=Lewis's Reversible Faucet Filters.=
Highly favorable as our opinion may be of the several excellent
filters which have been introduced, we cannot avoid giving a
preference to the one recently invented by Mr. S. H. Lewis. It
consists of a very neat faucet, calculated to be attached to a common
Croton or other hydrant, and in connection with the faucet key, is a
circular chamber, three inches in diameter, within which is a circular
filter consisting of a quantity of cotton cloth, flannel sponge or
porous porcelain (which is preferred) compressed between two
perforated metallic disks: and the faucet key is so constructed that
by turning it to the right, the water is permitted to flow through the
filter in one direction; but its course is reversed and it is made to
flow in the opposite direction through the filter by turning the key
to the left. The filter is thus cleansed at pleasure without any
trouble, on examination of the filter or chamber. They may be seen at
28 1-2 Broadway.
=West's Cheap and Convenient Filter.=
For the thousands of families in this city whose houses are not
furnished with the Croton water-pipes, a neat portable filter,
recently invented by Mr. N. West, of this city, is as near perfection,
in convenience and utility, as could be furnished for the low price of
_one dollar_, and should find a place in every house or shop where the
Croton water is used. It consists of two conical pails, one within the
other; the first is furnished with an efficient filter at the bottom
thereof; and the other has a faucet, by which the water is drawn off
as occasion requires. They may be found at 156 Delancy street.
=Improved Yoke for Oxen.=
This yoke is constructed with sliding blocks attached to the under
side of the beam of the yoke, near each end, and each sliding block is
attached to the beam by bolts which pass through mortises so that the
blocks may be made to slide occasionally to the right or left. To
these blocks are attached the bows, the position of which are adjusted
by gauge screws; and by the sliding of the blocks, the distance of the
oxen from each other may be regulated. The middle of the yoke is
furnished with a draught staple or eye-bolt which is moveable and
regulated by a hand screw at the top, whereby the _pitch_ of the
draught it regulated. Invented by David Chappel, and entered at the
Patent Office, Sept. 3d.
=Another Improvement In Stoves.=
Messrs. Hartshorn, Payson & Ring entered at the Patent Office,
September 3d, an improved stove, in which they claim the combination
of the common wood stove and cylinder coal stove, so that the coal may
be burned alone, and the draught so arranged as at the same time to
heat the wood stove with the same heat, and if wood alone should be
burned, then the draught should be so managed and arranged as at the
same time to heat the side radiators and coal cylinders. A minute
description of this improvement, is not, in this place, essential.
=Iron Shingles.=
We have never been able to understand the reason why iron has so long
been neglected as a covering for roofs, but are gratified to learn
that Mr. Wm. Beach, of Troy, N. Y., has invented and patented a mode
of using cast iron plates for covering roofs. They are about one foot
square, and are made to fit one into another, so as to render the roof
water tight, by applying white lead to the joints. It can be afforded
at 16 cents the square foot, and probably may be so far improved as to
cost no more than slate, and will be much more permanent and safe. We
see no difficulty in dispensing with white lead, however, and making
the seams tight without it.
=Improvement in the Railroad Track.=
This improvement was entered Sept. 5th, by John F. Rogers. What he
claims is the combination of the balance beam with the centre beam, by
means of the recesses in the centre beam, spring plates, having tubes
thereon on which the springs rest, and attached to the beam by bolts,
by which a compact and secure connection is formed, while all the
necessary flexibility is preserved.
=THE GREAT FAIR.=
The American Institute appears emblematical of the genius of our
countrymen--unsubdued even by conflagration, and looking upon
obstacles as incentives to redoubled effort. Contrast the smoking
ruins of Niblo's with Castle Garden, having its whole amphitheatre
enriched with a tastefully arranged collection of the most varied
products of American arts and manufactures, and behold an evidence
that we even inherit perseverance, enterprize and skill. We here see
the embodiment of the excellence of greatness of our country--an
unerring index of our future advance--if it be not that the signs of
the times indicate that madness in our rulers which precedes and
forebodes heaven's wrath. But it cannot, it must not be, that the
blood of _labor_ shall cry from the ground of America. It must be
sheathed, it must be protected. Protection is nature's first law.
Expose the bleating flocks to the hungry beasts of the forest; cut the
wings and pluck the feathers of her whom nature teaches to protect her
brood from cold and rain; say to the mother to leave her babe
unprotected and in free competition with all the elements of
destruction, sooner than refuse the protection of our Government to
the hitherto flourishing American manufactures.
Castle Garden, or more correctly Castle Clinton, is at the southern
extremity of our city. It was built for a fort--is of a circular form,
of solid mason work, surrounded by the waters of the bay--connected to
that ornament of the city, the Battery, by a long bridge. This bridge
the managers have covered with a roof, and thus secured a very
eligible and spacious apartment for the exhibition of carriages,
sleighs, carts, farming implements and machinery in great variety.
Thence the ingress suddenly opens into view the whole interior,
creating the most lively and pleasing emotions.
In the columns of the Scientific American we shall endeavor to give
those details that will, we trust, interest our readers and promote
the cause of American improvements.
=BATHS.=
After leaving the bridge, the passage way to the interior of the
Castle is ornamented on both sides with a pleasing display of
Baths--the immersion bath made of tin and of iron, and these combined
with the showering apparatus. The shower baths are variously
constructed, and some of them are of finished workmanship and costly
material. Stebbin's Patent Furniture shower Bath presents itself first
in the form of a very convenient washstand, with all its out fit; it
is next easily converted into a work stand; with equal dispatch it
assumes the form of a shower bath, furnished with every requisite. We
regard this as an ingenious piece of furniture, that will greatly
increase the use of the shower-bath, and thus add to the health of the
community.
=SOFA BEDSTEADS.=
Much ingenuity has been expended in combining the Sofa and Bedstead.
The first that attracted our attention was that manufactured by Mr.
John A. Robson, 30th st. and 8th Avenue. It is on the double cone
spring, so constructed that using it as a bed does not affect the
cushion, and vice versa. The matrass or bed is 4 by 6 feet, without an
intervening bar. It is exceedingly simple, of admirable contrivance,
and of moderate price.
=CUTLERY.=
The display of American Cutlery is rich, affording a most gratifying
evidence of the progress of the useful arts among us. Our neighbors,
J. C. Nixon & Sons, in the Sun Buildings, feel quite confident that
they will, as usual, carry off the premiums, particularly for their
much celebrated tailor's shears. In the manufacture of engravers'
tools; they challenge not only all America, but the world
itself.--They manufacture for customers, from whom their articles have
derived their just and solid reputation.
(_To be Continued._)
=Improved Steam Printing Press.=
We have recently seen a model of a new Steam Printing Press, the
invention of Mr. Wm. W. Marston, a young and ingenious mechanic of
this city. A mass of other matters prevents our giving a description
at present; we shall probably procure an engraving, however, and
publish a full description in a few days.
=Information to persons having business to transact at the Patent
Office.=