Scientific American, Vol. XXXVII.—No. 2. [New Series.], July 14, 1877 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures

Part 7

Chapter 74,177 wordsPublic domain

The author and translator of this little treatise are firm believers in vegetarianism, and present in a highly attractive form the main arguments which sustain them in their position. The subject is most carefully and systematically treated, and although the conclusions at which the author arrives are greatly at variance with modern belief and practice, the book is nevertheless entitled to proper and respectful consideration. Illustrations are given of the teeth and stomachs of various animals, and these are compared with the similar organs existing in man, so exhibiting in a clear and satisfactory manner the perfect adaptedness of the latter to a purely vegetable regimen, which is certainly something more than merely accidental. Altogether the book is well worthy of perusal by others than those more immediately interested in the question of diet.

THEORETICAL NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: a Treatise on the Calculations involved in Naval Design. By Samuel J. P. Thearle, F.R.S.N.A., etc. Two Volumes; Text and Plates. New York city: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

This book is designed to meet the requirements of both those who possess but a moderate amount of mathematical knowledge as well as of those who are much further advanced. Numerous formulæ and rules clearly stated will enable the former to perform without much difficulty the ordinary routine of the draughting office, while ample opportunity is afforded the latter to trace back the processes from which these rules have gone forth. The book is divided into six parts. Part I. embraces the calculations relating to the forms and dimensions of ships. II. those relating to the weights and centers of gravity of ships. Part III. refers to the strength of ships. IV. and V. to their propulsion by sails and by steam engines; while Part VI. treats of the calculations relating to steering. An excellent book of plates and tables accompanies the text.

KEMLO'S WATCH REPAIRER'S HANDBOOK: being a complete guide to the young beginner in taking apart, putting together, and thoroughly cleaning the English lever and other foreign watches, and all American watches. By F. Kemlo, Practical Watchmaker. With Illustrations. Price $1.25. Philadelphia, Pa.: Henry Carey Baird & Co.

This work will prove of great value to all in whom the curious mechanism of clocks and watches has excited more than a passing interest. None but skilled followers of the art have been allowed to contribute to its pages, so that the practical worth of the information given can be fully relied upon. A concise history of timekeepers is followed by a clear and exhaustive description of the English lever watch, which in turn is followed by articles on cleaning, putting together, and the conditions necessary to produce a good English watch. American watches deservedly engage considerable attention. Papers on repairing watches, cleaning and repairing clocks, and a short description of the necessary tools complete the book.

RECENT PROGRESS IN SANITARY SCIENCE. By A. R. Leeds. Salem, Mass.: Printed at the Salem Press.

This is a reprint of a paper read at the Lyceum of Natural History, October 9, 1876, by the well known Professor of Chemistry at the Stevens Institute.

WILLIAMS' TOURIST'S MAP AND GUIDE TO COLORADO AND THE SAN JUAN MINES. Price 50 cents each. New York city: H. T. Williams, 46 Beekman street.

Two well edited publications, deserving the attention of travelers and emigrants.

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INVENTIONS PATENTED IN ENGLAND BY AMERICANS.

June 7 to June 15, 1877, inclusive.

BOOTS AND SHOES.--Mellen Bray, Newton, Mass. ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MOTOR.--W. W. Gary, Washington, D. C. FURNACES.--J. J. Storer, New York city. GAS.--M. H. Strong, Brooklyn, N. Y. GAS APPARATUS.--D. C. Smith, East Northwood, N. H. GAS MACHINES.--T. F. Rowland, Greenpoint, N. Y. MINERAL WOOL APPARATUS.--A. D. Elbers, Hoboken, N. J. MOTIVE POWER.--W. G. Smith et al., New York city. POWER LOOMS.--James Long, Philadelphia, Pa. PULVERIZING MACHINES.--J. J. Storer, New York city. PUMP.--A. F. Eells et al., Boston, Mass. REFRIGERATING APPARATUS.--B. J. B. Mills, Lexington, Ky. SEWING MACHINES.--C. H. Warner, Sturbridge, Mass. SHEET METAL UTENSILS.--F. G. Niedringhaus, St. Louis, Mo. VALVE GEAR.--E. Cope et al., Hamilton, Ohio.

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RECENT AMERICAN AND FOREIGN PATENTS.

NOTICE TO PATENTEES.

Inventors who are desirous of disposing of their patents would find it greatly to their advantage to have them illustrated in the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. We are prepared to get up first-class WOOD ENGRAVINGS of inventions of merit, and publish them in the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN on very reasonable terms.

We shall be pleased to make estimates as to cost of engravings on receipt of photographs, sketches, or copies of patents. After publication, the cuts become the property of the person ordering them, and will be found of value for circulars and for publication in other papers.

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NEW AGRICULTURAL INVENTIONS.

IMPROVED HAY ELEVATOR.

Eugene L. Church, Walworth, Wis.--This is a hay elevator and carrier of simple and effective construction; and it consists essentially of a traveling carriage locking, by a tilting catch, on a fixed stop block of the track, from which it is released by the action of the bail of the sheave frame of the hay fork on a pivoted grappling hook, the sheave being held in suspended position by the joint action of a fixed hook, of the pivoted hook, and of the tilting catch. A track beam, which is suspended from the rafters of a barn or other building by means of eyebolts passing through the center of the track beam. A carriage runs along the track beam by a pair of flanged wheels, at each end of which the wheels of one pair are set at such distance from each other that they clear readily the suspension bolts as they pass along the same. A hoisting rope is attached, in the customary manner, to a fixed point at one end of carriage, and passed then through the sheave frame of the hay fork, and over a pulley of the carriage, and through a sheave at the end of track beam, and down to the ground, where a horse is hitched to its free end.

IMPROVED CORN HARVESTER.

Bennett Osgood, Lenox, Iowa.--This invention is an improved machine for cutting up the corn, removing the ears from the stalks, and cutting the stalks into pieces, and which may be adjusted to cut up the corn and shock it. As the stalks are carried back by chains, pins or hooks on bars tear open the husks of the ears; and the bars, in connection with rollers, break the ears from the stalks. The ears, when broken off, drop through an opening in the platform into an elevator, up which they are carried, and are discharged into a wagon drawn at the side of the machine. The box of the elevator is supported from the frame of the machine, and its carrier is driven from a shaft by an endless band. The stalks are carried back by endless chains, and allowed to drop from the rear end of the platform upon the brackets attached to the rear bar of the frame. As they fall upon the brackets they are cut into three pieces by two knives, which work in slots in the brackets, and to the upper part of which are pivoted the upper ends of two bars. The lower ends of these bars are pivoted to a crank formed upon the shaft, which revolves in bearings attached to the rear bar of the frame.

IMPROVED SULKY HARROW.

George M. Furman, Laclede, Mo.--This is an improved riding harrow, so constructed that it may be readily raised from the ground, by the driver from his seat, to clear it of rubbish, to pass obstructions, and to pass from place to place, to cut up the ground and cover the seed thoroughly, and be used for cultivating small grain and plants.

IMPROVED HARROW.

Hans Iver Lund, Charlotte, Iowa.--The object of this invention is to furnish an iron harrow which shall be light, strong, and durable, of less draft than an ordinary harrow, of less size, inexpensive in manufacture, and effective in operation, breaking up the lumps thoroughly, and stirring up the soil evenly. The harrow is designed to be made in three sections, all exactly alike, one, two, or three of which may be used at a time.

IMPROVED COMBINED COTTON SCRAPER AND CULTIVATOR.

Malachiah Roby, Kosciusko, Miss.--This machine is so constructed as to bar off and dirt or cultivate cotton plants at one operation; and the invention relates to the construction and arrangement of a center or main beam, to the forward end of which the draft is attached. To the beam, a little in the rear of its forward end, is attached the middle part of a crossbar, in which are formed a number of holes to receive the hooks or clevises by which the forward ends of side beams are secured to said crossbar. To the rear end of the main beam is attached the middle part of a crossbar, to which the rear ends of the side beams are secured by a bow and yoke passed around them diagonally, and which are tightened, when adjusted in place, by nuts screwed upon the ends of the bows. Bands are passed around said beams and diagonally around said standards, and tightened in place by wedges or other suitable means, so that the scrapers can be readily adjusted to work deeper or shallower in the ground, and easily detached when not required for use. Cultivating plows or dirters have standards which are attached to the side beams, the plows and standards of the inner side beams being placed in advance of those attached to the outer side beams. When the machine is to be used as a cultivator, the scrapers are detached, and may be replaced by cultivating plows.

IMPROVED CULTIVATOR.

Austin S. McDermott, Prairie Creek (Melleray P. O.), Iowa.--The object of this invention is to furnish a cultivator which shall be readily adjusted as the character of the work to be done may require, and easily guided and controlled. The tongue of the machine is made in V shape, and its rear end is attached to the axle. The arms of the tongue are connected by a crossbar, to which the doubletree is pivoted by a hammer bolt. To the ends of the axle are attached, or upon them are formed, crank axle arms, upon the journals of which the wheels revolve. To the arms of the tongue, near the forward end of said tongue, are bolted the ends of the forward arms of the three-armed bar, the third arm of which projects to the rearward, and its rear end is bent into U form to receive a curved bar, which is pivoted to the three-armed bar by a bolt that passes through the bend of the three-armed bar and through the center of the curved bar. The ends of the curved bar are secured to the forward ends of the beams by bolts, two to each end. To the rear ends of the beams are attached handles which may be strengthened by braces, and are designed for use in guiding the plows when the machine is used as a walking cultivator.

IMPROVED CHICKEN COOP.

Daniel M. Sullivan and Thomas A. Retallic, Montgomery City, Mo.--This invention consists of a coop adjustable vertically on a standard, and provided with removable partitions and doors for convenience in cleansing. The frame of the coop is placed on a standard, at the top of which is placed a pulley. A cord is attached to the top of the coop frame, and runs over the pulley, and is attached to a counterweight. The coop is divided by a central transverse partition into two compartments, which are subdivided by transverse partitions composed of slats, and held in place by a dowel pin at the bottom and by a pin at the top. The vertical strips that hold the slats of the partitions together are grooved on each side to receive sliding partitions which are arranged on a central longitudinal line of the coop, and at right angles to the partitions. Grooves are also made in the ends and central partition of the coop to receive these sliding partitions.

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NEW TEXTILE INVENTIONS.

IMPROVED FULLING MILL.

James Hunter, North Adams, Mass., assignor to himself and James E. Hunter, of same place.--The object of this invention is to improve the construction of fulling mills in such a way that there can be no possibility of injuring the cloth while passing through the rollers, and in such a way as to give the operator full control over the friction caused by the tongue or lever upon the goods, whether said goods be heavy or light.

IMPROVED SHUTTLE-DRIVING MECHANISM FOR NARROW-WARE LOOMS.

William B. Willard, New York city.--This invention, relating to looms for weaving narrow ware, consists in the arrangement of a spur wheel traveling on a fixed rack, and actuating a movable rack attached to the shuttle carrier. Motion is given to the spur wheel by a cam on the main shaft of the machine, which acts through a slotted lever and a connecting rod. The object is to provide mechanism for throwing the shuttle in such looms. In the loom the shuttlerace is divided at its center, leaving a space of sufficient width to admit of the passage and shedding of the warp. The shuttle slides in the race, and is of such length as to overlap the opening, so that it may pass smoothly from one section of the shuttlerace to the other. The shuttle is pierced to receive the fingers of the shuttle carrier, which slides on the bar. The latter is a piece of sheet metal, which is turned over at its upper edge to receive the bar, and is provided with guides for the fingers. The said fingers are capable of engaging with the holes in the shuttle and project below the piece of sheet metal, and are bent at right angles, and provided with grooved friction rollers, which engage with a cam slot of such form that it will draw the fingers, one at a time, downward out of the shuttle, and retain them below the warp during the passage of the portion of the shuttle with which they engage, through the threads of the warp, and replace them after that part of the shuttle passes the warp.

IMPROVED LOOM TEMPLE.

Christian H. Schlaf, Rockville, Conn.--This is an improved device for stretching the cloth while being woven. It is so constructed as to adjust itself as the cloth is being woven and carried forward to the cloth beam.

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NEW WOODWORKING AND HOUSE AND CARRIAGE BUILDING INVENTIONS.

IMPROVED THILL COUPLING.

Josiah Kitzmiller, Keedysville, Md.--This is an improvement upon that form of thill coupling in which a pivoted cap is employed to slide over the end of the bolt or pin which secures the eye of the thill iron to the lugs or ears of the axle clip, the said cap serving to prevent the said pin from becoming accidentally displaced without the use of a screw nut or other securing device. It consists in the construction and arrangements of a spring catch for holding said pivoted cap down to its place against any tendency to rise accidentally, the said spring catch being located in a transverse groove or recess in the cap and between the cap and the adjacent lug and being provided with a beveled head and square shoulder, which engages with the under side of the lug to hold the cap down. The merit of this arrangement is that the catch is concealed from sight by the complete inclosure of the spring and the position of the beveled head beneath the coupling, and hence the exterior of the coupling presents a plain, smooth, and neat appearance, free from catches or projections, which would be liable to hook into the clothing in getting into or out of the carriage.

IMPROVED VEHICLE SPRING.

Fredrick W. Faber, Columbus, Texas.--This invention consists in combining an auxiliary spring with a spring suspended from goosenecks attached to the axle, the said auxiliary spring being attached to the axle, and provided with yokes for embracing the suspended spring, the object being to provide a device for steadying the main spring and preventing lateral motion.

IMPROVED TIRE HEATER.

Philip W. Cassil, New Athens, O.--To the top of the furnace or firebox is secured the ring heating chamber, which consists of the ring plate having a ring flange or rim formed around its outer edge. To the ring plate are attached the outer ends of a number of arms, the inner ends of which meet in the center of the ring plate, and have a journal attached to them. The journal may be hollow or solid, and upon it is placed a hub to which are attached a number of radial arms, to the outer ends of which is attached a rim. The rim fits against the inner part of the ring plate, and forms the inner wall of the heating chamber.

IMPROVED CHIMNEY COWL.

Andrew F. Barry and Ira G. Lane, New York city.--This invention is a chimney cowl or ventilator which will deflect the natural current of air, so that a draft is continually maintained. To the upper end of a sheet metal chimney top is attached a strip of metal, bent into a spiral form, and having spaces between the successive convolutions of the spiral. The spirals overlap each other, and increase in diameter towards the top. The coils are connected at intervals by stays, and the end of the upper and outer coil is tapped on to the one that precedes it, and is trimmed off horizontally, and upon it is placed an ornamental border. The wind, striking this top from any direction, is deflected so as to cause a draft. The device is claimed to be ornamental in appearance, is cheaply and easily made, and does not obstruct the chimney.

IMPROVED WAGON AXLE.

Wilbur F. Buckelew, Shreveport, La.--The object of this invention is to strengthen the wooden axles of wagons, and to fasten the skeins so that they will not become loose. A wooden axle is grooved longitudinally upon its under side throughout its entire length, to receive a rod, which is reduced in size at its ends, and threaded to receive the nuts. This rod is bent so as to conform to the tapering portion of the axle upon which the skein is placed. The skeins, having countersunk outer ends, are placed on the ends of the axle, and nuts having a beveled face corresponding to the countersunk ends of the skeins, are placed on the ends of the rod, and clamp the skeins securely on the axle. By giving the nut this peculiar form, it contains more threads than it otherwise would, and is in consequence stronger. The rod not only serves to retain the skeins securely in their places, but it also acts as a stay or truss rod for the axle, greatly strengthening it.

IMPROVED WAGON BRAKE LEVER.

Jacob P. Outson, Racine, Wis.--This invention consists of a curved ratchet bar and two levers working on the same pivot, one carrying a spring pawl, that engages with the curved ratchet bar, and the other carrying a stud for throwing the pawl out of the notches of the ratchet bar. When the brake is to be applied to the wheels of the wagon, one lever is thrown forward, carrying with it the other lever; and the pawl, by engaging the notches of the bar, holds the lever at any desired point. When it is desired to release the brake first named, the lever is drawn back, moving first the length of the slot, the stud striking the pawl and throwing it out of engagement with the ratchet bar, when the lever may be carried back to any required position.

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NEW HOUSEHOLD INVENTIONS.

IMPROVED BAKER.

Luna Drew, Irving, Wis.--This is an improved baking attachment to heating stoves of all kinds, so that the heat of the same may be utilized for baking, warming, raising bread, and other purposes. It consists of a baker supported on adjustable legs, and secured to a round, oval, or square heating stove by suitable top and bottom slides. A warmer is arranged below the baker. The front of the baker is detachable, to admit its use for baking or warming purposes.

IMPROVED FIRE KINDLER.

John G. Distler, Brooklyn (Greenpoint P. O.), N. Y.--This invention is an improved fire kindler, simple in construction, convenient in use, and effective in operation, burning freely, and lasting long enough to fully kindle the fire. It is formed of corncobs, steamed, having a number of transverse holes formed through them, dried, dipped in melted white resin, and wrapped in paper. The corncobs are steamed to prevent them from breaking while being bored. The cobs, while still moist with the steam, have a number of transverse holes bored in them with a rapidly revolving bit, and are then thoroughly dried. When dry the cobs are dipped in melted white resin, and before they are fully cold they are wrapped in ordinary paper, which adheres to them, prevents any odor from passing off into the room and prevents them from soiling the hands while being handled.

IMPROVED MATCH SAFE.

John A. Field, Racine, Wis.--This is a match safe, the back, top, and front of which are made from a single piece of tin, and to which a lighter of wire cloth is attached, which is placed over a picture, to give the match safe an ornamental appearance. It is so arranged that the matches are delivered singly to a pair of hooks, from which they may be readily taken by the fingers.

IMPROVED NURSERY CHAIR.

Luther I. Adams, East Templeton, Mass.--This chair may be readily converted into a high or low chair, and in which an attached toy box retains the toys when the chair is in either position. The armed low chair has curved legs. Between the rear legs a shaft is journaled, upon which two wheels are placed. The support for the low parts when it is used as a high chair consists of two similar sides, each composed of two curved strips, which are held together partly by crossbars and partly by triangular metallic pieces that are attached to their upper ends and pivoted to the center of the crossbars that connect the legs. A shaft, having upon it wheels, is journaled in the curved strips at the back of the chair near the lower ends. The toy box consists of a tray that is concaved at its upper edge and is made convex at its lower end, and is provided with a cover that extends over a portion of it, and forms a receptacle for toys when the box is in a vertical position.

IMPROVED FRUIT JAR.

Catherine Hastings, Oswego, N. Y.--This is an improved attachment for fruit jars, to enable them to be conveniently handled when filled with hot fruit, and at other times. It does not interfere with standing the full fruit jars upon their tops, if desired, and enables the jars to be used for holding and carrying various articles. There is a metallic screw band, by which the cover is secured upon the mouth of jar. To the opposite sides of the band are soldered lugs to which are pivoted the ends of a wire bail.

IMPROVED VENTILATOR.

Charles E. Darling, Lewiston, Me., assignor of two thirds his right to Henry Free and John E. Lydston, of same place.--This ventilator for windows, doors, etc., works in noiseless manner, and is watertight. It consists of radially recessed face disks, clamped to the glass frame, and having an intermediate pivoted disk with corresponding recesses that are set by a crank lever and cords into open or closed piston.

IMPROVED BAKING PAN.

Charles I. Kagey and Fred W. Stoneburner, Arcola, Ill.--The body of this roaster is made of sheet iron, and is rectangular in form. To one end of the body a cap is secured, and to the other end a rectangular cast iron frame is fitted, to which a cast iron door is hinged. At the top of the roaster, at or near its center, an aperture is made, which is closed by a tapering projection that extends downward from a plate that is hinged to the top of the roaster. Rings are attached to the top of the roaster near each end for convenience in handling. The apparatus, when in use, is placed upon a stove or in an oven.

IMPROVED STOVEPIPE SHELF.

John W. Jackson, Sharpsville, Pa.--A wire of the requisite strength is bent into the shape required to form the horizontal support. To this the shelf is attached, and also the bracket, which rests against the pipe for supporting the same.

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NEW MECHANICAL AND ENGINEERING INVENTIONS.