of potassa and sugar, or other carbonaceous matter, as is well understood in making this description of signal lights. The apparatus, being thus completed, is to be used in the following manner :-It is grasped firmly in the hand, and by pressure on to any hard substance which will enter into the lower end of the case, a, such as a piece of stick, by which the light may be afterwards held, the wire or rod, d, will be moved, and will cause the percussion preparation at the upper part of the case, a, to ignite the charge contained in the case, a.

I will now describe the second part of my invention, which relates to a mode of applying the percussion matter for igniting the charge in the case, a, by means of a blow within the lower end of the case, so that the material may be out of the way of accidental discharge.

Fig. 7, shows a section of this arrangement, The case, and parts which are similar to those already described, are marked with the same letters of reference, but in this case the mechanical apparatus is not used; and the globule of sulphuric acid, in place of being within the case, together with the other materials, is placed at the lower end of the case, a, and a quick match, passing from the lower end of the case, a, conducts the light to the upper part of the case, a, the globule, or other suitable means for discharging the light being acted on by means of the false bottom, f, being forced in, in the manner above described, thus pressing the globule between the partition, b, and the surface, f.

Having thus described the nature of my invention, and the best means I am acquainted with for performing the same, I would remark, that I make no claim to any of the parts separately, nor do I confine myself to the precise details shown, provided the peculiar character of my invention be retained. But what I claim, is,

Firstly, the mode of arranging apparatus for producing light for signals and for other purposes, whereby a sliding rod or wire is caused to discharge the material at the upper end of the case, the apparatus being securely covered to prevent accidental ignition of the charge. And I also claim the arrangement of spring apparatus for holding and discharging the percussion matter; and,

Secondly, I claim the mode of forming the case, a, divided into two compartments, one for the materials of the light, and the other for the percussion matter, so that

by forcing a handle or stick into the end of the case, a, the matter will be discharged in the manner above described in respect to fig. 7,-In witness, &c,, WILLIAM JOHN HAY.

Enrolled May 25, 1844.

Specification of the Patent granted to WILLIAM BUSH, of Union-street, Deptford, in the County of Kent, Engineer, for Improvements in rendering Magnetic Needles less prejudicially influenced by local attraction.-Sealed November 9, 1843.

WITH AN ENGRAVING.

To all to whom these presents shall come, &c., &c,My invention consists of a mode of constructing a marine compass, whereby the local attraction may be centralized in or near the axis of motion of the magnetic needle. It is well known that the magnetic needles used in marine compasses are in many cases acted on very prejudicially by local attraction, so as to render them very irregular and incorrect in their pointing. Now, according to my invention, this local attraction (consequent on there being quantities of iron and other causes acting near a compass) is caused to be centralized in or near the axis of motion of the needle, whereby the needle of a compass is less prejudicially influenced, and will consequently act with more correctness, and, in fact, will be more similar in its performance, and pointing to what would be the case were there no iron or other causes of attraction in the locality in which a compass may be placed. And in order that my invention may be fully understood and readily carried into effect, I will proceed to explain the best means I am acquainted with of carrying out my invention.

Description of the Drawings,

In figures 1, and 2, A, A, represent the brass standard frame or compass box, supporting the universal joint. through which the magnetic bars retain their perpendicular, and act as a pendulum and conductor, and receives the magnetism of all iron which might surround it. B, B,

the compass bowl or basin in which the magnet and card revolve. c, c, centre magnetic steel or iron bar, chain, tubes, or other forms of steel or iron, ascending to and supporting the needle upon which the magnet and card revolve. D, D, highly magnetized bars framed in contact and combination with, c, or centre magnetic bars, chain, or tubes.

Note. It will be observed that the centre magnetic bars, c', and D3, are placed with the north pole upwards and south downwards, which may be reversed, and in some cases only a single bar is necessary.

E, E, void or vacant space intervening between, D, and F, to prevent the current of magnetic attraction being direct and uniform in the outer and inner circles. F, F, outer highly magnetized circumference of framed steel, or iron bars, or tubes with the poles reversed, placing the south pole upwards, or the entire combination may be alternated if required. G, G, outer circumference of brass or other metal to protect the magnetic bars or tubes from corrosion. H, nut and screw to fix the centre which supports the needle.

Note. Where the barometer is required, the magnetic bar, c, may be removed and mercury substituted, as shown in drawing No. 2. 1, reservoir of mercury within a magnetized steel or iron cistern connected with the magnetic tube through which the mercury will ascend, serving also as a balance for the bowl or basin which is supported by it.

Fig. 3, represents the compound magnet with the four north and four south points in combination. The current of magnetic attraction will proceed in a direct line between the four north points, leaving the two points nearest approximating thereto to form an angle therewith of 221 east and west.

Fig. 4, represents a compound magnet of six points, being three towards the north and three towards the south, but in this case the current of magnetic attraction proceeds directly through the three points, by the centre point of which the due north will be determined.

Fig. 5, is the same in principle as fig. 4, having four points substituted. The current of magnetic attraction runs in this instance through the centre, the angle formed being 45° instead of 224 as in former instance.

Fig. 6, represents a magnet of three points, being an

equal division of the centre forming an angle of 120o, and in this instance the single part determines the due north, the remaining two points being east and west towards the south.

Fig. 7, is also a magnet of three points, the south point being in the direct magnetic line, the south-eastern and south-western parts describing an angle of 90° with each other, through the centre of which the north and south point passes.

Fig. 8, exhibits the straight bar magnet with the points directed north and south, the section of which is shown in fig. 1. The axis or point on which the needles of a compass moves, in place of being fixed as heretofore, is caused to float on mercury or other fluid. J, is a cistern of mercury fixed in the compass bowl, and I prefer the cistern to be of metal lined with glass. K, is a float of cork or other suitable material, having the axis of the compass fixed therein, this axis slides freely through a stuffing box at the upper part of the cistern. L, is a cone placed under the needle, this cone, on its under side, has an agate to receive the upper end of the axis affixed in the float, and on its upper surface it has another agate to receive the lower end of the point, M, of the needle, and in case the cone is not used, then the axis affixed in the float receives the magnetic needle, it being provided with a suitable agate to receive the point of the axis.

Having thus described the nature of my invention, and the best means I am acquainted with for performing the same, I would remark that I do not confine myself to the precise details shown, provided the peculiar character of the invention be retained.

But what I claim is the mode of rendering magnetic needles less prejudicially acted on by local attraction, by causing the attraction arising from local causes to be centralized in or near the axis of motion of magnetic needles.

And I also claim the modes of constructing magnetic needles with three or more points; and,

Lastly, I claim the floating of an axis for a magnetic needle by means of fluid.-In witness, &c.

WILLIAM BUSH.

Enrolled May 9, 1844.

No. 1.-VOL. IV.

D

Specification of the Patent granted to CHARLES BROOK, of Meltham Mills, in the County of York, Cotton Spinner, for certain Improvements in Machinery for Spinning and Twisting Cotton and other Fibrous Substances.-Sealed October 12, 1843.

WITH AN ENGRAVING.

To all to whom these presents shall come, &c., &c.— My invention consists,

Firstly, in the application and arrangement of certain additional parts in conjunction with the revolving roller or cylinder, H, formerly specified in my patent bearing date the 4th day of June, 1829, to spinning frames, by which the yarn or thread produced in the process of spinning is much improved both in appearance and quality; and,

Secondly, in the novel and improved arrangement and construction of a spindle and flyer for the purposes of spinning and twisting yarn or thread in the process of manufacture. And the manner in which the same is to be performed and carried into effect will be seen by reference to the annexed drawings and the following description. The scale to which the annexed drawings are made is marked thereon, and the same letter or figure of reference indicates the same part in each figure where such figure or letter of reference may occur, the direction of rotation of the moving parts being indicated by arrows. The improvements specified and explained in my former patent, bearing date the 4th day of June, 1829, are retained in my arrangement of machinery, and I shall now proceed to describe the additional parts, by which a further improvement of the yarn or thread is effected, and which constitute the first part of my present improv

ments.

Description of the Drawing.

Figures 1, and 2, represent front and end views of part of an ordinary throstle spinning frame.

Fig. 3, is a section of the same; and

Fig. 4, a section, on an enlarged scale, of the drawing rollers and of such parts as my present and former patent consists.