The preservation of wood is a problem which is attracting increased
attention, as year by year diminishes the material supply of timber,
and consequently gradually increases its price. Among other methods
employed, the impregnation of wood by the vapors of tar, creosote,
petroleum, etc., has been tried, and one of the practical difficulties
met with has been the obtaining of suitable apparatus for the purpose.
[Illustration]
The engraving annexed is an invention intended to supply this want.
The wood is inclosed, in a tank kept hot by a steam jacket which
surrounds it, as shown. A boiler at one end is used to heat the
substance with which it is desired to impregnate the wood. An air pump
is also employed to remove the steam, generated in the heated timber,
and the air from the tank. The pores of the wood being thus rendered
vacuous, the hot liquid or vapors from the heating tank readily
penetrate the entire substance, and thoroughly impregnate it. This
apparatus is the invention of George Pustkuchen, of Hoboken, N. J.
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