in transverse section at fig. 4. The skelp A, is pushed forward in the free passage between the rollers B, B, until it arrives at a fixed stop; the rotation of the rolls in the direction of the arrows, will then bend inward the edges of the skelp, as shown by dotted lines in fig. 4, and cause the skelp to assume the shape represented at A, fig. 5, where it is just about to be discharged from the rollers.

We now introduce the bended end of the skelp between another pair of rollers B*, c, having semi-circular grooves as shown in front view at fig. 3, and in transverse section at fig. 6, passing the bent tubular end of the skelp on to a fixed mandrel D, placed in the grooves of the rollers. This mandrel D, is represented detached in two views at fig. 7; it is intended to be mounted in a frame, and firmly held by a thin arm or fin extending from its side, connecting it to the part or disc by which it is attached to the frame, and held as shown in the front view, fig. 3, or in any other convenient manner, observing that it must be made stationary in the centre of the grooves of the rollers. The rotation of the rollers B*, c, will now cause the skelp to be drawn forward, and by the pressure of the grooved rollers bearing upon it externally, and the resistance of the mandrel internally, the whole length of the skelp will be bent up nearly into a cylindrical form, leaving a small opening between the edges of the same, as represented in the longitudinal and sectional figs. 8, and 9, which exhibit the skelp, figs. 1, and 2, bent up ready for welding: observing, that as the bent-up skelp advances, the arm or fin which supports the mandrel protrudes the open space between the bent-up edges of the skelp, and there operates as a guide in keeping the edges parallel.

We have said that we can bend the skelps by con

ducting them through forming moulds. To effect this, we put the flat skelp A, between a pair of parallel grooved rollers E, E, as shown in section at fig. 10, and insert the flat end of the skelp into the bell-mouth of the forming mould F, shown in a front view at fig. 11. In order to assist the passage of the skelp through the forming mould, it may be necessary to employ a slight pair of tongs; these may be inserted into the forming mould, by providing a straight groove or passage for them.

The internal shape of the forming mould cannot be very well shown in the drawing; it will, however, be sufficient to say that the mould should be made in two pieces, that is, divided longitudinally in the middle, and that the groove through which the skelp is to pass, should gradually curve from the flat mouth in front to the circular part behind, at which the skelp is discharged. A back view of the forming mould and the conducting rollers is shown in elevation at fig. 12.

In order to close and weld the joints of the tubes, we place them in a suitable hollow fire or air-furnace, for the purpose of bringing the metal to a welding heat from end to end; we then employ a pair of rollers G, G, having semi-circular grooves, and a stationary mandrel D, of nearly the same constructions, and fixed in a similar manner as described above at figs. 3, and 6, in reference to the bending. In this case, however, the arm or fin which supports the mandrel, must not extend so near to the rollers as in the former, it being required to close and weld the edges of the skelp upon the largest or swell part of the mandrel, as the welding operation cannot be done at that part from which the fin protrudes. This welding mandrel is shown detached in two views, at fig. 13: a, is the swell or head which forms the resist

ance when the welding takes place; b, is the point and conducting part; c, is the thin arm or fin which, by means of its block or disc d, screwed to the standard, holds the mandrel firmly in its place. Fig. 14, is a front elevation of the welding rollers, showing the position of the mandrel; fig. 15, is a transverse section of the same.

It is only necessary to say, that on withdrawing the skelp from the fire, it is to be immediately slipped on to the point of the mandrel and pushed along the guide, the opening between the edges of the skelp being opposite to the fin or arm which holds the mandrel. The rotation of the rollers now carries it forward, and the external pressure of the rollers, opposed by the swell or head of the mandrel a, within, causes the edges of the skelp to become closed and firmly welded together. The elongated part or rod e, extending from the head of the mandrel beyond the rollers, is merely intended as a guide to support the tube, and prevent its bending; but if it should be required to draw down the tube to a smaller diameter, then another swell or head ƒ, may be affixed upon the rod e, as a second mandrel, and the tube be drawn between a second pair of rollers H, H, fig. 16.

We have above described our improved mode of making cylindrical tubes or pipes, the same mode of welding between rollers, with a fixed internal mandrel, will also apply to the making of tubes of other forms; as for instance, a triangular tube, shown in the transverse sections at fig. 17, which may be used for the rail of a tramroad, or for conducting steam or hot water in warming buildings; or the double tubes, shown in sections, at figs. 18, and 19, and longitudinally at figs. 20, and 21, may be closed by welding between grooved rollers with fixed mandrels, and afterwards may be cut

into sections transversely, for making chains. The same mode of welding between grooved rollers with fixed mandrels, is also applicable for hollow sash bars and stiles for windows, hollow rafters for hot-houses, hollow band-rails for staircases, hollow copings for palisadings, and a great variety of other things for which bars may be rolled into forms or swaged; and after being bent up by hand or otherwise, require to be welded together: which mode of welding in its various applications, we also claim as part of our invention.

Our improvements in forging or rolling metal, apply principally to rolling rails for railways; in effecting which, we first spread out and elongate the billet of iron into the form shown in transverse section at fig. 22, by means of ordinary grooved rollers; we then further shape the billet by the operations of rollers with other formed grooves, successively bringing the billets into the shapes shown at figs. 23, 24, 25, and 26. When we have brought it to the shape represented at fig. 26, we further work it into the shapes shown at figs. 27, and 28, by means of mandrels or guides placed in the grooves of the rolls in the same way as described above in reference to forming the tubes: the effect of which mode of rolling or forging is, that the grain of the iron will be made to be in a different direction to the grain of rails prepared by the ordinary process of rolling.

Lastly, we desire it to be understood that the subjects claimed by us, under the above recited Letters Patent, are, first, the means employed for preparing, bending, and forming skelps for making cylindrical and nearly cylindrical tubes or pipes, as above described; secondly, the process of, and machinery for, welding tubes of whatever form, by means of pressure rollers in connexion with an internal stationary mandrel fixed

between the rollers; and thirdly, the method of forming bars to particular figures for various purposes, by rolling them upon a fixed mould or mandrel.—[Inrolled in the Rolls Chapel Office, August, 1836.]

Specification drawn by Messrs. Newton and Berry.

TO WILLIAM BURCH, of the Borough-road, in the county of Surrey, calico and silk-printer, for his invention of certain improvements in machinery for printing silk and cotton, net, or lace.-[Sealed 23rd January, 1836.]

A MODE of ornamenting lace by means of thick opaque paint, has been for some time practised; the paint being deposited by a pencil in thick drops, so as to fill up certain of the holes or meshes of the net, and thereby produce coloured spots set in regular order, forming patterns or devices. The object of the present patent appears to be, to effect the same by machinery which has heretofore been done solely by hand, consequently, to do it with greater expedition.

From the descriptive part of the specification, we can merely understand what the Patentee intends to do; but as to the construction of a machine capable of effecting the object, that appears to be utterly impracticable from the information furnished.

The lace net is to be distended in a frame by attaching its edges to tenter-hooks set all round the frame; it is then to be slidden into the printing machine upon a horizontal railway, and stopped at a certain point to receive the impression. A series of small loose pegs having blunt points are suspended in a frame, their po