1st

To HOWARD JOHN KENNARD, of Great George-street, Westminster, for improvements in the construction of wrought-iron cylinders for piers or piles to bridges, viaducts, or for other foundations or structures where the sinking of cylinders is required.—[Dated 27th May, 1863.] THIS invention consists in constructing iron cylinders for piers or piles, by first forming any convenient number of segments that the size of the cylinders may require, each of which segments is provided with an internal flange, either fixed or formed all round the edges of the same. The surfaces of the flanges, and the edges of the plates, are then planed or turned, so as to produce accurately-fitting surfaces, and such segments are fixed together for forming the complete cylinder, by means of bolts and nuts passing through the internal flanges, thus producing an air or water-tight cylinder by means of the planed meeting surfaces of the segments, with the addition, if requisite, of suitable packing between such meeting surfaces. By this arrangement, such segments are finished off at the place of manufacture, so that they require nothing further than to be bolted together at the locality where the cylinders require to be erected.

The manner in which it is preferred to form the flanged segments is as follows:-An angle iron is made of such a form, that upon one external face of the same there is a raised surface or fillet, running along at or near the apex of the angle iron. This angle iron is then rivetted air or watertight, upon the inner surface of the plates forming the segments round the edges of the same, in such a manner, that the side of the angle iron having the raised surface or fillet, forms the flanges to the segments, it being for this purpose provided with the requisite bolt holes. The raised surface or fillet of the flanges so formed, is then planed or turned, as well as the edges of the plate, so that the fillet and the edge of the plate together form a perfect plane meeting surface, thereby insuring a water or air-tight joint between the segments, when bolted together to form the cylinder. Or, instead of employing the before-described form of angle iron for the flanges, T iron may be employed for that purpose, the table of the same being rivetted to the plate, and the edge of the table, together with the edge of the plate, planed to form the air or water tight joint.

In other cases, the ordinary form of angle iron is rivetted upon the plates, in such a manner, that the edges of the plate project slightly beyond the angle iron, and the edges of the plates are then planed, so as alone to constitute the meeting surfaces; and suitable packing is inserted between the joints of the segments when they are bolted together, so as to render the cylinder air or water-tight. Or the flanges may be formed by setting up the metal of the plate itself, or by welding or rolling the metal for forming the flanges on to the plates.

In Plate VI., fig. 1 shows a sectional plan of a cylinder constructed according to this invention, and fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the same. The circumference of the cylinder is, in this case, divided into four segments A, A, A, each of which consists of a curved wrought-iron plate a, all round the edges of which is rivetted, in an air or water-tight manner, the angle iron b. This angle iron is formed with a projecting fillet as shown, the edge of which is brought level with the edge of the plate. After the angle iron has been rivetted to the plate, in an air or water

tight manner (bolt holes having been previously formed in the projecting flange of the same), the edges of the plate and fillet of the angle iron are turned or planed, so as together to form a true surface. The segments so formed are then fixed together by means of bolts and nuts passing through the flanges,-the planed or turned meeting edges of the same forming air or water-tight joints. The spaces between the flanges are filled in either with a cast-iron packing c, c', as shown, or with other suitable packing or cement, so as to prevent the possibility of leakage. The segments are by preference made to break joint in a vertical direction, as shown, to prevent having the corners of four of the segments meeting together.

The patentee claims, "constructing wrought-iron cylinders for piers or piles to bridges, viaducts, or for other foundations or structures where the sinking of cylinders is required, consisting of segments having internal flanges fixed or formed upon them, for bolting them together; the meeting edges of such segments being planed or turned, so as to form more or less perfectly air and water-tight joints."

To LEWIS SCUDDER CHICHESTER, of Brooklyn, U.S.A., for improvements in means for drying grain.-[Dated 1st June, 1863.]

THIS improved machine for drying grain is shown in vertical section in Plate VI. a, is a vertical shaft, set in any suitable step b, at the bottom, and sustained by a journal box at or near the top, and this shaft and the parts carried by it are to be revolved by any competent power, and with the required speed. Around this shaft, secured at suitable distances apart, are centrifugal drying tables c, consisting of inverted cones, or they may be dish-shaped, as seen in fig. 2. Below each of these centrifugal tables is a return funnel d, sustained at its outer edge by a suitable casing e. The grain is supplied at f, from a hopper or spout, and falling upon the upper funnel, passes to the top table c, near the centre thereof, and the centrifugal force, as the table is revolved, scatters the grain over the edge upon the next funnel d, below, which in turn concentrates the grain again near the centre of the next centrifugal table, to be thrown off as before. The grain passes thus alternately from the tables and funnels until it reaches the bottom of the apparatus, when, in consequence of the agitation, in connection with heat applied to the apparatus, the grain will be quickly dried.

In order to apply a circulating current of heated air to the grain as it descends, the central hot-air tube g, forming the central shaft, for the centrifugal tables c, is employed. The lower end of the tube g, opens into an air box h, to which heated air is supplied by a pipe at k, or otherwise, and perforations i, i, are formed in this air tube at such points as will most effectually direct the heated air upon the grain in its passage through the apparatus. 1, 1, are openings through the case e, by which the heated air, surcharged with moisture, is to escape.

It is preferred that an exhaust blower be employed to draw air from over a fire, either alone or commingled with the atmosphere at the usual temperature such heated air should be forced into the apparatus through this central hot-air shaft; and the air that passes out of the apparatus by the openings, may be received in a surrounding chamber, and aid in

March 1st, 1864.

keeping up the temperature of the dryer. Care must be taken not to have the air too hot, or it will burn or scorch the grain. To those centrifugal tables upon which the damp or wet grain first falls, a fixed or standing scraper may be applied, extending from the casing or from the upper funnel, to agitate the revolving grain, and prevent it from adhering, while wet, to the centrifugal table.

In fig. 2, the funnels d, are shown as of a parabolic form, with openings below overhanging ledges, through which openings the hot air passes. Dampers may be applied to regulate the exit of the heated air from the apparatus, so as to maintain a sufficient quantity of hot air within.

The apparatus can be used for cooling grain, if cold air is introduced instead of hot.

The patentee claims, "First,-a series of centrifugal drying tables, in combination with the stationary intervening funnels, for receiving the grain as scattered from one table, and returning it to the next table below, substantially as specified. Second,-the central hot-air tube g, and its openings i, in combination with the said centrifugal tables and funnels, for the purposes and as specified. Third, the escape apertures 1, for regulating the escape of the heated air and vapors, in combination with said centrifugal tables and funnels, as specified."

To JAMES JOHN SHEDLOCK, of Vincent-street, Westminster, for im provements in valves for the passage of steam, gas, and fluids.-[Dated 16th June, 1863.]

THE barrel in which the improved valve is fitted is provided with fixed guides, which carry a plate or carriage, upon one end of which the valve is mounted. A pin or projection is securely fixed in the plate or carriage at a distance from the valve, corresponding with a spiral.

In Plate VI., fig. 1 is a section of the improved valve. f, is the spiral, shown with its shortest radius between the pin or projection and the back of the valve. In this position the valve is open to its full extent. (The shortest radius is shown by the dotted line 1.) The spiral f, is fixed on the spindle g, which, passing through the stuffing box h, is attached to the wheel or lever i. Upon turning the wheel or lever i, in the direction required, the spindle and spiral are made to describe a circle. Part of the spiral, pressing against the back of the valve, forces it forward, until the greatest radius on the spiral presses against the valve, when the valve will be forced against its seat, cutting off the flow of the steam, &c. In fig. 2, the valve is shown closed on its seat j; the greatest radius on the spiral, at that time, pressing against the back of the valve. Fig. 1 being a sectional plan, the two guides or ledges d, d, are shown, upon which the plate or carriage b, is allowed to slide. The valve c, is shown to consist of three separate discs, the centre one being made of any suitable elastic substance.

The patentee claims, "regulating the flow through valves, by means of the combined arrangement of the spiral acting upon the back of the valve, and the pin attached to the plate or carriage, as described."

VOL. XIX.

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To ALFRED SYLVESTER, of Clapham-road, for improvements in apparatus to be used in the exhibition of dramatic and other like performances.— [Dated 30th June, 1863.]

THIS invention consists in combining with the apparatus heretofore employed for exhibiting phantom images with living actors on a stage, an inclined looking-glass, by the use of which the phantom figure, produced in other respects, as heretofore, by means of an unsilvered reflecting glass and a strong artificial light thrown on the object to be represented, will be rendered more erect and perfect than has hitherto been the case.

The looking-glass or mirror may be of a length equal to the width of the front of the stage, or it may be placed on a moving platform with the actors on the lower stage. The lower edge of the silvered glass comes on a level with the lower stage, on which the actors or other objects for producing images on the upper or ordinary stage are situated. The silvered glass is to be arranged in such manner as to be readily adjusted to a like inclination to that at which the plate of unsilvered glass, situated on the upper stage, is placed, so that the surfaces or planes of the silvered and unsilvered plates of glass may be parallel to each other. The proper adjustment for the unsilvered plate of glass, on the upper stage, having been obtained in the usual way, the position and inclination of the mirror or silvered glass is then to be adjusted to the inclined unsilvered plate of glass. In front of the mirror or silvered glass is placed a dark screen, or it may be a curtain; black cotton velvet being the best material for this purpose. Between this screen and the silvered glass the actors or other image-producing objects are situated, and they are to be strongly lighted by artificial light, by placing a suitable lantern in a recess below the mirror, or at the right or left hand end of such mirror; and masking boards or screens are to be used, in order to prevent observers in the gallery, or other parts of the house, seeing into the lower stage. By thus combining a silvered glass with an inclined unsilvered plate of glass, and by using therewith a strong artificial light, the living actors on the lower stage are enabled to act with more freedom than heretofore, and images of them will be better represented on the upper stage, by reason of the actors not being constrained to incline their bodies to the inclination of the inclined unsilvered glass. The lower stage is marked with chalk or other material, to enable the actors on the lower stage to judge within what range they may move without producing double images; and the upper stage is also marked, or suitable indications are placed thereon, in order that the actors on the upper or ordinary stage may act in concert with the actors and other image-producing objects situated on the lower stage. In addition to the advantages obtained by the combined use of a mirror or looking-glass with an inclined unsilvered glass, in respect to the freedom of living actors on the lower stage, this use of a mirror more fully admits of the employment on the lower stage of a great variety of image-producing objects than could formerly be done, such as objects or images produced by a magic-lantern or other optical apparatus; scenes or plants may be also received on to the mirror, and be by it reflected on to the inclined plate of unsilvered glass, and so presented to the audience. Electrical effects, as well as artificial or real pyrotechnic objects on the lower stage, may also be reflected in like manner.

1st

Scientific Notices.

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.

January 12th, 1864.

The President, J. R. MCCLEAN, Esq., F.R.A.S., on taking the Chair, for the first time, after his election, delivered the customary presidential address, of which the following is an abstract :

THE progress of Engineering science has been so fully recorded by my distinguished predecessors in office, that I propose, on the present occasion, instead of describing any engineering works, to point out the extraordinary effects these works have exercised, during the last thirty years, in promoting the material and intellectual progress of Great Britain, and increasing the comforts and social enjoyments of all classes of its inhabitants. I will endeavour to show, that the wonderful prosperity attained during that period, is to be attributed mainly to our railway system, which has enabled us to develop the mineral resources of the country, and, at the same time, to provide secure and reproductive investments for the profits realised by the successful working of the system.

It is a prevalent opinion, that the increased prosperity of the country, to which I refer, has been the result of improvements in the cultivation of the land, better drainage and farming, and in consequence of the railway system having provided better means of access to markets, and places for disposing of the products of the soil, and obtaining suitable materials for renewing its fertility. In order to show the incorrectness of this opinion, it will be necessary to refer to the reports of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, which give returns of the property and income of Great Britain, at two different periods, especially suitable for the comparison I wish to make; one before the works of the civil engineer had attained much importance, and the other after the successful application of the steam engine to locomotive purposes had led to the construction of our present magnificent system of railways.

The years selected for the purpose are 1815, and 1856; the return of the property and income of the country being fully given for those years in the reports of the commissioners. Besides, the year 1815 was the last year of the income tax in which accurate statistics can be obtained of the property and income of Great Britain.

In the returns referred to, we find each source of income under a separate head; and, in order to make the comparison as simple as possible, I take in all cases the amount of the tax under that head as the measure of the value of the property or income assessed.

In the year 1815, or forty years after the steam-engine had been improved, and used for saving labour and producing motive power, in connection with mining and manufactures, the whole annual income derived from quarries, mines, iron-works, and other property was only £1,452,104.