UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

JASPER JOHNSON, OF GENESEO, NEW YORK

APPARATUS FOR DRAWING LIQUORS BY COMPRESSED AIR

Specification of Letters Patent No. 217, dated May 30, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JASPER JOHNSON, of Geneseo, in the county of Livingston and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Apparatus for Drawing Liquids, which is described as follows, reference being had to the annexed drawings of the same, making part of this specification.

A represents a cylinder supported by two standards upon the counter or in any other required position.

B is a piston working in the cylinder A, for compressing the air into the vessel containing the liquid to be drawn. C, a vertical tube leading from the cylinder to the liquor vessel for conveying the air to it from the cylinder; this tube also communicates with the spout for drawing the liquid, the communication being opened and closed by means of a cock hereafter described; the upper end of the tube enters into and extends as far as the center of the cylinder where it forms a seat in which the cock turns; between this end of the tube and where the piston works, is a partition pierced with an aperture coinciding with another aperture in the side of the tube toward it; in a line with these apertures on the opposite side of the tube is the spout E.

F is the cock pierced with an aperture from one side to the other, which, when the handle is parallel with the axis of the cylinder coincides with the apertures and spout and opens a communication with the external air and the cylinder. At right angles to this aperture, but not communicating with it, is a second aperture extending obliquely from the side of the cock down through the end thereof, which aperture is made to open a communication alternately with the cylinder and liquid vessel in compressing the air, and with the spout and this vessel in drawing the liquor. H the handle of the cock.

In compressing the air into the liquid vessel the cock is turned so as to bring the handle parallel with the axis of the cylinder, which brings the horizontal aperture in a line with the spout and cylinder, thus opening a communication between the latter and the external air; the piston is then drawn back which makes a partial vacuum in the cylinder which is instantly filled by fresh air - the cock is then turned at right angles to the cylinder (the handle being on the left as you stand in front of the spout) this closes the spout and opens a communication from the cylinder through the tube to the liquid vessel; the piston is then pushed forward which forces the air into the cylinder into the liquor vessel; the cock is then turned back to its former position which closes the communication to the liquid vessel, and again opens one to the external air as before, when the operation is repeated, and in this manner it is continued until the air in the barrel or other liquid vessel is sufficiently compressed.

The liquor is drawn by turning the cock so that the handle shall be in a position opposite to that in which it was placed, when compressing the air, that is on the right of the cylinder instead of the left which closes the communication from the liquor vessel to the cylinder and opens it to the spout through which the liquor is forced by the elastic power of the compressed air in the barrel or other vessel containing liquor to be drawn.

The invention claimed by the subscriber and which he desires to secure by Letters Patent consists:

In the addition of the before described oblique aperture to the cock of the apparatus for drawing liquids by compressed air.

JASPER JOHNSON

Witnesses:
J. YOUNG
WM. J. HAMILTON

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

STEPHEN DOLE, OF CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE

IMPROVEMENT IN THE MODE OF MANUFACTURING SPLINTS FOR FRICTION-MATCHES

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 214, dated May 30, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, STEPHEN DOLE, of Concord, New Hampshire, have invented a new and useful Improvement in the Manufacture of Splinters to be Used in the Making of Friction-Matches, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this improvement is to prevent the ends of the matches to which the inflammable composition is applied from touching each other, by which the danger of their being casually set on fire is prevented; and the manner of making the splinters, with a view to accomplish this object, is claimed as the invention of said DOLE.

The splinters are made in the following manner: A block of dry pine or other suitable wood being prepared, of suitable length and dimensions, according to the judgment of the manufacturer, a suitable piece of cotton or linen cloth or other proper material is to be fastened by means of paste, glue, or other adhesive substance to one end of the block in such a manner as to cover the whole of such end. The other end is to be grooved by means of a saw or other suitable tool to the depth of one-third of an inch, or other convenient depth. The grooves are to be cut in two directions, crossing each other at right angles, or other convenient angle, and may be of the width of one-sixteenth to one-quarter of an inch, or other convenient width, and may be at such distance from each other as to leave the wood between them of a suitable size for the end of a splinter. The said block is then to be split from one end to the other by inserting a knife, chisel, or other proper tool into each of said grooves, thus making a collection of splinters, attached to each other at one end by the cloth or other material before mentioned, and the other ends, to which the inflammable composition is to be applied, being prevented from touching each other, partly by the other ends being confined together by the cloth or other material before mentioned, and partly by the form of the splinters, that part of them next to which the grooves are made being less than the other parts.

STEPHEN DOLE

Witnesses:
JNO. WHIPPLE
SAML. D. BELL

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

DAVID B. NAPIER, OF CASEY COUNTY, KENTUCKY

CONSTRUCTION OF AND MODE OF APPLYING WATER TO TUB-WHEELS

Specification of Letters Patent No. 204, dated May 22, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, DAVID B. NAPIER, of the county of Casey and State of Kentucky, have invented a new and Improved Mode of Applying Water to Tub-Mills; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description, towit:

The nature of my improvement consists in the application of water to tub-mill wheels by two chutes through a block or blocks graduating them so as to keep the column of water solid and acting upon the wheel by pressure also the band to prevent the escape of water.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention I will proceed to describe its construction and operation.

The construction of the mill is after the manner of those in common use, with this exception: I have two chutes B the one passing immediately over the other-the water applied by the first chute at right angles with the buckets, and runs one third around the wheel; at the end of which the other chute commences and passes another third, acting on two thirds of the wheel at the same time, or more if necessary. The chutes are cut in a block of timber A of proper size, towit, for a wheel of three feet in diameter-the block should be four feet long and thirty inches by twenty for a three feet stone and six feet head. The columns should be seven by sixteen inches, towit, on the perpendicular line they should be sixteen inches, and on the horizontal line they should be seven inches-and the chutes should graduate to two thirds of the seven inches where they terminate. The trunks E are separate at the upper end, and inserted in the block of timber at the commencement of the chutes where the water makes its application and passes into the penstock between posts two feet apart. The trunks do not pass immediately over each other-but separate on the inside the penstock and at the end and are two feet square at the upper end for the purpose of drawing the gates with ease. The wheel at the outer end of the buckets is precisely the same in diameter as that of the stone-and the rimming is made three inches thick for the purpose of receiving an iron band C inserted into the block of timber. The band to go two thirds or more round the wheel. The wheel one and a half inch wide by one fourth of an inch thick-made rough on one edge like that of a saw, and on each side in the form of a file. The band inserted in the block one and a half inch from the outer circle that forms the column of water-made fast in a circular groove cut to fit it three fourths of an inch deep which would leave three fourths of an inch of the band to go into the wheel-the band is for the purpose of preventing the escape of the water between the block and the wheel thereby saving all the water in a proper position to act on the wheel. The buckets are made in the wheel so as to pass two thirds of the water discharged through the two chutes thereby forming a solid column of water two hundred and twenty four inches, two thirds of which is continually passing through the wheel-there are eight buckets in the wheel each three feet in diameter and seven by three and a half inches where the water is discharged.

A stone of four feet and under may be propelled by tub wheels; but over four feet does not answer well unless on large streams with high heads. A mill stone three and a half feet in diameter and a head of ten feet water requires grooves in the block seven by five inches. A three feet stone and a four feet head require seven and a half inches by fifteen. Should the block not be large enough to form the chutes, pin pieces of timber to them with a groove in them to form apart of the upper groove. The block is then placed and fastened on bearers of timber erected on each side of the wheel. The wheel being well trained on the shaft, and the spindle made true in the shaft-let down the wheel so the iron band in the block will not touch it-then place the block with the circles of the wheel and block-fix in the trunks and gates having the shaft exactly plumb-raise the gates just enough to let a sufficient quantity of water on the wheel to set it in motion; then raise the wheel gradually, the iron band will then cut a groove on the running of the wheel, this process should be continued until the wheel comes up to the block, then the wheel when ready for grinding is sunk one fourth of an inch below the block.

What I claim as my improvement and desire to secure by Letters Patent is the application of water to tub mill wheels by two chutes through a block or blocks-graduating them so as to keep the column of water solid and acting upon the wheel by pressure also the band to prevent the escape of water.

D. B. NAPIER

Witnesses:
W. SIMPSON
M. D. HARDIN

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

NEHEMIAH P. STANTON, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER WHEELS

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 201, dated May 23, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NEHEMIAH P. STANTON, of Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Water-Wheels; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full description of the construction and operation of the said water-wheel as invented by me.

This water-wheel is constructed of a single shaft of any length fitted to the head and fall. The diameter of the shaft is equal to the proposed diameter of the wheel exclusive of the covering of the buckets hereinafter described.

For a horizontal wheel there is a waste turned down in the center from three to six inches deep and from one to two feet long. The depth and length, however, of this waste will be proportioned to the head and fall and quantity of water. From each end of this waste buckets are cut out of the shaft in a spiral or diagonal direction or form, approaching to within about two inches of the ends of the shaft, where, by means of the regular taper upon the bottom and sides of the space cut out between the buckets, they will come to the surface; or the shaft maybe turned down by a regular taper from about two inches from the ends to the waste first described, and diagonal or spiral buckets put onto the shaft where it is so tapered down each way from the waste. The number of buckets depends on the diameter of the wheel used. Over the buckets is to be made a strong covering of iron, cast or wrought, or a strong wood stave-work properly banded. Near the end of the shaft where the space between the buckets tapers to the surface of the shaft there is to be an aperture between each bucket for the discharge of the water off from one to three inches wide and from six to eight inches long proportioned to the size of the wheel and the quantity of water. The water thus introduced is discharged all around the shaft through these apertures upon the outside of the wheel. The water is introduced from the bottom of a flume through a trunk shaped like a scroll around the waste of the shaft, and is to escape between the buckets through these apertures upon the surface of the shaft at each end, as above described. It may also be introduced through a box constructed around the waste of the wheel, which is discharged as above described. There may be more than two wheels upon a shaft making a similar waste between each two wheels, and then there will be a gate and spout or trunk letting the water into the waste between each two wheels. When the wheel is made use of with a perpendicular shaft there is but half the number of buckets that there would be on a double wheel, as before described. The buckets and the space between them are in the same form, and the water is discharged through the apertures at the upper extremity of the spaces between the buckets upon the outside of the wheel. There is a socket-box let into the lower end of the perpendicular shaft and a standing point set into the block under the bottom of the shaft on which this socket-box runs. The water is let in from the flume through a spout or trunk at a proper depth below the shaft and winding upward once round to the top of the block on which the point stands. This spout or trunk brings in the water on the favorable side of the wheel. There is to be such a case or rim round the lower part of the wheel as to prevent the water from discharging any other way than through the wheel. This wheel, whether horizontal or perpendicular, will run entirely underwater as well as out. This water-wheel may be used for driving all kinds of machinery or mills where water-power is applied. It may also be used to elevate water to extinguish fires, or other purpose, by closely covering the part of the wheel where the water is discharged, and leaving it to escape through pipes or hose. The revolution of the wheel gives the water a centrifugal tendency, and the shape of the buckets and the points of escape are the most favorable for this tendency.

The invention or improvement which I claim in the above-described water-wheel is-

The construction of the diagonal or spiral tapering buckets with the discharge of the water on the extreme surface of the wheel or at the point of greatest length of lever.

Dated July 27, 1836.

NEHEMIAH P. STANTON

Witnesses:
DUDLEY P. PHELPS
JOHN WILKINSON

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

ABRAHAM MORRISON, OF JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

MODE OF CONSTRUCTING BOATS FOR CANALS, BAYS, LAKES, AND NAVIGABLE RIVERS

Specification of Letters Patent No. 198, dated May 15, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ABRAHAM MORRISON, of Johnstown, in the county of Cambria and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and Improved Mode of Constructing Boats for Canals, Bays, Lakes, and Navigable Rivers; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of the same.

In giving my description, I shall assume certain admeasurements, and proportion of parts, and although I shall, in so doing, give such as I believe to be well calculated to answer the purpose intended, I do not intend to limit myself in these particulars, as much latitude may be allowed in these respects, while the principle upon which my improvement is dependent is still retained.

The form of the bottom of my boat is the reverse of that usually adopted, as, instead of being convex in the cross section, I make it concave in the said cross sections from stem to stern. In building a boat of sixty feet in length, I take plank twelve feet long, thirteen inches broad, and one and a half inches thick, and these I cut to a curve of nine inches in their whole length, so that in the middle they will be only four inches wide. Of these there may be twenty one pieces, which are to constitute the cross plank upon which the bottom and floor of my boat are to be fastened; the average distance apart of these cross pieces, when placed on edge, will be three feet. In building my boat, I first place these on edge, with the hollow side upward having first the side standards, rabbeted into and riveted fast to the ends of the cross plank, to which the side planks are to be spiked and so as to range properly, and then spike on the bottom; sheeting of inch and a quarter plank. In arranging the cross plank and side standards they are placed on a line of three fourths of the length of the boat, and thence, toward the bow, they are to have such an inclination as will elevate it about twelve inches. The side plank is put on upon the ends of the cross plank, and spiked or nailed or screwed to the side standards so as to be about two inches below their lower corners, and they will, consequently, project about an inch below the bottom sheeting; they are also to rise two inches above the floor, which will require plank of eighteen inches in width. The cross plank being thus secured together, while this part of the boat is bottom upward, it is then turned over, and the superstructure completed. A floor of strong inch plank is to be laid upon the cross pieces, and the side standards are to be raised, which may extend to the height of six feet above the floor, in a vertical line. The sides, top, stern, and bows may be finished in any way which may be preferred.

To give additional strength to this boat, I take two iron rods, each thirty feet in length, and three fourths of art inch in diameter, and extend them from side to side of the boat, so as to cross each other at, or near, the center, securing their ends firmly to the side plank, just below the floor. I also bolt the two sides together by means of six bars of iron of the same size, crossing the boat about two inches below the floor.

Having thus fully described the manner in which I construct my canal boats, I hereby declare that I rest my claim to invention solely upon-

The form which I give to the bottom of the boat, which is concave from stem to stern, and straight, with the exception of the elevation toward the bows, as hereinbefore fully set forth.

The interlineations are all inserted by myself before signing.

ABM. MORRISON

Witnesses:
SAML. KENNEDY
W. BARNETT

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

MOSES BALDWIN, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO

SPRING-SADDLE

Specification of Letters Patent No. 186, dated April 29, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MOSES BALDWIN, of the city of Cincinnati, county of Hamilton, and State of Ohio, have invented a new Improvement on Spring-Saddles for the Care and Safety of Both the Rider and Horse; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of the said improvement.

My invention of the improvement referred to, consists in providing a forecrook and cantle with serpentine and spiral springs, which give motion to the seat and girths of the saddle at the same time, without interfering with the bars. The bars support the springs, and rest permanently on the horse. The serpentine springs are on extensions of the posterior spiral springs toward the forecrook, and form stirrup bars, that will release the rider in case of accidents. I add two webs termed thigh webs, to the number in former use, to support the rider above all hard substances. The thigh webs, also lessen the pressure upon the others, or seat webs. The two bars are made separate from the forecrook and cantle, and are coupled by a plate which answers for a crupper loop, and pivots for the spiral and serpentine springs. This plate being placed above the bars and before the cantle for the safety of the horse. The saddle is of the usual form, but from the manner of constructing it, it is strengthened (not weakened) by the weight of the rider.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my improvement, I will proceed to describe its construction and operation.

1st I construct my forecrook (see drawing No.1) in any of the known forms, with the addition however, of notches and pivots and the placing the plates of the forecrook upon the edge, to receive the bar, stirrup bars, and front spiral springs (see No.7). 2nd, The bars, (see No.2,) are made separate with notches and pivots in the upper edges, to support the spiral springs that brace the forecrook; and a piece of each spiral spring is continued over the bars, and serves as a spring to each stirrup bar, as the latter pass from the forecrook and are made fast to the bars. The plate with which I connect the bars is made of wire hammered in a cold state, and the holes are made with a drill. The plate is secured or fastened to the bars by rivets and burs. 3rd I construct my cantle, (No, 3,) with three notches, one for the crupper and loop, (see No.4) and two for the posterior spiral springs (see No.5,) which serve as bellies for the saddle, and springs for the cantle to act upon. These spiral springs rest upon pivots formed by the coupling plates. My cantle is seated upon the posterior end of the bars and spiral springs, in a moving position, riveted only to the latter.

4th I extend from the posterior, or last named spiral springs, two serpentine springs, one on each side of the saddle, (see No.6,) giving the proper form to secure the girths from below and the drawdowns from above. I add an extra pair of drawdowns for the buckles to receive the straps from those in former use. The serpentine springs are placed between the pad and flaps; and being connected with the stirrup bars, give motion to the forecrook.

What I claim as my improvement and desire to secure by Letters Patent are-

The two thigh webs and an additional pair of drawdowns, also the position of the springs and cantle plate, using for the purpose of making the two latter, (the springs and cantle plate,) iron, steel or brass wire, varying in size to suit the weight of the rider.

The advantages of my improvement over all others in former use, are the ease and security given to both the rider and the horse.

MOSES BALDWIN

Witnesses:
GEORGE HOLT
H. P. GAINES

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

HUGH MOORE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HAT-BODIES

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 173, dated April 20, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HUGH MOORE, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Body for Hats; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of the same.

The body is formed of cloth, the warp of which is strong cotton-yarn and the weft of alternate layers of strong cotton-yarn and whalebone, or otherwise made of split whalebone, attached to any kind of cloth by an adhesive water-proof composition. The bodies of both kinds are joined at the sides by needle-work. The brims and crowns are made of the same material, and I have also made them with brims of canton-flannel and of felt and the crowns of layers of muslin of different degrees of strength.

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

The application of whalebone to hat-bodies, by which they will be rendered more elastic and durable than those made of felt; calico, or any other substance.

HUGH MOORE

Witnesses:
JOHN E. RICHARDSON
WILLIAM H. WRIGHT

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

MERRITT BRADFORD, OF SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK

CONSTRUCTION OF STOVEPIPE AND DRUM

Specification of Letters Patent No. 153, dated March 25, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MERRITT BRADFORD, of the town of Saugerties, in the county of Ulster and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in the Construction of Stove-Pipes and Drums; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description.

The nature of my invention consists in providing stove-pipes and drums with small inserted tubes by which currents of air are allowed to pass through said pipes and drums, whereby the heat that passes off with the smoke from ordinary pipes and drums is turned to advantage in increasing the warmth of the apartment without increasing the quantity of fuel consumed.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will proceed to describe its construction and operation: I construct my stove-pipes and drums in any of the known forms, but in order to avail myself of the heat that in pipes and drums of ordinary construction, passes through the middle of the pipe and is carried off with the smoke, I insert small tubes of sheet iron, or other proper substance, at suitable distances from each other, making them fast to the pipe at its surface. If then the pipe is placed horizontally (for example) the inserted tubes will form perpendicular passages through the pipe, by which means currents of air will be established; the surrounding atmosphere, by the known laws of nature, will enter the lower extremity of the tube, become heated in its passage through the tube, and pass off at the upper extremity - all which will be made clear by the accompanying drawings.

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

The insertion of said tubes into stovepipes and drums, using in their construction any suitable material, and inserting them perpendicularly, horizontally or at any angle which may be desired.

MERRITT BRADFORD

Witnessed by-
JUDSON H. CALKIN
DAVID BIGELOW

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

JOHN G. MANLOVE, OF BAINBRIDGE, OHIO

SPRING-SADDLE

Specification of Letters Patent No. 151, dated March 25, 1837.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN G. MANLOVE, of the town of Bainbridge, in the county of Ross and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in a Spring-Seat Saddle, and that the following is an exact description of the construction and operation as invented by me-to wit, a spring A, attached to the head of the tree by a screw C through the tree and gullet-plate; the spring from six to twelve inches long supported by from one to six stays to extend through an upright or horn B and to work on a brass roller D, to which the straining is attached, the spring from one-half to one inch wide and from one to three sixteenths of an inch thick; the upright or horn from three-quarters to one inch and a quarter wide and from two to six inches long attached to the head-plate of the tree, as per drawing herewith exhibited.

I claim as my improvement-

The combination of the spring with the horn or upright B and roller D substantially as above described.

JOHN G. MANLOVE

Witnesses:
M. GILLFILLAN
J. SHOOP

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