necessary for iron bridges, r roofs, tanks, &c. J. H. Porter, ironworks, Gas-street, Birmingham. ENGINEER'S DRAUGHTSMAN.-A draughtsman of superior ability and great experience in marine eagine work. Applications, with every particular, E. D., care f Messrs. Hammond and Nephew, 27 Lombard-street, London, E.C. |