uniform rotary motion may be obtained, the dead points avoided, and also the necessity for great speed in the steam-piston avoided. A modification of the slide-valves supposed to be necessary for this purpose is described at length.

The application of a similar apparatus for propelling vehicles of various kinds is described, but no particular scale is given for the construction of the apparatus, as the proportions and dimensions may be varied. The patentee merely advises that the running wheels should be made much larger than they are at present, (query, how much larger than 7 feet?) and that the steam piston should exceed in size that of the water cylinder.

The construction of a locomotive engine on the principle of the traversing weightwheel is next set forth, but it is said to be inapplicable to rapid motion; it is, however, admirably adapted for carts, wagons, ploughs, &c. To ploughs so propelled, the patentee proposes to prefix a horse or bullock for the purpose of turning them round at the end of the furrow!

The claim is, 1. To the employment of a weight-wheel revolving and pressing upon a flexible pipe, or chamber full of either water, air, or other fluid, for the purpose of obtaining a continuous and forcible flow, or jet of water, or air; also the manner in which the said fluids are brought under the pressure of the weight-wheel, although it is effected through the agency of valves similar to those used in pumps, I consider as novel, as well as the way of constructing the flexible pipe. 2. To imparting a pressure to water by means of two cylinders, one containing steam, the other water, as above described, as well as the employment of weight-wheels, mounted on an axle, for the purpose of propelling locomotive carriages or boats. 3. To the motion given by the water to the slide-valves which direct the steam; and an application of these to any other purpose will be considered an infringement of this part of the invention. 4. To the tubes, through the agency of which the machinery is propelled, either upon the land or water, by introducing into them either water under considerable pressure, or compressed air.

FREDERICK DE MOLEYNS, OF CHELTENHAM, for certain improvements in the production or development of electricity, and the application of electricity for the obtainment of illumination and motion. rolment Office, Feburary 21, 1842.

En

These improvements consist-Firstly, In the production of electricity by certain novel combinations of known substances, whereby the electric power is largely developed by small quantities and superficies of those

substances, with the important advantages of nearly perfect freedom from the noxious effluvia arising from certain combinations previously known, and avoidance of the use of mercury, and of undiluted acid, and the preservation of equal power for a long period.

Secondly, In the application of the electric power or principle, however obtained, to a new and improved mode of producing electric light, whereby that light may be sustained and increased, so as to make it available for lighting apartments, or for any other illuminating purpose.

Thirdly, In the application of electricity in its voltaic form when developing magnetic power in iron, to the production of a motive force of increased effect by means of improved modes of producing magnetism in iron, and of arranging and constructing the electro magnets.

The mode in which the first improvement is carried out, is described at great length, but it is briefly as follows:-One pound of nitraté of ammonia is dissolved in twelve ounces of soft water; to any given quantity of this solution an equal quantity of pure sulphuric acid is added, the solution being placed in a vessel containing pounded ice or other frigorific mixture, and the acid added very gradually to prevent heating. This mixture is then put into a stoppered bottle ready for use. A saturated solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia is also prepared. The battery consists of a glass, porcelain, or other suitable vessel, the internal measurement of which, is 3 inches by 2 inches, and 3 inches deep; in this is placed a piece of Mosselman's zinc, within which, and resting upon it, is a cell of seasoned sycamore, or porous biscuit ware of an inch in diameter, and the breadth and depth of the zinc which surrounds it. Within the cell is suspended by a binding screw from a brass bar, which crosses and rests upon the top of the outer vessel, a piece of thin sheet platina.

This battery is put into action by pouring some of the nitrate of ammonia and acid solution into the cell holding the platina; and a saturated solution of muriate of ammonia is poured into the glass vessel in contact with the zinc. A binding screw with a copper shank, is riveted (in preference to soldering) to the zinc, and on closing the voltaic circle, the battery is in powerful action, which may be kept undiminished for a considerable period. For producing an available light by means of electricity, a strong glass globe is furnished at two opposite points with openings closed by brass caps, through one of which, a vacuum can be formed within the sphere. The upper orifice has a glass or other insulated tube, which passes down

through the cap, and reaches nearly to the centre of the sphere; this tube is made to taper at its lower end in a cone-like form, 7 so that its lower opening does not exceed the eighth of an inch in diameter. A thick copper wire passes down through this tube, working in air-tight collars in the brass cap, and reaches to within a quarter of an inch of the conical end of the tube, where it is united to a piece of fine platinum wire; this platinum wire, which is coiled in a spiral form like a corkscrew, passes through the opening of the tube and projects into the centre of the globe. Opposite to this wire, which forms one of the electrodes of the battery, is another thick copper wire which passes through the opposite brass cap, and terminates in a fine platinum wire similar to the former, only that it contains a small piece of spongy platinum. The upper glass tube is filled with finely powdered box-wood charcoal, or plumbago.

On completing the connexion between the two electrodes of the battery, the charcoal powder or plumbago falls in a minute shower upon the platinum wires and ball, and a continuous and intense light is given off. The dimensions of the platinum wires are to be so adjusted to the power of the battery, as to become intensely heated, but without being fused.

Two modes of constructing electro-magnets are next described, by means of which, the patentee states, from a given weight of iron more attractive power may be obtained, than has been hitherto developed in any other form. In the first mode of construction, thick copper or other wire, properly covered, is laid upon a strip of sheet iron, and the iron is rolled up into a cylindrical coil enclosing the wire. In the second mode the wire is coiled round a small soft iron cylinder, which is placed within another a size larger; wire being coiled round the second cylinder, it is placed in a third and so on ad infinitum,, until any required degree of power is obtained.

In order to apply the above described, or other electro-magnets to the production of power, a series of electro-magnets are placed through circular holes at regular distances all round the felloes, or rim of a wheel fixed in a metal or other frame, and parallel to its axis. An equal portion of each magnet projects at either side of the rim of the wheel, and fixed in frames on each side of the wheel and parallel to it are a similar number of electro-magnets corresponding in size and strength to those in the wheel. The spokes of the driving-wheel are of sufficient substance to admit of a certain number of straight electro-magnets being passed through them, also parallel to its axis; and in the

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frame on each side of this wheel are fixed electro-magnets radiating from a centre formed by the axis of the driving-wheel, which work in the frame, and in their relative distances from each other, corresponding with the magnets fixed in the drivingwheel. The poles of the magnets in the frames are opposed to the poles of the magnets in the wheel, during the revolution of which attraction is converted into repulsion, by a change in the polarities of the fixed magnets, effected by a commutator worked by the wheel. The patentee states that he should prefer suspending, or cutting off the magnetism, to changing of the poles, but that he is prevented from using that expedient in consequence of its having been previously patented. The fixed magnets are worked by one battery, and the moving, or wheel magnets, by another.

The claim is, 1. To the development of the electrical principle by means of a combination consisting of a liquor composed of nitrate of ammonia, or nitrate of potassia, or other soluble nitrate, water, and sulphuric acid, in the proportions before described, or in other proportions, in association with platina, or other negative metal, or precipitate of one metal upon another, or upon other substances, not metallic, which may be substituted for the metal, and which is capable of resisting the action of such compound liquid; and further consisting of a saturated aqueous solution of muriate of ammonia, or muriate of soda, or other soluble muriate, or sulphate, or nitrate in association with zinc, or other positive metalthe whole forming a voltaic circle or combination, consisting of the acidulated nitrate solution, platina-saturated solution of muriate of ammonia, zinc-with the addition of a wooden, or other diaphragm. Also the compound liquor of which nitrate of ammonia, sulphuric acid and water form the ingredients, in the proportions set forth, or in varying proportions; or of which a different soluble nitrate, a different acid, and water, are ingredients, inducing, however, when combined, a similar play of chemical affinities, during the development of electricity in a closed voltaic circle.

2. To the application of electricity, whether produced by the foregoing contrivance, or by other means, to the development of a sustained light by the mode before set forth and explained; that is to say, by the use of pulverized charcoal or plumbago, in connexion with fine platinum, or other wire, or spongy platinum, or both; and also the mode, or mechanical means by which the charcoal, &c., is brought into contact with the platinum, or other metallic electrode.

3. To the two modes of forming powerful electro-magnets, before described, and also the particular modes of arrangement of the said improved electro-magnets, or other forms of electro-magnets in the electro-magnetic engine.

4. To the particular mode of construction of the motive apparatus before described and set forth, as intended to convey motive force to machinery, and to display the greatly increased force produced by the described arrangement of electro-magnets.

EDMUND MOREWOOD, OF HIGHGATE, GENTLEMAN, for an improved mode of preserving iron and other metals from oxidation or rust. (A communication.) Enrolment Office, Feb. 26.

This invention consists, first, in tinning the metal, to be preserved, and then in zincing the tin, so that both the tin and zinc shall have a combined influence in preserving the metal.

The iron is first tinned by any of the methods now in use. The coating of tin, after having become hard, is well cleaned; the tinned metal is then immersed in molten zinc, its surface being carefully skimmed and covered with powdered sal-ammoniac. The tinned metal is suffered to remain in the molten zinc (which should be kept as near as possible at the melting point) until, on drawing it out slowly, the surface presents a smooth and even appearance.

Almost immediately after being taken out, and before the coating has become set and hard, the coated metal is immersed in clear water, then scrubbed and cleaned therein, and afterwards dried in bran or sawdust.

The claim is, to the preserving of iron and other metals capable of being tinned, and fusing at a temperature of not less than one thousand two hundred degrees of Fahrenheit, from oxidation, by tinning them and then dipping the tin covering or surface into molten zinc; or otherwise coating the tin covering with zinc in such manner that a union or contact shall take place between the surfaces of the zinc and tin, whereby a united influence is caused to be exerted for the preservation of the iron or other metal. This influence the patentee believes will prevent the destructive influence of the tin upon the iron when tin alone is used, and tin lessens the destructive influence of the iron upon the zinc, when zinc alone is used to cover the metal.

THOMAS CHAMBERS AND FRANCIS MARK FRANKLIN, OF LAWRENCE-LANE, LONDON, AND CHARLES ROWLEY, OF BIRMINGHAM, for improvements in the manufacture of buttons and fastenings for wearing apparel. Enrolment Office, Feb. 26.

The first part of this invention relates to

the shanks of buttons. A piece of metal is stamped or bent so as to present the appearance of a small cross supported on four upright legs, each leg terminating in a hori zontal projection or foot. In applying this shank to buttons the "collet" at the back of the button has an opening in the centre to allow the cross part of it to pass through, the feet remaining within the button, and preventing the shank being drawn through the opening. The button can be covered in the usual manner.

The second part relates to another form of shank to be applied to covered buttons. A circular disc of metal perforated with four holes is sunk in the shape of a hat, and the rim, or flanch, prevents the shank from being drawn through the hole in the collet when the centre part is protruded through it.

The third part relates to forming the collet or metal back of covered buttons of steel, so that it will lap over or cover the edges of the button. The covering is made on the front shell of the button, and the collet is made with a rim turned up; the covered shell is then put within the rim, and the rim closed over its edge.

The fourth part relates to a mode of constructing buttons with movable shanks, formed like the one last described, only, that instead of having a circular flanch to prevent its being drawn through the collet, it has two arms in a line with each other, one of which has a small stud fixed in its extremity. The collet has an opening to receive the centre part of the shank and one of the arms, and another hole to receive the stud in the shank. Inside the shank hole is a disc of metal attached to a spring, which is enclosed between the shell and the disc, so that the disc will be pressed against the collet. To fix the button to the shank, one of the projections of the shank must be pressed under the collet; so that the projection with the stud may enter the opening, then, by turning the button one quarter round, the stud will go into the hole in the collet made to receive it.

The fifth part relates to an improved mode of making vest bands. The folded edges of the fabric of which the bands are made, are cemented together (instead of being sewn) by common flour paste, dissolved India rubber, or any other convenient cement.

The sixth part relates to constructing vest bands with eyelet holes or loops formed from one piece of metal, in lieu of having each eyelet hole affixed separately in holes formed in the edges of the bands. A piece of wire is bent at regular intervals in the form of eyes; the straight parts of the wire being secured in the edge of the band while the eyes project beyond it,

another. The horse-hoe is constructed in a similar manner to the foregoing, the hoes taking the place of the tines or teeth, and being elevated in the same way.

The claim is, 1. To the mode of connecting the arms of horse-rakes with the axis, by applying the combination of cast-iron sockets, as described; 2. To combining the independent arms of horse-rakes with curved tines or teeth; 3. To the application of the combined motion of two levers working on different axes, in combination with the long bar, to facilitate the lifting of the tines or teeth of horse-rakes; 4. To the application of a lever to horse-rakes, when so connected with a bar for raising the tines or teeth, as to require the lever to be depressed in order to lift the tines or teeth; 5. To the mode of applying the compound lever action to the bar of a horse-hoe, having independent arms as above described.

NOTES AND NOTICES.

Mule-spinning.-Mr. Horner, one of the Factory Inspectors, states in a recent Report, that in a mill in Manchester, where they spin the finest number of yarns, one man now works, by means of eight double-decked mules, the amazing number of 2,592 spindles.

The Mammoth steam-vessel, which has been so long building at Bristol, by the Great Western Company, but which is now, it seems, to be called the Great Britain, is expected to be ready to be launched in March, 1843.

Magnetism Extraordinary.-The following singular case of magnetic attraction is stated, in Silliman's Journal, to have occurred in the State of Maine. A bed of magnetic iron ore magnetized so powerfully the instruments used to break it up, as to adhere to them in large tufts of the fragments of the iron ore; and a crow-bar, suspended freely over the iron ore, took the position of the magnetic meridian, so as to become in fact a true, though gigantic needle!

Draining Machine.-At the last meeting of the Agricultural Society, Mr. J. G. S. Lefevre presented, on the part of the Board of Trade, an American draining machine, invented by P. D. Henry, of New Orleans, U.S. The object of this machine is to raise water from a low place to a higher one, and the inventor proposes to accomplish this purpose by means of a hollow revolving hydraulic wheel, placed vertically at one-third its depth in the water, and divided into scooped compartments provided with valves which, as the wheel turns round, admit the water and retain it until a certain elevation above the surface has been attained, when the inclosed water falls back along radiating compartments towards the centre of the hollow wheel, and is carried away by a cylinder in a continuous stream. Mr. Henry enters into a detailed account of the particular arrangements by which this effect is produced in the most economical and efficient manner, and claims as the peculiar merit of his invention, the tangential manner in which the compartments of the hollow wheel are arranged in reference to the cylindrical conduit through its centre, and the contrivance of the spoons for scooping up the water when the reservoir is low. Above the hydraulic wheel, when in use, is placed a man on a framework, who causes the great wheel to revolve, by turning the handle of cog-wheels acting on its circumference; and the inventor states that he found a wheel of 6 feet in diameter, constructed on this principle, and worked by one man, capable of raising 200 gallons of water per minute.-Athenæum.

Suppression of the Smoke Nuisance.-At the sua! monthly meeting of the Commissioners of the Birmingham Street Act, on Monday last, on the minute in reference to the subject of an inquiry as to the best means of effecting an abatement of the smoke nuisance, having been read, Mr. Turner said that the committee were not prepared to make any report, but he was happy to inform the commissioners that the nuisance so long complained of in Birmingham, arising from the smoke of steam furnaces, was in a fair way of being done away with. The patent of Mr. Williams (of which Mr. Direks was the agent) had been tried at Mr. Clifford's ill, in Fazeley-street, with the most complete success; and he believed that if the principle were generally adopted, the complaints in reference to this subject would not only be put an end to, but that a considerable saving would be effected by mill owners and manufacturers in the reduced consumption of fuel; he thought it was the duty of those commissioners who had furnaces, to give the plan a fair trial, and thus set an example to others in abolishing a nuisance in Birmingham which had become almost intolerable.-Mining Journal.

Clyde Steamers." What do the champions of Thame supremacy in steam-boat building say now to Clyde-fitted steamers? The Tay, of the West India Company, and the Princess Royal, Liverpool and Greenock passage-vessel, have, I think, proved that the new theory of the wave current water-lines has been no fallacy. Of four vessels, namely, the Clyde, the Teviot, the Solway, and the Tay, the performance, (under circumstances in all respects similar,) has been exactly in the order in which the theoretical curve was more or less introduced in their construction; while that of the Princess Royal, regarding which there were no controlling circumstances to prevent its fair adoption, has not been equalled even by Mr. Smith's Fire King."-Frem a Correspondent. [The question of rivalry between the Thames and Clyde steam-boat builders has always turned less on the comparative correctness of their lines of construction, than on the degree of engineering genius and skill which they have respectively shown. The four vessels referred to may be the best moulded that ever yet ploughed the deep, and yet their engines be nothing to boast of However, we gladly take this opportunity of bearing witness to a vast improvement, of late, in the workmanship of the Clyde-built engines; though still, as before, the Thames makers keep the lead, in all that relates to reduction of weight and space, and increase of effective working power. — ED. M. M.]

The Anti-John-Scott-Russell is the fantastical name very rashly given to a small steamer which inay at the present time be occasionally seen on the Thames, testing the capabilities of a new rotary engine invented by Mr. Beale. Mr. Russell may possibly be wrong in saying that there is nothing to be gained, in any case, by the substitution of rotary for reciprocating or oscillating engines; but, from what we know of Mr. Beale's whirligig, we should not say that the Scotch Professor's reputation for sagacity has much to fear from its performances. It was enacting wonders when we saw it-for fire minutes-but how long may we expect it to work so? No longer, we fear, than numbers of the same ingenious class of novelties which have gone before it-to oblivion.

Intending Patentees may be supplied gratis with Instructions, by application (postpaid) to Messrs. J. C. Robertson and Co., 166, Fleet-street, by whom is kept the only COMPLETE REGISTRY OF PATENTS EXTANT (from 1617 to the present time). Patents, both British and Foreign, solicited. Specifications prepared or revised, and all other Patent bu siness transacted.