CHAPTER II.AMERICAN PATENTS AND CLAIMS.INTRODUCTORY.
No sooner had the nature of India-rubber began to be developed, than the spirit of American enterprize commenced to work, in experimenting upon the various uses to which it is susceptible. Of course, the progress was at first slow and tedious. Charles Mackintosh, of England, seems to be the first individual who discovered the process of dissolving the gum in spirits of turpentine, and to introduce the manufacture of those goods which now bear his name. But it seems that as early as 1813, eight years prior to Mackintosh’s discovery, Jacob H. Hummel, of Philadelphia, had secured a patent for “India-rubber varnish.” What the method of preparation was, the “report” does not state. From that date to 1831, the spirit of investigation and experiment in this direction, lay dormant.
The next step in this country, (in 1831,) was a patent secured for “India-rubber Fluid,” to render articles water-proof. In about one year from the issuing of this patent, Wait Webster, of New York, secureda patent for attaching India-rubber soles to boots and shoes. With the introduction of Chaffee’s patent for India-rubber shoes, in 1832, the spirit of invention, experiment and competition commenced, and has continued until the present time. The new, curious, and almost universal application of India-rubber and gutta-percha, in the industrial arts, has wrought a wonderful change, and has given an added stimulus to our manufacturing and commercial interests. The importance of these gums can hardly be over-estimated, and, it is hardly too much to predict that discoveries in the combination of gutta-percha and India-rubber with other substances, will yet be made, which will almost or wholly supersede the common sole-leather, now so extensively used. Already have patents been secured forartificial leather, that in appearance is hardly distinguishable from the best sole-leather. ItsDURABILITY, it is contested, together with itsCHEAPNESS, will, when the processes of its manufacture are perfected, give it a decided superiority over all other leather.
In preparing and arranging the following list of “American Patents and Claims,” we have given all the really important ones ever issued. Some of the descriptions are very brief, and necessarily so, from the fact that the Patent Office Reports have given but little more than the title, or “text” of the patent issued. It is a very singular, and somewhat remarkable fact, that our Patent Office Reports are exceedingly barren of information concerning thenatureanddescriptionof inventions. Why this meagreness of detail is put forth, and important information thuswithheld orsuppressed, is a problem that we cannot solve. We have before alluded to the marked difference which exists between the English and American Patent Offices in this important particular, and while we are able to give full, minute, and instructive descriptions of English patents, we can only afford, in many American patents herein referred to, but little more than the announcement of the issue.
First American Patent, received by Jacob H. Hummel, of Philadelphia, April 29, 1813, for India-rubber Varnish.
Second, to George H. Richards, Washington, D. C., April 11, 1831, for India-rubber Fluid, to render articles water-proof.
Third, to Wait Webster, New York, May 19, 1832, for attaching India-rubber soles to boots and shoes.
Fourth, to Edwin M. Chaffee, Roxbury, Mass., Feb. 6, 1833, for India-rubber shoes.
Fifth, to Nathaniel Ruggles, Bridgeport, Conn., Feb. 20, 1833, for attaching India-rubber soles to boots and shoes.
Sixth, to Samuel D. Breed, Philadelphia, Pa., April 4, 1833, for attaching soles to boots and shoes by means of India-rubber.
Seventh, to Samuel D. Breed, Philadelphia, June 29, 1833, for hose from cloth and gum-elastic.
Eighth, to Edwin M. Chaffee, Roxbury, Mass., Dec. 31, 1833, for India-rubber mail and travelling bags.
Ninth, to Edwin M. Chaffee, Roxbury, Mass., May 17, 1834, for boots and shoes from India-rubber.
Tenth, to Patrick Mackie, New York, Oct. 16, 1834, for covering ropes with India-rubber.
Re-issued, Dec. 3, 1834.
Eleventh, to A. L. Van Horn, Philadelphia, Pa., June 26, 1835, India-rubber webbing for riding-saddles.
Twelfth, to Charles Goodyear, New Haven, Conn., Sept. 9, 1835, for India-rubber cement.
ThirteenthandFourteenthto William Atkinson, New York, Oct. 6, 1835, for cutting India-rubber into threads; also, another patent same date, for spreading and drying India-rubber upon cloth.
Fifteenth, to Patrick Mackie, New York, March 23, 1836, for dissolving India-rubber in naptha and sulphate of zinc.
Sixteenth, to Ranson Warner, New York, May 18, 1836, for manufacturing gum-elastic suspenders.
Seventeenth, to E. M. Chaffee, Roxbury, Mass., May 31, 1836, for India-rubber application to cloth. Mr. Chaffee obtained another patent in August, 1836, for softening India-rubber and applying it to cloth, without dissolving it, by pressing it between heated rollers. This was and is, a very important patent. It is not reported in the United States Patent Reports, and the reason for itssuppressionis variously accounted for.
Eighteenth. Specification of a Patent for divesting caoutchouc or India-rubber of its adhesive qualities, and also of bleaching the same, and thereby adapting it to various useful purposes. Granted toCharles Goodyear, New York City, June 17th, 1837.
Mr. Goodyear claims the discovery of a new and improved mode or process of divesting caoutchouc, gum elastic, or India-rubber, of its adhesive properties. I employ the various acid solutions of the metals, and with such metallic solution I wash over the surface of the caoutchouc, of which I mean to destroy the adhesive property; or instead of washing the surface of the caoutchouc, I dip it, or the article coated with it, into such a solution. * * *
The metallic solutions are not, by any means, equally effective in destroying the adhesiveness of the caoutchouc; the stronger acids being in all cases preferred, as being perfect in their action, nor is it indifferent what kind of metal is employed. The strong nitric acid, undiluted, is that which I in general prefer; and among the metals, I prefer either copper or bismuth, forming a nitrate of copper, or a nitrate of bismuth, as the full effect is produced by these solutions in from one to five minutes. After the action is thought to be complete, the article acted upon is to be washed with water, so as to remove the whole of the acid solution, and it will be found that not only the surface of the caoutchouc will resemble that of a soft cloth, but that the surface may be worn off to a considerable depth, and the new surface not manifest the slightest tendency toadhesiveness; it is indeed so far altered in its properties as to resist, to a considerable extent, the action of those menstrua by which it is ordinarily dissolved. It may, for example, be washed in spirits of turpentine, or in the oil of sassafras, without being rendered sticky; and it will equally resist the action of solar or of artificial heat, under all ordinary temperatures.
I have sometimes covered the surface of the caoutchouc with the metallic powder known by the name of bronze, and have afterwards washed it over with nitric acid, which has produced the same effect as the washing it with, or dipping it in the metallic solution, such a solution being in this case immediately produced by the action of the acid upon the metal. It is a common practice to add some of the absorbent earths, or some pigment, to the dissolved caoutchouc, and when this is done the metallic solution may be readily made to operate to a greater or less extent throughout the whole mass of a sheet of considerable thickness.
Instead of the process above described, or preparatory to it, I combine the caoutchouc with quick lime, as I have found this earth is preferable, in fitting the sheet caoutchouc to be acted upon throughout its whole thickness by the metallic solution; but besides this, the lime has the property of bleaching the caoutchouc, and of giving to it a surface and texture adapting it to the receiving impressions from copper plates, or by other modes of printing, rendering it, either alone or when used as a coating for cloth, applicable to the purpose of printing charts, or other devices. The caoutchouc so prepared withlime, will be rendered adhesive by the action of heat or of solvents, unless the metallic solutions be applied to it; in which case much of the whiteness communicated to it by the bleaching property of the lime will disappear.
The following is the process:
I slake a portion of the finest quick lime, and then mix and agitate it with so much water as that it shall not be thicker than milk, when on allowing it to stand at rest, all the coarser particles contained in it will rapidly subside; the upper portion containing the finer particles, is then to be poured off, and the fine lime allowed to subside, the water left on the surface of this being poured off, it is obtained in a state fit for incorporation with the caoutchouc when in that form of thick paste into which it is brought by the manufacturer, preparatory to its being rolled into sheets.
What I claim as my invention, and wish to secure by letters patent, is the destroying of the adhesive property not only of the surface of caoutchouc, gum elastic, or India-rubber, but also to a considerable extent below the surface, whether the same being in sheets unconnected with cloth, or other substances, or when used as a coating therefor, by the application thereto of an acid solution of the metals, substantially in the manner set forth.
I also claim the manner of preparing and incorporating lime with the caoutchouc paste, for the purpose of bleaching it, and giving to the sheets formed of it a color and texture adapting it to receive printing impressures and rendering it applicableto various other purposes, either without or with the treatment by the metallic solutions, as set forth.
I further claim, as an entirely new manufacture, the sheet caoutchouc prepared by the within described process of treatment, by the metallic solutions as herein described, as it is thereby so essentially changed in its properties as to bear but little resemblance to such articles as have, heretofore, been manufactured out of the same material, and is rendered applicable to a variety of new purposes hitherto unattempted, or attempted without success.
Nineteenth, to Stephen C. Smith, New York, December 7th, 1837. Manufacture of India-rubber.
Twentieth, to Charles Goodyear, Roxbury, Mass., July 24th, 1838. For manufacturing India-rubber.
Twenty-first, to Nathaniel Hayward, Assigner to Charles Goodyear, Boston, Mass., Feb. 24th, 1839. For an Improvement in the mode of preparing India-rubber for the manufacture of various articles.
Sulphur, it is known, is soluble in the essential oils, which also are the solvents usually employed for dissolving caoutchouc, the oil of turpentine being generally employed for that purpose. I take the essential oil, say oil of turpentine, and dissolve in it, by digestion, a portion of sulphur generally using about a teaspoonful of sulphur, in flour, to a quantity of oil of turpentine which is to dissolve a pound of India-rubber; the exact proportion not being important, and that indicated being sufficiently near for practical purposes. With this solution I proceed as with the ordinary spirits of turpentine.
Instead of making this solution of sulphur, I sometimes use the flour of sulphur, or sulphur in fine powder, and incorporate it in the proportion above indicated with the gum when brought to a pulpy mass by any of the common solvents, or when worked by heated cylinders without any solvents, taking care that it is intimately mixed with the mass. Another mode of using the sulphur is to apply it to the surface of the gum after it has been applied to the cloth, or rolled into sheets, causing it to adhere by pressure or otherwise. After which the gum is to be submitted to the action of metallic salts, in the manner described by Charles Goodyear.
The effect of the sulphur in whatever way it may be added to the gum, is to cause it to dry more perfectly, and to improve the whole substance thereof, rendering it much superior to that prepared by any other combination therewith. The subsequent process of curing, or tanning, the surface above referred to, as patented by Charles Goodyear, removes all the odor of sulphur, and is intended to be generally applied to all articles manufactured as above.
What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the combining of sulphur with gum elastic, whether in solution or in substance, in either of the modes above pointed out, or in any other that is substantially the same, and which will produce a like effect.
Twenty-second, to Charles B. Rodgers, and E. Arnold, Charlestown, Mass., June 21, 1841. Assigns to E. Chaffee, Cambridgeport, Mass. For manufacturing India-rubber Balls.
Twenty-third, to Sewall Gleason, New York, Nov. 24, 1843. For Machine for making India-rubber Hats.
Twenty-fourth, to Charles Goodyear, New York, March 9, 1844. For India-rubber Fabrics.
Twenty-fifth, to Charles Goodyear, New York, June 15, 1844. For India-rubber Fabrics.
Twenty-sixth, to H. G. Tyer and J. Helm, New Brunswick, N. J., October 9, 1844. For India-rubber Cutting.
Twenty-seventh, to Horace H. Day, Jersey City, N. J., October 12, 1844. For India-rubber Goods corrugated and shirred.
Twenty-eighth, to Nelson Goodyear, Newton, Conn., April 22, 1845. For manufacture of India-rubber.
Twenty-ninth, to Nelson Goodyear, Newton, Conn., May 13, 1845. For India-rubber Fabrics.
Thirtieth, to James Bogardus, New York, May 21, 1845. For Sheering Machine for India-rubber.
Thirty-first, to Horace H. Day, Jersey City, N. J., June 7, 1845, H. G. Tyer, and J. Helm, New Brunswick, N. J. For Machine for cutting India-rubber Threads.
Thirty-second, to Charles Goodyear, New York, June 10, 1845. For India-rubber Fabrics.
Thirty-third, to James Bogardus, New York, November 21, 1845. For Machine for cutting India-rubber Threads.
Thirty-fourth, to Horace Day, New York, June 15, 1846. For India-rubber Portable Boat.
Thirty-fifth, to J. W. Harrison, New York, June 15, 1846. For process for grinding India-rubber previous to softening.
Thirty-sixth, to William F. Ely, New York, April 17, 1847. For preparing India-rubber.
Thirty-seventh, to Charles J. Gilbert, and Gamaliel Gay, New York, July 17, 1847. For India-rubber Fabrics.
Thirty-eighth, to Robert Story, and Thomas Hopper, New Brunswick, N. J., August 17, 1847. For India-rubber Shoes.
Thirty-ninth, to James Thomas, New York, September 4, 1847. For preparing India-rubber.
Fortieth, to Charles F. Durant, Jersey City, N. J., October 25, 1847. For process for softening and dissolving India-rubber in Chloroform.
Forty-first, to Charles Goodyear, New Haven, Conn., April 25, 1848. For process of making hollow spheres, various hollow toys, or other hollow articles of India-rubber (caoutchouc), the same consisting in the employment of a mould, and heat, and air, substantially in the manner above set forth.
Forty-second, to Charles F. Durant, Jersey City, N. J., April 25, 1848. For application of per-chloride offormyle, otherwise known as chloroform, to soften and dissolve gutta-percha, and to soften and dissolve rubber.
Forty-third, to Horace H. Day, Jersey City, N. J., May 2, 1848. For finishing or treating cloth, or other articles made wholly or partly of gutta-percha, and cloth and fabric made of these, with Japan varnish, such as is generally used in the manufacture of patent leather.
Forty-fourth, to Horace H. Day, and Francis D. Hayward, of New Brunswick, N. J., May 7, 1848, re-issued November 7, 1848. For forming and rendering elastic suspenders, shoulder braces, riding belts, and other similar articles, by use in combination therewith of the elastic rings, for the purpose of giving spring and draught.
Forty-fifth, to Henry Bewley, Dublin, Ireland, May 23, 1848. For application of gutta-percha in any of the states, and by any of the processes before specified, to the manufacture of flexible syringes, tubes, bottles, hose, or other like vehicles or vessels, or to the improvement of such articles after manufacture.
Forty-sixth, to Charles Hancock, Grosvenor Place, London, May 23, 1848. For a method of making bands and belts of gutta-percha, or the compounds thereof, by the process of forming, in combination with the process of stretching or drawing out, substantially as described; and this I claim irrespective of the methods that may be employed for forming and stretching, or drawing out the bands or belts.
Forty-seventh, to R. A. Brooman, London, England, May 23, 1848. For manufacture of various articles, by moulding, stamping, or embossing, &c.,to give to such articles the form required to be retained, whether useful or ornamental, whereby I am enabled to produce articles useful or ornamental, or both, at less cost, more durable, more easily applied, and in short, more valuable than when made of any other known substance; and this I claim, whether made of gutta-percha alone, or in combination with such other substances as are herein specified.
Forty-eighth, to Charles Keene, Sussex Place, Regent’s Park, England, May 23, 1848. For the manufacture of boots, shoes, and other articles of any known kind of cloth or leather, lined or coated, as herein described, with gutta-percha in any of the states of preparation or combination, by cementing instead of sewing or stitching them together.
Forty-ninth, to Richard Solis, November 7, 1848. For a mode of preparing the cloth for the rubber by stretching, also placing the rubber on the cloth obliquely.
Fiftieth, to H. G. Tyer and John G. Helm, January 30, 1849. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber. We here disclaim the use of rubber and sulphur alone, as also the submitting of rubber, or rubber compounds to a high degree of heat, patents having been granted for that process, in this and other countries; neither do we wish to secure the right of coloring rubber, such having frequently been done by rubber manufacturers.
But what we do claim and wish to secure by letters patent, is the combination of caoutchouc in its severalvarieties, with either carbonate of zinc, sulphate of zinc, or the other salts of zinc with sulphur, in manner, form and proportion as hereinbefore set forth.
Fifty-first, to H. G. Tyer and John G. Helm, Aug. 7, 1849. Re-issue. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber goods by means of zinc compounds.
We here disclaim the use of rubber and sulphur alone, as also the submitting of rubber or rubber compounds to a high degree of heat; neither do we wish to secure the right of coloring rubber, such having frequently been done by rubber manufacturers.
But what we do claim as our invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is India-rubber fabrics made by the combination of caoutchouc in its several varieties, with zinc compounds, in their various forms, as herein set forth, and sulphur; and in combination with these, the submitting our compound to the action of a high degree of heat; the whole being combined and manufactured substantially as above described.
Fifty-second, to Nelson Goodyear, Oct. 16, 1849. For improvement in elastic cords for suspenders. I do not claim simply covering threads of metallic or vulcanized rubber with braid, as this has long since been done, but not whilst the India-rubber is in a state of tension; nor do I claim simply combining non-elastic cords with the button-hole pieces, and with the shoulder straps of suspenders, by passing such cords through loops or around rollers attached to the shoulder straps, as this has also been long known; but—
What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the making of elastic cords for suspenders, by braiding or winding silk, cotton, or other threads, around cords of metallic or vulcanized India-rubber, whilst in a partially distended state, substantially as described, whereby springs of greater resisting force are produced, than by any other known plan.
Fifty-third and fifty-fourth, to Charles Goodyear—re-issued—Dec. 25, 1849. For improvement in processes for the manufacture of India-rubber. What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the curing of caoutchouc or India-rubber, by subjecting it to the action of a high degree of artificial heat, substantially as herein described, and for the purpose specified.
And I also claim the preparing and curing the compound of India-rubber, sulphur, and a carbonate or other salt or oxide of lead, by subjecting the same to the action of artificial heat, substantially as herein described.
For improvement in felting India-rubber with cotton fibre. What I claim as new and of my invention, is incorporating the fibres of cotton or other substances, with India-rubber, by pressing the fibres of a fleece or bat of cotton or other fibrous substance into a sheet of India-rubber in the green state, without subjecting the fibres, after they have been incorporated, to a stretching or drawing operation, substantially as herein described.
Fifty-fifth, to Francis C. Hayward and J. C. Bickford, of Colchester, Conn., March 19, 1850. For processof rolling India-rubber cloth. The “claim” is a new or improved process of applying rubber to cloth, by means of rollers; the process being a combination of the method of spreading rubber by the pressure of rollers, and the method of grinding and spreading, at one and the same time, against and into the substance of the cloth.
Fifty-sixth, to John Pridham, Assignor to Horace H. Day, New York, March 19, 1850, for use of oxide of tin, in the manufacture of India-rubber. He does not claim the combining of ochre or pipe clay with India-rubber, or submitting rubber to high heat, or mixing sulphur with rubber. The specific claim is, the combining rubber with tin, as set forth, and the combination of these with sulphur and heat, whereby is produced a fabric having a black surface, which is capable of withstanding all the elements which distinguish vulcanized from other preparations of rubber.
Fifty-seventh, to Fowler M. Ray, New York, April 2, 1850. For springs for cars, &c., of India-rubber. A method of making cylinder or rolls of prepared India-rubber, by rolling up a thin sheet of India-rubber, on a mandrel, while the sheet is in a green state, and as it comes from the heated calendering cylinders, substantially as described. He also claims a mandrel or cylindrical rod pressed against the periphery, or a cylinder or roller, so that the thin sheet of prepared rubber in the green state, and taken as it comes from the calendering cylinder, may be wound upon the mandrel, and the several windings made to adhere, by pressure, substantially as described.
Fifty-eighth, to S. T. Armstrong & C. J. Gilbert, of New York, N. Y., for improvement in the process of working gutta-percha. Sept. 17, 1850. What we claim under the first part of our invention, consists in the use of lime or other alkaline substance, with heat, in the manner substantially as herein described, in the cleaning of gutta-percha, to neutralize the acid or acids contained in that substance in its crude or native state, and thus preserve and render more permanent its useful properties, as specified.
And in the second part of our invention, we claim compounding lime with gutta-percha, substantially as herein described, for the purpose of improving its qualities, preserving it wholly or partly from deterioration, and protecting it against the injurious effects of the atmosphere and heat, substantially as described.
Remarks.—Two patents for improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber, were granted in 1850. The first of which is for the use of the hypo-sulphate of zinc. This salt is prepared in the following manner. In a solution of caustic lime, potash, or other caustic alkali, boil flour of sulphur until the liquor is saturated, and into this liquid pass sulphurous acid gas, by any of the known means, for the purpose of obtaining a hypo-sulphate of the alkaline base. The liquid is allowed to stand and cool. The clear liquor is then decanted into a vessel containing a suitable quantity of a saturated solution of the nitrate or other analogous salt of zinc. On mixing these solutions the zinc is precipitated in a white powder, which is regarded as the hypo-sulphate of zinc. It is then washed on a filter, dried and subsequently ground ina paint-mill. Three pounds of this powder is mixed with ten pounds of India-rubber, and heated from three to five hours, at a temperature of 260° to 280°. The rubber, according to the inventor, will be found completely cured or vulcanized, and requires no free sulphur to be used in any part of the process, and no washing with alkali, as do the ordinary materials used for vulcanizing. Hence it is alleged that this process is adapted to the covering of silks and other delicate textures, and colored fabrics.
Another patent was granted for a compound for vulcanizing India-rubber. The mode of treatment is much the same as the last, and produces the same results. The material is the artificial bi-sulphuret of zinc. The inventor claims the use of this compositionwithout the use of sulphurin any part of the process of manufacture, and the washing with alkaline solutions is not required, and is not used in this mode of manufacture.
Fifty-ninth, to Fowler M. Ray, New York, Oct. 18, 1850. For vulcanized India-rubber springs. The “claim” as set forth in the employment of a ring, or rings, or disks, made of any of the preparations of caoutchouc, known under the various appellations of metallic or vulcanized rubber, as a substitute for metal or other kinds of springs, heretofore known and used, when such ring or rings, or disk or disks, or the equivalent thereof are applied, in manner substantially as described, whether made of metal or other solid or non-elastic substance. Also making the surfaces of all or either of the plates above and below, and interposed between the elastic rings or theirequivalents, or the surfaces of the elastic rings or other of their convex, substantially in the manner and for the purpose specified.
Sixtieth, to Jonathan Trotter, of New York, Dec. 3, 1850. For vulcanizing India-Rubber. The claim is the use and employment of zinc, in a manner whereby a hypo-sulphate or similar preparation of zinc is obtained in combination with India-rubber, for the purpose of curing or vulcanizing it, substantially as set forth with the use of free sulphur in any way in combination with the rubber.
Sixty-first, to Jonathan T. Trotter, New York, January 1, 1851. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber.
Having described my improved process of curing rubber, I will state what I claim and desire to secure by letters patent. What I claim, therefore, is the use and employment of zinc, substantially as prepared by the process above described, in combination with India-rubber, for the purpose of curing or vulcanizing it, in form and manner as herein set forth, without the use of free sulphur in any way in combination with the rubber.
Sixty-second, to David McCurdy, Newark, N. J., April 1, 1851. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber.
Having described my invention, and the best mode known to me of manufacturing the same, what I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the combination of potash with rubber and sulphur, and submitting the same to a highdegree of heat, whereby to produce the change upon rubber known as vulcanizing.
Sixty-third, to James Reynolds, New York, April 22, 1851. For improvement in machines for gutta-percha tubing and covering wire.
What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the use, for the purposes specified, of feed-rollers, C, C, in combination with the stomach, G, G, having a lip, or mouth,h, arranged and operating substantially as shown and described.
Sixty-fourth, to Nelson Goodyear, New York, May 6, 1851. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber.
I do not claim the heating or curing process, as it is termed; that having been patented by Charles Goodyear.
What I do claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the combining of India-rubber and sulphur, either with or without shellac, for making a hard and inflexible substance, hitherto unknown, substantially as herein set forth.
And I also claim the combining of India-rubber, sulphur, and magnesia, or lime, or a carbonate, or a sulphate of magnesia, or of lime, either with or without shellac, for making a hard and inflexible substance, hitherto unknown, substantially as herein set forth.
Sixty-fifth, to Horace H. Day, Jersey City, N. J., May 20, 1851. For improvement in India-rubber shoes.
Having described the advantages of my improvement, and the best way known to me of manufacturing the same, what I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the manufacture of rubber boots and shoes without cloth, being made of separate pieces of different degrees of elasticity, and each piece having its peculiar and requisite degree, the shoe to possess different degrees of elasticity in different parts, and uniform elasticity in each different part, and having no part without some elasticity in every direction, by the means herein described, or any other substantially the same, whereby I lessen the cost, obtain a shoe not liable to break, which can be kept clean, stretched in every direction at the same time, easier to the foot, adjustable to larger boots, and yet not rendered useless to wear over smaller, light and elegant, and retain permanently their shape.
Sixty-sixth, to S. T. Armstrong, New York, June 24, 1851. For improvement in making gutta-percha hollow ware.
What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, in the process above described, is the method, as described, of moulding articles of gutta-percha, or the compounds of gutta-percha with other substances, by first making the same in the form of a pipe, and whilst in a partially heated and plastic state, giving to it the form required in a mould, by forcing a liquid inside to expand the gutta-percha, as described.
Sixty-seventh, to John Ryder, New York, June 1, 1852. For improvement in the process of manufacturing gutta-percha.
The claim is the preparation of gutta-percha for vulcanizing by a preliminary separate heating of it, to such a degree as to expel its volatile ingredients, which generally can be effected at the high temperatures of from 285° to 430° Fah. Mr. Ryder also claims the process of vulcanizing gutta-percha by first heating it to a sufficiently high temperature to expel all the volatile ingredients specified, which it is believed can be done between 285° and 430°, and then incorporating with it a hypo-sulphate, either alone or in combination with metallic sulphurets or whiting, or magnesia, or with all of them together, and then subjecting the mixture to a temperature of from 285° to 320° Fah., all the steps of the process being performed as set forth. Mr. Ryder disclaims the vulcanizing of gutta-percha in all cases save when it has been prepared for the vulcanizing operation by the aforesaid preliminary heating.
Sixty-eighth, to Frederick Bonner, Vera Cruz, Mexico, Sept. 7, 1852. For preserving India-rubber.
The nature of my discovery, is by applying the before mentioned quantity of Campeachy salt, or muriate of soda, to the rubber, in its sap state, and that by so doing, to prevent putrefaction and fermentation of the juice, to which, more especially, I confine the claim of my invention.
Sixty-ninth, to Charles Goodyear, New Haven, Conn., October 12, 1852. For improvement inmaking India-rubber Bat cloth. The claim is passing the bat or fleece cotton, flax, silk, or other fibrous substance, together with dissolved or softened India-rubber, gutta-percha or other vulcanized gum, or the compounds or preparations thereof, between calendering rollers, with an elastic substance interposed between the bat or fleece, and one of the rollers as described, or between the glazed apron and one of the rollers, substantially described.
Seventieth, to John L. Kingsley, New York, January 18, 1853. For improvement in metallic gum composition.
The nature of this invention consists in the process of preparing and using compositions made by grinding metals, earths, and other similar materials, with the raw uncured gums of gutta-percha and caoutchouc (India-rubber.)
Also claims—The making of stereotype moulds, and plates of the raw uncured gum, combined with the pulverized oxides of iron and antimony, or other equivalents.
Seventy-first, to Richard Solis, of New Brunswick, N. J., February, 1853. For India-rubber. I claim the manufacture of India-rubber fabrics by the mixture of ground or powdered vulcanized rubber, with the ordinary India-rubber of commerce.
Seventy-second, to Charles Goodyear, New York, April 12, 1853. For improvement in manufacturing articles composed of gutta-percha.
This invention consists in using or employing sand, pulverized soapstone, plaster, or some similar granularor pulverized or porous matter, or moulds made of porous substances, to sustain and keep the form of moulded or modelled article composed of caoutchouc or its compounds, and other gums, during the process of vulcanization, in proper shape and form. The caoutchouc or other gums are taken in a green state, and formed into the exact shapes desired, then covered with pulverized soapstone, or other similar granular or adhesive powder; they are placed in a box and heated to 200° or 300° Fahrenheit, from three to seven hours when the articles are vulcanized.
Seventy-third, to Charles Goodyear, and Robert Haering, of New Haven, Conn., April 12, 1853. (Assigners to Charles Goodyear.) Patented in England, March 4, 1851. For manufacturing India-rubber and gutta-percha.
The art or method of manufacturing articles composed in part of caoutchouc, or other gums, susceptible of vulcanization, by heating or vulcanizing the same, when surrounded with and pressed upon, externally or internally by or moulded in pulverized soapstone, sand, plaster, or other similar granular, pulverized or porous matter, or in moulds of plaster or other porous substance, as described.
Seventy-fourth, to John L. Kingsley, New York, June 14, 1853. For improvement in moulding gutta-percha Stereotype Plates.
The nature of this invention consists in making moulds for stereotyping of India-rubber, or gutta-percha, by mixing the gums with the metallic orearthy substances, and by expelling all air from the mould while it is being filled, to render the cast in all respects perfect. (The process would require too lengthy a description for this report.) The “claim” is the process of expelling air from the surface of the type when forming the mould, and from the surface of the mould when forming the plate. Also the method of dressing, levelling, or thickening the moulds and plates, when made of any compounds that run, so that all plates made shall be invariably of the same thickness.
Seventy-fifth, to Lenardo Westbrook, of New York City, July 19, 1853. For Gutta-percha Stereotype Composition. An improvement on the patent of Josiah Warren, dated April 25, 1846, first, the compound described, of shellac, plumbago or graphite, asphaltum and gutta-percha, treated by sulphate of copper and water, as described, as a substitute for type metal.
Seventy-sixth, to H. L. Novis, (Assigner to S. T. Armstrong) New York City, July 26, 1853. Patented in England, February 24, 1853, and in France, March 13, 1853. For preserving India-rubber in the liquid state.
Mr. Novis claims the compound, consisting of the native juice of the caoutchouc, with aqua ammonia or the equivalent thereof, as set forth, when said ammonia or its equivalent is mixed with said juice of the caoutchouc in a liquid state, by means of which, the juice above named is preserved for a great length of time, and can be manufactured at less expensethan the India-rubber of commerce, which is mixed with other foreign substances.
And I also claim the solid elastic article when manufactured from the said composition of matter as described.
Seventy-seventh, to John Chilcott, and Robert Snell, New York, September 13, 1853. For improvement in the manufacture of Boots and Shoes.
The sole is made of three parts, viz., the India-rubber sole, a leather lining, and a leather border, or edge. The India-rubber sole is made smaller than the sole it is intended to cover, and its edges are bevelled off thin all around; the leather lining is of the full size of the bottom of the boot or shoe, and united to the upper side of the India-rubber sole by water-proof adhesive material, leaving a margin of the lining all around the edge of the India-rubber sole; the leather border or edge is of the same thickness as the India-rubber sole, and overlaps the bevelled portion of it, and is also bevelled so thin that its outer face will be level with the outer face of the India-rubber. A solid sole is thus made of uniform thickness, which may be secured to a boot or shoe, by sewing, cementing, or pegging.
Claim connecting the whole or any portion of the sole of a boot or shoe, substantially as described, of India-rubber, with its inside or edges covered and protected by leather, which is united with it by any water-proof cement, with or without stitching, and forms a hard, firm leather edge.
Seventy-eighth, to Charles Goodyear, New York, October 11, 1853. For improvement in coating metals with gutta-percha.
The nature of this invention consists in the application of “caoutchouc or gutta-percha” when mixed with pulverized sulphur (six or eight ounces of sulphur to one pound of gum) to the surface of metal. The article covered is subjected to a high degree of heat, from 260° to 300° Fahrenheit, from three to seven hours. The hard compound covering may then be polished and varnished.
Claim.—The art or method of coating articles composed wholly or in part of metal with compound of India-rubber or gutta-percha, and subjecting the same to a high degree of artificial heat, or the process of vulcanization, substantially as specified.
Seventy-ninth, to L. Otto P. Meyer, Newton, Conn., December 20, 1853. For improvement in the manufacture of caoutchouc or other vulcanizable gums.
The nature of this invention consists in producing by means of oil and other fatty substances, smooth and glassy surfaces upon the material commonly known as hard compound of vulcanized caoutchouc, or gutta-percha, or other similar gums, which may be manufactured according to the process described in letters patent granted to Charles Goodyear, May 6, 1851.
Claim.—The producing smooth and glassy surfaces upon hard compounds of caoutchouc and other vulcanizable gums, by means of the use of oil, or other equivalent substances, applied to the surface of theprepared gum, and between the gum and the plates or the moulds.
Eightieth, to William E. Rider and John Murphy, of New York. For improvement in sulphurizing gutta-percha and like gums. Patented November 7, 1854. The improvement consists in the removal of superfluous sulphur from India-rubber or gutta-percha, when it has been vulcanized or is in the act of being vulcanized, by filling the vulcanizing oven with hydrogen gas during the heating process, called the curing, and allowing the gas to escape as fast as it becomes neutralized; by which, as the inventor alleges, the after accumulation of sulphur upon the surface of said gums, is prevented, and consequently the necessity of boiling them in caustic alkali, entirely avoided.
Claim.—The claim covers the whole ground, substantially as set forth. No illustration.
Eighty-first, to George Reynolds. For improvement in composition for tanning. Patented Dec. 19, 1854. Twenty hides with the hair on, are steeped for six weeks, in the following solution, viz.: 1 bushel of muriate of soda, 1 bushel of alum, and 6 pounds of sulphuric acid, diluted with three hogshead of water. The hides are to be beamed, and when steeped as stated, they are removed and dried, and then stuffed, or rubbed with tallow or oil, according to circumstances. But the hides are not steeped in tanning liquor till finished. They are calculated to be used for mocassins, &c., with the hair next the person.
Claim.—The claim is confined to the composition stated.
Eighty-second, to Edward Brown. For improvement in porous elastic cloth for gaiters. Patented Sept. 26, 1854. This improvement consists in cementing between two pieces of stocking fabric, strips of India-rubber, or a sheet of India-rubber previously perforated, for the purpose of furnishing a material pervious to moisture.
Claim.—The above described elastic fabric, the India-rubber being confined between two thicknesses of stocking-work, in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
Eighty-third, to Elias C. Hyatt and Christopher Meyer, of Milltown, N. J. For improvement in the manufacture of boot and shoe-soles of gutta-percha or India-rubber. Patented January 17, 1854. The material, in its plastic state, is passed between two rollers, marked 1 and 2 in the engraving, so as to form a continuous sheet of various thicknesses in its different parts, suitable for the heel, the shank, and the toe. The external surface of the sole is formed by No. 2—abeing a corrugated surface for the toe parts,cfor the heel part, andba smooth surface for the shank part. After the continuous sheet has been formed between the rollers, it is cut up into pieces of suitable width for soles.
The inventors say: We are aware that India-rubber has long since been reduced to sheets by rolling, and that the rollers used for this purpose have sometimes been engraved to produce a figured surface, analogous to that often connected to the heels and fore parts of shoes; but these sheets have been substantially of uniform thickness, varying only in theslight indentations, &c., required to produce an ornamental or figured surface. This we do not claim. But we are not aware that India-rubber has ever been rolled into sheets having a substantial variety of thickness in its different parts. Nor are we aware that shoe-soles, having the proper variety of thickness, have ever been rolled out, or made in one solid piece, before our invention; nor was it known that such forms could be produced, as we have produced them, in India-rubber, until our experiments practically illustrated the fact.
What we claim, therefore, as our invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is—
1st. Producing a shoe-sole, or other analogous manufacture, in India-rubber or gutta-percha, in one piece, having a variety of thicknesses in its different parts, by the use of rollers whose surfaces present the reverse of the forms to be produced, at a single operation, substantially as herein described.
2d. Forming soling of India-rubber or gutta-percha, with shanks, fore-parts, and heels of appropriated differences of thickness in one solid piece, at one operation, as described—thus producing a useful, economical, and novel manufacture.
3d. Also, forming such solings, or analogous manufacture, in continuous sheets, at one operation, by rolling, as described.
Eighty-fourth, to Charles Goodyear, of New Haven, Conn. For improvement in treating vulcanizable gums. Patented April 4, 1854. The improvement and claims consist in the method of manufacturingcompounds of caoutchouc, gutta percha, and other gums susceptible of vulcanization, in sheets, by covering the surface or surfaces of the sheets of gum with sheets of paper or cloth, or the equivalent thereof, and then confining the same during the process of vulcanization, by pressure between plates of metal or their equivalents, or otherwise, substantially as described. No illustration.
Eighty-fifth, to Julius Herriet, October 24, 1854. For improvement in gutta-percha Stereotype Composition.
Equal parts, by weight, of gutta-percha or caoutchouc, and pulverized graphite, or soapstone, or plaster of Paris, or chloride of lime, or peroxide of manganese, or other equivalent, are mixed together, heated, and moulded while hot. The proportions may be varied to suit the desired softness or toughness of the mass. The alleged qualities of the composition are plasticity, sufficient hardness to present sharp-angle lines and yet to resist pressure, aptness to be remoulded, and cheapness.
Claim.—The making of moulds and plates, for printing characters or figures, of gutta-percha or India-rubber, compounded with some other substance, substantially such, and for the purposes as described.
Eighty-sixth, to Henry Forstrick, Hoboken, N. J. For working over vulcanized India-rubber.
I claim the manner of extracting inorganic matter from vulcanized India-rubber, gutta-percha, and other gums or their compounds, by the application of diluted nitric acid and the use of fusel oil (grainoil) either in a heated state, mixed with the gum, or in the shape of vapors, for the restoration of the cleansed gums to the state of cohesion.
Eighty-seventh, to L. Otto P. Meyer, February 28, 1854. For improvement in vulcanizing India-rubber and other gums.
The invention or claim consists in the heating or curing of the material commonly known as the hard compound of vulcanized caoutchouc, or other vulcanizable gums, by means of the immersion of the material in, or under water, or other suitable liquid, heated to about 300° Fah., daring the process of curing.
Eighty-eighth, to Ellsworth D. S. Goodyear, assignor to the New York Rubber Company, March 28, 1854. For improvement in processes for treating India-rubber.
The improvement refers to the manufacture of hollow articles from India-rubber, and consists in filling such ware, as balls, &c., to a certain extent, with water, which being, during the process of vulcanization, converted into steam, exercises the necessary inside pressure to impart any desired pattern to the exterior face of the article.
Claim.—The introduction of water or any other liquid into the interior of articles which require expansive force for their perfect formation against the interior surface of moulds, said liquid to be converted into steam, substantially as, and for the purposes, specified.
Eighty-ninth, to L. Otto P. Meyer, April 4, 1854. For improvement in treating caoutchouc and other vulcanizable gums.
The interposing between sheets of gum, &c., to be cured, sheets of flexible material, when the series of sheets thus piled are confined between plates of iron during the process of vulcanization, being disclaimed, the improvement and claim are restricted to covering the surface of what is known as the hard compound of caoutchouc with tin foil, or other equivalent substances, to preserve the form previously given by embossing or moulding, the contact of the tin foil during the curing process having the effect to preserve the form and the surface without pressure or moulds.
Ninetieth, to Julius A. Pease, November 14, 1854. For improvement in over-shoes.
The claim explains the character of this invention, by reference to the accompanying figure. A. represents the ribs, and B. the depressions between them.
Claim.—Making India-rubber or gum shoes with the inner surface ribbed, corrugated, or otherwise made uneven, for the purpose of allowing a circulation of air between it and the boot or shoe over which it is worn; and this, whether it be effected in the precise manner stated, or by lining the shoe with a similar ribbed, corrugated, or otherwise raised and depressed surfaced fabric, as described.
Ninety-first, to John Murphy, May 30, 1854. For improvement in the process of treating gutta-percha.
The improvement refers to the process of re-heating,as patented to John Rider, in June, 1852, and consists in mixing two ounces of sulphur with ten pounds of gutta-percha, and heating the latter to about 285° Fah., preparatory to the regular vulcanization; this amount of sulphur, although not enough to vulcanize the gum, being alleged to serve the purpose of expelling certain volatile ingredients preparatory thereto.
Claim.—Incorporating with gutta-percha, substantially, the proportion of sulphur, or its equivalent, herein specified; and then subjecting it to such a degree of heat, and for such a length of time, as to expel therefrom its injurious volatilizable ingredients, preparatory to vulcanizing the gutta-percha thus treated, or of using it in the condition that said process of treatment puts it into.
Ninety-second, to Daniel Haywood, August 29, 1854. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber.
The improvement consists in the use of the steam-jacket both for the mould and the die employed in the manufacture of India-rubber goods, and in the sudden introduction of cold water after the hot steam into the jackets. By the first device the vulcanizing of new articles is alleged to be more perfect, and the remelting and remoulding of old, worn-out India-rubber to be rendered attainable. By the second device the degree of hardness of the product, or its adhesiveness on the surface, can be moderated at pleasure.
The drawings exemplify the improvement as applied to manufacturing buckets.
Claim.—The claim is confined to remoulding worn-out India-rubber goods, by the means stated.
Ninety-third, to Henry G. Tyer and John Helm. For improvement in the manufacture of boots and shoes. Patented March 27, 1855. The object of this improvement is to produce a boot or shoe combining the qualities of India-rubber with the lightness and elegance attainable by the use of other materials, and capable of being re-soled when necessary.
The upperaand in-soleBhaving been cemented together, perforations are made around and through the uppera, until the cemented surface of the in-soleBhas been pierced. Then these holes are filled up with cement, and the outer solecproperly cemented, is pressed upon the in-sole. If sufficient strength be used, slightly to separate those several parts of the sole, see fig. 2, the rubber filament can be seen in threads H. as represented in fig. 2.
The inventors say,—we disclaim the use or application of this our device, or invention to any other matter or thing than is described, and set forth. We claim the uniting of the outer sole and upper, manufactured wholly or in part of vulcanized India-rubber, with the in-sole of boots and shoes, by means of cement, the cement passing through preparations made for that purpose in the upper, in the manner substantially and for the purpose described.
Ninety-fourth, to John M. Wimley, (Assignor to J. &. B. Shaw), June 12, 1855. An improvement in attaching gutta-percha soles to Boots and Shoes.
The melted gutta-percha is filled into mould A, up to the rim B, and the shoe placed thereon and firmly pressed down, until the sides of the shoe come in contact all around with the rim B. The gutta-percha is forced into, and through the holes purposely made, through the in-sole and edges of the upper.
The inventor says, I am aware that India-rubber, after being cut out, and shaped like a sole, has been united to the in-sole and upper, by means of an intermediating cement, caused to penetrate holes made in the in-sole and upper, but I do not claim this, nor do I claim uniting gutta-percha and leather for any other purpose than that of manufacturing boots and shoes as before described. But I claim manufacturing, or making boots and shoes, with the outer sole made entirely of gutta-percha, when the said outer soles are simultaneously formed and united to the upper and in-sole, by means of heat and pressure in a mould substantially as described and set forth.
Ninety-fifth, to S. T. Parmelee, New Brunswick, N. J., July 17, 1855. For improvement in attaching metallic heels to India-rubber soles.
The India-rubber is vulcanized after having been filled within the metallic casing. It could not be done after the vulcanizing, as vulcanized rubber cannot be rendered sufficiently soft. The inventor claims having the metallic rings or casings formed with recesses arranged in any proper way, so that the soft or elastic India-rubber mixed with the proper vulcanizing materials, may be fitted therein, and the rubber and rings or casings be permanently lockedtogether, by subjecting the rubber to steam heat, and vulcanizing it when fitted within the rims or casings for the purpose as set forth.
Ninety-sixth, to John Arthur, and Evan Arthur, New Brunswick, N. J., July 24, 1855. For improvement in Machine for cutting boot and shoe uppers, soles, &c., from sheets of India-rubber.
After describing the machine the patentees set forth the following as their
Claim.—1st. The cutting or separation of India-rubber by placing it on a wet cloth, or other suitable moistened surface, and submitting it to the pressure of a heated die, having an edge of the form of the article to be cut, substantially as set forth.
2d. The combination of one or more reciprocating die-frames, each carrying a set of dies with a stove, and with carrying and pressing apparatus, to carry the sheet or piece of rubber, so that the dies by their reciprocating movement, may be carried into the stove to be heated, and then return to cut or stamp out the pattern or article from the piece as set forth.
3d. The method of raising the die-frames to carry the dies on their return movement towards the stove. Providing pins for the ends of the die-frames to strike against, to throw up the opposite ends carrying the dies.
4th. The swinging frame with its fingers, arranged and operating to conduct the points or ends of the patterns, as soon as they are cut or separated between the roller upon which the cutting is performed, and another roller by which they are at once preventedcurling it, and are conveyed along towards where they are delivered from the machines.
Ninety-seventh, to Edwin B. Larchar, Baltimore, Md., July 24, 1855. For improvement in making gutta-percha boats.
Claim.—The method of making a safety boat or other vessels of gutta-percha mixed glue, so that the air chambers or other parts, if separately formed, may together with the boat body, be so united and completed at one pressure, that if the braces, thwarts, knees, supporters, or other accessories to the boat proper, are solid, the whole, with the inner and outer forms, may be made or completed together at one time, and at one pressure, as described.
Ninety-eighth, to William F. Converse, Harrison, Ohio, April 17, 1855. For improvement in India-rubber springs.
Ninety-ninth, to Sigismund Beer, assignor to Lewis Feuchtuanger, and Sigismund Beer, New York, May 29, 1855. For improvement in de-vulcanizing India-rubber.
Claim.—The restoration of caoutchouc, gutta-percha or other similar gums, which have undergone the process of being cured or vulcanized, so that those gums may be capable of being used again as a substitute for native gums, may be capable of being used again as a substitute for native gums of like character, or in combination with such gums, by first treating the vulcanized gum with alkalies, or compounds of alkalies and oils, as potash with any common grease or oil, for extracting the sulphur, &c., and then submittingthe mass to heat and turpentine, or any other liquid known to be a solvent of the gum in its natural condition.
One hundredth, to Francis Baschnagel, New York, Aug. 14, 1855. For improvement in compositions for treating rubber and gutta-percha.
Claim.—The conversion or restoration of caoutchouc or gutta-percha, whether they have been vulcanized or not, into a soft, plastic, and workable state, (by a new combination of chemical agents) so that they may be re-manufactured in a state already vulcanized or not, according as the substance converted or restored had or had not been vulcanized; the substances which I use for this purpose being bi-sulphuret of carbon in conjunction with alcohol absolute, and not common alcohol, without the addition of any other chemical agent; and without the application of heat.
One hundred and first, to James West, October 30, 1855. For improvement in roofing compositions.
The proportions are: Sixteen ounces naptha, half an ounce of India-rubber, half an ounce of shellac, and half an ounce of gutta-percha dissolved in linseed oil, gum shellac dissolved in alcohol, two ounces “puzzolan” (composed of pulverized glass,) quick lime pulverized and sifted, and two ounces of smalt.
Claim.—The use of lime in combination with the rubber, gutta-percha, and shellac solutions in the composition, as set forth.
The solution of rubber, gum-shellac, gutta-percha, and the naptha, are to be warmed to blood heat, thenthe “puzzolan” to be mixed therewith, and immediately to be applied to the roof and rubbed smooth; then the smalt is to be sifted on.
One hundred and second, to Charles Rice and Sylvanus H. Whorf, Nov. 13, 1855. For improvement in lasting and applying soles to shoes.
The sole and the upper are first placed together upon a last A, the upper being made to overlap the outer surface of the in-sole, and affixed thereto by cement. The whole being thus prepared, is next placed within the clamping bed, B, and the parts of the latter closed; next the platten of the press is to be depressed, so as to carry the punches.
Claim.—The holding clamp, B, and last, A, as used together, and in connection with the pressing or punching mechanism, or both, for the purpose of fixing soles to shoes by cement, substantially as set forth.
One hundred and third, to Charles Rice and Sylvanus H. Whorf, Nov. 20, 1855. For improved machine for preparing leather for the manufacture of boots and shoes.
Claim.—The above described mechanism, or machine, for preparing leather for the manufacture of boots and shoes, the whole being arranged and made to operate, substantially in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
One hundred and fourth, to H. G. Tyer and John Helm, New Brunswick, N. J., Jan. 2, 1855. For improvement in processes for making India-rubber cloth.
This improvement consists in subjecting the cloth, which has been previously coated with a layer of India-rubber, suddenly to a degree of heat from 140° to 180° Fah. By this sudden application of heat while the goods are still in a green, undried state, the camphene used in the cement evaporating very rapidly, and leaves the gum punctured with minute orifices, which are too small to allow the passage of globules of water through them, but are large enough for the passage of air through them.
Claim.—The peculiar mode, so described, of preparing the uppers of boots and shoes.
One hundred and fifth, to Charles Morey, citizen of the United States, residing at Paris, France, Jan. 9, 1855. For improvement in re-working hard rubber compounds.
The material is placed in an iron mould closed and subjected to a powerful pressure. It is then placed between two red-hot iron plates, and thus again introduced into the press. When the mould is sufficiently hot, it is put into cold water until it has become cool. The soldering, after the article is taken from the mould, is performed in the following manner: The broken parts are scraped off; dust of hard vulcanized India-rubber is introduced between the scraped parts; the whole is submitted to a high degree of heat and pressure, whereby the broken parts are united in a perfect manner.
Claim 1st.—Forming or moulding scrapings, filings, dust, powder, or sheets of hard vulcanized India-rubber, into a compact, solid mass, by meansof a high degree of heat and pressure, as above described.
Second.—The application of dust powder, filings of hard vulcanized India-rubber for soldering or uniting hard vulcanized India-rubber.
One hundred and sixth, to Henry G. Tyer and John Helm, Jan. 30, 1855. For improvement in processes for making India-rubber cloth.
The India-rubber compound, (in a plastic state) is introduced at C, between cylinders 1 and 2, as it passes between the said cylinders, and adhering to cylinder 2, is carried round and down until it comes nearly in contact with cylinder 3, when the end of roll of cloth A is inserted between cylinders 2 and 3, and the compound is pressed upon and into the cloth by the action of the cylinders. When the cloth and compound thus united on one side have passed round cylinder 3 until they have have become nearly in contact with cylinder 4, the end of the cloth from roller B is inserted between cylinders 3 and 4 so as to come in contact with the compound on cloth A. The two pieces of cloth, with the compound between them, then pass between cylinders 3 and 4, when the two pieces of cloth become firmly united with the compound.
Claim.—The process described of making elastic fabrics without a previous preparation of threads, strips, or sheets, or the coating of the cloth by cement.
One hundred and seventh, to Sylvanus H. Whorf, assignor to himself and Charles Rice, Jan. 8, 1856.For improvement in the manufacture of boots and shoes.
The inventor says: “I do not claim uniting the sole to the upper by means of cement, made to extend through the upper alone, but what I do claim as my improvement, is the manufacture of a shoe by cementing its sole and upper in extending the cement not only through perforations in the upper, but in and through the perforations made in and through the in-sole or the outer sole, or both, the same presenting great advantages, not only in securing the parts together, but in rendering them water-proof when the cement employed is of a character to resist water.”
One hundred and eighth, to G. Tyer and John Helm, New Brunswick, N. J., Jan. 9, 1856. For improvement in making gum-elastic cloth.
Claim.—An elastic fabric composed of pieces of cloth either woven with the threads of the weft in a diagonal position to the threads of the warp or of common cloth stretched so as to force the threads into such relative diagonal position, combined and caused to adhere together, exclusively by vulcanized compound of India-rubber or gutta-percha, the two pieces of cloth being first united by the vulcanizable compound and the compound being vulcanized after the union.
One hundred and ninth, to Sylvanus H. Whorf and Charles Rice, March 4, 1856. For improvement in the application of soles to boots and shoes, by means of pressure, and gutta-percha or other cement.
The nature of this invention will be understood by reference to the claim. The machine for pressing the sole to the upper is illustrated in the engraving, where H represents a hollow last, into which steam can be introduced by means of pipe I; and the sole can be pressed to the upper by means of the pressing apparatus and the platten C.
Claim.—We are aware that a gutta-percha sole has been applied to a shoe by melting gutta-percha in a mould and subsequently pressing the shoe therein. We, therefore, do not claim such. We are also aware that in book-binders’ presses, and in smoothing irons, the platten of the one, and the body of the other, have been provided with an air-chamber for the reception of either steam or heated air, or other means of heating. We, therefore, do not claim such. As we use heat not for either drying or smoothing alone, but for a different purpose, and in a process of manufacture wherein it has not been before applied, to our knowledge, in the way in which we employ it, being used by us for softening or melting gutta-percha, after it has been applied to a last, as specified; and therefore we claim our improvement in the process of manufacturing and finishing shoes with either gutta-percha soles, or soles formed of leather or other material, and united to the upper and in-sole by means of gutta-percha or its equivalent, and through the agency of pressing mechanism, as specified, our improvement consisting in supplying heat within a last by means of a chamber and pipe and steam or means of heating said last, the same not only enabling the gutta-percha of thesole to be softened or rendered adhesive while it is being pressed upon the in-sole and upper, but also serving to smooth and finish the upper, as described.
One hundred and tenth, to Richard McMullin, March 17, 1856. For improvement in processes for making elastic rubber cloth.
Claim.—Rendering vulcanized India-rubber, for the manufacture of shirred goods, adhesive by boiling it in a solution of potash, to remove the sulphur from its surface, thus fitting the sheet of rubber to receive a coat of cement, whereby it is caused to adhere firmly to the cloth, or other fabric between which it is placed, in the manner and for the purposes substantially as herein set forth.
One hundred and eleventh, to John H. Cheever, March 11, 1856. For improvement in the manufacture of India-rubber belting or banding.