Volume 12 (1866) (428 pages)

The Mining and Scientific Press, a) Mechanical. THE WINANS’ “OIGAR BOAT" NOTHING NEW. About the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion, the country wus told that the brothers Winans, two wealthy gentlemeu of Bualtimore, were about commencing the construction, in that city, of a steamboat on a novel principle. It was called, from its peculiar shape, tbe “ cigar boat”—the hull being formed of a eylinder, or cylinders, running to a potnt at each end, much like the shape of a cigar. If we are not mistaken, a small model boat wits coustructed and placed upon the bay, and preparations were in state of furwurdness for the construction of one of large sizo. ‘The rebel proclivities of these brethers, however, and their attempted open aid of the rebellion, goon rendered their absence from the country essentiul to tle safety of their persons. They accordingly crosscd tle oceun and took up their residence in London, where they soun resuited the project, and ugaia Taid the keel for another boat, the successful launching of which has receutly been aanonnced by tho English papers. The point sought to be gained by this new method of construction is speed; and there ia little doubt but that the end will bs accomplished, but at the expense, howcver, of capacity, convenicnce of arrangenicnt and cost of coastruction. A“ cigar boat,” however, is aothing new. The idea originated witb a Col. Burden, of New York, some thirty-five years ago, who constructed a boat, witb the machinery and upper works placed upon two hollow, cigarshaped cylinders, each 300 feet long, with the greatest diameater at the ecater, and measuring about eigbt fect. The taper of the cylinders wus a regular parabolic curve from tbe center to a point ut each end. ‘The cylinders were pliced parallel to each other, sixtecn feet apart, with a single wheel thirty feet in diameter, working in the center. ‘he engius and boilers were built under the direction of Rev. Dr. Knott, of Troy, N. Y. She was built in New York, and her first trip was made, we believe, to Troy, just above Albany, During this trip she accomplished the then unheard of speed of ¢wenty-one miles an hour, against tbe current! ‘This, it sbould be recollected, was at a time when the higbest autheaticated rate of speed of a steamboat lad not exceeded fourteen miles an hour. We believe she made oue or more trips to Providence, Rhode Island. What ever-became of hier, we know not. Our impression is that, for some reason or other, she was found inipracticable, probably for the reasons already intimated. Her advent, bowever, appears to have opened up a new era in steam navigation, by inducing steamboat men to pay uiore attention to spced in tbe construction of their beats. She was followed soon alter by tbe ill-fated “ Lexington,” whicb was burned on Long Island Souad ja ths winter of 1840-41. The Lexington was one of the first of the swift class of boats, constructed on a modification of the old models. Her rats of specd, if we mistake not, nearly or quite renched that of Col. Burden’s boat ; while ber model being, in the main, a mere elongation of the‘ tubs’? which had been in use up to that tine, was mueh more serviceable and convenient than that of the ‘steam raft,” a designation which was given to Col. Burden’s bout by some of his competitors. One of the earliest of the improved model Sound beats, was tbe “ Providence,” built and for many years run onder tbe direction of the late Peter F. Ewer, of Nautucket. ‘This boat, after making a few trips, was found not to answer tbe expectations ol the projectors. She was therelore hauled upou tbe “ ways,” sawed intwo at the center, lengthened some forty fect, and provided witlra false bow which projected a considerable distance beyond her original build. When agaiu launched, she was able to out-distance any of lier competitors. From this time out, the tub-shaped boats began to go out of date. Col. Burden, in endeavorjug to curry this principlo of lengthening ont the hull to its xe p/us udtra, iustead of building a boat so nnrrow that she could hardly stand ercet, contrived a pair of bouts, by winch he was relieved from all danger of capsizing, whilo he was nble to elongate to his heart's coatent. He probably overshot the mark, and the Winaas’ brothers are repeating the same blunder; albeit their efforts are greatly astoaishing tho Jolinny Bulls over the water. Col. Burden’s experiment was repeated cither the sume year or the next one subsequent, by a Mr. Sanford, of Proscott Harbor, Upper Canada. Mr, Sanford eatdeavored to introduce sowe improvements, hoping thereby to overcome the dilliculties encountered by Mr. Burden. ‘This experimeut wag on a smuller scale—his cylinders being only about hulf the length of Col. Burden’s, while their greatest dinmeter wag onv foot larger, und instead of being round, they were slightly flattened on the bottom; the design being to run in very shullew water, and pass through the rupids be. tween rescott and the “ Cedars.” Iler speed and general beliavior, on trial, did not answer the expectations of her projectors, who, therefore, did not feel justibed in making the haz-. ardous attempt to pass tho “rapids.” ‘This boat, also, appears to have subsided tato obscurily; at least we bave no knowledge ol her, subsequent to her trial trip. We believe she is the ouly connectiag liak between Col. Burden aud the Winans’ brothers. NEW INVENTIONS. The Macyestum Licut Mane Practicat.— It is stated in tbe English papers that a literary gentleman, who has been lor some time a secretary or amanuensis of Mr. Carlyle, ths newly-clected Rector of the University of Mdinburgh, bas just iavented a lamp for burning magnesium, of a character so simple and elfective that all the mechanicians are astonisbed. It is one of those happy ideas that seem inspired, and that at the same timeymake everybody wonder they had not thought of them. The magnesium is reduced to a tine powder, then mixed witb sand, it runs through a tobe as from an hour-glass, and when lighted by a match, a brilliant and steady flame is produced , until the reservoir is exhausted. It is said that all the difficulties of using this light for streets, public buildings, hght-houses, and so on, ars overcome by this device. An Instrumen’ For Derectino Fire-pae 1x Mines.—A very ingenious and simple instrumeat has recently been inveated fur this purpose by Mr, Ansell, of the English Mint. Its action depends on the tendeney which exista ia gases and vapors to diffuse themselves through eacb other, aotwithstanding the inter position of membranes or porous substances, etc, It consists of a small brass cylinder, one . inch and a half long, and three-quarters of an inch internal diameter, and ol a piston working freely within. Under the piston, aad witbia the cylinder, is a spring, which, wheu pressed by the sinking of the piston into the cylinder, moves a hand upon a dial on the outer case—which bas a plate of porous earthenware at the back. When this instrament is brought into an atmosphere containing cual gas, the latter passes through the porous plate, aod the air withia the case being expended, tbe piston is lorced iato the cyliuder to an extent which is indicated on the dial, ‘Taken out of impure air, the effect will be reversed, and the index will move ou the dial in the opposite direction, the exact amount of purity or contumiuation being indicated. It is clear that the instrument might easily be made to set a bell ringiug, or give some other notice of danger lrom ths presence vl an explosive atmosphere. So far as trials of it bave been made, it scems to work satisfactorily. A Vauuasie Invention, Propasry.—It is said that a “Cotton-Vicking Machiue” has been invented iu the Atlautic States, which, it is belicved, will eventually prove almost as valuable to the cotton interest as the‘ gin.” If tbig invention should accomplish all that is claimed lor it, it could not lave beeu made at a nore opportune mument, and we might almost say the freedmau’s occupation is wholly gone. A Soip’s Iie Avarn.— A curions invention has becu put to praetical test on board a British trigate, nt Portsmouth, England, which is desigaed to give instant notice of fire on shipboard. It cunsists of a small galvanic battery placed in the captain’s cabin, with an indicator dial-plate and alarm-bell, having twenty insulated wires communicated with as many nambered sections of the ship. Calorimeters are con-. nected with the extremity of each wire, in tts Separate section, so thut as soon as the teimperature of either section reaches @ point of duagerous heat, such ns would be produced by approuchiag spontaneous combustion or actual ignition in the near viclnity, the electric circuit is completed, nn alarm-bell set to ringiag violently in the cabin, while the hand of the indicater points to the member on the dial-plate, corresponding to the sectioa in the ship where the danzerous heitt lias been generated. ‘The existence und proximate locality ol the fire are thus known at ones. ‘l'lie calorimeter coasists of a sinnll metal vessel, some three inches in length, three-fourths filled with msreury, The outside of the vussel is in contact with one part of the copper wire of the section, the other part being suspended through the stepper in the neck of the vessel, the distance betweeu the latter part of the copper wire and the mercuty being regnlated according to the temperature considered dangerous. Should this latter event ever occur, the mercury necessarily expuads, and, bringing the end of tbe wire io contact, ths circuit is completed. A. slight modification of the same arrangement also gives notice when the water bads its way above the proper level in the ship's bilge. ‘Ihis ar. rangemeut is to be placed on board of all transport ships iu the British navy, and will probably soon be still more generally introduced. A Srman-Carrtace on Ick.—The Lako Superior Mining Journal describes a aew invention by G. C. Elliott, of the Railroad Company’s Machine Works, at Escanaba, whicb coasists of a small steam-carriage, designed to tun upon ice. It is an ice-car, built something after the form of a dummy railroad-car, but resting upon double sets of bob-sleighs, instead of wheels, at each end. In the ceater of tbe car is a wheel something Hike a cog-wheel, which runs upon the ice, and propels the car. It is steered by a properly-coustructed wheel in the rear. ‘lhe carriage has heen designed as un experiment, and will be tried upon Green Buy this winter. ‘Tbe carriage is said to weigh only about 800 pouads, More About Titanic Iron, Since the publication in Hagland, of the successful experiments with titacie iron, as noticed by us two weeks ago,a writer in the London Adining Journal states that the excsllent qualities of the Russian, Swedisb, and Nerwegian pig-iron, made from magnetic iron ore in charcoal blast-furnaces, are derived solely from the not inconsiderable amount of titanium which the iron orcs from Miask and Niscbheitagilsk in Russia, Danemora in Sweden, and Arendal ia Norway, contain a quality which renders it particularly adapted for the manufacture of steel and very strong wroughtiron. Although not auch titanium combines chemically with the pig-iron itself, it acts undoubtedly as a very powerful purifier in tbe blast-furnace, aad if used in tbe proper way, eveu with rather iaferior ores, it improves the quality of the iron in a wonderful manner ; far more so than manganese would be able te do. The introduction of iron ore which contains titanium in the mixture of ordinary blast-furnaces for the produetivn of finery iron will, aindoubtedly prove agreat success. The writer in the Jowrnal says there is no ueed to go to New Zealand for titanic iron ore; as it exists in large qnautitics in the south of Norway, containing vearly double the percentage of 1itanie oxids which is lound in the New Zeulaud sands. It is thought that this ore can be delivered in England much cheaper from Norway than from New Zealaud. Is it uot a little sremarkable that tbe attention of iron-masters has not been directed to this matter at an earlier day? or has it just been discovered, even by the Swedes and Russians, that the superiority of tbeirs over Eavtish iron bas been duc to the presence of this wellknown mineral ia the ore which they employ? We believe this description of ore has not yet been discovered, in any considerable quantity , within the limits of the United Stutes—perhaps, however, because attentiun has uvt been particularly directed to it. MINING AND SOIENTIFIO PRESS _ PATENT AGENCY. For the Pacific Coast. Orrick oF THE Misino aNd Scixntirio Press—No, 605 Clay slrcel, corner of Sansome, Sun Franelsco. Information for Inventors! Inventora on this coast having their applications for patents mada out through our Agrucy can siga thetr papers at once, and thus secure thelr rights at loust three months sooner than by trusting the eaine fo distant agencies, situated in New York or Washington. The frst question that presents ilself lo the Invent: or, Who desirer to procure n pulent, Is: "Van Tobluln a alent? A positive answer to its question Is only to be had ¥ presenting a tormal Apollcatlon tora patenl Jo the Government,embracing n perldon, specification, model, duplicate, drawligs, and the payment or ihe prescribed oNlcial fees. Aside trom these sleps, all the Invewer ean do Is, te submit his plans to persons experienced In the business of oblaining paients, and solicit tivir epinion and advice. If the parties flonstilied are honorable men, the Inventer muy safely connde hily ideas te Ihem, nnd they wlll inform him whether or col lis invention ls probabiy patentable, Those who have inado Inventions and desire lo censult wilh ne respecting the same, ure cordially invited to dase, We shall be happy to ace them In perron ul eur ofliee, or to advise them by mall, or through dhe Mining axp Scistiro Press. In alfcases thyy mmy expect from wi an honest epinion. Kor these consultations, opiilon and advice, we makg no charge. A pen-and-Ink sketch, and deseripllon of the Inventlon should be senl together witha Aan for return UREA EE, Write plaln ; do not usc peneilor pale Ink; be rie, . Remember Vhat all buslucss commitled te our care, and all comma ta) are kept by us sceret, and strictly contidentlal. Caveats. A Caveat is a confitenlinl communicalion mado le the Patenl Ofllee, and Is therefore fled within Its seerel arehlyes, The privilege secured under n caveat is, that It cntities the eaveator lo recelve notice, for a perlod of one yenr, of an np letten Yor a patent subsequently filed, and wileh Is adjudged le be novel, and is Ukely lo Interfero with the Inveutlon deserted fn Ihe caveat, and the eavealor Is lhen required to comjlete his npplicntlon for a pulrnt within three months fren the date of snid nolice. Cnvent papers should be very corefully prepared. Our fee for Ihe serviee varica from $1010 $20. The Government fee undor lhe new law Is rellnced to ten dollars; and this sum deos net npply, as herclerere, as parl of the fee on presenting an application fer a paient. Inventors wili efttimes find it very important to take adyantage of the cnveat system—the expense under tho law belng eemparallvcly small. To enablo ns to prepare caveat paper, we only require asketch and deseription of the invyeutlon; no model heing necessary. Expense of Applying for a Patent, Rejections, ete. Under the new law, the Government fee, en filing an op. plicatlen for a patent, Is fifteen dollars ; and if the patent la allewed, twenly dollars additional is required, If rejected, the first fee of fifteen dollars Is all Ihat fs demanded. EngUsh, French, Austrian, Prussian Spanish, and Inventors of every nallonallly, may now obtain patents in lhe United Slates upen tho same terins as our own citizens, The oniy discrimination made is agalnst subjects of eee that discriminate agalnst Ihe Inhablilants ef the United States. To the roregoluy official fees mst be added the Attorney's fees for preparIng the varlous documents aid drawings. Our chargo for preparing a case, presentIng Ite lhe Gev erument, and attending te nll business connected with It, untll a deelslen Is givon, ls frem $20 to $40. lhe patent ia eruntted ne further agency expenses cnsnes. Lf tho applleatlon Is reiected we cause therongh Investizallen te bo miade inlo the reasons prescuted le the Conmimilsslener for refusing the palent. In makiug Ihisexaminatien, our WashIngton neent has access to all Lhe drawlugs, models, books and specificatlens cited in reference, and we report tho rosult as carly as possible te eur client, If the rejection preves to be an unjust one—which somethes hapnens—It ean generally be reversed, and the patent obtalned by centestIng thecaso, For this prosecution we charge a fce proportienate to the extra laber Involved, pa = able enly on the issue ef the patenl; but eur demand will be reasonablo and satisfactory to our ellents, and will be arranged beforehand 1 special agreement. The sysiem adopted by us works well, plyes general satlsfaction and presents to all applicants, rich er poor, an equal cepentuilty ef having thelr palent cases propared, conducted and prosecuted In Ihe best manner, by expericneed ate terney’s, upon tho most medcrate lerms. Inventers who have rejected cases, prepared either by themsoives, or for them by other agents, and desire lo ascerlaln thelr prospects of success by Turther efforts, are Invited to ayall themselves of our unequalled faclilites In a TOs suits, We have been succéssful in securing Lotters Patent In many eases of such a malter. Our terms for such casea are very moderate. Models, Remittances, eto. The law requires Ihat the invenlor shal, in all cases, furnish a model, which must not exceed twelve Inches In any of its diinentions; it shonld be neatly made, of hard wood or melal, er both, varnished er palnted; lho namo of the nventer shouid be engraved or painted en It cousplcuously. When the Inventlon consists of an imprevoment on some known machine, a full werking model of the whele will not be necessary. It should be sn OE perfect, however, to Bla with clearness, Ihe nature 2nd oporation of the invention. ‘As soon as the model Is ready, it should be carcfully bexed and shipped by expross or otherwise, te our addross, name. iy: Dewny Co., Mining and Sclentific Press, No. 506 Chay Streel, cerner ef Sansoino, San Franclsco, Cal, Prepay expenses and send express receipt to us by maul. Simu., se with the model, tho inventor should sond us the first installment of the Government tee, fificen delJars. The mency may he forwarded elther by express with the model, er by mail The safesl way te remit Is by dratt on San Franclsce, payable to our erder; Always send 4 lether w th lhe medel,and niso tho remittance stating the name and address of Ihe sender. . ATull descriplion sheuld also be sont with the model, embedyIng all the Ideas of the Inventor respecling the lmprovement. On the recelpl of the model and Oovernment fce, is duly registered upon our books, and the application proceeded with as tas: as possibie. When Ihe decnments are rendy we send then le the iuvenlor by mall, for hls 0xamlnntion, signature and afildavil, with a letter of Inslruction, ¢tc. Onr tee for preparlng tho case Is then due and will be called for. The case will then be prescuted lolhe Py aya , and as soon us the patent 1s erdered to bo isshed the Goverument fee, namely, twenty dollars. Tuventors who do buslness with us will bo netliied of the state of thelr application In the Patent Offico, when It Is possible for usto da so. We do nol require the personal attend. ance of the inventor, untess li 1s one of greal complication; the business can be well donc by correspondences, When the invention consiais of a new article ef manufaeture, ora new composition, samples et the separate Ineredienls, sulficlent to make the experiment, and also ot the manufactured #rtlele itself musi be furnished, The average thuc requlred to precure a patent, when the case Is condneted at our agency, Is Inree months, We frequently gel them through in less tine ; but in other casos, Owing to delny on the part of efticlals, tho perlod Is some. tues extended to feur or five menths, andeven more. We make a speeial point te forward our cases as rapidly ag pussiblo. Patent Office Fees, and How Payable, Nearly all the fces payable te tho Palent Offiee are postlively required }' law le be pald In advance. die fellowing is the Gevernment tariff of fees established by nw: On overy On Overy ay on every ny On every ap on Try envent. on Ing ench or On fin: The cass jcatlon for a design, for 3 y'rs and 6 mos. plication fer a design, for seven years. lication for a design, for fourteen years. plication for a patent, for seventeen years Iginal patent, a disclainer, application for On every On the grant of every extension. ’ On appeal to the Comuissioner fre hief 26 On every appeal to the Judges of Cireult Court, D. Gio. 25 Wo have had successful experience in conducting these appeals and our services are renderod on moderate terms. N. B —We make ont oar own forms for applicallons, elc., nid would respectfully Inferm all parties that we hava no printed blank furnis for sale. DEWEY & CO., Arenta, Mining amt Selentifie Press Office, No, 05 Clay stroet, corier el Sunsome, Sst Francisco.

The Mining and Scientific Press, a) Mechanical. THE WINANS’ “OIGAR BOAT" NOTHING NEW. About the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion, the country wus told that the brothers Winans, two wealthy gentlemeu of Bualtimore, were about commencing the construction, in that city, of a steamboat on a novel principle. It was called, from its peculiar shape, tbe “ cigar boat”—the hull being formed of a eylinder, or cylinders, running to a potnt at each end, much like the shape of a cigar. If we are not mistaken, a small model boat wits coustructed and placed upon the bay, and preparations were in state of furwurdness for the construction of one of large sizo. ‘The rebel proclivities of these brethers, however, and their attempted open aid of the rebellion, goon rendered their absence from the country essentiul to tle safety of their persons. They accordingly crosscd tle oceun and took up their residence in London, where they soun resuited the project, and ugaia Taid the keel for another boat, the successful launching of which has receutly been aanonnced by tho English papers. The point sought to be gained by this new method of construction is speed; and there ia little doubt but that the end will bs accomplished, but at the expense, howcver, of capacity, convenicnce of arrangenicnt and cost of coastruction. A“ cigar boat,” however, is aothing new. The idea originated witb a Col. Burden, of New York, some thirty-five years ago, who constructed a boat, witb the machinery and upper works placed upon two hollow, cigarshaped cylinders, each 300 feet long, with the greatest diameater at the ecater, and measuring about eigbt fect. The taper of the cylinders wus a regular parabolic curve from tbe center to a point ut each end. ‘The cylinders were pliced parallel to each other, sixtecn feet apart, with a single wheel thirty feet in diameter, working in the center. ‘he engius and boilers were built under the direction of Rev. Dr. Knott, of Troy, N. Y. She was built in New York, and her first trip was made, we believe, to Troy, just above Albany, During this trip she accomplished the then unheard of speed of ¢wenty-one miles an hour, against tbe current! ‘This, it sbould be recollected, was at a time when the higbest autheaticated rate of speed of a steamboat lad not exceeded fourteen miles an hour. We believe she made oue or more trips to Providence, Rhode Island. What ever-became of hier, we know not. Our impression is that, for some reason or other, she was found inipracticable, probably for the reasons already intimated. Her advent, bowever, appears to have opened up a new era in steam navigation, by inducing steamboat men to pay uiore attention to spced in tbe construction of their beats. She was followed soon alter by tbe ill-fated “ Lexington,” whicb was burned on Long Island Souad ja ths winter of 1840-41. The Lexington was one of the first of the swift class of boats, constructed on a modification of the old models. Her rats of specd, if we mistake not, nearly or quite renched that of Col. Burden’s boat ; while ber model being, in the main, a mere elongation of the‘ tubs’? which had been in use up to that tine, was mueh more serviceable and convenient than that of the ‘steam raft,” a designation which was given to Col. Burden’s bout by some of his competitors. One of the earliest of the improved model Sound beats, was tbe “ Providence,” built and for many years run onder tbe direction of the late Peter F. Ewer, of Nautucket. ‘This boat, after making a few trips, was found not to answer tbe expectations ol the projectors. She was therelore hauled upou tbe “ ways,” sawed intwo at the center, lengthened some forty fect, and provided witlra false bow which projected a considerable distance beyond her original build. When agaiu launched, she was able to out-distance any of lier competitors. From this time out, the tub-shaped boats began to go out of date. Col. Burden, in endeavorjug to curry this principlo of lengthening ont the hull to its xe p/us udtra, iustead of building a boat so nnrrow that she could hardly stand ercet, contrived a pair of bouts, by winch he was relieved from all danger of capsizing, whilo he was nble to elongate to his heart's coatent. He probably overshot the mark, and the Winaas’ brothers are repeating the same blunder; albeit their efforts are greatly astoaishing tho Jolinny Bulls over the water. Col. Burden’s experiment was repeated cither the sume year or the next one subsequent, by a Mr. Sanford, of Proscott Harbor, Upper Canada. Mr, Sanford eatdeavored to introduce sowe improvements, hoping thereby to overcome the dilliculties encountered by Mr. Burden. ‘This experimeut wag on a smuller scale—his cylinders being only about hulf the length of Col. Burden’s, while their greatest dinmeter wag onv foot larger, und instead of being round, they were slightly flattened on the bottom; the design being to run in very shullew water, and pass through the rupids be. tween rescott and the “ Cedars.” Iler speed and general beliavior, on trial, did not answer the expectations of her projectors, who, therefore, did not feel justibed in making the haz-. ardous attempt to pass tho “rapids.” ‘This boat, also, appears to have subsided tato obscurily; at least we bave no knowledge ol her, subsequent to her trial trip. We believe she is the ouly connectiag liak between Col. Burden aud the Winans’ brothers. NEW INVENTIONS. The Macyestum Licut Mane Practicat.— It is stated in tbe English papers that a literary gentleman, who has been lor some time a secretary or amanuensis of Mr. Carlyle, ths newly-clected Rector of the University of Mdinburgh, bas just iavented a lamp for burning magnesium, of a character so simple and elfective that all the mechanicians are astonisbed. It is one of those happy ideas that seem inspired, and that at the same timeymake everybody wonder they had not thought of them. The magnesium is reduced to a tine powder, then mixed witb sand, it runs through a tobe as from an hour-glass, and when lighted by a match, a brilliant and steady flame is produced , until the reservoir is exhausted. It is said that all the difficulties of using this light for streets, public buildings, hght-houses, and so on, ars overcome by this device. An Instrumen’ For Derectino Fire-pae 1x Mines.—A very ingenious and simple instrumeat has recently been inveated fur this purpose by Mr, Ansell, of the English Mint. Its action depends on the tendeney which exista ia gases and vapors to diffuse themselves through eacb other, aotwithstanding the inter position of membranes or porous substances, etc, It consists of a small brass cylinder, one . inch and a half long, and three-quarters of an inch internal diameter, and ol a piston working freely within. Under the piston, aad witbia the cylinder, is a spring, which, wheu pressed by the sinking of the piston into the cylinder, moves a hand upon a dial on the outer case—which bas a plate of porous earthenware at the back. When this instrament is brought into an atmosphere containing cual gas, the latter passes through the porous plate, aod the air withia the case being expended, tbe piston is lorced iato the cyliuder to an extent which is indicated on the dial, ‘Taken out of impure air, the effect will be reversed, and the index will move ou the dial in the opposite direction, the exact amount of purity or contumiuation being indicated. It is clear that the instrument might easily be made to set a bell ringiug, or give some other notice of danger lrom ths presence vl an explosive atmosphere. So far as trials of it bave been made, it scems to work satisfactorily. A Vauuasie Invention, Propasry.—It is said that a “Cotton-Vicking Machiue” has been invented iu the Atlautic States, which, it is belicved, will eventually prove almost as valuable to the cotton interest as the‘ gin.” If tbig invention should accomplish all that is claimed lor it, it could not lave beeu made at a nore opportune mument, and we might almost say the freedmau’s occupation is wholly gone. A Soip’s Iie Avarn.— A curions invention has becu put to praetical test on board a British trigate, nt Portsmouth, England, which is desigaed to give instant notice of fire on shipboard. It cunsists of a small galvanic battery placed in the captain’s cabin, with an indicator dial-plate and alarm-bell, having twenty insulated wires communicated with as many nambered sections of the ship. Calorimeters are con-. nected with the extremity of each wire, in tts Separate section, so thut as soon as the teimperature of either section reaches @ point of duagerous heat, such ns would be produced by approuchiag spontaneous combustion or actual ignition in the near viclnity, the electric circuit is completed, nn alarm-bell set to ringiag violently in the cabin, while the hand of the indicater points to the member on the dial-plate, corresponding to the sectioa in the ship where the danzerous heitt lias been generated. ‘The existence und proximate locality ol the fire are thus known at ones. ‘l'lie calorimeter coasists of a sinnll metal vessel, some three inches in length, three-fourths filled with msreury, The outside of the vussel is in contact with one part of the copper wire of the section, the other part being suspended through the stepper in the neck of the vessel, the distance betweeu the latter part of the copper wire and the mercuty being regnlated according to the temperature considered dangerous. Should this latter event ever occur, the mercury necessarily expuads, and, bringing the end of tbe wire io contact, ths circuit is completed. A. slight modification of the same arrangement also gives notice when the water bads its way above the proper level in the ship's bilge. ‘Ihis ar. rangemeut is to be placed on board of all transport ships iu the British navy, and will probably soon be still more generally introduced. A Srman-Carrtace on Ick.—The Lako Superior Mining Journal describes a aew invention by G. C. Elliott, of the Railroad Company’s Machine Works, at Escanaba, whicb coasists of a small steam-carriage, designed to tun upon ice. It is an ice-car, built something after the form of a dummy railroad-car, but resting upon double sets of bob-sleighs, instead of wheels, at each end. In the ceater of tbe car is a wheel something Hike a cog-wheel,

which runs upon the ice, and propels the car. It is steered by a properly-coustructed wheel in the rear. ‘lhe carriage has heen designed as un experiment, and will be tried upon Green Buy this winter. ‘Tbe carriage is said to weigh only about 800 pouads, More About Titanic Iron, Since the publication in Hagland, of the successful experiments with titacie iron, as noticed by us two weeks ago,a writer in the London Adining Journal states that the excsllent qualities of the Russian, Swedisb, and Nerwegian pig-iron, made from magnetic iron ore in charcoal blast-furnaces, are derived solely from the not inconsiderable amount of titanium which the iron orcs from Miask and Niscbheitagilsk in Russia, Danemora in Sweden, and Arendal ia Norway, contain a quality which renders it particularly adapted for the manufacture of steel and very strong wroughtiron. Although not auch titanium combines chemically with the pig-iron itself, it acts undoubtedly as a very powerful purifier in tbe blast-furnace, aad if used in tbe proper way, eveu with rather iaferior ores, it improves the quality of the iron in a wonderful manner ; far more so than manganese would be able te do. The introduction of iron ore which contains titanium in the mixture of ordinary blast-furnaces for the produetivn of finery iron will, aindoubtedly prove agreat success. The writer in the Jowrnal says there is no ueed to go to New Zealand for titanic iron ore; as it exists in large qnautitics in the south of Norway, containing vearly double the percentage of 1itanie oxids which is lound in the New Zeulaud sands. It is thought that this ore can be delivered in England much cheaper from Norway than from New Zealaud. Is it uot a little sremarkable that tbe attention of iron-masters has not been directed to this matter at an earlier day? or has it just been discovered, even by the Swedes and Russians, that the superiority of tbeirs over Eavtish iron bas been duc to the presence of this wellknown mineral ia the ore which they employ? We believe this description of ore has not yet been discovered, in any considerable quantity , within the limits of the United Stutes—perhaps, however, because attentiun has uvt been particularly directed to it. MINING AND SOIENTIFIO PRESS _ PATENT AGENCY. For the Pacific Coast. Orrick oF THE Misino aNd Scixntirio Press—No, 605 Clay slrcel, corner of Sansome, Sun Franelsco. Information for Inventors! Inventora on this coast having their applications for patents mada out through our Agrucy can siga thetr papers at once, and thus secure thelr rights at loust three months sooner than by trusting the eaine fo distant agencies, situated in New York or Washington. The frst question that presents ilself lo the Invent: or, Who desirer to procure n pulent, Is: "Van Tobluln a alent? A positive answer to its question Is only to be had ¥ presenting a tormal Apollcatlon tora patenl Jo the Government,embracing n perldon, specification, model, duplicate, drawligs, and the payment or ihe prescribed oNlcial fees. Aside trom these sleps, all the Invewer ean do Is, te submit his plans to persons experienced In the business of oblaining paients, and solicit tivir epinion and advice. If the parties flonstilied are honorable men, the Inventer muy safely connde hily ideas te Ihem, nnd they wlll inform him whether or col lis invention ls probabiy patentable, Those who have inado Inventions and desire lo censult wilh ne respecting the same, ure cordially invited to dase, We shall be happy to ace them In perron ul eur ofliee, or to advise them by mall, or through dhe Mining axp Scistiro Press. In alfcases thyy mmy expect from wi an honest epinion. Kor these consultations, opiilon and advice, we makg no charge. A pen-and-Ink sketch, and deseripllon of the Inventlon should be senl together witha Aan for return UREA EE, Write plaln ; do not usc peneilor pale Ink; be rie, . Remember Vhat all buslucss commitled te our care, and all comma ta) are kept by us sceret, and strictly contidentlal. Caveats. A Caveat is a confitenlinl communicalion mado le the Patenl Ofllee, and Is therefore fled within Its seerel arehlyes, The privilege secured under n caveat is, that It cntities the eaveator lo recelve notice, for a perlod of one yenr, of an np letten Yor a patent subsequently filed, and wileh Is adjudged le be novel, and is Ukely lo Interfero with the Inveutlon deserted fn Ihe caveat, and the eavealor Is lhen required to comjlete his npplicntlon for a pulrnt within three months fren the date of snid nolice. Cnvent papers should be very corefully prepared. Our fee for Ihe serviee varica from $1010 $20. The Government fee undor lhe new law Is rellnced to ten dollars; and this sum deos net npply, as herclerere, as parl of the fee on presenting an application fer a paient. Inventors wili efttimes find it very important to take adyantage of the cnveat system—the expense under tho law belng eemparallvcly small. To enablo ns to prepare caveat paper, we only require asketch and deseription of the invyeutlon; no model heing necessary. Expense of Applying for a Patent, Rejections, ete. Under the new law, the Government fee, en filing an op. plicatlen for a patent, Is fifteen dollars ; and if the patent la allewed, twenly dollars additional is required, If rejected, the first fee of fifteen dollars Is all Ihat fs demanded. EngUsh, French, Austrian, Prussian Spanish, and Inventors of every nallonallly, may now obtain patents in lhe United Slates upen tho same terins as our own citizens, The oniy discrimination made is agalnst subjects of eee that discriminate agalnst Ihe Inhablilants ef the United States. To the roregoluy official fees mst be added the Attorney's fees for preparIng the varlous documents aid drawings. Our chargo for preparing a case, presentIng Ite lhe Gev erument, and attending te nll business connected with It, untll a deelslen Is givon, ls frem $20 to $40. lhe patent ia eruntted ne further agency expenses cnsnes. Lf tho applleatlon Is reiected we cause therongh Investizallen te bo miade inlo the reasons prescuted le the Conmimilsslener for refusing the palent. In makiug Ihisexaminatien, our WashIngton neent has access to all Lhe drawlugs, models, books and specificatlens cited in reference, and we report tho rosult as carly as possible te eur client, If the rejection preves to be an unjust one—which somethes hapnens—It ean generally be reversed, and the patent obtalned by centestIng thecaso, For this prosecution we charge a fce proportienate to the extra laber Involved, pa = able enly on the issue ef the patenl; but eur demand will be reasonablo and satisfactory to our ellents, and will be arranged beforehand 1 special agreement. The sysiem adopted by us works well, plyes general satlsfaction and presents to all applicants, rich er poor, an equal cepentuilty ef having thelr palent cases propared, conducted and prosecuted In Ihe best manner, by expericneed ate terney’s, upon tho most medcrate lerms. Inventers who have rejected cases, prepared either by themsoives, or for them by other agents, and desire lo ascerlaln thelr prospects of success by Turther efforts, are Invited to ayall themselves of our unequalled faclilites In a TOs suits, We have been succéssful in securing Lotters Patent In many eases of such a malter. Our terms for such casea are very moderate. Models, Remittances, eto. The law requires Ihat the invenlor shal, in all cases, furnish a model, which must not exceed twelve Inches In any of its diinentions; it shonld be neatly made, of hard wood or melal, er both, varnished er palnted; lho namo of the nventer shouid be engraved or painted en It cousplcuously. When the Inventlon consists of an imprevoment on some known machine, a full werking model of the whele will not be necessary. It should be sn OE perfect, however, to Bla with clearness, Ihe nature 2nd oporation of the invention. ‘As soon as the model Is ready, it should be carcfully bexed and shipped by expross or otherwise, te our addross, name. iy: Dewny Co., Mining and Sclentific Press, No. 506 Chay Streel, cerner ef Sansoino, San Franclsco, Cal, Prepay expenses and send express receipt to us by maul. Simu., se with the model, tho inventor should sond us the first installment of the Government tee, fificen delJars. The mency may he forwarded elther by express with the model, er by mail The safesl way te remit Is by dratt on San Franclsce, payable to our erder; Always send 4 lether w th lhe medel,and niso tho remittance stating the name and address of Ihe sender. . ATull descriplion sheuld also be sont with the model, embedyIng all the Ideas of the Inventor respecling the lmprovement. On the recelpl of the model and Oovernment fce, is duly registered upon our books, and the application proceeded with as tas: as possibie. When Ihe decnments are rendy we send then le the iuvenlor by mall, for hls 0xamlnntion, signature and afildavil, with a letter of Inslruction, ¢tc. Onr tee for preparlng tho case Is then due and will be called for. The case will then be prescuted lolhe Py aya , and as soon us the patent 1s erdered to bo isshed the Goverument fee, namely, twenty dollars. Tuventors who do buslness with us will bo netliied of the state of thelr application In the Patent Offico, when It Is possible for usto da so. We do nol require the personal attend. ance of the inventor, untess li 1s one of greal complication; the business can be well donc by correspondences, When the invention consiais of a new article ef manufaeture, ora new composition, samples et the separate Ineredienls, sulficlent to make the experiment, and also ot the manufactured #rtlele itself musi be furnished, The average thuc requlred to precure a patent, when the case Is condneted at our agency, Is Inree months, We frequently gel them through in less tine ; but in other casos, Owing to delny on the part of efticlals, tho perlod Is some. tues extended to feur or five menths, andeven more. We make a speeial point te forward our cases as rapidly ag pussiblo. Patent Office Fees, and How Payable, Nearly all the fces payable te tho Palent Offiee are postlively required }' law le be pald In advance. die fellowing is the Gevernment tariff of fees established by nw: On overy On Overy ay on every ny On every ap on Try envent. on Ing ench or On fin: The cass jcatlon for a design, for 3 y'rs and 6 mos. plication fer a design, for seven years. lication for a design, for fourteen years. plication for a patent, for seventeen years Iginal patent, a disclainer, application for On every On the grant of every extension. ’ On appeal to the Comuissioner fre hief 26 On every appeal to the Judges of Cireult Court, D. Gio. 25 Wo have had successful experience in conducting these appeals and our services are renderod on moderate terms. N. B —We make ont oar own forms for applicallons, elc., nid would respectfully Inferm all parties that we hava no printed blank furnis for sale. DEWEY & CO., Arenta, Mining amt Selentifie Press Office, No, 05 Clay stroet, corier el Sunsome, Sst Francisco.