Chapter XI: Introduction (4)

Plate 23, gives in fig. 3 and 4, a representation of this Machine; _A B_ and _C D_, are two _slides_, having wedge-formed ends above _A_ and below _D_, well made, well steeled, and well tempered. One of these slides contains the _die_ and the other the steel prepared for the punch (see _B C_). These wedge-ended slides are _embraced_ by two levers _E F_, _G H_, which are themselves connected by two stirrups _I K_ and _L M_, better shewn at fig. 3. These latter are supposed in fig. 4 to be broken at _L M_, to leave the levers _E F_ and _G H_ more visible. They are formed, at the turning below, into wedge-like edges _a b_; well hardened, that clip the _nicks_ _c d_ of the lower lever: and at the top of the Machine their arms _e f_, pass through the caps _m n_, above which they are _nutted_ like a common bolt, and made to press strongly on the main lever _E F_. The stirrup placed to the right hand, presses in particular, by it’s cap _n_, on the moveable _step_ _o_, exactly in the notch _q_: this step having a backward and forward motion communicated by the regulating screw _p_. Before beginning to use this Machine, I make all it’s arms _A E_, _A g_, _D e_, _D d_, equal, when it’s power (see page 162) is infinite; and to put it in a working state, I turn the screw _p_ backward, say one half round: which motion (if the screw has 20 threads to the inch) makes a difference in the two arms _A r_ and _A q_ of 1/40 of an inch, and the virtual centre of the Machine is therefore 1/80 of an inch from the former point _A_, that is from the _edge_ of the slide _A_ in this fig. 3. Supposing now, the whole working lever _E F_ to be 3 feet, and the workman’s force to be 100lbs. in each arm, then by displacing the lever to any proper distance from _F_ towards _f_, he will produce a pressure between the die and the punch of 200lbs. multiplied by 1440, the number of times that 1/80 of an inch is contained in 18 inches.--That is, a pressure of two hundred and eighty-eight thousand pounds!

I have been seduced, by the anticipated brilliancy of this result, from the regular course of description,--and the plate _w x_, _y z_, which forms the base or frame of this whole Machine has not yet been spoken of. But that plate is supposed screwed down to a horizontal bench, at or near the height of a man’s breast; the slides or cases are fastened to it, and the man is supposed to _work_ the Machine nearly as he would a die-stock in tapping a screw. This however is not indispensable; the Machine might be placed vertically, and these motions given by any proper mover; or a weight may be suspended to the arm _F_, so as to add continuity to pressure. It is however important, that the position should comport with the frequent extraction of the punch in order to examine the progress of the work, or cut away any redundant metal. I have before given it as my opinion that _much_ could not be expected from mere pressure: but _this_ is a pressure of a peculiar kind, consisting of immense powers with _very_ short motions. In this respect it is _just_ what was wanted, as it can be renewed and repeated frequently, without loss of time. And the more to facilitate this delicate operation, the hollow slides or cases _B C_, are made slightly pyramidical, to be furnished with _set-screws_ on the four sides, by which to change the place of bearing; and thus to meet the case of a flat punch with the advantage of impressing it by _portions_, so as to have only to _finish_ it by brute pressure.

The foregoing application of the principle of the differential Steel-yard, is, I think, important, and founded on unobjectionable principles; for although by changing alone the place of the step _o_, we disturb a _little_ the parallelism of the stirrups _I K_, and _L M_; we do it not enough to produce, any material change in the theoretical result. With respect then to the lesser properties of this Machine, I leave them with confidence in the hands of those whom they most concern--who doubtless, will treat them with greater practical utility than I could myself hope to do.

OF
A MACHINE
_For Moulding Nails._

This Machine offers, I think, a valuable application of a well known Instrument: or rather of the principle on which it is founded. I allude to _that_ parallel ruler which, by means of an additional joint, keeps it’s members not only parallel, but directly opposite each other. In my Machine for moulding Nails, I wanted to give motions to the two plates different, yet dependent on each other. Supposing then, (Plate 24 fig. 1, 2, 3, 4,) the upper plate _a b_, to be moved up and down by a lever, a screw-press, or any other _first mover_, I connect the under plate _c d_, with it by two (or four) _strong_ parallel rulers _e f_, in such a manner, that when the plate _a b_ is drawn upward it shall extend the arms of the ruler _almost_ to a straight line, as represented in fig. 4; and then carry the under plate with it: and when it comes down again (see fig. 3) it shall _not_ carry down the said under plate, until the same arms are bent into the position _f g_; that is, till the two plates touch each other: the use of which arrangement I will now explain.

The under side of the upper plate _a b_, is _ground_ perfectly flat, and bored at proper distances with holes to receive and hold the punches which represent the shanks of the nails that are to be moulded. The lower plate _c d_ is ground _true_ both on it’s upper and under surfaces; the first to fit the under surface of the upper plate, and the under surface to impress a perfect plane on the sand below it. This under surface, shewn in an inverted position at fig. 2, is moreover covered with proper _prints_ 1, 2, 3, &c. to form the heads of the nails in question, and with proper _gets_ (jets?) 3, 5, 6, &c. for conducting the metal to every part of the surface. I mean models in relief of those gets; and the under plate is further pierced with holes, placed exactly like those in the upper plate, bored indeed from that (and through the aforesaid _prints_ of the nail-heads) _after_ the parallel joints _e f_ have been affixed. Now on another level plate with proper ledges, the sand boxes or flasks, fig. 5 and 6, have been prepared; and have received an obtuse pyramidical form at one stroke from a competent press, the construction of which is easily conceived: or this might be done by hand, if preferred. These boxes, in-fine, are successively brought under the before described mechanism while in the state represented in fig. 3, in which all the nail models are protruded through the under plate as at 1, 2, 3. The moulder now gives a stroke under the following circumstances:--Both the plates drop together and the nail models pierce the sand while the under plate makes it’s surface perfectly level: but when _that_ motion is reversed, it is _not_ the under plate which first rises, but the upper--by which the nail models are drawn out of their holes _without disturbing the sand_, for this is kept to it’s place by the under plate: and when, by the continued motion upward of the upper plate, the parallel joints are duly extended, and the nail models quite extracted; then, and not till then, the under plate leaves the compressed sand, in which are moulded as many _scores_ of nails as the mould has been made for--and that, in a space of time almost imperceptible.

I shall conclude the subject by observing, that the counter flask or box for closing this mould is made in the same way, by a smooth plate prepared in the same manner; and which _must_ fit the former, because they are both perfectly level surfaces.

OF
A FIRE ENGINE
_Giving_ POWER, _while heating Rooms, Liquids, &c._

This Machine, though conceived many years ago, can hardly yet be called an invention--if material existence is necessary to justify that appellation: _for I have never seen it in action_. It _may_ possibly be one of those fascinating conceptions of which my noble friend the late Earl Stanhope used to say--“’tis a _beautiful_ invention--but ’twill not do;” yet I give it with some confidence, because of the great utility it _would_ present, if it’s chief properties should fulfil my expectations.

The principal idea on which it is founded, is this: _to use, as power, the expansion of that air which feeds the fire_; and _again_ to employ it’s heat heating liquids or rooms, or any similar purpose. The form I have given to the Machine is by no means the only one it admits; nor perhaps the best: but it was indispensable to give the idea (which I hope is not an “airy nothing”) “a local habitation and a name.”

It consists, then, of two cylinders, lying horizontally, of nearly equal length, but of unequal capacity:--one of which _A B_, (Plate 24, fig. 7) is an air pump with a valve in it’s end _a_, and another in it’s piston, both opening _to the left_. The second cylinder _C D_, is the working cylinder, as much larger than the former, as may belong to the principle of motion already announced. This cylinder receives the piston _E_, which fits it nicely, but is not stuffed in the present case. (It may perhaps be made tight by some of the methods, used to _close_ metallic pistons.) At all events, this piston is connected with that _c_, by a frame _F G H I_, which embraces the whole Machine, in a horizontal position, though here shewn in a vertical. These two cylinders are cast in one piece, together with an upright cylinder, not bored _K_; the use of which is to receive the _earthen_ chafing dish _L M_, with it’s fire, made (according to my present views) with _coak or charcoal_, and lighted before it is introduced. It is needless to say, that this vessel is let down into the cylinder _K_, by a kind of bucket handle entering any _pair_ of holes in the dish. The top of this latter cylinder is _ground_ to fit the flanch _A N_: It swings open on one of the bolts and falls to again in a moment, to prevent loss of time in _firing_. The _means_ of doing this I do not much insist on, from their extreme facility. Nor do I make it a _condition_ to use this method at all. The coak, (or perhaps the coal, or the wood) _might_ be introduced through an upright tube furnished with two slides, one placed close above the top _A N_, and the other at a proper distance above; so as for _one_ to be always shut. This is nothing more than the System used for feeding high pressure Steam Engines--only _this_ application is to dry substances, which forms no insuperable obstacle.

When now the Machine is _fired_, the pistons _E_, and _c_, are pushed towards _b_ and _B_ respectively; the valve _d_ having been previously opened, and the valve _c_ opening by this very motion--which thus clears the large cylinder of it’s included air, while the air in the pump _A B_, is brought into contact with the fire; whence a _considerable expansion_ ensues, and a _pressure_ is created tending at the same time to drive the piston _c_ to the _right hand_, and that _E_ to the _left_: but acting in the latter case on a larger area, the whole system moves that way, and _all_ the air in the pump _A B_ is driven through the fire: where, being much heated, it acquires great elasticity and developes considerable _power_--which, by any of the known methods, may be applied to any of the known purposes.

I hope my readers will conclude here, that I allow for the disappearance of the oxigen in this conflagration: but I expect the expansion of the residue (together with what _new_ vapour may be developed) will more than compensate for that loss of volume. By this motion then, the pump _A B_ is again filled with cold air through the valve _a_; and the piston _E_ flying _out_ of the cylinder _C D_, the hot air it contained _rushes_ into the pipe _o_, and thence goes to perform _any heating operation_ that may be desired. But further, this same recession of the piston _E_ strikes the stem of the valve _d_ against the cover _e_, and opens that valve; by which means the large piston is at liberty to reach again it’s _inner_ position _b_: where the bar _b_ closes it’s valve _d_ and prepares the Machine for a new stroke. For, as before, the pump or cylinder _A B_, is full of cold air, and by the backward motion of it’s piston exposes that air to the fire in _K_: whence arises the renewal of all the former phenomena.

Many ideas, and doubtless some objections, will present themselves to the readers of these pages; of which I shall probably anticipate _some_, by noticing a few less important particulars.

And first, is it not to be feared that the vertical cylinder _K_, and the whole system _K C D E_ will become too hot--nay acquire a red heat, and thus introduce danger? The answer, I think, is that the fire must be _lessened_, or the Machine enlarged, until this danger disappears: for by heating _air_ to any thing like a _red_ heat (without attaining it) the expansion will be _immense_: and probably beyond our wants or wishes. The chaffing dish then (if that is used) must be lessened, that the air from _A B_ may partly circulate _round_ it, instead of going wholly through the fire: thus cooling the vertical cylinder _K_, and diminishing the intensity of the heat in the working cylinder. Further, the two cylinders _C D_ and _K_, might be inserted in the bottom of a boiler, and surrounded with water; through which also, may be conducted the pipe _O_, so as to concur in the same effect of heating _that_ water, while the steam thus accruing from the _double use_ of this heat, may be made to drive an engine, heat a room, or fulfil any common purpose.

In a word, all our difficulties on this branch of the subject, seem to lie in _excess of action_: and we need only mitigate the general effect, to render this Machine useful, safe, and commodious.

There is another objection that must be met, on pain of direct censure, which is this: what will become of the ashes? (for _smoke_ is as yet out of the question) my answer is--a recess, or several, must be found for them beyond _o_; to do which will not be more difficult than to lodge any other residue. But if this Machine fulfils my views in respect of _power_, _this_ residue will be no burden. For example, if ever a farmer should hereafter drive his _plough_ by such an engine as this, he will manure his land furrow by furrow with the ashes--an idea which I must not yet indulge, lest I should be thought fanciful beyond the due proportion.

But my mechanical impetus is not to be thus instantly checked. If what I _hope_, can be realized, there are properties in this invention, for locomotive engines, superior to any the steam engine itself can boast. A light Machine: a light combustible: no water to carry; no steam to condense, &c. &c. As however I have never _tried_ this felicitous creation, I assert nothing.

But again, this seems to be a really good method of distributing heat in any useful direction: for there is an _impulsive force_ which not only requires no _draught_ to make the fire burn, but will drive heat to _any_ distance through pipes of _any_ form, and placed in _any_ position. There is therefore, a certain utility attached to this Machine, whatever may be it’s merits as a _power engine_. Our present methods--of destroying coals--are excellent! but our methods of making them useful are defective in the extreme. If you have no draught in your chimneys you are stifled with smoke. If you have much draught, you have _little_ heat--for the chimney swallows it, and half your room is _in Norway_. Use then an impulsive system, (of some kind) and you may _send_ your caloric down into the cellar to be _drawn_ from thence as wanted, for the upper apartments.

But my subject pullulates as I proceed. This idea is by no means exhausted. It is _not_ an indispensable feature of it, to heat rooms with _the same air_ that fed the fire. For instance, if a fire were made _under_ the vertical cylinder _K_, and led into and through it by a proper pipe, _almost_ filling it--then the cold air of the pump _A B_ would _pass round that pipe_ to the working cylinder _C D_, and there impel it’s piston _E_ as before. Not perhaps so strongly; but with an air uncontaminated by burning, or by ashes--and therefore more congenial with some uses of the Machine. In fact, air thus introduced might be _perfectly fit for breathing_, and still get elasticity enough from this passage, to _force_ heat to the bottom of any room we wished to have warmed; whereas, by using only the levity of heated air to give it motion, we scorch the tops of rooms and factories, and unmercifully freeze the bottoms. I must beg leave to be a _little_ severe on this point:--since for a thinking people, as strangers call us, we have been extremely thoughtless in this respect: so that as much seems now to do by way of introducing _comfort_ into our saloons, as was done about the year 1200, when those chimneys were introduced that are now become a kind of nuisance. In a word, and I am serious when I say it, the present arrangement of our chimneys, is in my humble opinion, essentially unphilosophical; and as such ought to be speedily discontinued or greatly modified.

In the above pages I have laid myself open to much animadversion, by a kind of _cast_ for much honest fame. I have let the public into my secret--_I have thought aloud_: And if the greater part of these cogitations should prove to be imaginary, I shall only plead, that they are drawn from the same source as the many useful Machines I am known to have devoted to public utility.

OF
A ROTATO-GYRATORY CHURN.

This title I confess, seems very ambitious, as applied to an utensil for the dairy: but I had to express the combination of it’s own axis, and those of the leaves or wings about their respective axes, while gyrating round the common centre.

The principal shaft _A B_, fig. 8 and 9 of Plate 24, is the general centre of rotation; and _a b_ are two lighter shafts carried round that centre, and turning at the same time on their own centres by means of the wheels _e f_ geering in the fixed wheel _c d_, (of which one half only is drawn) and which forms part of the top of the churn. Each of the shafts _a b_, carries four leaves or wings (better seen in fig. 9) reaching from the top, nearly to the bottom of the vessel; and they run in proper steps in the cross piece _m_, and also in proper collars in the upper cross piece _g h_. In fine their wheels _e f_, and the fixed wheel _c d_, which turns them, are furnished with teeth on my patent principle; and therefore work without noise or commotion. Now, the principal shaft _A B_, rests on the step _B_ at the bottom of the vessel; and runs, at top, in a collar formed in the metallic bridge _i k_, which, fixed to the outside rim of the cover, passes directly over the centre of the Machine. When therefore, the cream is put into the churn, (to do which the above mechanism is taken out) the mechanism is re-placed as now represented; and the main shaft set in motion by _any convenient power_: when the side shafts _a b_, turned by the fixed wheel _c d_, give a backward motion to the wings _a b_, and create a great agitation of the cream--for, it should be remarked, that this is not a circular motion: but each fly produces a kind of vortex round it’s own centre, while progressing round the common centre. The consequence of which, as above intimated, is, an unceasing agitation of the liquid, and, I believe, the best of churning. This however, I state as a mechanician, not having been initiated into the secrets of the dairy properly so called.

It may finally be observed, that the leaves or partitions _l n_, _fixed_ to the sides of the churn, (beyond the reach of the moveable wings _a b_) are destined to prevent still further any _general_ motion of the butyraceous matter; and thus to accelerate the churning process: and further these leaves, both fixed and moveable may be pierced with holes, like the analogous parts of other utensils of this nature.

OF
A HELICO-CENTRIFUGAL MACHINE,
_For raising Water in great quantities_.

The screw of Archimedes, is well known. When used to raise water it is placed obliquely, in such a position as that it’s _hollow threads_ become _more_ oblique to the horizon than the axis of the screw itself: observing which practice, some have said of this Machine, that it raises water by letting it run down: But this cannot be true. The threads of the screw merely _wedge_ themselves under the water, and make it _rise_ in a direction parallel to the axis of the screw; at the highest end of which it falls into the upper reservoir.

I once placed a screw of this kind _upright_, and said (in thought) is it then impossible to raise water by means of this screw thus placed? The answer in a few minutes was--“not at all; there is a force would make it easy: namely, the centrifugal force:” and this mental soliloquy was the origin of this Invention, which, some thirty years ago, I shewed to a public man, whom the lovers of the mechanical arts will long remember.

In Plate 25 fig. 1, _A B_ are two screws, perfectly like those used in exhausting watery foundations; and named of Archimedes. They are placed perpendicularly in the frame _C D_, so as to turn in the cross bars _a b_, _c d_, fixed horizontally on the main shaft _E F_ of the Machine. At the bottom of this shaft, _E F_, (which turns in a step on the _sill_ _G D_) is a low cylindrical vessel, shewn by a section only at _e f_, which dips into the under water nearly to the brim. It is used to carry, in proper _steps_, the centres of the screws _A B_, and, being pierced with many holes, to feed them amply, without exposing their motion to any resistance from the stagnant water. These cylinders _A B_ are merely indicated as screws by the _threads_, dotted between _h_ and _d_ and _e_ and _g_, and their upper mouths are seen near _a b_, just under the cross piece marked with these letters. These screws then, are turned by the wheels _i k_, as actuated by the fixed wheel _m n_, in the same manner as those of the churn before described; which in fact, is a corollary from _this_ Machine, but of much later date. To return to the Helico-centrifugal Machine--the screws _A B_ are terminated above by circular plates _o p_ (marked with the same letters in fig. 2 and 3) intended to receive the water from the mouths of the screw-threads _a b_, and carry it _on_ to the plate _q q_, which insures it’s further progress into the _ring canal_ _r s_, also shewn by a section only, to prevent confusion in the figure. Now what raises the water in these upright screws, is, it’s own _centrifugal force_, combined with the revolution of the screws: for while this central force is urging the water outward, the screws are bringing their sloping threads like _wedges_, _against_ that tendency; and the consequence is, that the water actually rises perpendicularly till it flows over the ledges or rings _o p_, _on_ the plate _q q_, and thence into the ring canal _r s_, from which it is conveyed to any place desired.

If this Machine is well made and proportioned, I think it is one of the best that can be used, to do much work by a given _power_: It gives no _shock_ to the water; which, when once in motion, continues to rise, and escapes when arrived at it’s proper height: and, being spread over a large surface, no part of it is raised higher than enough. The perfection of the Machine depends on a due relation between the centrifugal force, and the sine of the angle, which the threads of the screw make with the horizon; and this may be modified by the diameter of the wheels _i k_, as compared with that of the screws _A B_.

The figures 2 and 3, are two views of the upper part of the Machine. They shew, and mark with the same letters, the cross bar _a b_, the inside of the screws, and the circular plates _o p_, together with the circular conducting plate of which _q q_, fig. 1, is the section. Fig. 3 shews the fixed wheel _m n_, the two screw-wheels _i k_, the cross piece _a b_, and under them the plates _o p_ of the 1st. and 2d. figure.

One other object claims our attention: The threads of the screws (whether more or less numerous) should each be furnished with a valve at bottom: that the water may _not_ run out when the Machine ceases working.

OF
A FORGING MACHINE,
_For Bar Iron, Steel, &c. square or figured_.

This Machine acts by pressure instead of percussion. But this pressure is so instantaneous as to resemble a blow, and so often repeated as to produce a considerable effect in a short time. The means are represented in fig. 4 of Plate 25.

There, _A_ is a mass of metal answering the purpose of an anvil, but having two surfaces, situated at or nearly at right angles to each other, on which the metal is alternately struck or compressed. The two sides of this mass _A_, are perforated by two holes, properly _bushed_, in which turn the crank shafts _B_, _C_: the latter furnished with the bevil wheels _D_, _E_, which geer into and receive motion from two _equal_ bevil wheels _F_, _G_, fixed on the main shaft _H I_, and to which the power is applied. It is thus evident that the two crank shafts _B_, _C_, will make the same number of revolutions; and that if one of the rollers _K_, _L_, is placed on the excentric arm of one shaft, and the other roller on the other (their position being as in the figure) that then the rollers _K L_ will impinge alternately on any bar, held in the angle _M_, and forge or extend it, and finally leave it reduced to the same dimensions, in it’s whole length, if, by hand or proper machinery, the bar has been drawn or pushed along the angle _M_, in a manner analogous to this motion at the tilt hammer. It is also clear, that the size of the bar will be determined on a given Machine, by the diameters of the rollers _K L_, compared with the distance of the shafts from the angle _M_ of the anvil.

It may be of use to observe, that the effect of this Machine is not confined to square bars: since with unequal rollers _K L_, it will produce flat bars; and with rollers properly grooved, (the piece _M_ being formed accordingly) it will produce round iron or steel of better texture (I presume) than when taken from the slitting-mill, and merely passed through grooved rollers. I expect, at all events, a _rapid_ effect, from four or five hundred turns of the cranks per minute.

It will occur to every mechanical reader, that the mass _M_, which is tempered and adjusted to the principal anvil _A_, may be still more varied in form, so as to give other results besides those above anticipated. Nor need it be said, that the shafts _B C_ might run in steps capable of being _screwed up to their work_, even during the process, should any such motion be expedient. These are details I do not wish to dwell on in these descriptions--where I endeavour to make known general and essential properties, leaving particular views and cases to my reflecting readers.

OF
A RECIPROCATING HORSE WHEEL,
_For Mines, Mangles, &c._

I believe there is no better floor for a working horse to tread on, than a plane of wood--on condition, of the horse being rough shod: I speak however, on recollection of many years’ standing. I then felt persuaded that a horse wastes less effort by travelling on _this_ floor than on any other; which is one of my reasons for the adoption of the present Machine. It consists (Plate 26, fig. 1,) of a wheel _A B_, on which the horse walks, as indicated by the sketch of him given in the figure. Besides this, he is placed between two shafts _C D_, affixed to the lever _E F_, the latter carrying round with it, at intervals, the drum _G_, whose office it is to raise the weight _I_, whatever kind of resistance that weight represents. This lever runs by means of it’s _cannon_ _L_, on a round part of the shaft common to it and to the drum _G_. Moreover, there is a second drum _H_, destined to raise the weight _K_, whatever kind of resistance _that_ represents. Both the drums, _G_ and _H_, turn on round parts of the main shaft _M_, but are alternately connected with it--first, the drum _G_, by the rising of the bolt _a_ into it; and secondly, the drum _H_, by the falling of the cross piece _b c_, between the studs _e d_ affixed to it. Now, this cross piece _b c_, is part of a T-formed bar, that penetrates the centre of the shaft as low as _f_, where it rests on a transverse lever _f g_, connected _to the right_ with the bolt _a_ above mentioned, and forming a branch of the bent lever _f g h_, which works the bolt _h i_ under the wheel. In the present state of things, if the horse steps forward, he draws the shafts _C D_, round the common centre; for the wheel is immoveable by means of the bolt _i_, which _takes_ against some fixed object at _k_: and thus will the weight _I_ be raised. And when this motion is achieved, the handle _o_ is raised a few inches, which brings it into contact with the obstacle _p_, and puts a stop to that motion of the lever _E F_. At the same time the bolt _a_, is drawn out of the drum _G_, and the cross piece _b c_ is let down between the studs of the drum _H_, while, by the bent lever _f g h_, the bolt _h i_, which held the wheel, is drawn back, and _then_ the horse, instead of progressing round the centre of the wheel, is himself brought locally, to a stand; and without even knowing it, (for he is blinded) he now treads round the wheel in a backward direction, and raises the weight _K_, while the drum _G_ permits the weight _I_ to descend by the uncoiling of the rope, till _this_ operation has likewise produced the desired effect--when things are again placed in the state first observed. One thing remains to be noticed: It is, that both these motions _might_ have been produced by acting from a fixed point on the central bar _b c f_, through the upper gudgeon of the shaft, _instead_ of using the handle _o_, as before directed. It is even easy to conceive how the Machine may itself be made to perform these changes, and thus to produce the whole effect without any personal care or attendance.

OF
AN EXPANDING VESSEL,
_For Steam Engines, Pumps, Blowing Machines, &c._

It is one of the simplest and most perfect operations of the mechanic art, to form a _flat surface_: witness the process of grinding looking glasses, and forming one plane from another. Nor is it, necessarily, more difficult to place two surfaces parallel to each other, by means of three or more _pillars_ with proper shoulders, or counternuts against which to screw the plates from behind. It is therefore easy to compose an expanding and contracting vessel, that shall become _a mover_ by the force of any fluid, elastic or not, or shall act as a water or air pump, when driven by a convenient power; or both together, when this combination may be desirable. Thus, in Plate 26, fig. 2 and 3, _A B C D_ is a box with four sides and four _jointed angles_--which, if one of it’s sides, _D A_, be fixed to a given position in the cage or frame _E F G H_, will expand or contract according as the sides _A B_ and _D C_ shall rise toward the perpendicular, or fall toward the horizontal position. The dotted lines _A_ 2, _A_ 4, _A_ 6, &c. shew that the successive capacities included in the vessel, are respectively as the sines of the angles which those sides _A B_ and _D C_ make with the horizon; so that, although this device furnishes an _unequable_ power, yet it is equable enough for many purposes in the first few divisions _D_ 3, _D_ 5, &c. and might be altogether _equalized_ in it’s effect if necessary. Let us suppose then, that the aperture 8, brings steam into this vessel: The _lid_ _B C_ will rise to 6, 7, when, if the pipe 9, communicating with a condenser, be opened, the steam in the vessel will rush thither and be destroyed: when the atmosphere will press on the lid _B C_, and cause the vessel to collapse with a power proportionate to that area; for the sloping and parallel sides _A B_ and _C D_ counterpoise each other; where note, on occasion of the _pressure_ which I am now speaking of, that the ribs or bars _L M_, are used to strengthen the sides of the vessel, and thus prevent it’s fracture under this pressure.

From this manner of making these expanding vessels, it follows among other things, that if the frame _E F G H_ were surrounded with wood or any non-conducting substance, and made to communicate with a warm close room, the atmosphere thus acting on the vessel would _not_ cool it, and that therefore, an atmospheric engine, would, in this respect, be as good as a steam-acting one. But steam might be introduced into this outer case, and act as a spring to reciprocate the internal effect of the same agent.

The third figure of Plate 26, offers an end view of this cage or frame, shewing the expanding vessel at _B C A D_, where the strengthening ribs of fig. 2 are seen _endwise_ at 1, 3, 5, 7, &c. and moreover, _F G_ and _H_ are the pillars or cross bars by which the parallelism of the two end plates is effected and secured.

There remains an important subject to be considered: How to make the corner joints _D C_, and the end joints steam or water-tight as required. The small figure 4 answers the question as far as _water_ is concerned. _A_ is a strip of leather screwed more or less near to the _edges_ of two contiguous sides of the vessel, so as to cover the joint or hinge, and make it water tight whether the pressure come from within or without. This figure also shews the grooves which receive the stuffing to close the _ends_ of the vessel, by sliding against the plates or cheeks _E F_, &c. fig. 2. The several members of the corner joints themselves should be well fitted into each other: so indeed as almost to close the vessel without _any_ stuffing. Nor need we in all cases be anxious about this stuffing; for I think it very possible to make this joint close enough for pumping or blowing without any such provision. I observe, however, that the leather _A_, fig. 4, might give place to a strip of thin metal, bent into the same form, (or nearly so) the elasticity of which would leave play enough for the joints, on the supposition of working only with a moderate degree of motion in the said joints.

I should not have given this idea so much attention, had I merely wished to use it where the cylinder-motion now applies: But my present views go further. I foresee the use of this Machine for _very low_ pressures--and in _very large_ dimensions; and I can conceive a proportion between it’s length and height, that shall as it were annul the effects of friction and leakage, compared with those of the cylinder-formed piston. But I do not undertake, or hardly wish _now_, to exhaust this subject: being more anxious to _deliver_ the idea to my readers, than to announce all I intend to undertake by it’s means. I shall, therefore, merely finish the description of the other figures 5 and 6 of this Plate. The first, is a small hand pump on this principle, having a suction pipe _A_, and a rising pipe _B_, both having proper valves and opening into the expanding vessel, as _worked_ by the handle _C_, much in the manner of a common pump. It will therefore act by it’s expansive and contractile properties; and have one good quality we should seek in vain elsewhere--It will _begin_ the motion of the water with a _softness_ unknown in the use of pumps in general.

In fine, the sixth figure shews a System of this kind applied to the two objects, of _giving_ power, and _using_ it. The vessel _A B_, receives the power from steam or any other agent; and the vessel _C_ blows a fire, raises water, or does any analogous work, without requiring any other _parts_ than those here displayed.

OF
A GOVERNOR, OR REGULATOR,
_For Wind-Mills, Water Mills, Steam Engines, &c._

This Instrument was first intended to regulate the grinding of a wind-mill; and was used for that purpose in Kent, some time before my departure for France, in 1792. It is founded on the doctrine of opposite qualities--and is a practical combat between equal and unequal motions. In wind-mills, the mechanism is exposed to all the variations of a capricious element: and the common way of preventing these convulsive motions from injuring the _flour_, was for a man to attend a lever connected with the _bridge tree_, (which carries the upper stone) and by it to bring the stones nearer together when the wind was strong--and nearer still, when it was violent: and, contrariwise, to lift again the upper stone when the wind assumed a milder movement. A process this, which _nearly_ equalizes the degree of grinding, but not so nearly the quality of the meal--for this is found to be more heated by great, than by moderate velocities. At all events I thought a Machine like the present, would regulate this process, as well as a man; and it was found to do so--except, perhaps, in very extreme cases.

This Governor, is represented in fig. 1 of Plate 27--the ground work of which is the same as that of the third figure in Plate 3: for in reality the present Machine claims the precedence of the Dynamometer; and may therefore, well borrow a figure from it’s description. _A_ is the power-axis, receiving motion from any proper shaft of the mill. It is turned _backward_ by that shaft, and therefore tends to raise the ball _B_--an operation equivalent to bringing the mill-stones nearer together. At the same time, the axis of resistance _C_, carries round a pallet-wheel _D E_, and by the pallet _D_, sets the pendulum _F G_ a vibrating, which therefore, by every stroke, _lets down_ the ball _B_, and thus _raises_ the upper mill-stone. A _proper_ position of the latter depends on the similarity of the motion of the power-axis _A_, which winds up the ball _B_, and that of the axis _C_, which _lets it down_. While these are equal, the weight _B_ remains stationary, and the work goes on well. But if a gust of wind increases the speed of the mover _A_, (the pendulum _F G_ confining the axis _C_ to it’s usual speed) the ball _B_ is immediately raised and the stones brought closer--which is what the grinding process requires: And should that gust increase in violence and become a hurricane, the intermediate cylinder _M_, while producing _that_ effect, carries also with it the cord _H I_, and thereby raises the bob _G_ of the pendulum, and thus fits this movement to the increased speed of the mill: raising, sometimes, the bob to the very centre _F_ of it’s vibration, where it’s oscillations become rapid enough to _unwind_ all the excess of motion which the hurricane had occasioned; until, the wind subsiding, the pendulum acquires a medium length, and things go on moderately as before.

It may be observed, that the _present_ form of this Machine is not quite so simple as it might have been made; nor is it so simple as it first was. The required motions being much shorter than those of a Dynamometer, the cylinder _M_, among other things, might be dispensed with; and one of the intermediate wheels be likewise suppressed. And if we advert to the retarding principle which resides in the pendulum, the well known conical pendulum might be substituted for the present one; since from it would arise a regular or equable resistance, opposed to an equable effort. Some however, might _then_ consider the conical pendulum as an ordinary centrifugal governor; and, as a mere retarding principle, it may be thought too complex for the occasion: but I think on the contrary, that it’s use in this connection, would make this Machine one of the best of regulators, as well for steam engines as for water and wind-mills of every description: especially if fitted up with my Patent Geering.

OF
A MACHINE
_For Forging Nails_.

There is a strong analogy between this Instrument for forging Nails, and the Machine heretofore given for forging Bar Iron, Steel, &c. The process of _kneading_ the softened metal, by means of a pair of alternating cranks, is the very same: but the acting bars or stampers _A_, _B_, are an addition to the former method. Plate 27, at figs. 2 and 3, gives a representation of the present Machine; which forms the nail almost instantaneously, by _many_ contacts of the stampers _a b_, (fig. 3) on one of which the figure of the nail is engraven--or rather _filed_ across that stamper, for no _hollow_ figure is required by this System.

The second stamper _c d_ fig. 3, whose place is at _A_ fig. 2, is quite plain on it’s face; being destined merely to keep the metal to it’s thickness--as the particular nail here intended, is a floor nail, requiring a head on two sides only. As to the figured stamper _b a_, fig. 3, it meets a similar form in the anvil, as at _e_: and it is by the pressure of these _half matrices_, that the head is formed and the bar separated from the nail. It may be noticed that the stampers _a b_, _c d_, are shewn in the figures, as perfectly straight on the face: but the kind of motion resulting from that of the cranks, would require a gentle curve here, which a _first_ experiment will sufficiently indicate.

Some skill would doubtless be necessary in presenting the nail bar to this Machine; but to make this operation the easier, there should be a guage, moving toward the working point _e_, by a given quantity for each nail: say that this guage comes forward at each time a distance equal to half the length of a nail; and that the thickness of the nail bar is so proportioned as to contain in that length, enough of metal for the nail when finished.

It remains to be observed, that the stampers or bars _A_, _B_, fig. 2, are contained, in the direction of their width; by two plates like _f_, connected with the anvil _e_, and leaving near _e_, an opening large enough for the nail-bar to pass easily.

OF
A MECHANICAL ASSISTANT
_For the Tea Table_.

I shall, perhaps, be laughed at by some unfeeling censor, for including the tea table in the field of my mechanical speculations. But, in so doing, I seriously mean to be not only attentive, but useful to the ladies--who, I am _old_ enough to believe, deserve this service at my hands. My object is to obviate for them the necessity of tediously wielding a ponderous tea-pot, until real and painful fatigue ensues: thus emphatically making a _toil_ of that pleasure they had hoped for in administering comfort to others.

This new method of tea-making admits the use of the common tea urn--which is placed on the table near the left hand of the fair distributor. This arrangement is given at figs. 4 and 5 of Plate 27. There, _A_ is the Urn; and _B_ any common tea-pot, for whose spout, the cock _a_, has been substituted; and the handle of which has been slightly modified, so as to make it a proper centre of rotation. This tea-pot is, of course, _opened_ before it is brought into the position shewn in the figures. At _C b c_, is placed, first of all, on the table, _a stand_ of metal, terminated upward by the stem _C D_ which forms a vertical centre to the whole apparatus: and which is sufficiently fixed to the table by standing on _three_ feet, _b c_, &c.; under which are stretched small pieces of Caoutchouc (or India rubber), which, by their adherence to the table, make the whole steady. By these means, the tea-pot can be turned round, by a gentle effort, till it comes under the cock of the urn, from which it receives the boiling water. And, finally, the tea-board, which is itself circular, revolves on the same axle _C D_, supported by the casters or rollers _e f_, and bringing successively _all_ the tea-cups _m_, _n_, _o_, &c., to the spout of the tea-pot, where they are filled without the smallest difficulty, as will appear by a further inspection of the figures, and especially by an appeal to experience.

The above, I should presume, is all that need be _said_ upon the subject. It remains for some rationally zealous friend of this social repast, to put these (or other analogous) ideas in practice: in which enterprize, should he succeed in pleasing the _ladies_, he may depend on the approbation of every _lord_ who deserves the name.

OF
A COPPER-PLATE PRESS,
_With curious and useful Properties_.

This Machine, as intimated in the Synopsis, was invented expressly for the use of the lithographic art, as an improvement on the _roller press_ used in Paris when that process was first introduced there. I have, however, seen in England the description of a Machine which takes the desired impression _without_ any rolling motion. This Machine, in that description, carries a kind of scraper, or, as the calico printers would say, a Doctor, which, pressing on a line only (while drawn over the paper, or the paper under it), acts successively on every part of the sheet, and, no doubt, gives a good impression. Of the relative perfection of these methods, I do not presume to judge, as it is a technical question; and _both_ Systems are, or have been, used. But, when intense pressure, joined to much precision, and great economy of power, are desirable, _this_ Invention appears to me superior to any thing I have seen used for these purposes.

In fig. 1 and 2, (see Plate 28), _A B_ are two horizontal planes of hard wood or metal, connected, at a proper distance, by the pillars _C D_, shewn in fig. 1 _only_. _E F_ are two _Sectors_ of a large cylinder, united at the point _a_, either by a _good_ hinge or by a joint composed of a _hollow_ prism fixed to the upper sector _E_, and of a _solid_ one, more acute, fixed to the lower sector _F_; so that, in the latter case, this joint works with an insensible degree of friction, and thus occasions a great saving of power.

In the working of this Press, the joint just mentioned, however made, describes a straight line, parallel both to the floor _B G_ and the ceiling _H A_, which have been already shewn to be parallel to each other: and thus are the joint _a_ and the sectors _E F_ suspended to the cap or ceiling _A H_ by a pair of triangular braces _I a K_, which slide smoothly in two dove-tailed grooves _A m_. Moreover, to the lower sector _F_ are fixed two working arcs _b c_, one on each side of the Press, and whose radii are exactly equal to that of the upper sector _E_ (whose circumference, therefore, is invisible in fig. 1.) Further, just above these arcs, and in the middle of the slide _I K_, are placed, on proper centres, a pair of grooved pulleys _P_, destined to _work_ the under sector, without disturbing the motion of the upper one, which latter is a rolling motion under the aforesaid ceiling _A H_. For the said purpose, a metallic cord or chain is fixed at _m_ (fig. 1), which, passing round _one_ of the pulleys _P_, is led to the end _n_ of the arc _b c_, _n o_; and near _A_ is fixed a similar cord, which, carried round the other pulley at _P_, is led to the angle _o_ of the same arc _b c_, _n o_. By these means, the sector _F_ is fixed both in place and position, as long as the slide _I K_ retains it’s present position and state. But, again, a system of similar cords, placed _under_ the ceiling _A H_, near the edges of the upper sector _E_, determines the place of that sector, in every case, _except_ a change of _position_; for a _rolling_ motion can still have place, without occasioning any other change.

When, therefore, a pulling bar, a crank and fly, or any other prime mover, applied at the joint _a_, carries that joint (say) toward the pillar _D_, that motion takes place without any _rubbing_ of surface either above or below; for, when the upper section has rolled under the ceiling _A H_, into the position _n p q_, the lower section has rolled upon the plate _s t_, into the position _q r s_: in such sort that the analogous angles _o t_, _p r_ of both sectors are always found in the same perpendicular line--or plane--_o t_, _p r_; the cause of which I shall now endeavour to unfold.

When a wheel, in general, _rolls_ on or against any fixed plane (and the cords _m P_, _A P_, now act the part of a fixed plane), the point of it’s circumference the most distant from that plane, moves, in a direction parallel to it, just _twice_ as fast as the centre of such wheel, because it is twice as far from that plane, the virtual centre of its motion: (an example of which is found in the wheel of a carriage, whose top moves forward just twice as fast as it’s axle-tree.) Supposing, then, in the present case, the frame _I a K_, with the pulleys _P_ to glide toward the right hand, the cord _A o_ fixed near _A_, will turn the arc _b c_ to the right, twice as fast as the centre of the pulley _P_ moves in that direction: and if this impulse had acted on the joint _a_, _while fixed_ in position, the arc _b c_ would have turned _too much by half_. But it so happens (if this expression may be used), that the joint _a_ itself moves in that direction _once_ as fast as the pulley-pin; so, that the motion remaining to the sector _F_ is a _single_ motion, merely sufficient to keep the two sectors _E_ and _F_ directly under each other, or within the same perpendicular lines _p r_, _n q s_, &c.