RECENTL Y PA TENTED IMPROVEMENTS. 149 



Envelope Opener and Paper-Cutter. — This is a new and improved device 

 of simple construction and consists of a blade or strip of metal, ivory, hard rub- 

 ber, bone, or celluloid, having a fork at each end, all of the prongs being cutting 

 edges. 



The prongs are also slightly tapered toward the ends and are provided with 

 rounded points. 



An aperture is formed in the centre of the blade and this opening is surround- 

 ed on each side of the blade by a raised ring, the inner edge of which is beveled 

 for forming two cavities for receiving the ball of the thumb while using the in- 

 strument. 



To open an envelope, which is a very simple and speedy operation, one of 

 the cutting prongs is passed under the flap and moved along the edge of the same. 



Paper is cut in a similar manner, but the outer edges of the prongs are 

 used. 



The instrument is quite small and handy, and the aperture permits of hang- 

 ing it on a hook when not in use, but the cutter was designed for carrying in the 

 vest pocket, by Mr. C. E. Hochstetler of this city. 



Steam-Engine or Water-Motor. — This engine consists of a working-cyhn- 

 der of the form termed "segmental, " a piston fitted therein, a piston-rod bent 

 to the proper circle and connected at each end to working-arms that oscillate up- 

 upon a pin in the engine framing. 



The cylinder is provided with combined induction and eduction balanced- 

 valves operating between the faced surface of the cylinder covers and the ends 

 of the cylinder. 



The valves are operated by rods attached to a pin inserted in the boss of the 

 working-arms and the whole is arranged to operate a crank by means of the 

 shorter of three working-arms and a connecting rod, the arrangement sought for 

 being to use a much shorter crank than is usually employed in engines and to 

 obtain a leverage over the work also by the special form of the valves and direct 

 ports, to give the freest admission and ejection to the steam or water. 



In operation, steam or water being admittted to the cylinder through an in- 

 duction port, the piston is driven thereby to the opposite end of the cylinder, 

 meanwhile the valves have changed positions and the propelling fluid is admitted 

 to the other side of the piston. The exhaust port of the starting end has hberated 

 the contained steam or water while the exhaust valve of the opposite end is in a 

 reverse position. 



The eduction ports of this engine being situated at the extreme lower corner 

 of the cylinder, it is especially adapted for use as an economical hydraulic engine 

 and its compact form will allow of its being placed where other motors could not, 

 because of the space occupied by them. 



Mr. Gerritt S. Peppard of this city is the inventor. 



