that when hammered into the wedge form, fig. 5. their edges form the broad surface of the solid steel bar, across the grain of the metal: (the direction of the grain of the metal is shewn in the different views by fine lines across the figures.) The two bars are afterwards heated to a welding heat, and laid together in the position shewed in section, fig. 6,-a, denoting the iron bar, and b, the steel bar. They are then welded together by the action of hammers or rollers, and afterwards drawn into the form represented in fig. 7, either with a hammer on a grooved anvil, or by rollers. The compound bar is then made into a hoop of the size required,-a, fig. 7, forming the inner, and b, the outer surface of the tire. The hoop is afterwards bored out and turned to the proper guages, and holes drilled for rivetting it to the wheels.

The wheel, when prepared in the usual manner, by turning the rim, is laid flat on a true face plate, fig. 8, and the tire, having been regularly heated red hot, is put round it. The whole is then plunged into cold water or other frigerific mixture, to contract the tire on the wheel and harden the steel. Holes are afterwards drilled through the rim, corresponding with the holes previously made in the tire, and the parts are rivetted together, or the rivets may with advantage be left out, and the tire put on as shewn in fig. 9.

The patentee states, he does not confine himself to these two methods of fixing the tire, as others might, if necessary, be adopted. Steel, of any kind or quality, may be used in forming the tire; but he prefers the best blister, rolled, shear, or cast steel. Iron unconverted, with its surface. across the grain of the metal, may also be used in forming the outer tire, and can be converted wholly or partially into steel, when in the form of a tire, by the usual process of making steel; sufficient thickness and width being left previous to converting, so as to allow of its afterwards being well hammered.

Many important advantages will arise from the use of steeled tires on railway wheels. Besides the economy immediately resulting from their greater durability, a vast reduction will be effected in the wear and tear of the engines, the carriages, and the rails, while a corresponding improvement will arise in the comfort and safety of travelling.

The intense friction to which the wheel is subjected, occasions a rapid wear of the iron tire, productive of most injurious consequences,-an indentation is soon formed by the rail on the tire, which disturbs the action of the wheel, and destroys smoothness of motion. The same cause deranges the action of the engine itself. Every revolution of the locomotive wheel bringing an irregular strain on all the parts, materially increases the wear and tear to which they are liable. Great damage is also done to the railway, on which the wheels, at every revolution, act like so many ponderous hammers.

It has been found advantageous to make the working surface of the wheels conical, diminishing from the flanch; but the conical surface of the iron tire is soon worn down, and the wheel made conical the reverse way, causing a serious loss of tractive power, and increase of friction on all the parts affected. By the use of steel tires, these evils are avoided, the extreme hardness of the surface enabling them to endure, without injury, the action of the rails, for a considerable length of time.

The patentee claims, firstly,―The modes described of forming and hardening steeled tires of wheels to be used on railways; and,—

Secondly, The use of steel in the tires of engine and carriage wheels for railways.—[Inrolled in the Rolls Chapel Office, November 28th, 1840.]

To JAMES COLLARD DAVIES, of College-place, Camden Town, in the county of Middlesex, jeweller, for an improved clock or time-piece.-[Sealed 23rd May, 1840.]

THIS invention consists in the novel application of an additional series of wheel-work to the fourth or last arbor of a train of clock-wheels, whereby the inventor is enabled to construct a clock or time-keeper, that will go for more than twelve months, by being once wound up.

The invention also comprehends placing the second or third wheel, or both the second and third wheels of the said train of clock-wheels, under the dial plate, and before the front plate, or behind the back plate, or, if it is desired, outside the frame; by which combinations and arrangements, the inventor is enabled to construct very small portable clocks or time-pieces, which will only require winding up once in every year. They will have only one spring barrel or actuating power to each department; that is to say, one to the going part, and one to the striking part; whereas those formerly made to go for the same space of time, have always, necessarily from their construction, been large and cumbersome.

The following description will explain the manner in which this invention is to be carried into effect:

Plate V., fig. 1, is a front view of the interior of the improved time-pieces, made of a size adapted to portability; the dial, and likewise the front plate of the frame, fig. 2, with its mechanism, is removed for the convenience of shewing the parts beneath; fig. 3, is a side view of the clock; a, a, the back plate of the time-piece; b, b, b, the connecting pillars, by which it is screwed to the front plate c, c, shewn more particularly in figs. 2 and 3.

The barrel or box d, contains the main-spring, arranged

for six revolutions, and carries on its circumference the great wheel e, which is cut with one hundred and forty teeth. The second wheel ƒ, has one hundred and ten teeth, with a pinion of ten teeth on its arbor, which is driven by the great wheel e, as shewn more clearly in the side view, fig. 3. The third wheel g, is of ninety teeth, which, although one of the main wheels of the time-piece, is not placed within the two plates, as has been the custom, but is on the outside of the front plate c, c, and immediately under the dial of the time-piece; by which means, a considerable saving of room is effected.

In the front plate c, c, fig. 2, just at the bottom of the circumference of the second wheel ƒ, a hole is made, through which is brought the short pinion of ten teeth, forming the arbor of the third wheel g;-this arbor and wheel are secured by means of the cock on the front plate, seen in fig. 2, and a corresponding cock underneath the same plate; which last is shewn in fig. 1, but is supposed to be removed in the side view, fig. 3, in order that the connection of the pinion with the previous wheel may be more clearly exhibited. From this view it will be seen that the arbor of the third wheel g, is driven by the second wheel f.

The works of the time-piece being manufactured and put together as described, the frame h, containing a portion of the works, (commencing with what is usually termed the "centre wheel,") is fixed on the front plate c, c, by its two screws, in such a manner, that the pinion of nine teeth k, fig. 3, forming the arbor of the first or centre wheel, comes within the range of, and is driven by, the third wheel g. The situation of the other wheels in the frame h, need not be particularly described, inasmuch as any ordinary train or series, beginning with the centre wheel, with any escapement whatever, may be made applicable to the purpose, regard being only had to the motive power possessed

by the third wheel g; which power being ascertained, as compared with that of the great or fusee wheel of any ordinary watch, the "calliper," or size of the watch-train to be used, must be determined accordingly.

The wheels for the regulation of the relative speed of the hands, technically denominated "the motion," being similar to those in ordinary use for the purpose, need no description beyond what is shewn by the drawing. They are seen immediately under the hands, in fig. 2,—this view being merely given for the purpose of shewing the machine more completely.

The time-piece is regulated for faster or slower movements, by means of the forked arm l, figs. 2 and 3; the short arm of which lets out or takes up the balance or pendulum spring, in the ordinary way. The arm itself is moved by a small pin, which slides in a groove, cut in the dial; the other end of the pin being inserted between the fork.

Nothing further need be observed on this head, as it forms no part of the improvements claimed; and other modes of regulation might be used, according to circum

stances.

The square m, is that employed to wind up the timepiece, the main-spring of which, regulated by its stop-work, should be so arranged, as to cause the great wheel to make six revolutions.

It is also necessary further to state, that in such cases as where it is not of importance that the clocks or time-pieces should be so small as the one just described,—and where they are intended for the mantel-piece or bracket, it may not be necessary to adopt the second part of this invention; that is to say,-placing the second or third wheels of the said clock-train, or both, outside the frame-work; and the clock-train may also bear a different arrangement, and a

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