UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,389,771

EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION

Kenneth M. Gaver, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to The Komel Corporation, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware

No Drawing. Application February 15, 1941, Serial No. 379,128

10 Claims. (Cl. 52— 11)

This invention relates to explosives, and more particularly to an improved low density explosive comprising a starchate compound as an absorbent ingredient and modifying agent.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved explosive which is less bulky than the conventional explosive compositions of this character and wherein the filler ingredient is an explosive compound.

Another object is to provide an explosive product in which the absorbent ingredient is an amylaceous compound comprising a nitro or thio component.

Another object is to provide an explosive product wherein the porous absorbent material comprises an alkali metal or ammonium compound of starch which functions both as an absorbent for the liquid explosive ingredients, to provide a less sensitive product, and as an explosive constituent of the composition.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a pulverulent starch derivative substance as an absorbent or bulking material which can be readily mixed with liquid explosive ingredients such as in the preparation of dynamite and similar explosive products.

These and other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description. According to the present invention, I utilize a metallic starchate compound or starch derivative thereof as the absorbent or bulking ingredient in the compounding of explosive products. It has been proposed heretofore to use starch as a reaction product for preparing certain explosive compositions, but the utilization of a starchate compound as an absorbent ingredient in the preparation of explosives has not been practiced before my discovery. The particular starchate compound used may be selected to correspond to the metal salt which will provide the desired property to the explosive composition, and in general, there may be employed the alkali metal starchates and ammonium, nitro or thio starchate compounds. In the use of the latter nitro and thio derivatives starch compounds, the ingredient functions not only as an absorbent but as an explosive substance in view of the presence of the nitrogen and sulphur elements.

The amount of the starchate compound incorporated in the preparation of the different explosive products may vary widely depending upon the composition of the product.

My starchate explosive modifying agent may be produced by reacting starch with alcohol soluble hydroxides, such as sodium, potassium, and the like, under conditions such that the metallic starch alcoholate is produced wherein the alkali metal is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the complex α-glucopyranose or α-glycopyranose residue. This starch compound is not a mere addition product of alkali metal hydroxide and starch but appears to be a true compound since the reaction compound formed may be used in preparing other starchate compounds by direct substitution which is not possible with a mere admixture of starch and alkali hydroxide or a hydroxide starch addition compound. The alkali metal starchate or a derivative compound thereof, either of which may be used in compounding my improved explosive products, may be made by reacting 417 pounds of flake caustic soda or caustic potash in approximately 500 gallons of industrial ethyl alcohol. The mixture is allowed to stand to precipitate the carbonate impurities present which are removed by filtration.

Approximately 500 pounds of dry starch (i.e. potato starch) is introduced into the alcoholic NaOH solution and the whole mixture refluxed for two hours below 98 degrees C. while being vigorously stirred. The product is then filtered and washed free of alkali with ethyl alcohol and the filter product consisting of sodium starchate is dried in a vacuum oven under 78 degrees C. equipped with means for preventing entry of carbon dioxide and means for recovery of the alcohol. The dry sodium starchate product may then be ground and screened and is ready for use.

Further details regarding the manufacture and characteristics of the metal starchates herein mentioned and derivatives thereof are given in my copending application Serial No. 357,995, filed September 23, 1940.

The sodium starchate compound made as described is adapted to form a starting compound for synthesizing the nitro or thio derivative compounds since the alkali metal starchate compound undergoes the Williamson ether reaction to form derivative products.

The ammonium or thio derivative of starch can be prepared by suitably reacting the sodium starchate compound suspended in ethyl alcohol or similar solvent with ammonium nitrate or sulfur chloride to form the corresponding starch derivative compound.

Where ammonium nitrate is used to leach the sodium starchate, ammonium starchate containing sodium nitrate is formed. This product is referred to as ammonium nitrate starchate in the examples. The following typical examples will further illustrate my invention, but it is understood that my invention is not limited to the particular compositions as described herein but is applicable to the preparation of various other explosive compositions.

Example I
Parts by weight: Nitroglycerin 60-80, Ammonium starchate 10-25, Diatomaceous earth, chalk, or wood meal 10-20.

Other starch derivative compounds may be used in place of ammonium, i.e., thiochloro starchate, thioammonium starchate, ammonium-nitrate starchate, etc., or suitable mixtures of these starch compounds.

Example II
Parts by weight: Nitroglycerin 20-35, Guncotton (12.8% or above of N) 60-70, Ammonium starchate 5-15.

The above ingredients may be incorporated in acetone to form a blasting gelatin. Other starchate compounds may be substituted for ammonium starchate or admixed therewith as set out above in Example I.

Example III
Parts by weight: TNT (trinitrotoluene) 10-15, ammonium nitrate 40-65, sodium starchate 10-15.

In place of the sodium starchate, ammonium nitrate starchate or thio starchate may be used.

Example IV
Parts by weight: Nitroglycerin 10-15, Ammonium starchate, thio-chloro, thio- ammonium, or nitro starchate 50-60, Sodium nitrate 5-10.

Thio-chloro starchate is that compound resulting from the interaction of sodium starchate and sulfur monochloride according to the reaction

Na starchate + S₂Cl₂ -> S₂Cl starchate + NaCl

Thio-ammonium starchate is that compound resulting from the interaction of thio-chloro starchate and ammonium hydroxide according to the reaction S₂Cl starchate + 2NH₄OH -> S₂NH₄ starchate + NH₄OCl + H₂O

Ammonium nitrate-starchate is, in effect, a mixture of ammonium starchate, sodium nitrate and ammonium nitrate. When this mixture is freed of its sodium nitrate impurity, the resulting product is ammonium starchate.

Nitro starchate is that compound resulting from the nitration of starch derivatives prepared from metallic starchates. For example, the benzyl derivative of sodium starchate may be nitrated using a sulfuric acid-nitric acid or a phosphoric acid-nitric acid nitrating mixture.

Example V

Parts by weight: Nitroglycerin 10-15, Ammonium nitrate 65-80, Sodium starchate 5-15.

Example VI

Parts by weight: Nitroglycerin 10-25, Ammonium starchate, thio-chloro, thio-ammonium, or nitro starchate 40-75.

In the foregoing examples, it will be appreciated that other suitable starchate compounds or mixtures may be incorporated with different explosive ingredients to form the explosive product. The starchate absorbent compound combines the colloidal action of the starch molecule with the more reactive metal ion or ammonium ion so as to provide a very active colloidal ingredient which performs a dual function. The ammonium compounds have explosive properties similar to ammonium nitrate and with the use of these compounds inert fillers, such as chalk, diatomaceous earth, and the like, are not necessary and a more efficient explosive composition is provided.

The different starchate compounds which are desired may be formed from the alkali metal starchate by reacting the same with the appropriate acid metal or ammonium compound so as to produce a substitution product. The reactions for making the appropriate starchate may be carried out with the use of alcohol as a solvent for the reacting salts. Other suitable solvents may also be used. In some cases, the reactions for forming the desired starchate product can be performed utilizing water as the solvent, but where the finished product is to be used as a power, the drying of the finished material becomes an important factor.

Further, my starchate absorbent compounds, it will be appreciated, may be used in connection with the preparation of explosives, such as dynamites, blasting gelatin, smokeless powder, and other explosive products in which liquid or powdered ingredients are used. Although the invention is more particularly applicable to explosive compositions made using liquid constituents, it will be understood that my invention is not to be limited to this type of product. Among the various explosive substances in which my starchate absorbent material may be used are nitroglycerin, picric acid, TNT, guncotton, tetryl (tetranitromethylaniline), ammonium nitrate, dynamite, mercury fulminate, etc. The starchate compound may be incorporated in one or more of the above ingredients for forming the explosive product and providing the less bulky composition.

It will be understood that my invention is adapted for widely different embodiments and that it comprehends use either as an absorbent material or as an explosive ingredient in conjunction with other conventionally used absorbents. By the use of my alkali starchate compound, the evolving of gases, such as CO, is repressed due to the alkali content and a higher proportionate amount of explosive ingredients can be used, as well as a higher proportionate quantity of nitroglycerin, TNT, or the like.

It will be understood that the above description is merely illustrative of the use to which my invention can be put, and it is to be further understood that the process employed in preparing the starchate substance and its recovery may be varied substantially, as well as the type of explosive or other substance in which the starchate material may be incorporated or utilized.

Further, such modifications in the use and processing of the explosive products as necessitated under different conditions and uses are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure
by Letters Patent is:

1. An explosive composition comprising nitroglycerin and an absorbent material for said nitroglycerin consisting of a metal starchate compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal starchate and ammonium starchate in which the metal is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

2. An explosive composition including nitroglycerin, ammonium nitrate, and an absorbent for said nitroglycerin explosive ingredient comprising a metal starchate selected from the group consisting of alkali metal starchate and ammonium starchate in which the metal is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

3. An explosive composition including nitroglycerin, ammonium nitrate, and an absorbent for said nitroglycerin comprising a metal starchate selected from the group consisting of alkali metal starchate and ammonium starchate in which the metal is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule admixed with an inert filler.

4. A low density explosive product comprising nitroglycerin and thio-ammonium starchate in which the S₂NH₄-group is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

5. An explosive composition comprising nitroglycerin and an absorbent comprising an ammonium starchate-nitrate mixture, said mixture comprising ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and ammonium starchate in which the ammonium radical is attached through an oxygen atom to the carbon atom of the 2-position of the starch molecule.

6. An explosive composition comprising a metal starchate selected from the group consisting of alkali metal starchate and ammonium starchate in which the metal is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

7. An explosive composition comprising an alkali metal starchate in which the alkali metal is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

8. An explosive composition comprising an ammonium starchate in which the ammonium radical is attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

9. An explosive composition comprising a starchate of the formula:

[see figure]

wherein M is a cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and ammonium radical.

10. A solid explosive product of low density comprising a mixture of a liquid explosive material with an absorbent comprising a dry, powdered starchate of an ion selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and ammonium ions, said ion being attached through an oxygen atom to a carbon atom in the 2-position of the starch molecule.

KENNETH M. GAVER

United States Patent Number 2389971

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

ELIJAH JAQUITH, OF BRATTLEBOROUGH, VERMONT

IMPROVEMENT IN TRUSSES FOR THE CURE OF HERNIA

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 143, dated March 11, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELIJAH JAQUITH, of Brattleborough, in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, have invented a new and Improved Mode of Constructing Trusses for Hernia; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof.

The nature of my invention consists in a lock or hinge which is so constructed as to add to the elasticity and consequent ease of the instrument, and also to enable the patient to give at will any direction or degree of intensity to the pressure, and also to transform the truss from a right one to a left, and vice versa, at pleasure.

The hoop or spring which clasps the patient’s body terminates at its front end in a round wire about two and a half inches long and about a quarter of an inch in diameter, and where the hoop ceases to be flat and begins to be round one of the flat shoulders projects farther onto the round wire than the other. On this round wire turns a hollow cylinder about two and a quarter inches long, to which the pad is attached, (in a manner hereinafter described,) and this cylinder has ferrules at each end with notches or cogs fitted to receive the flat projecting shoulder, and when once the right inclination is given to the pad the patient confines it by a nut which screws onto the end of the round wire and presses the cylinder firmly against the shoulder, and the cogs prevent its turning till the nut is unscrewed and a new inclination given. By changing the ends of this cylinder and presenting the other ferrule with its cogs to the shoulder the truss is changed from a right one to a left, or from a left to a right at pleasure; but in order to give the instrument additional elasticity another spring is applied, and so applied that its force will act in the direction which the patient shall find most comfortable. It is effected as follows: A strap of stiff sheet-brass is doubled over this hollow cylinder and its two legs firmly riveted together, and both of them near their end firmly confined to the back of the pad by a screw, thus forming another hinge or joint by means of this loop of brass turning on the outside of the hollow cylinder. Now to prevent its turning and to hold the brass strap with its pad sufficiently steady, make a staple of wire of the proper width to drop onto the back of the brass strap and slide it up as near the hollow cylinder as possible, (allowing at the same time the strap of brass to occupy the middle of the hollow cylinder being equidistant from either ferrule;) then with the legs of this wire staple wind the vacant spaces on the hollow cylinder between the strap of brass and the ferrules at each end, cut off any superfluous wire from the legs, and then dovetail and solder their ends into the ferules. This loop of wire thus winding the hollow cylinder and passing over the back of the strap which holds the pad gives it an agreeable elasticity and holds it in the place and presses it in the direction found to be most comfortable.

The above will give an idea of the instrument; but in practice perhaps the manufacture may be more easily effected by inverting the process-that is, prepare the holes into which the wires are to be soldered before the ferrules are soldered on. Then solder them to the hollow cylinder. Then cut the legs of the wire staple to the length ascertained to be sufficient to occupy the vacant spaces. Then solder and dovetail their ends into the holes in the ferrules. Then turn the pad back till the wire loop is wound up to its full tension.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The above-described lock acting by means of the cogs and nut and the above-described coiled-wire spring.

ELIJAH JAQUITH

Witnesses:
JONA D. BRADLEY
GEORGE W. GARY

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

ALFRED KERN, OF BASLE, SWITZERLAND, ASSIGNOR TO THE BADISCHE
ANILIN AND SODA FABRIK, OF MANNHEIM, GEBMANY

METHYL-BLUE COLORING-MATTER

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 297,415, dated April 22, 1884.

Application filed January 10, 1884. (No specimens.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED KERN, a citizen of the Swiss Republic, residing at Basle, Switzerland, have invented new and useful Improvements in the Manufacture of a Purple Dye-Stuff or Coloring-Matter, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the production of “benzyl-violet B”—a purple dye-stuff or coloring-matter produced by the condensation of tetra-methyl-diamido-benzophenone with dibenzyl-aniline.

In carrying out my invention I take about ten parts, by weight, of dry and finely-powdered tetra-methyl-diamido-benzophenone, and mix the same intimately with about ten parts, by weight, of dibenzyl-aniline, and I then add about nine parts, by weight, of oxychloride of phosphorus. The mixture thus obtained is kept constantly stirred until the reaction, which quickly sets in, and which manifests itself by a considerable rise of temperature, gradually begins to subside. I then heat the semi-fluid dark-colored product thus obtained up to a temperature of about 120° centigrade, and I maintain the said temperature during about half an hour, or until a homogeneous bronze-colored “melt” is obtained, which solidifies upon cooling.

In order to separate my new purple coloring-matter thus produced, the said melt is powdered, and then washed with cold water until the washings begin to assume a purple coloration. The washed residue is then exhausted with boiling water, with the addition of about one part, by volume, of strong hydrochloric acid of about 1.18 specific gravity, and the solution thus obtained is filtered and precipitated with common salt. The precipitated coloring-matter may be further purified by renewed solution in boiling water and precipitation with common salt. After filtering and drying at a temperature of about 60° centigrade, benzyl - violet B presents the following characteristics: It has the appearance of a dark metallic green or bronze colored powder. Upon being heated, it fuses into a blue transparent mass, and upon the application of stronger heat it becomes decomposed under evolution of pungent vapors possessing the characteristic smell of oil of bitter almonds and other benzyl compounds.

Benzyl-violet B is sparingly soluble in cold water. It dissolves easily in boiling water, alcohol, and glacial acetic acid. It forms, likewise, a solution with benzole, and is precipitated from the same by the addition of petroleum spirit or ligroine. The color of its solutions is a bluish purple, which becomes changed, by the gradual addition of strong hydrochloric acid, first into blue, then into green, and at last into orange yellow. These changes, however, do not take place with the same readiness as in the case of the ordinary benzylated methyl-violet being submitted to the same treatment with hydrochloric acid, in consequence of which the dyes produced by benzyl-violet B upon animal or vegetable fiber are less affected by acids than the corresponding shades dyed with the ordinary benzylated methyl-violets hitherto in use. Benzyl-violet B dyes a bright bluish purple upon the said fibers.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

As a new product, the purple dye-stuff or coloring-matter hereinbefore described, and having the characteristics above set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALFRED KERN [L. S.]

Witnesses:

N. HENZI
CHS. A. RICHTER

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

CHARLES B. DUDLEY, OF ALTOONA, PENNSYLYANIA

PURIFYING FEED-WATER

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 285,591, dated September 25, 1883.

Application filed February 14, 1883. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES B. DUDLEY, of Altoona, county of Blair, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful improvements in Methods of Purifying Feed-Water; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

This invention consists, first, in a special method of treating natural waters which are undergoing a process of purification, and, second, in the special apparatus employed in connection therewith.

A general statement of the method, which is believed to be new, may be made as follows: Into a water volume containing the proper chemical substances for purifying the same is introduced a mingled current of air and steam under pressure. By means of this current of air and steam under pressure the entire volume of water is instantly thrown into violent agitation, and the purifying materials are thereby rapidly and thoroughly disseminated through the entire mass of water. In consequence of this dissemination and the complete diffusion of the chemical substances through the entire mass the proper chemical reactions are quickly and perfectly performed; also, in consequence of this agitation the precipitated mineral matters are coagulated in such a manner that the subsequent settling is very greatly facilitated.

The novelty of the special apparatus employed consists, in the art of purifying waters, of the combination of an injector and system of distributing-pipes with two or more tanks, and means, substantially described, for directing the injected current alternately to each tank, as will be fully described hereinafter.

In the drawings, Figure 1 represents a front view of my improved apparatus, consisting of an air-injector, a system of distributing-pipes with proper cocks, and two water-tanks; and Fig. 2, a partial view, illustrating a modified construction of distributing-pipes.

To enable others skilled in the art to understand my method and to carry it practically into effect, I will proceed to describe the same fully in connection with the apparatus employed in connection therewith.

In the practice of the art of purifying natural waters for boiler use upon a large scale for commercial purposes it has been found difficult to effect the chemical reactions perfectly and speedily on account of the large mass to be treated. It has also been found difficult to effect a rapid settling of the precipitated mineral matters. Both of these difficulties have been largely overcome by introducing into the mass, while the chemicals are being introduced, or afterward, a mingled current of air and steam under high pressure.

The apparatus employed in the practice of this method is constructed as follows:

A represents an injector having the usual pipe, a, connected with any proper source of steam-supply, and a’ an opening through which the air is admitted into the injector in the manner well understood.

B represents a main or distributing-pipe, and b b branches leading to the bottom of the tanks, either from above, as shown in Fig. 1, or from below, as shown in Fig. 2.

b’ b’ represent cocks, or the stems of cocks, in the branch pipes, by means of which the current of mingled air and steam from the injector may be delivered alternately into each tank.

C C represent the tanks, of any proper construction, which are adapted, in the usual manner, to receive a water-supply from any proper source, and to deliver the same as needed to the engines.

c c represent cocks by means of which the waste substances accumulating in the tanks may be removed when desired.

The operation is substantially as follows: The tanks having been supplied with water, the current of mingled air and steam from the injector is introduced and caused to violently agitate the entire mass, either before, during, or after the introduction of the chemicals, as preferred. When this action has been properly performed, the contents are allowed to rest for a proper time, and then the purified water is drawn off for use. These tanks are alternately subjected to the action of the injector, the contents of one tank being treated while the contents of the other are being drawn off for use. By this means a continuous supply of purified water is obtained for use. By the alternate use of the tanks a single injector may be employed for both.

If desired, more than two tanks may be employed at once; but in this case, also, the injector would be employed successively for each set in order to furnish a constant supply of purified water. The introduction of steam alone into the water to be purified would not successfully accomplish the end desired. The steam alone would condense as soon as it touches the water, and agitation and admixture would not result until the water became heated by the steam sufficiently to cause currents. This would require in water purification an enormous amount of steam. Air being introduced along with the steam, the end desired-viz., agitation of the water and admixture of the chemicals therewith-is accomplished rapidly, easily, and at small expense. In reality, the steam is simply the vehicle by means of which the air is carried into the water to be purified.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The method of purifying natural waters for boiler use, consisting in the introduction into a water volume containing the proper chemical substances of a mixed current of air and steam under pressure, substantially as described.

2. As a means for purifying natural waters, the combination of an air and steam injector and a system of distributing-pipes with two or more tanks, and means, substantially as -described, for directing the injected current alternately to each tank.

This specification signed and witnessed this 10th day of February, 1883.

CHAS. B. DUDLEY

Witnesses:
H. W. BEADLE
JAS. P. RYON

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

BARNABAS S. GILLESPIE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

ICE-BREAKER FOR NAVIGATING FROZEN WATERS

Specification of Letters Patent No. 138, dated March 8, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BARNABAS S. GILLESPIE, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, but now of the city of New York, have invented an improvement in machines for breaking ice to keep rivers, bays, and harbors open during the winter season, called “Gillespie’s Ice Breaker,” which is described as follows, reference being had to the annexed drawing of the same, making part of this specification.

The boat A engine and wheels are made in the manner of the best constructed ice boats.

B represents a shaft lying across at the bow of the boat; on which are two circular saws C for cutting the ice; and a number of hammers D for breaking it up, attached by joints to the ends of arms E let into the shaft, said shaft being turned by cranks F by connecting rods G leading to and connected with cranks in the ends of the wheel shaft of the boat, propelled by the action of the steam engine.

H arms or timbers extending from the boat to sustain the crank shaft and in which it turns. The shaft is separated in the center to allow the boat to back, or to cause one set of hammers to act at a time independently of each other. It may also be turned by chains and cogged wheels instead of the cranks and connecting rods.

The invention claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent consists in-

The use and application of the jointed hammers or beaters D attached to the revolving shaft B, for breaking the ice, in combination with the circular saws, substantially as above described.

BARNABAS S. GILLESPIE

Witnesses:
WM. P. ELLIOT
Jos. RADCLIFF

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

JOHN MOORE AND SAMUEL P. BOWER, OF STRASBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

MODE OF MOLDING CANDLES

Specification of Letters Patent No. 136, dated March 3, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JOHN MOORE and SAMUEL P. BOWER, of the borough of Strasburg, in the county of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Candle-Molds, of which we declare the following to be a full and exact description.

The nature of our invention consists in providing Joseph M. Yards’s patent candle mold with top and bottom boards.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use our invention, we will proceed to describe its construction and operation.

The size of the oblong frame of wood which we find most convenient for our use is 35 inches long, containing 32 molds varying in breadth according to the number of candles to the pound. The lower end of the mold when fixed in this oblong frame of wood is covered with two pieces of wood which are called the bottom boards. Each of them is three eighths of an inch in thickness in breadth the one an inch the other an inch and a quarter. A rabbet is cut in the side next to the mold in the broad one and in the opposite side of the narrow one so that when put together these pieces form one piece of two inches in breadth, and cover the lower end of the molds. A groove in the end pieces of the frame receives each end of these pieces. A notch only sufficient to receive the wick is made in the broad piece a little lower than the depth of the rabbet opposite the center of each mold, and likewise a small notch in the narrow one just as deep as that below the rabbet in the broad piece. When the molds are about to receive wicks the frame is laid on a stationary frame the broadest of the two last described pieces is allowed to remain in its groove, and the narrow piece is removed. Wires fixed in a piece of wood and hooked at their ends as usual, are placed into the notches of the bottom board and forced through the molds to the upper end. Two other pieces of wood called the top boards of nearly the length of the frame one of which is about one inch square, with short wire points projecting at equal distances to suit the center of each of the molds, this piece is laid distant the length of the candlewick from the top of the molds on the corners of the sliding frame as usual. The wick is fastened on these pins and on the corresponding wire hooks. When the wire hooks are removed out of the molds by the sliding frame this top board follows into its place and now serves to form one side of the trough into which the tallow is poured. The other side of the trough is formed by a thin board let into a groove fitting close to the frame. Now the narrow bottom board is put into its groove and uniting with the broadest holds the wick tight and prevents the tallow from escaping. The wire hooks are removed and the mold is turned from a horizontal to a perpendicular position and filled with tallow. When ready to draw the top and bottom boards are removed and a pressure on the top of each candle they are moved downward and drawn out at the bottom or opposite end from that in which the tallow was poured.

What we claim as our invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is-

The top and bottom boards above described. The peculiar advantages arising from the application of these top and bottom boards to Mr. Yards’s patent candle molds are the simplicity and expeditious manner in which they can be applied to the purposes for which they are intended.

JOHN MOORE
SAML. P. BOWER

Witnesses:

MARTIN B. RESSLER
ISAAC GIVIN

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

JOHN BARKER, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

BLOWPIPE FOR BLAST-FURNACES OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS

Specification of Letters Patent No. 134, dated March 3, 1837

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN BARKER, of the city of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have made a new and useful Improvement in Blowpipes for Blast-Furnaces of All Descriptions, which improvement is herein fully described, reference being had to the annexed drawing thereof, which makes a part of this specification.

In the blow-pipe, as ordinarily used, the wind is forced through it in a solid column, as through the nozzle of the common bellows, but my improvement consists in delivering the air into the furnace through a tube or tubes, opening or openings in such a manner as that the same quantity of air may be distributed over a larger surface; effecting this, in general, by means of an annular opening in the mouth of the pipe. For this purpose, I make the pipe considerably larger than usual, and affix a plug centrically in the end thereof in such a manner that the area of the space left between the plug and the pipe shall be equal to that of a round or other formed blow-pipe adapted to the furnace to which it is applied.

In the accompanying drawing, A, represents the blow-pipe; B, the plug fixed at, or near, its mouth, with the requisite space between the two. This plug may be conveniently fixed in the pipe by means of a cross bar C, within the tube, a shank D extending from the center of the plug, so that by means of the screw shank the plug maybe graduated so as to project beyond the mouth of the tube, be even with, or stand within it, as may be found most convenient. This plug it will be evident to any competent workman, may be fixed and adjusted in various ways.

It has been found by actual experiment that the air as it issues from the improved annular aperture herein described, becomes heated and rarefied by coming in contact with a larger portion of the heated and rarefied air and ignited fuel in the furnace, and that a beneficial effect is thereby produced, both in the operation of smelting, or of melting.

This improved pipe may be used with any of the various kinds of fuel employed in furnaces; and although I have spoken of it as round, it may be made square, oval, or otherwise; I, however, prefer the round form as more simple and convenient. The form may also be varied in numerous ways; as, for example, instead of making an annular plug, such as I have described, a similar effect may be produced by blowing the air through a number of smaller tubes arranged so as to form a ring of separate tubes, the area of the whole being such in amount as is requisite to produce the proper effect; or a bar, or partition, may be placed across the aperture of the blow-pipe in such way as to distribute the air through two, or more, openings, and thus to produce an effect analogous to that of the single annular opening, all of which I should esteem as invasions of my right, being only different, though inferior, modes of carrying my principle of diffusing the blast into operation.

What I claim as my invention is-

The so forming the blow-pipe of a furnace that the air shall enter it through an open space left between the pipe and a plug which partially fills it, in the manner, and operating upon the principle, herein set forth; together with such variations of the said principle, or mode of operating as will produce analogous results by means substantially the same.

JOHN BARKER

Witnesses:

THO. W. GRIFFITH
FRANCIS BARKER

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

JAMES ANDREWS, OF CAMDEN, MAINE

HOLDBACK FOR SLEDS

Specification of Letters Patent No. 128, dated February 16, 1837

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES ANDREWS, of Camden, in the county of Waldo and State of Maine, have invented a new Mode of Holding Back Sleds on Icy Descents or Hills; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description.

There is a flat bar of iron fastened firm on the top of the runner extending about ten inches on said runner from its hinder part. It thence extends beyond the hinder part of the runner about two inches and one half of an inch. It then descends perpendicularly two inches and one half of an inch. It then turns at right angles and goes two inches and one half of an inch to the hinder part of the runner. It then passes down by the end of the runner to the shoe and then passes in between the shoe and runner about ten inches through that part which projects beyond the hinder part of the runner on top and consequently through that part which is directly under it, there are holes made and prepared as nuts (so that in fact they are double nuts) and a screw is fitted to these nuts and is so long as to project up above the top of the sled; and on the top of the screw there is a hole to admit a rod through it for the purpose of so turning the screw. There is then an iron, in the form of a hook or a section of a hook and of sufficient thickness to resist the weight of the sled, extending beyond the end of the runner about four inches onto which the screw aforesaid descends, and in order to give this iron its requisite play and at the same time to make it secure, it branches into two arms, one on each side of the runner and at about eighteen inches from the hinder part or end of the runner and about midway of the runner in height or near the top it is secured by a bolt which passes through both arms at the ends thereof and through the runner and is secured or fastened by a nut. This iron, when the screw is not upon it, will play up and down, and will not impede the sled perceptibly in its progress or when the sled is used on level roads or at times when it is not icy or very slippery this iron can in a moment or two be taken off.

When the time arrives for its use-say on the top of a hill-the teamster will pass his goad stick through the aperture of the screw and cause it to revolve until it has pressed the last described iron or hold back firmly onto the ice or snow, and then the oxen or other cattle fastened to the sled may safely go down the steepest icy hill with safety, even with a great load. As soon as the sled is safely down the screw may be revolved back and that part of the hold back which has the hook may be permitted to play on the snow or ice or may as aforesaid easily be removed. This hook has its concave or hollow next toward the ground.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The whole of the aforesaid iron fastened and used as aforesaid and which I call a hold back. I refer to the drawings.

JAMES ANDREWS

Witnesses:
J. C. STETSON
C. R. PORTER

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

LINUS DEAN, OF UTICA, NEW YORK

MODE OF CONSTRUCTING BENCH AND OTHER VISES

Specification of Letters Patent No. 127, dated February 16, 1837

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LINUS DEAN, of the city of Utica, in the county of Oneida and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Mode of Constructing Bench and other Vises; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof.

In my improved vise, the movable jaw is not made to open by means of a joint pin, in the ordinary manner, but it is provided with grooves, on its lower side, which fit on to, and by means of which it slides freely along, a horizontal bar, the upper edge of which projects over on each side so as to form tongues, or ribs, which fit into the grooves of the sliding jaw; upon one end of this horizontal bar the fixed jaw is situated, being firmly attached thereto. The bar has flanches on its lower side, by which it is to be attached to the bench. Instead of moving the sliding jaw by a screw, I effect this by means of a rack, and a spiral, or volute, wheel, the fillet of which takes into the teeth on the rack, which teeth occupy the upper side of the sliding bar.

The spiral, or volute, wheel, revolves upon a pin rising from the sliding jaw, near to its back end; the spiral, or volute, is formed upon the lower face of this wheel, making one entire turn thereon. The wheel is inclined back from a horizontal position, to enable the fillet, or spiral, to take into the rack teeth; a projecting pintle on the upper side of the wheel receives a handle, or wrench, by which it may be turned. This pintle forms a socket in the center of the wheel to receive the pin on which it turns.

The size of the respective parts will, of course, depend upon the size of the vise itself. The following are the general dimensions of the principal parts of one which I have made. The bar is about two feet in length, two and a half inches deep, and one and a fourth inch wide. The fixed jaw is about the size, and is in the form, of that of an ordinary smith’s vise; the movable jaw is of the same size and form, but it has a projecting piece extending back about six inches, which forms a part of the cheeks of the slide, and from which rises the pin upon which the spiral wheel revolves; the wheel is about six inches in diameter, the thread, or fillet, forming the spiral, about five eighths of an inch square; and the pin which passes through the wheel, two inches high, and one inch and a half in diameter. The bar of this vise is to be secured upon the bench with the fixed jaw toward the workman.

Having thus fully described the construction of my improved vise, I do hereby declare that I do not claim to be the inventor of the sliding jaw, this having been before made and used; but it has hitherto been moved, as in the common vise, by means of a screw.

What I claim, therefore, as constituting my invention and improvement, is-

The substituting the rack and spiral wheel for the screw, as herein set forth, and arranging the auxiliary parts substantially in the manner described.

LINUS DEAN

Witnesses:
IRA CHASE
JAMES DEAN

PATRICK G. NAGLE, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

IMPROVEMENT IN COMPOSITIONS FOR MAKING BOOTS AND SHOES WATER-PROOF

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 125, dated February 10, 1837

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, PATRICK G. NAGLE, of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have discovered a new and useful Composition for Rendering Boots and Shoes Water-Proof, which is described as follows:

Take two pounds of balsam-copaiba, five pounds of the essence of the myrtle-tree, one pound of gum-copal, two pounds of rosin, three pounds of rendered suet. Cut all the hard substances into small particles. Put the whole into a large vessel and let the admixture boil for a few minutes until the ingredients become well incorporated together and converted into a paste.

Mode of application: When the boots are crimped, and while wet on the crimping-boards, lay on the paste, (it being warm at the time of applying the same.) In this state it will penetrate every part of the leather as it dries. The above is for the leg part of the boot. The following is for the bottom part of the boot: Take the above in a dissolved state, or a part of it, and apply a sufficient quantity of rosin, so as to make it into a thick paste, (the rosin to be melted.) Then lay it on in the usual way in which the workman puts on paste after sewing on the welt. In this manner the inner sole becomes prepared to resist water as well as the outer sole.

The discovery claimed by the subscriber, and by him desired to be secured by Letters Patent, consists in-

The before-described composition for rendering boots and shoes water-proof.

PATRICK G. NAGLE

Witnesses:

W. THOMPSON
WM. P. ELLIOT