424 



♦ KNOWLEDGE ♦ 



[Mat 15, 1885. 



with, where the greatest possible difference of snn-imparted 

 velocities in the approaching and subsequently-retreating meteorite 

 have been imagined. 



0m- Jnbrntorsi' Column. 



We give here, week by tveei, a terse description of such of the many 

 inventions as we think may be of use to our readers. Where it is 

 possible, the number of the patent is quoted, to enable those who 

 desire fuller information to procure the specification from the 

 Patent Oflce in Cursitor-street, Chancery-lane. We shall, gene- 

 rally speaking, confine ourselves to the more recent inventions; imt 

 it often happens that an aj-ticle comes under our notice which, 

 although not quite novel, is worthy of mention for its utility and 

 ingenuity. In such a caxe we should not hesitate to refer our 

 readers to it. And while we thus increase the interest of our pages, 

 we at the same time assist the inventors by giving greater publicity 

 to their inventions (Knowledge being a popular m.agazine) than 

 is accorded by the most excellent trade journals 



STEAII-COOKER. 



[Patented 1S84.] — This invention, by Messrs. V,'. H. Bailey & 

 Co., of the Albion Works, Salford, consists of a wrought-iron 

 vessel encased in an outer shell, between which steam is admitted 

 at any pressure from about 40 lb. to 100 lb., the pressure in some 

 degree regulating the time which is taken to roast the meat. A 

 gauge is provided to indicate the pressure, each cooker being 

 tested up to 2001b. before delivery. The cooker is also connected 

 to any cistern or town's main for condensing and cooling purposes. 

 A cross-head and dish and a potato-steamer are provided with 

 each cooker, few other utensils being necessary. Vessels of almost 

 any kind may be placed within the apparatus. When the con- 

 tents refjuire inspection, or when sufficiently cooked, the steam is 

 turned off. a small quantit}' of cold water turned on to condense 

 such steam as remains, the lid unscrewed, and the contents 

 examined. The accompanying illustration is a view of the cooker 

 with the lid partly opened, showing the swivel arrangement and 

 part of the interior. 



3. Soups, meat extracts, jellies, and vegetables are cooked 

 without loss through evaporation. 



I. Bone essences and marrows can be entirely extracted, leaving 

 the bone in a calcined state. 



5. Tough meats can be cooked so as to be tit for food by this 

 apparatus. 



G. Many nuisances incidental to cookery are entirely avoided. 



The steam-cooker may be also employed for the purpose of 

 making herb, bark, and root decoctions, and for medicinal purposes 

 generally ; also for softening substances and reducing them to their 

 elementary conditions. 



MUSIC-STAXD. 



[Patent No. 6,939, 1884.]— This invention, by Mr. Bennett, who 

 has entrusted its production to Mr. A. Gary, of Xewbury, Berks, is 

 likely to prove very useful to itinerant musicians of all grades. 



The stand is claimed to be the only one that does not require 

 taking to pieces in order to reduce it to a convenient, portable size. 



It is specially adapted for all classes of instrumentalists, for both 

 out-door and in-door use, and appears to be the simplest, neatest, 

 and most portable music-stand yet invented. 



The following are some of the special merits and parposes claimed 

 for this invention : — 



1. Ketention of all the nutritious products and essences of 

 meats, <ic., while being cooked, escape bemjj impossible. 



2. No possibility of charring joints, &c., these being cooked in 

 their own moisture, thus retaining all their excellence and soluble 

 properties. 



Fig. 1. 



Fig. 



In Fig. 1 is an illustration of the stand when open. The desk is 

 so constructed that a self-acting arrangement causes the connection 

 between it and the pillar to be in the centre when open and at the 

 top extremity when folded, the same arrangement also causing it 

 to be at the proper angle to the pillar when open, but parallel to it 

 when closed. The desk folds up into practically a bundle of wires, 

 the pillar is telescopic, and the tripod or legs fold back on the 

 pillar, a locking arrangement keeping them in the open position 

 when required. 



The following advantages are claimed for the stand. It is the 

 only music-stand which can be folded small enough to be fixed in 

 the lid of an ordinary violin case without taking to pieces, as shown 

 in Fig. 2. All screws, bolts, nuts, and springs are dispensed with. 

 It can be varied in height to suit all requirements, and is held 

 firmly in the desired position by a new and powerful eccentric 

 arrangement. All connecting-rods, guides, stays, sliding-coUars, 

 A-c, being dispensed with, it has a neat and elegant appearance. 

 It is made entirely of sheet metal and tubes; it is light, strong, 

 and durable, and there is nothing to wear or get out of order. 



