AMERICAN AND FOREIGN 
 
 PATENTS 
 
 A Book 
 
 of Information and Advice 
 
 for Inventors 
 
 PUBLISHED AND COPYRIGHTED, 1905 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE S. VASHON & CO. 
 
 Attorneys at Law 
 
 Solicitors of United States and Foreign 
 
 Patents, Trade- Marks, Copyrights, etc. 
 
 Patent Practice Exclusively 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 SEE INDEX TO CONTENTS IN BACK OF BOOK 
 
JRARYOf GOiNSHtSS 
 WO Copies lieceiveu 
 
 JUN 30 1905 
 
 , Oopyrignt tntry 
 
 oyyUi30,/£fo-S\ 
 
 JiSS CL XXc 
 
 / 2Dd'f& 
 
 COPY B. 
 
 
PREFACE 
 
 DELAYS ARE DANGEROUS IN PATENT MATTERS. 
 In presenting this book to you, we believe it our duty to impress upon you 
 the dangers incident to any delay, no matter of how short duration, in the 
 filing of your application in the United States Patent Office. Many valuable 
 inventions and their probable proceeds have been lost to their inventors by a 
 delay in the filing of their applications, as such delays have permitted un- 
 scrupulous persons, who have gained a knowledge of such inventions, to pro- 
 cure patents and reap the benefits from inventions which do not belong to them. 
 This delay has also permitted inventors, who conceived their inventions after the 
 conception by the original inventors, to procure patents and thus probably 
 defeat the issuance of patents to the original inventors. This subject is more 
 fully explained on pages 24 and 25 relating to "Interferences." 
 
 INVENTIONS ARE GOOD INVESTMENTS. 
 
 We beg to direct your attention to the fact that no other class of invest- 
 ments offer like chances for profits as are offered by American and Foreign 
 patents procured upon inventions of merit. It cannot be said of any invention 
 that it does not possess merit, as it has been our experience that most, if not all 
 inventors who have protected their inventions by patents, have profited by their 
 investments. 
 
 OBJECT OF THIS PUBEICATION. 
 
 The object of this publication is to fully instruct you how to get a patent 
 upon your invention in our country and all foreign countries, as letters written 
 in the ordinary course of business, in reply to inquiries, are necessarily too 
 brief to give the information you should have before filing your application. A 
 further object is to impress upon you the importance of properly protecting 
 your invention, that is, your patent should issue upon claims which will protect 
 your invention, and not upon claims_ which will permit a slight change in the 
 invention to evade the patent. An invention which is properly protected will 
 permit you to sue and procure damages from any person who manufactures your 
 invention or device substantially the same. 
 
 SELECTING AN ATTORNEY. 
 As your financial success will depend upon the strength of the claims of 
 your patent, you should be careful to select a competent attorney to procure your 
 patent. As an attorney who resides in Washington has the advantage of inter- 
 course personally with the Patent Office Examiner, who will handle your case 
 and decide whether or not you are entitled to a patent, and as he has also the 
 important advantage of ready access to the valuable records of the Patent 
 Office, you should select an attorney who resides in Washington. A further 
 reason why you should select such attorney is that he can argue personally the 
 merits of your invention before the Examiner, such arguments being more con- 
 vincing than written arguments sent through mails. 
 
 WRITE FOR INFORMATION. 
 If you have not the time to read the contents of this book, you should 
 preserve it for future reference, and write us, and upon receipt of your letter we 
 will take pleasure in writing and giving you all the information you desire. 
 We make this statement in order that you will not hesitate to write us at 
 any time you desire to learn anything regarding the patent business or any 
 information relating to your invention or any patents. We will not make any 
 charge for this information. 
 
 We are experienced patent attorneys and are fully capable of handling 
 properly all work entrusted to our care, and we have every facility for pro- 
 curing patents promptly. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
■i il II II 
 31 il 11 
 
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 T»» mm- i.^ ._. 
 
 II II il-ri 
 
 OFFICES: ROOMS 807-808, WASHINGTON LOAN AND TRUST BUILDING 
 COR. 9th and F STS., N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 GEORGE S. VASHON & CO. 
 
Patients Guarante;ed. 
 
 HOW TO GET A PATENT 
 
 If you have an invention for which you desire to secure protec- 
 tion by letters-patent, forward a sketch, photograph or model of same 
 to us, and you will be advised if a patent can probably be obtained. 
 If your invention can be fully shown by a sketch or photograph, a 
 model will not be required. On receipt of the sketch, photograph or 
 model, we will carefully look into your invention and advise you, 
 free of charge, whether we think it is new and patentable, our views 
 being based upon our experience with such matters. Our opinion, 
 therefore, you will see, is in the nature of an expert guess, and, 
 while in some cases we can come pretty close to telling exactly what 
 can be done, yet it is, as a rule, unsafe to depend upon a mere opin- 
 ion, as in most cases it is advisable to rely only upon a special search 
 of the Patent Office records. The cost of this special search of the 
 record is $5. 
 
 Many classifications of the Patent Office are very large, involv- 
 ing, in some instances, the necessity of examining more than a thou- 
 sand different patents, often requiring several days to complete the 
 search. You will, therefore, see the importance of the special exam- 
 ination and that its cost is a good investment for you to make, as 
 further action is unnecessary, should we find your invention antici- 
 pated, while, on the other hand, should nothing be found to stand in 
 your way, you can proceed at once to take out a patent for your 
 improvements, and can do so with full confidence of success. Thus 
 you will observe that a preliminary examination is of great value to 
 the inventor, preventing the loss oftentimes resulting from filing an 
 application without first making such investigation, and also enabling 
 the inventor to modify or change his invention to avoid conflicting 
 with patents previously granted, if any. Furthermore, we will not 
 guarantee a patent without first making this examination. 
 
 OUR GUARANTEE CERTIFICATE OF PATENTABILITY. 
 
 After we have made this special search of the Patent Office 
 records, we will advise you whether or not your invention is patent- 
 able, and, if patentable, we accompany our report with a certificate, 
 which not only certifies that, in our opinion, based upon a careful 
 and thorough search of the Patent Office records), the invention is 
 
George S. Vashon & Co.^ Washington, D. C. 
 
 patentable, but also supports such opinion with an agreement to return 
 to you the amount of the fee paid us for preparing and prosecuting 
 your application for patent in case of our failure to secure you a 
 patent. In brief, we give you a substantial guarantee that our search 
 was most thorough and reliable, and demonstrate our own confidence 
 in our work. 
 
 The importance of this guarantee certificate to an inventor seek- 
 ing financial aid from friends or others to pay the expense of secur- 
 ing a patent has been fully proven. 
 
 Those who advance money under such circumstances usually 
 want something more than an ofif-hand opinion that the invention 
 is patentable, and if the inventor can satisfy them that the patent 
 will be granted, or, if not granted, that the attorney's fee advanced 
 will be returned in full, there is little difficulty in procuring the re- 
 quired assistance, if needed. 
 
 THE COST OF A PATENT. 
 
 Attorney's Fee $25 00 
 
 Patent Office Drawing (one sheet) 5 00 
 
 First Government Fee 15 00 
 
 Final Government Fee 20 00 
 
 Total $65 00 
 
 In cases of a complicated or difficult nature the total cost of the 
 patent will be more than above stated ; the drawings costing more 
 and the attorney's fee increased in accordance with the amount of 
 labor which the case requires, the Government fees being the same 
 in all cases. 
 
 In intricate cases where the cost exceeds the above scale you will 
 be so informed before we proceed. 
 
 If you file an application for patent through us, the $5 sent us 
 for the examination or search as to patentability will be credited on 
 our fee for the preparation and prosecution of the application which, 
 as above stated, in an ordinary case, is $25 — thus leaving only 
 $20 to pay on the attorney's fee, and this $20 is the amount we 
 agree to return in event of failure to get a patent, and as pro- 
 vided in our guarantee certificate. If we report that a patent can 
 be secured, the balance of our fee ($20) must be remitted to us and 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 upon the receipt of this we will prepare the application papers and 
 forward thein to you for your approval and execution, together with a 
 blue print of the drawings, the latter we furnish free of charge. 
 
 When the papers have been executed and are ready for filing, the 
 first Government fee of $15, and $5 to defray the cost of one sheet 
 of a Patent Office drawing, making $20 in all, will be due. Thus it will 
 be seen that the entire cost of filing an application through us on a 
 simple invention is but $45. The application will be prosecuted to an 
 early conclusion, and when the patent is allowed notice will be sent 
 you, after which you will have six months to pay the final Govern- 
 ment fee of $20. 
 
 THE APPLICATION. 
 
 The application papers include the petition, specification, oath, 
 and, where possible, drawings, which to secure attention, must be 
 filed in the Patent Office together with the first Government fee of 
 $15. As soon as the application is filed you will be protected against 
 the grant, without your knowledge, of a patent for the same thing to 
 another person. After the application has been filed we send you the 
 official filing receipt. The specification should contain a clear, concise 
 and accurate description of the device and its operation; the advan- 
 tages and conveniences should also appear. To this should be sub- 
 joined a condensed statement of the invention in the form of one or 
 more claims embodying all its novel features. 
 
 THE CLAIMS. 
 The actual value of a patent is measured by the character of 
 its claims. While formerly the impression prevailed to a great ex- 
 tent that the essential thing to insure protection was a patent of some 
 kind, the manufacturing public has been educated to understand that 
 the vital and all-important part of a patent is its claims. If the claims 
 are narrow and restricted, the patent is comparatively worthless ; 
 and on the other hand, if the invention is valuable and well covered 
 by broad and comprehensive claims, the patent is readily indorsed 
 by manufacturers, their consulting counsel, and meets with prompt 
 sale and adoption. If patents were properly prepared at the outset, 
 the number of patent suits would be greatly decreased, as the rights 
 of the patentee would stand out in such unmistakable language in 
 the claims that rival parties would not care to trench upon the 
 clearly defined rights of the patentee. 
 
George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 Experienced inventors and patentees appreciate the importance 
 of having their applications for patent intelligently prepared, and 
 skillfully prosecuted. 
 
 The Supreme Court of the United States (case of Topliff vs. 
 Toplifif — 1892) in an opinion by Mr. Justice Brown, makes this state- 
 ment : 
 
 "The specification and claims of a patent, particularly if the invention be 
 at all complicated, constitute one of the most difficult legal instruments to draw 
 with accuracy, and in view of the fact that valuable inventions are often placed 
 in the hands of inexperienced persons, to prepare such specifications and claims, 
 it is no matter of surprise that the latter frequently fail to describe with requisite 
 certainty the exact invention of tlie patentee, and err either in claiming that which 
 the patentee had not in fact invented, or in omitting some element which was a 
 valuable or essential part of his actual invention." 
 
 This comment from the highest legal authority in the United 
 States is an injunction and a warning to inventors to entrust their 
 business only to experienced counsel. 
 
 Special training and experience are required to properly prepare 
 an application and prosecute it to allowance upon the best possible 
 claims. 
 
 To secure a patent is one thing, but to secure a patent that will 
 stand subsequent judicial investigation, and effectually protect the 
 patentee against imitators or evaders, is a different undertaking. 
 
 While the Examiners of the Patent Office are, to an extent, 
 judicial officers, they at the same time stand in the position of attor- 
 neys for the Government, and strenuously oppose the granting of 
 broad, sweeping claims if there is any ground for opposition, since 
 any laxity on the part of the applicant in claiming his invention 
 inures to the benefit of the public whom the Examiner represents. 
 And if an applicant for patent presents limited claims which do not 
 amply protect his invention, instead of claims of sufficient legal scope 
 to prevent the appropriation of the invention by imitators and in- 
 fringers, it is not a part of the duty of the Patent Office to suggest 
 the presentation of broader claims, but to allow the application upon 
 the claims of record. 
 
 In brief, the inventor is presumed to know what he has invented 
 and to understand the scope of the claims filed ; and in case of litiga- 
 tion the courts cannot broaden the scope of a claim beyond the obvi- 
 ous meaning of the language employed. 
 
 As above stated by the Supreme Court "valuable inventions are 
 often placed in the hands of inexperienced persons," and it is a mat- 
 ter of common knowledge that many applications fo'- patent are pre- 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 as 
 
 pared by persons who have had no legal training, and who conse 
 quently have no appreciation of the legal scope of patent claims a 
 defined and established by the courts. 
 
 In this connection we will say that specifications for applications 
 for patent, as well as all other legal documents emanating from our 
 office, are prepared by lawyers of experience, who are specialists in 
 patent law. 
 
 PROSECUTING THE CASE BEFORE THE PATENT OFFICE. 
 
 A well prepared specification and well executed drawings greatly 
 expedite the allowance of an application by the Patent Office, as the 
 Examiner is thus relieved of annoyance and unnecessary work in the 
 examination of the case. 
 
 The Patent Office Examiners appreciate good work on the part 
 of the attorney, and when a specification fully and intelligently sets 
 forth the invention, and presents claims of proper form and scope, 
 much unnecessary labor and correspondence are avoided, and the 
 Examiner's whole attention can be given to the search required, to 
 determine the novelty of the invention, instead of to criticising the 
 description and claims. 
 
 On the other hand, a case which is poorly and incorrectly pre- 
 pared entails upon the Examiner much study and extra labor in 
 determining just what the applicant is seeking to claim; and loosely 
 drawn specifications and inferior drawings naturally have a tendency 
 to prejudice the Examiner in his action. 
 
 It is obvious that when an invention is well shown, described and 
 claimed, no criticism on rhe part of the Patent Office is required, 
 except such as may affect the scope of the claims based upon prior 
 patents, which the Examiner may find in his search, and the points 
 at issue between the applicant and the Examiner are quickly defined 
 and may be speedily determined, if the attorney resides in Washing- 
 ton. 
 
 THE OFFICIAL DRAWINGS. 
 
 Next in importance to the proper preparation of the specification 
 and claims comes the Patent Office drawings. 
 
 During the preparation of the application for patent, it sometimes 
 becomes necessary to prepare more than one sheet of drawings to 
 illustrate the invention as required by the rules and regulations of 
 
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 SPECIMEN PATENT OFFICE DRAWING 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 the Patent Office. In such cases the usual expense of filing an appli- 
 cation is increased proportionately to each additional sheet of drawing 
 required. Our experience teaches us that it is money well spent to 
 show every detail of an invention by large, clear, well executed draw- 
 ings. By this means we facilitate examinations in the Patent Office 
 and invariably secure the most satisfactory results in the shortest 
 period of time. 
 
 We are fully aware of the importance of having the drawings 
 prepared by the most skillful and experienced draftsmen obtainable. 
 In all cases entrusted to us the drawings are made under our personal 
 supervision by draftsmen in our constant employ, and every pre- 
 caution is taken that the inventions be fully and clearly shown by 
 different views so as to be readily understood by the Examiners of 
 the Patent Office and comprehended by the public when the patent 
 is granted. 
 
 This book contains samples of Patent Office drawings showing 
 the character of work furnished our clients. We make a specialty, 
 as shown in the drawings, of illustrating the application of the 
 invention, pictorially, whenever practicable. The value of well exe- 
 cuted pictorial drawings does not end with the proper showing of 
 the invention for the purpose of the patent, but copies of the patent 
 can be had in any quantity by the inventor for use in bringing his 
 invention before manufacturers and capitalists, and much depends 
 upon the impression given by the drawings. If the invention is well 
 illustrated, the inventor has in his patent a suitable cut for use in 
 advertising and for other purposes, and photo-engraved plates can 
 be produced by us from these drawings. No cut will be made for less 
 than $4.00. 
 
 TERM OF THE PATENT. 
 
 Patents are granted in this country for the term of seventeen 
 years and no longer, during which time the patentee has the exclusive 
 right to make, use, and sell the patented invention. 
 
 TIME NECESSARY TO SECURE A PATENT. 
 
 It is impossible to state with certainty the time required to secure 
 the allowance of patents. This varies with the division in the Patent 
 Office to which the application is referred. There are thirty-eight of 
 
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 SPECIMEN PATENT OFFICE DRAWING 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 these divisions, and each one is more or less in arrears with its work. 
 It usually takes, however, from two to three months to procure a 
 patent. 
 
 We make it a point to be prompt with our correspondence, and 
 preparation of the requisite papers and drawings. Each case is filed 
 at the earliest possible moment, and as they are taken up for ex- 
 amination by the Patent Office officials in the order they were filed, 
 there is absolutely no delay. 
 
 WHO CAN APPLY FOR PATENT. 
 
 Citizens, foreigners, women, minors and the administrators of 
 deceased inventors, may obtain patents. There is no distinction as 
 to nativity, persons or charges. 
 
 JOINT APPLICATIONS. 
 
 Two or more persons may apply jointly for a patent if they are 
 joint inventors. If one person is the inventor and the other only 
 a partner, the patent must be applied for in the name of the inventor 
 alone; but he may secure his partner in advance by executing a deed 
 of conveyance so drawn that the patent will be issued in both 
 names. It is of the greatest importance that the true position of joint 
 applicants should be thoroughly understood by the attorney, in order 
 that he may prepare the papers so as to properly protect the interests 
 of both parties. If both applicants are inventors, they should both sign 
 the application papers, but if they are joint owners merely, the inven- 
 tor alone should sign the application papers, and assign the proper 
 interest to the other party. A patent would not be valid in which one 
 of the parties interested had signed the application papers without 
 being a co-inventor. 
 
 WHAT MAY BE PATENTED. 
 
 A patent may be granted for: (i) any new and useful art or 
 process; (2) any new and useful machine; (3) any new and useful 
 manufacture; (4) any new and useful composition of matter; (5) 
 any new and useful improvement thereof; provided the art, machine, 
 manufacture, composition of matter, or improvement thereof, for 
 
George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 which a patent is desired, was not known or used by others, in this 
 country, and has not been patented or described in any printed pub- 
 lication in this or any foreign country, before the appHcant's inven- 
 tion or discovery thereof, and has not been in public use or on sale 
 for more than two years prior to his application, unless the same is 
 proved to have been abandoned. 
 
 MANUFACTURING UNDER PATENT APPLIED FOR. 
 
 Every inventor has the right, when he has an application for pat- 
 ent pending in the Patent Office to manufacture and sell his goods, 
 and to mark them "Patent Applied For." 
 
 It is better, however, not to exploit your invention until your 
 patent issues, as there is a danger of an interference being declared 
 in the Patent Office. Furthermore, in most foreign countries patents 
 are granted to the first applicant, whether the inventor or not, and 
 the inventor is likely to lose his right to obtain foreign patents 
 thereon, as some one seeing his invention on the market in the United 
 States, may proceed to patent it in foreign countries. 
 
 OBTAINING ASSISTANCE. 
 
 Where an inventor has not the means to procure a patent for 
 his invention or to file a caveat, we would suggest that he endeavor 
 to interest some one in his vicinity to whom he can personally explain 
 the merits of his invention, and agree to assign to such a person a 
 part interest therein, in consideration of the fees necessary to secure 
 a patent. When this has been efifected we shall be glad to prepare the 
 rquired assignment. Our guarantee Certificate of Patentability has 
 been of great assistance to inventors without funds, as it gives the 
 capitalists the necessary assurance of patentability as well as an 
 obligation to return the money advanced, in case of failure to secure 
 a patent. In order to protect his interests while seeking to interest 
 capital in his invention, we recommend that the inventor forward us 
 sketches and description, duly witnessed, of his invention, which 
 we will place in our secret files, and in case an attempt should be 
 made to pirate the invention, we would then be in a position to pro- 
 tect the rights of the inventor. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. is 
 
 ASSIGNMENTS. 
 
 An inventor may sell and assign his invention either before or 
 after application for patent has been made, or after the patent has 
 been issued. He may sell or assign any portion, such as one-fifth 
 or one-half interest in the patent, or a town, county, or state right, 
 or he may grant the right to manufacture on a royalty. If assigned 
 before the patent is granted, the purchaser will enjoy the right under 
 the patent whenever it is issued. Trade marks, copyrights and labels 
 can also be assigned. 
 
 Every assignment affecting the title of a patent, trade-mark or 
 label must be recorded in the United States Patent Office. Assign- 
 ments of copyrights have to be recorded with the Librarian of Con- 
 gress. Those who desire to have assignments of patents or licenses, 
 or assignments for trade-marks, labels or copyrights drawn in proper 
 form and recorded, will please communicate with us, stating the full 
 names and residences of the parties, the shares to be conveyed, the 
 title of the invention, and if already patented the date of the patent. 
 Also remit $5.00, which is the cost of preparing, filing and recording 
 the assignment. 
 
 THE VALUE OF ATTORNEYS. 
 
 The inventor will see the advantage to be derived from placing 
 his business in the hands of those only who are specially skilled in this 
 class of work. 
 
 The inventor should never endeavor to prepare his own applica- 
 tion. He is apt to leave valuable features of his invention unclaimed, 
 and attach undue importance to some immaterial feature. Although 
 he may have a good education, and a quick perception, and some 
 knowledge of patent matters, he cannot have the necessary experi- 
 ence to insure absolute accuracy. This work should be done by a 
 skilled and experienced patent lawyer. A claim properly drawn may 
 mean wealth to the inventor, whereas one improperly drawn gen- 
 erally means the total loss of the invention. 
 
 So important are the services of a reliable, trustworthy and skill- 
 ful attorney to inventors that the Commissioner of Patents has, in 
 the "Rules of Practice," issued this general warning: "As the value 
 of patents depends largely upon the careful preparation of the specifi- 
 
i6 Georgi; S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 cation and claims, the assistance of a competent counsel will, in most 
 cases, be of advantage to the applicant, but the value of their ser- 
 vices will be proportionate to their skill and honesty, and too much 
 care cannot be exercised in their selection." 
 
 CAVEATS. 
 
 The purpose of a Caveat is to protect the Inventor while he is 
 working out the incomplete details of his discovery. It should set 
 forth as clearly as possible the general construction, operation and 
 purpose of the invention. If you have completed your invention you 
 should file an application for Patent at once, for under such circum- 
 stances the filing of a Caveat would involve a needless expense. 
 
 The filing of a Caveat gives you immediate protection against 
 anyone filing an application for a Patent for the same invention, and 
 is an indestructible official record of proof in establishing the date 
 upon which you first made your discovery. 
 
 Caveats, like Patent applications, are guarded with the strictest 
 secrecy by us and by the Patent Office, so that it is impossible for 
 anyone to have access thereto without your written permit. 
 
 As soon as the Caveat is filed you can manufacture and sell the 
 invention under the stamp "Caveat Filed," which is often a valuable 
 privilege. The degree of protection afi^orded, however, is limited, 
 compared with a Patent application, as you cannot prevent others 
 from selling the invention until you are granted a Patent. This fact 
 demonstrates the importance of perfecting your device and applying 
 for Patent as early as possible. The chief function of the Caveat is 
 to make an indestructible and undispiitable oMcial record of the in- 
 vention, and such record has proven of immense value to many inven- 
 tors. 
 
 A Caveat application consists of a Petition, Specification, Oath 
 and Drawing, and its preparation should only be entrusted to a skilled 
 Patent Solicitor. 
 
 The total cost of a C.veat, for a simple invention, is $25, being 
 $10, Government fee, $10, attorney fee and $5 for drawings. 
 
 Send us sketches, a model or photographs, and write a full de- 
 scription of the invention; remit $10, on account, and the complete 
 application will be at once prepared and forwarded for your approval 
 and execution. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 A Caveat may be renewed from year to year by the payment of 
 a Government fee of $io. Our charge for preparation and prosecution 
 of Petition for renewal is $2. The total charge of $12 is payable in 
 advance. 
 
 PATENTS FOR COMPOUNDS, ETC. 
 
 Cleaning and Polishing Compounds, Cements, Metal Alloys, 
 Soaps, Leather Dressings, Fertilizers and Medicines, Hair Dressings, 
 Cosmetics, Ointments and the like ; in short, all useful liquid and solid 
 mixtures may be patented. 
 
 Instances can be multiplied wherein Patents on new discoveries 
 in this line of invention have made millionaires of their owners. 
 Patented medicines such as "Green's August B'^lower," "Perry Davis 
 Pain Killer," "Ayer's Cherry Pectoral," "Hood's Sarsaparilla," 
 "Paine's Celery Compound," and many others are examples, while 
 useful compounds like "Sapolio," "Electro-Silicon," "Rising Sun 
 Stove Polish," and "Ivory Soap" are "household gods" in our own 
 and foreign lands and have netted immense fortunes. 
 
 The total cost of a Patent in this class of cases is $60, $25 of 
 which is the attorney's fee, and upon receipt of that amount, to- 
 gether with a statement of the quantity and name and particular pur- 
 pose of each ingredient used and the manner of compounding same, 
 as zvell as a statement of the use of the complete preparation, we pre- 
 pare the application papers complete and forward same for your 
 approval and execution, to be returned to us with the first Govern- 
 ment fee of $15. The final Government fee of $20 may be paid any 
 time within six months from the date of allowance. 
 
 Double protection and business advantage is secured by also 
 adopting a Trade-Mark and registering the same in the United States 
 Patent Office. 
 
 Term of Patent 17 years. 
 
 Term of Trade-Mark, 20 years. 
 
 DESIGN PATENTS. 
 
 The law authorizing the issue of design patents is very broad. 
 These patents may be granted '.o any person, who, by his own indus- 
 try, genius, effort and expense, has invented or produced any new and 
 original design for a manufacture, bust, statue, altorelievo or bas- 
 relief; any new or original design for the printing of woolens, silk, 
 
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 SPECIMEN PATENT OFFICE DRAWING, ILLUSTRATING A DESIGN PATENT 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 cotton, or other fabrics ; any new and original impression, ornament, 
 pattern, print or picture to be printed, painted, cast, or otherwise 
 placed on or marked into any article of manufacture; or any new, 
 useful, or original ornamentation of any article of manufacture, the 
 same not having been known or used by others before his invention 
 or production thereof, or patented or described in any printed publi- 
 cation. 
 
 All new designs should be protected. Design patents for the 
 pattern of a machine, or designs on a machine, can be secured in 
 addition to a mechanical patent for the machine itself. These patents 
 are never issued for mechanical devices, but only for ornamental 
 features. 
 
 In a number of instances large business interests have been built 
 up with a design patent as a basis. 
 
 Design patents have been liberally construed by the courts. They 
 hold that such a patent covers not only what is shown in the patent, 
 but also those things which have a near enough resemblance to 
 appear the same to ordinary observers. 
 
 The total cost of a design patent, including Government and 
 attorney's fees, and one sheet of drawing, is : 
 
 Attorney Fees. Gov't Fee. Total. 
 
 Patent for 3^ years $20.00 $10.00 $30.00 
 
 " " 7 " 20.00 15.00 35.00 
 
 " "14 " 20.00 30.OD 50.00 
 
 TRADE-MARKS. 
 
 The new Trade-Mark Law passed by Congress, and which went 
 into effect April i, 1905, makes it imperative for every one who values 
 the protection of his trade-mark to register under this law. 
 
 Under its terms, all trade-marks, whether registered at Washing- 
 ton or a Bureau, must be re-registered at Washington in order to 
 obtain protection under the new law. 
 
 Heretofore injunctions of courts did not apply outside the imme- 
 diate section where they were granted. Under the new law, an 
 injunction once secured in any Federal Court extends its force 
 throughout every State and Territory in the Union. 
 
 It is further provided that before granting registration the Com- 
 missioner shall cause the trade-mark to be published at least once 
 in the Ofificial Gazette of the Patent Office, and any person who 
 
George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 believes that he would be damaged by the registration may oppose 
 the same by filing notice of opposition, stating the ground thereof 
 within thirty days after the publication of the mark sought to be 
 registered. 
 
 The latter provision enables the true owner of the trade-mark 
 to prevent his right to its exclusive use from being jeopardized by 
 the registration of the same or a similar mark by an applicant who 
 may not be entitled to registration. 
 
 The right of appeal is provided, the same as in the case of 
 applications for patents, from an adverse decision of the Examiner 
 of Trade-Marks or the Examiner of Interferences, as the case may 
 be, to the Commissioner in person, and from the Commissioner to 
 the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. 
 
 The life of a certificate of registration is changed from thirty 
 years to twenty years, but the certificate of registration may be 
 renewed from time to time upon certain conditions, and upon the 
 payment of the required fee. The Government fee for registration 
 is reduced from $25 to $10. 
 
 Registration will afford prima facie evidence of ownership, and 
 any person using any registered trade-mark without the consent of 
 the owner thereof \ifill be liable for damages, and on the rendition 
 of a verdict for the plaintiff, the court, in its discretion, may enter 
 judgment for three times the amount of such verdict. 
 
 The new law affords additional remedies and more complete and 
 adequate protection, and in order to give the owners of trade-marks 
 previously registered the enlarged benefits under the new law, the 
 act makes provision for the re-registration of said trade-marks upon 
 payment of the fees. 
 
 Provision is made for the first time for registering trade-marks 
 used solely in Interstate Commerce, and the new law is so far- 
 reaching and complete in its protection to lawful trade-mark owners 
 that registration of a trade symbol or mark will prove of great value 
 from a commercial standpoint. 
 
 A trade-mark may consist of any non-descriptive word or words, 
 sign, symbol, picture, autograph, monogram, or any combination of 
 any or all of them. Descriptive words cannot be registered; for 
 instance, "Washing Soap" or "Can Corn" could not be registered, 
 but descriptive words combined with non-descriptive words may be 
 registered; thus, "Eureka Washington Soap" and "Excelsior Can 
 Corn" are properly registrable. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 Sometimes words which are descriptive are combined in, a single 
 word and phonetically or fancifully spelled, and in such cases they 
 usually constitute a valid trade-mark, but it is the figure or emblem 
 that makes the mark valid. A word can be adopted for the trade- 
 mark which is suggestive, but not descriptive, and this is often the 
 best kind of a mark for particular kinds of goods. The mere name 
 of the applicant cannot be registered, but his name, together with a 
 device or design, etc., is entitled to registration. Geographical names 
 cannot be trade-marked. 
 
 A trade-mark need not be new or original, but it should be new 
 to the purpose to which it is applied. Thus a trade-mark on "The 
 Rising Sun," applied to flour, would not prevent the registration of 
 the same words as applied to stove polish. 
 
 Persons desiring to know whether certain words or devices can 
 be registered should send us a copy or description of the mark and 
 the class of merchandise on which it is used, including a particular 
 description of the goods comprised in such class. Five dollars should 
 also be sent as a guarantee of good faith with the above data. We will 
 then make a search of the trade-mark records in the United States 
 Patent Office and send a full report of the result of the examina- 
 tion. We will not make any charge for this search if a trade-mark 
 is registered through us, but will credit the $5 advanced on our fee. 
 
 In order that we may be enabled to prepare the application papers 
 we should be furnished with the name of the owner, and if a firm 
 be the proprietor, the names of the individual members thereof, their 
 residences, and places of business. Five specimens of the trade-mark 
 as used must be filed with the specification and drawings in the United 
 States Patent Office. The right to the use of a trade-mark is assign- 
 able in writing and such assignment should be recorded in the Patent 
 Office. We prepare these assignments, the cost of preparation and 
 recording being $5. 
 
 COST OF TRADE-MARK. 
 
 The Government fee in each case is $10, while our fee, including 
 one sheet of drawings and the preparation of the necessary papers, 
 is $15 in original cases, and $10 in cases where application is made 
 for re-registration. 
 
V^i\^ne.sAtA 
 
 ^mjtnM/. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 23 
 
 TRADE-MARK MUST BE USED CONTINUOUSLY. 
 
 A trade-mark is good only so long as it is used, and it must be 
 used continuously by the owner in business, and the owner must have 
 for sale the goods bearing the mark. 
 
 TRADE-MARKS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 
 
 Trade-marks can be registered in foreign countries having trea- 
 ties with the United States. The total cost of procuring trade-marks 
 in foreign countries is as follows : 
 
 Great Britain $30.00 
 
 Germany 30.00 
 
 France 25.00 
 
 Austria 30.00 
 
 Russia 40.00 
 
 Italy 35.00 
 
 Spain 30.00 
 
 Belgium 30.00 
 
 Norway 3S.oo 
 
 Sweden 35-oo 
 
 Denmark 35. 00 
 
 Switzerland 25.00 
 
 Canada 40.00 
 
 LABELS. 
 
 Prints and labels to be used in connection with articles of manu- 
 facture may be registered in the Patent Office. The certificate of reg- 
 istration will continue in force for 28 years. 
 
 The words "prints" and "labels," as used in the act, are nearly 
 synonymous, and are defined as any device, picture, word, or words, 
 figure, or figures, impressed or stamped directly upon manufactured 
 articles, or upon a slip or piece of paper, or other material, to be at- 
 tached in any manner to the articles, or to bottles, boxes or packages 
 containing them, to indicate the contents of the packages, the name 
 of the manufacturer or the place of manufacture, the quantity of 
 goods, directions for use, etc. No print or label can be registered 
 as such if it contains matter registerable under the trade-mark law, 
 in which case a trade-mark should be registered; then the print or 
 label embodying the trade-mark may be registered. 
 
 The entire cost of registration under this act, including the Gov- 
 ernment fee, is $20.00. Citizens of this country and of certain Euro- 
 pean countries having treaties with the United States are entitled to 
 the benefits of the act. Registered prints and labels are assignable 
 in writing. We prepare such assignments. Cost of preparation and 
 recording, $5.00. 
 
24 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 COPYRIGHTS. 
 
 Many people have a notion that the Copyright Law is intended 
 for the benefit of inventors and manufacturers and that a label, print, 
 trade-mark, or even sometimes a process or mechanism can be pro- 
 tected by copyright. This is a mistaken idea. The Copyright Law 
 is for the protection of purely literary or artistic productions, and 
 provides that any citizen or resident of the United States who is the 
 author, designer or proprietor of any book, map, chart, dramatic or 
 musical composition, engraving, cut, print, or photograph, or nega- 
 tive thereof, or a painting, drawing, chromo, statuary, models of de- 
 signs intended to be perfected as works of fine art, may obtain a 
 copyright. 
 
 To secure a copyright the title or description of the book or arti- 
 cle must be filed with the Librarian of Congress, on or before the day 
 of publication ; and to perfect the copyright two copies of the work 
 must be delivered to the Librarian not later than the day of publica- 
 tion. 
 
 Persons desiring copyrights should send us their names and resi- 
 dences, the title of the book, map, dramatic or musical composition, 
 cut, print, or photograph, or a description of the painting, drawing, 
 statue, etc., and state whether they claim the right as author, de- 
 signer, or proprietor. The work itself need not be sent. The cost 
 of a copyright is $5. 
 
 Copyrights may be secured for projected as well as for complete 
 works. Each number of a periodical requires a separate copyright. 
 The title of a periodical should include the date and number. 
 
 The term of a copyright is 28 years, and it may be renewed within 
 six months before the end of that time for a further term of 14 years. 
 
 INTERFERENCES. 
 
 Two or more inventors having applications before the Patent 
 Office claiming substantially the same thing are adjudged to interfere. 
 To determine who first conceived the invention, it is the duty of the 
 attorney for each applicant to take the evidence of his client and sub- 
 mit it in proper form, by written and oral argument, before the inter- 
 ference tribunal of the Patent Office. This requires the highest skill 
 on the part of the attorney, and is one of the most technical and diffi- 
 cult branches of Patent practice. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 25 
 
 Our long-established business as Patent Attorneys has given us 
 broad experience and our prosecution of interference cases has been 
 uniformly successful. 
 
 No fixed fee can be quoted, as the labor and skill required varies 
 widely, depending entirely upon the nature of the case, the number 
 of parties, and the time consumed in accumulating evidence. Suffice 
 it to say that our fees will be found as low as can possibly be made, 
 consistent with the magnitude of the case, and we give full particu- 
 lars as to terms before proceedings are instituted. 
 
 Interferences are of very rare occurrence. 
 
 INFRINGEMENTS. 
 
 Infringement is the illegal use, sale, or manufacture of a patent- 
 ed article. After you have obtained a Patent no one has the right to 
 make, use, or sell the invention except with your consent. If another 
 person makes your patented invention solely for private experiment, 
 to test the sufficiency of the Patent or improve upon the invention, it 
 is not infringement, nor is it an infringement for anyone to patent im- 
 provements he makes on a patented invention. 
 
 You can depend upon it that a Patent obtained through us will be 
 as broad in scope as your invention ; it will cover every novel element 
 and Tvill protect you against any one who would dare to illegally in- 
 fringe your rights thereunder. 
 
 It is not said boastingly, but as a duly-authenticated statement 
 of fact, that Patents obtained through us are "Patents that Protect." 
 The claims — which are the very strength and life of the Patent — 
 are formulated, under our policy, with the utmost skill and care, every 
 invention being closely and critically studied and all of its various 
 functions and adaptations adroitly elaborated and discussed in the 
 specification of the application, so that the claims will broadly compre- 
 hend the fullest novelty. Under this system of thoroughness and 
 exactitude our clients are insured to a maximum degree against in- 
 fringing and being infringed. 
 
 If your Patent is obtained through us you are welcome to write 
 us for advice at any time if your rights are assailed. We will in- 
 form you promptly and fully what is best to do, and for such advice 
 will make no charge. 
 
26 Ge;orge S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 It is a strict rule of our practice to exhaust every resource to 
 secure allowance of Patent from the Primary Examiner, yet it hap- 
 pens in rare instances that a case is finally rejected, either because 
 there is inability on the part of the particular Examiner in charge to 
 comprehend the novelty and usefulness of the invention, or because 
 there is a disagreement as to the pertinency of references, and the Ex- 
 aminer is obstinate in his refusal to yield his position. 
 
 To provide for these contingencies the Government maintains a 
 Board of Examiners in Chief, an authority higher than the Primary 
 Examiners, and consisting of three persons eminently quaHfied to 
 decide questions involving the most intricate technicalities of the 
 arts and sciences. From this board appeal may be had to the Com- 
 missioner of Patents in person, who is next in authority to the Court 
 of Appeals of the District of Columbia, a third tribunal of appeal. 
 
 The Government fee for appeal to the board is $io, and our fee 
 ranges from $io to $25, depending upon the nature of the case. 
 
 Appeal to the Commissioner demands a Government fee of $20, 
 and our fee ranges from $20 to $50. 
 
 Cost of appeal to the Court of Appeals of the District is governed 
 by the nature of the case and attorney fee must be regulated by agree- 
 ment. 
 
 The foregoing is stated for the information of inventors. Our 
 management of cases before the Primary Examiners is such that there 
 are extremely few cases in which appeal is even a probability. 
 
 REJECTED CASES. 
 
 The fact that your application has been rejected by the Primary 
 Examiners of the Patent Office, does not mean that the invention is 
 lacking in patentable novelty or inherent merit. It may be that 
 through incompetence, or inexperience, or both, or on account of 
 mattention and neglect on the part of your attorney, the invention 
 has been improperly and inefficiently set forth in the specification and 
 drawings or has been weakly and inadequately defended against 
 objections raised and Patents cited by the Examiners and for this 
 reason the grant of a Patent denied ; or without realizing the expert 
 technical knowledge required, you have yourself attempted the prose- 
 cution of the application, and received notification from the Patent 
 Office that the case must be entirely re-prepared. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 27 
 
 It is a common incident in our practice to aid inventors who find 
 themselves in such predicaments. Our charges are moderate and we 
 act promptly and decisively. Give us the name of the invention, date 
 of filing, and serial number. We will send you a Power of Attorney 
 for signature, which will give us access to the file of the case in the 
 Patent Office, and enable us to make a skilled examination into its 
 condition and report to you whether in our opinion a Patent can be 
 obtained and exactly what our charge will be to obtain it for you. 
 
 COPIES OF PATENTS. 
 
 Complete printed copies of the drawings, specifications and 
 claims of any Patent granted since July i, 1S61, will be mailed by 
 us to any part of the United States for 10 cents each. 
 
 Drawings only, of Patents issued prior to above date, can be 
 furnished, as the Government has not printed the specifications and 
 claims. The latter will be furnished in typewritten form at a reason- 
 able charge governed by number of copies wanted and number of 
 words. 
 
 Remit with order and give approximate date of Patent and name 
 of patentee, otherwise a search of the official records would be 
 necessary, involving extra cost. 
 
 FOREIGN PATENTS 
 
 The United States Patent Laws apparently contemplate that an 
 invention patented here is also worthy of protection abroad, in the 
 principal countries at least. In many countries a Patent obtained 
 after the invention is patented elsewhere is invalid and worthless. 
 For this reason it is of vital consequence that Foreign Patents be 
 applied for before the final Government fee, for the United States 
 Patent, is paid into the Patent Office. 
 
 Our laws provide a period of six months after your application 
 IS allowed at any time within which the final Government fee may 
 be paid, thus enabling you to complete financial arrangements for the 
 taking out of valid Foreign Patents. Your allowed United States 
 application is held secret until the final Government fee is paid, so 
 that no one can apply in foreign countries ahead of you. 
 
28 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 For the convenience of inventors the countries foremost in im- 
 portance are treated here and costs stated. If your United States 
 Patent application required more than one sheet of drawings, add 
 $5, for each sheet in excess of one, to the amount quoted for each 
 country. 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 Owing to the close proximity of Canada to the United States 
 and the brisk and augmenting commercial intercourse between the 
 two peoples, every inventor should avail himself of the great advan- 
 tage to be gained by taking out a Canadian Patent. 
 
 Canada embraces the provinces of British Columbia, Nova 
 Scotia, Prince Edward's Island, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick 
 and the Northwest Territory ; a vast domain greater in area than the 
 United States. 
 
 The whole outlay required to secure a Canadian Patent is $35, 
 which includes the Government tax, agency, and all charges for the 
 patent. 
 
 Important. — Unless you can file your application in Canada 
 within three months from date of your United States Patent you 
 should not fail to lodge a "Notice of Intention to Apply." Otherwise 
 you cannot stop anyone who commenced the manufacture of your 
 invention in Canada before issuance of Patent there. For the prep- 
 aration and filing of the Notice our charge is $5. We would advise 
 that you file application for Patent within three months from issue of 
 United States Patent, and thereby save the cost of the notice. The 
 sooner you file the better. 
 
 ENGLAND. 
 
 The commercial importance of England is such that no intelligent 
 person can fail to comprehend the momentous benefits to be realized 
 from patenting a meritorious invention there. The English capitalist 
 is quick to invest liberally, because he well knows the ready recogni- 
 tion of the skill of our inventors in all portions of the world. 
 
 An English Patent covers England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and 
 the Isle of Man, aggregating a population of nearly forty millions. 
 
 The total cost is $50, which includes the Government fee. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 29 
 
 Provisionai. protection, resembling that aflforded by a United 
 States Caveat, and enduring for six months, may be obtained under 
 the English Patent laws. Total cost, $25, To file application com- 
 plete after provisional protection and obtain Patent, $50. Term, 
 fourteen years. 
 
 FRANCE AND COLONIES. 
 
 $60. — The term of a French patent is fifteen years, and includes 
 Algeria, Senegal, French Soudan, Dahomey, French Congo, Mada- 
 gascar, French Indo China, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, 
 New Caledonia, Tahiti, etc. Next to England in value to the patentee 
 is France. Her manufacturers are enterprising and quick to appre- 
 ciate and adopt inventions of American origin. 
 
 GERMANY AND COLONIES. 
 
 $65. — The term of a German patent is fifteen years. German 
 design patent, term three years, $35, extension for three years longer, 
 $30. German patents include Germany, German East and South 
 West Africa, Kameron and Togo Land, German Papua, Bismarck 
 Archipelago, Caroline Islands, Kiou-Chui, etc. Germany is pro- 
 gressive and is rapidly adopting and perfecting American methods. 
 
 BELGIUM. 
 
 The cost of a Belgian patent is $35; term, twenty years. Belgium 
 is the manufacturing center for a large part of Europe, and is one 
 of the most desirable countries in which an American inventor can 
 apply for patent protection. 
 
 Denmark, $50; term, fifteen years. 
 Norway, $50; term, fifteen years. 
 Sweden, $55 ; term, fifteen years. 
 Switzerland, $50; term, fifteen years. 
 Portugal, $100; term, fifteen years. 
 Spain, $55 ; term, twenty years. 
 Italy, $70; term, fifteen years. 
 
George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 RUSSIA. 
 
 The cost of a Russian patent is $80; term, fifteen years. A valid 
 patent can be obtained in Russia after the issue of the United States 
 patent. The Russian Empire inchides Russia, Poland and Siberia, 
 and covers the enormous territory of ten milHon square miles. Its 
 population is three times that of any European country. Russia is 
 a continent in itself and is one of the most prominent fields for 
 American inventors. 
 
 Hungary, $60; term, Fifteen years. 
 
 Austria, $60; term, fifteen years. 
 
 Turkey, $80; term, fifteen years. 
 
 MEXICO. 
 
 The cost of a Mexican patent is $75 ; term, twenty years. 
 America is now connected with all parts of Mexico by rail, and our 
 commercial relations are therefore very close. Great progress has 
 been made in Mexico of late and a great number of factories are 
 located there. Patents on mining machinery are especially valuable. 
 
 ASIA. 
 
 India, $So; term, fourteen years. 
 
 The patent covers all of British India, including Burmah; popu- 
 lation, 300,000,000. The application should be filed within one year 
 of the issue of the United States patent. 
 
 Ceylon, $175 ; term, fourteen years. 
 
 Empire of China, $100. 
 
 Japan, $90; term, fifteen years. 
 
 AFRICA. 
 
 Cape Colony, $125 ; term, fourteen j'cars. 
 
 Natal, $100 ; term, fourteen years. 
 
 Egypt, $125 ; term, same as applicant's United States patent. 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICA. 
 
 Honduras, $175 ; term, ten years. 
 
 Nicaragua, $175 ; term, five to ten years. 
 
 CosTa Rica, $225 ; term, same as United States Patent. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 WEST INDIES. 
 
 CuBA^ $70; term, seventeen years. 
 Jamaica, $125. 
 Trinidad, $140. 
 Barbados, $100. 
 Bahama Islands, $125. 
 
 SOUTH AMERICA. 
 
 Brazii,, $125 ; term, fifteen years. 
 
 Argentine Republic — Patents are granted for five, ten and 
 fifteen years ; cost respectively, $130, $175, and $280. 
 
 Chili, $230; term, ten years. 
 
 Peru, $280; term, ten years. 
 
 United States of Columbia — Patents are granted for five, ten, 
 fifteen and twenty years ; cost respectively, $140, $190, $240, and $290. 
 
 THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH. 
 
 The Australian colonies of Victoria, New South Wales, Queens- 
 land, South Australia, Tasmania and West Australia have been 
 formed into a commonwealth. One patent only is necessary now, 
 where six formerly were required. The cost of the new Common- 
 wealth patent, which is granted for fourteen years, is $85. An inven- 
 tor cannot afford to neglect to secure a patent in the Australian Com- 
 monwealth, as the country is progressive and rich. On account of 
 the gold and copper mining industries the population is rapidly 
 increasing. Coal, iron, tin and other mineral wealth abounds. The 
 production of wool is greater than that of any other country in the 
 world. Immense tracts of land are being opened to cultivation and 
 settlement. The increasing activity demands the introduction of 
 inventions and labor-saving devices and systems of every character. 
 The prosperity of Australia is evidenced by the fact that the standard 
 of living and the consumption of commodities per capita are the 
 highest in the world. 
 
 NEW ZEALAND. 
 
 The cost of a patent in New Zealand is $50 ; term, fourteen years. 
 The same progressiveness and commercial activity are apparent in 
 New Zealand as in the Australian Commonwealth. 
 
Patents Guaranteeb. 33 
 
 SPECIAL OFFER. 
 
 American inventors, owing to special facilities afforded, take 
 out more patents in Canada, England, Germany, France and Belgium 
 than any other countries. These five countries will secure to the 
 inventor the exclusive monopoly of his invention among one hundred 
 and forty-five millions of the most enterprising and progressive peo- 
 ple of the world. When patents are ordered in all of these countries 
 at the same time we make a special rate of $230 for them, which, as 
 will be noted, is a considerable reduction from the rates quoted for 
 these countries separate^. 
 
 COMBINATION RATES. 
 
 By special arrangements with our foreign agents, we are able 
 
 to offer reduced rates when applications in two or more countries 
 
 are filed at the same time. The following groups of countries have 
 
 been specially selected with a view of reducing the total cost to the 
 
 minimum, and a comparison of the charges named with those for the 
 
 same countries singly will show the saving to the applicant : 
 
 Great Britain, France, Belgium and Canada $170 
 
 France, Italy and Belgium 140 
 
 Germany, Austria and Hungary 160 
 
 Great Britain, Germany, France and Canada 200 
 
 Sweden, Norway and Denmark 150 
 
 Brazil and Mexico 240 
 
 Canada and Mexico 105 
 
 The charges quoted in the above lists include the total cost of 
 securing patents in the respective countries. We wish to state with 
 emphasis that the figures quoted include all costs, without any extra 
 charge whatever for securing the foreign patents, including our fee, 
 Government fees, drawings, etc. We make this statement because 
 our charges are considerably lower than those asked by others, and 
 our clients are continually asking us if our fees cover the total cost 
 for foreign patents. 
 
 We guarantee to secure the patent in foreign countries or return 
 our fee, with the exception of Germany and Austria. 
 
 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Select the country or countries in which you want a patent, and 
 remit $5 for each country named. We will then send you application 
 papers for approval and execution, according to the schedule of 
 prices ; or, if you prefer, send the full amount in the first remittance. 
 
34 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 An important exception to the rule that Foreign Patents must 
 be applied for before issue of United States Patent, occurs when the 
 United States Patent has issued early enough to admit of the filing 
 of foreign cases zvithin twelve months of the date of filing of the 
 United States case. 
 
 Also, issue of a Foreign Patent before applying in the United 
 States will not invalidate United States Patent if application is filed 
 Zi-ithin tzuelve months from date on ivhich foreign application ivas 
 filed. 
 
 HOW TO GAIN PROFIT BY INVENTION. 
 
 Not everyone has Inventive Genius, but a Multitude of Persons who have 
 Do Not give it I^xercise. Others Mentally work out Valuable Devices and 
 Lack the Energy or Foresight to Patent Them. Many Patented Inventions have 
 Proven Worth Thousands of Dollars for Every Minute of time Consumed in 
 their Creation. 
 
 To profit by invention one must not only create the invention, but make it 
 practical, from a financial standpoint, and protect it by a Patent. 
 
 The way to invent is to study how an existing device can be made to 
 better answer its purpose; or to conceive a new purpose and devise a mechanical 
 means for carrying it out. The field for invention is without bounds or limits. 
 There are more opjiortunities for originating new and patentable, and profitable, 
 devices today than there have ever been before, because it is an immutable physi- 
 cal law that every new condition works a change in other conditions requiring 
 expedients for adapting and harmonizing one condition with another. The In- 
 vention of the railway, for example, effected a revolution in social and indus- 
 trial life throughout the world and hundreds-of-thousands of other inventions, 
 extending into every conceivable art, were a natural consequence. 
 
 Anyone of average intelligence can determine for himself tvliat to invent. 
 Pie needs but to study objects entering into daily use about him. There is 
 room for improvement in everything, and these improvements if patented are 
 bound to yield large money reward under good management. All patentable 
 inventions are regarded by the Patent Office as improvements, for the reason 
 that the very spirit of invention is to improve upon existing conditions. No 
 doubt every reader of these lines has exclaimed, "Why didn't I think of it!" 
 on seeing some simple, money-making article. Hundreds of such articles are 
 patented annually. The Inventors who "keep their eyes open," and not only 
 think, but act are justly the ones enriched. Ability to invent is the greatest 
 natural endowment bestowed by a kind Providence. He who fails to exercise 
 the faculty, gets no reward, and, as a rule, such go through life without finding 
 reward in anything. 
 
 The most wonderful feature of invention is that a mere suggestion, or a 
 mental hint, of some new thing, will soon assume perfection under careful 
 thought, and this "thinking out" process is the thing needed to attain success. 
 
 The Inventor who does not act after he has "thought out" his invention, has 
 made a failure from the standpoint of profit. 
 
 The first thing you should do after you have conceived an improvement 
 is to write us, explaining your idea fully, and submit a sketch to enable us to 
 make an examination as to patentability. If our report is favorable file an 
 application at once. The chance to obtain a Patent on a meritorious invention 
 is a business chance of rare value, but, like any other good business chance, 
 must be promptly taken advantage of to realize that value. 
 
 After your Patent is obtained, the question as to the best way to obtain 
 profit from it arises. If you are a manufacturer, or if you have had experience 
 
Patents Guarante;e;d. 35 
 
 in the organization of capital for the promotion of business enterprises, you do 
 not need advice. If you would sell your Patent outright, or by territorial 
 allotments, the following important suggestions should be observed: 
 
 Have absolutely nothing to do with patent selling agents, so-called, who 
 load your mail with their persuasive and deceptive letters and circulars as 
 soon as your Patent issues. (They get your name and address from the 
 Patent Office Gazette, which circulates widely.) This warning is unnecessary 
 if you have ever had dealings with these sharks, for "a burnt child shuns 
 the fire." As we cannot undertake here to expose their many tricks, we ask 
 you to take our advice as it is intended — for your good — and shun them, no 
 matter how plausible their arguments. It is a matter of personal trraiificstion 
 and pride with us to have our clients realize abundant profit from their l'ater,ts; 
 therefore, had we faith in these agencies, would be eager to recommend them. 
 
 A common dodge of the "Patent selling agent" is to pretend to have found 
 someone who will buy your Patent if an investigation proves its validity, and a 
 certain person (who is in league, of course,) is recommended as the proper one 
 to make the investigation, for which you must pay a good fee. But it is all a 
 game and the buyer a myth. With hardly an exception the agency claims 
 to demand no fee until a sale is made, getting you to sign a contract to that 
 effect, yet at the next turn you are asked to send money, on one pretext or 
 another. You may be asked by one of these concerns to advance money 
 for the alleged purpose of advertising your invention in a long list of news- 
 papers, yet no one ever heard of a Patent sold in this way. To sum up our 
 advice: Don't bite, no matter liozv tempting the bait. 
 
 The value of a Patent depends upon the value of the invention as a 
 marketable commodity, and if the owner would financially realize upon this 
 value he must himself through his own resources or through his own and the 
 resources of others, place the mantifactured article on the market ; or he must 
 properly bring the patented invention to the notice of those likely to be inter- 
 ested, if he would sell the Patent outright. Details of procedure for the or- 
 ganization of stock companies and corporations for the purpose of promoting 
 a patented invention by manufacture and sale are too voluminous to be set 
 forth here. 
 
 The majority of Inventors prefer to sell their Patents for a lump sum. 
 To effect the sale the Inventor himself may well take the matter in hand or 
 enlist the advice and executive ability of someone personally well-knoivn to him, 
 or a person or firm zvith zvhom he has had dealings, and whose reputation for 
 reliability is widely known. The prospective purchaser must have the merits 
 of the invention called to his attention, and, next to a personal talk with him, 
 we regard properly-conceived correspondence as the best means. The corre- 
 spondence ought to be strictly business in tenor and not burdened with im- 
 material matter. The Patent, if procured tnrough us, will clearly set forth 
 the invention in all its details of structure and function. Mail a copy thereof 
 to each person or firm addressed, and enclose a stamped envelope for reply. In 
 our judgment it is not well to set a price, but solicit offers and accept the best, 
 if it is reasonable. 
 
 Advertising in papers of miscellaneous circulation such as dailies, and 
 political, religious or family weeklies, we regard as of little or no value for 
 effecting the sale of a Patent. Strictly technical or trade journals of the proper 
 class are sometimes effective, but the cost is very heavy. Comparing results 
 with outlay, the correspondence plan is undoubtedly the best, unless you can 
 personally reach the party. 
 
 We will prepare for any Inventor desiring it a list of Manufacturers, com- 
 piled with careful reference to the nature of his invention. He can then per- 
 sonally or by letter bring his invention to the direct attention of those most 
 likely to be interested. Our charge for this list is $i. It is very important, in 
 offering an invention for sale, to appeal to the right firms. This is not a. "free" 
 list, made up without regard to whether the firms named therein are interested 
 in the manufacture or sale of your device, but, as above indicated, is for your 
 special use and advantage. 
 
 It is bad policy to offer a Patent for sale before issue thereof. If Patent 
 has issued the prospective purchaser is assured that the invention is new and 
 
36 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 that you can give him a bona fide title. It amounts to the difference between 
 offering that in which you have acquired actual title, and that in which your 
 title is only prospective. 
 
 The strongest argument, however, against attempting sale prior to issue, is 
 that by making your invention public you run the risk of being barred from 
 the procurance of valid Foreign Patents, for, in the more important countries, 
 any public knowledge whatever of the invention prior to filing applications in 
 those countries, will invalidate Patent, even if obtained. 
 
 Good Patents for good inventions are always salable. Your invention must 
 be worthless indeed if you cannot realize from it many times the cost of the 
 Patent. 
 
 "A man obtained a Patent for a slight improvement in straw cutters, took 
 a model of his invention through the Western States, and after a tour of eignt 
 months returned with forty thousand dollars in cash, or its equivalent. 
 
 "Another Inventor, in about fifteen months, made sales that brought him 
 sixty thousand dollars, his invention being a machine to thresh and clean grain. 
 A third obtained^ a patent for a printing ink, and refused fifty thousand dollars, 
 and finally sold it for about sixty thousand dollars. 
 
 "These are ordinary cases of minor inventions embracing no very con- 
 siderable inventive powers, and of which hundreds go out from the Patent Office 
 every year. Experience shows that the most profitable Patents are those which 
 contain very little real invention, and ^re to a superficial observer of little 
 value." 
 
 Instances are numerous wherein the Inventor has made several millions 
 of dollars from his invention. The Air Brake, tne Sewing Machine, the 
 Telephone and Telegraph, all involve broad principles, and the original Patents, 
 as well as Patents for improvements, represent an aggregate value so vast as to 
 be incalculable; The very simplest patented ideas, if novel, useful or enter- 
 taining, are quick and bountiful in cash returns. Dr. Higgns received over 
 $100,000 in cash royalties alone, from his United States and Foreign Patents 
 for the little thimble you grasp in putting your umbrella up or down; the 
 rubber tip for lead pencils was equally valuable. The common lace for women's 
 gloves was invented by a woman and has yielded her a vast sum. The meta. 
 heel plate, and the toe tip of metal, for shoes, were each worth over a million. 
 
 USEFUL FACTS ABOUT PATENTS. 
 
 There are certain useful and important facts relating to the legal- rights of 
 patentees which most attorneys fail in their literature to set forth, and we give 
 a number of such facts here for our patrons. 
 
 If an invention is protected by Patent in one country it cannot be manu- 
 factured in another country and imported, sold or used without license from 
 the patentee. 
 
 The law requires that a manufactured article, if patented, must be so 
 marked, and the customary manner of marking is to follow the word "Pa'- 
 ented" by the date of the Patent. No legal right exists permitting the use of 
 the mark "Patented" before the patent is actually issued. Official notification 
 that an application for Patent is "allowed" does not therefore convey this 
 right. 
 
 The law attaches a penaltv of one hundred dollars for each offense for the 
 fraudulent use of the mark "Patented." 
 
 If an application for Patent is on file but not allowed, the invention must 
 bear the mark "Patent Pending" or "Patent Applied For," if manufactured 
 and sold. 
 
 A license cannot be transferred unless the instrument itself embodied a 
 stipulation making it transferable. 
 
 No one has the right to make a patented device without authority frorn the 
 patentee, even though maker would construct the machine solely for his private 
 use and not for sale. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 2>7 
 
 After a Patent has expired it cannot be renewed, except by act of Congress. 
 
 A reissue is one granted to the original patentee, his legal representatives, 
 or the assignee of the entire interest, when the original patent is invalid or in- 
 operative by reason of a defective or insufficient specification, or by reason 
 of the patentee claiming as his invention or discovery more than he had a 
 right to claim as new, provided the error arose through inadvertence, accident 
 or mistake, and without any fraudulent or deceptive intention. Matter shown 
 and described in an unexpired patent, and which might have been lawfully 
 claimed therein, but which was not claimed by reason of a defect or insufficiency 
 in the specification, arising from inadvertence, accident, or mistake, and with- 
 out fraud and deceptive intent, cannot be subsequently claimed by the patentee 
 in a separate patent, but only in a reissue of the original. 
 
 (These facts relative to reissue of patents are set forth at length in view 
 of the common mistake made by inventors in construing a reissue to mean an 
 extension of the patent.) 
 
 A patent cannot issue to a deceased inventor, bvit to his legal representa- 
 tive. 
 
 Inventions of deceased inventors may be patented by the legal representa- 
 tive making application therefor in due form. 
 
 An abandoned application is no bar to a new application for the same 
 invention by the same applicant. 
 
 When one of several distinct inventions described and shown in an appli- 
 cation is not claimed therein, the issue of a patent on such application pre- 
 sumptively dedicates the unclaimed invention to the public. 
 
 After an anplicant has himself prosecuted his application to final rejection 
 and has then placed it in the hands of an attorney, the Examiner will be war- 
 ranted in re-opening the case for the admission and consideration of substitute 
 specifications apparently presented in good faith and for the purpose of securing 
 for the inventor that to which the attorney believes him entitled. 
 
 One who employs another to make an invention for him does not thereby oe- 
 come entitled to apply for and receive a patent on the invention, whatever may 
 be his equitable rights in the invention and patent of his employee. 
 
 Invention does not lie in an abstract idea of the desirability of uniting 
 several old machines into one, but in conceiving definitely of a single organized 
 and complete machine containing a combination of instrumentalities which per- 
 form the several functions of the old machine. 
 
 An application for a patent to be issued to joint inventors must be signed 
 and sworn to by all the inventors and an application for such a patent made Dy 
 only one of such inventors cannot be entertained even although the other of 
 such inventors already has a sole patent for the same invention and refuses to 
 join in a joint application. 
 
 Two maj' properly take out a patent as joint inventors when one of them 
 orig'inated the leading principles, and the other exercised inventive talent in per- 
 fecting it. 
 
 An inventor may adopt minor improvements in his invention, which arc 
 suggested by another, and the latter does not thereby acquire any interest in the 
 invention. 
 
 The Patent Office cannot permit the record of an application once filed to 
 be in any way altered by so radical a measure as the removal of one of its parts, 
 as by the transfer of drawings, to a substituted application. 
 
 When all the parts of an application except the fee have been deposited in 
 the Patent Office, they will not be returned to the applicant. 
 
 Patent will issue jointly to an assignee and applicant when the latter so 
 requests in the recorded assignment. 
 
 An assignment regular on its face and regularly recorded must be con- 
 sidered an absolute assignment imtil cancelled upon the written consent of both 
 parties, or upon the decree of a competent court. 
 
 In order to give an employer a right to an invention of an employee, on 
 the ground that the latter was employed to invent it for the benefit of the 
 former, it must very clearly appear that such was the condition of the employ- 
 ment. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 39 
 
 If a person once conceives the main idea of an improvement, valuable minor 
 results contributed by a workman in reducing the invention to practice without 
 rejecting the original idea and proceeding upon a wholly distinct and separate 
 plan, belong to the former as a part of his invention. 
 
 When all that is new and patentable in a device is embodied by an em- 
 ployee at the express direction of the employer and according to his ideas, the 
 invention is that of the employer. 
 
 It is a well established principle that an inventor has the right to employ 
 the mechanical skill of others to carry out his ideas without forfeiting his right 
 to the invention. 
 
 An earlier conceiver, by merely making a model and showing it to some 
 persons, afterward doing nothing more, does not give or abandon the inven- 
 tion to the world so as to deprive a subsequent conceiver of his right to a 
 patent. 
 
 The prompt filing of an application is evidence that a reduction to practice 
 was successful. 
 
 An inventor who, after reducing his invention to practice, deliberately 
 conceals it from the public, is not entitled to a patent as against one who 
 during such concealment has independently invented the same thing and has 
 patented it in good faith and in ignorance of the fact of invention by the first 
 party. 
 
 He who merely suggests that an invention may be made and furnishes 
 the rneans to do it is not the inventor as against the mechanic who devises the 
 practical method of making the invention. 
 
 He who employes an old device in a new or modified way to produce a 
 new and useful result must be regarded as an inventor. 
 
 Where one is first to conceive an invention, but throws aside all evidence 
 of the conception, makes no eft'ort to complete or introduce the invention to the 
 public, and delays making application for a patent until another has brought 
 it into extensive use, has no standing as an inventor. 
 
 The law does not look with favor upon a party who withholds the knowl- 
 edge of his invention from the public by a negligent postponement of his claim 
 until others have made and introduced the same. 
 
 He is the real inventor and entitled to the patent who first brings the 
 machine to perfection and makes it capable of useful operation, although others 
 may have previously had the idea and made some experiment toward putting 
 it in practice. 
 
 pe;rpetuai, motion. 
 
 The Patent Office refuses to grant patents on perpetual motion inventions, 
 and vyill not even consider an application based on such a theory without a 
 full-sized working model. Consequently we always advise our clients to file a 
 caveat, in order to afford time to test and perfect their invention, and furnish 
 a working model of their device before applying for patent. The Patent Office 
 also holds these views in the case of airships or flying machines of the type 
 which have no balloon or similar attachments, and contemplate creating power 
 to provide for their own buoyancy. 
 
 distinguished AMERICAN INVENTORS. 
 
 W. M. Jenne, of Ilion, N. Y., was a mechanic working by the day when 
 he began to produce typewriting inventions. His ideas in this line have brought 
 him wealth and he is now superintendent of a typewriter manufacturing com- 
 pany. To Jenne and C. E- Sholes — two men whose names are almost unknown 
 to the general public — is chiefly due the development of the writing machines 
 of to-day. Sholes, who died rich, began as a mechanic, and a universally 
 known typewriter was to a great extent his creation. 
 
40 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 Mergenthaler, who received millions from the linotype machine, was 
 originally an expert mechanic, engaged in making telescopes and other scien- 
 tific apparatus. His contrivance is now in use all over the world, the mechan- 
 ical compositor having taken the place of the human typesetter in nearly all 
 great newspaper offices. 
 
 L. C. Crowell was likewise a toiler at day's wages when he began to invent 
 improvements in printing machines. His contrivance for folding, which brought 
 him a large fortune, made possible the present enormous editions of many paged 
 newspapers. Up to that time the lack of a folding device had set a limit on 
 the output of the printing press, but now the Crowell folder takes the sheets 
 as they receive the impressions, packs them into neat shape, and stacks them 
 up all ready for distribution, 
 
 Frank A. Johnson was a mechanic in Minneapolis when he took out his 
 first patent for a typesetting machine. His inventions in this line have 
 brought him wealth. 
 
 The process of welding metals under water by means of the electric arc 
 was not recognized at first as a great discovery. Its inventor, George P. 
 Burton, was a mechanic, and every cent he could get hold of he spent on his 
 idea, until, just as he had begun to despair, he sold a part interest in his 
 patent for $100,000. 
 
 Alexander P. Morrow was a mechanic employed by a bicycle company 
 when he invented the coaster-brake which bears his name. Two hundred and 
 fifty thousand of these brakes have been sold, and the royalty has made Mr. 
 Morrow rich. 
 
 F. A. Flanegin had a little jewelry shop in Washington, but at length he 
 devised a method of cleaning oil wells by dropping an electric stove down into 
 them. Formerly, when such wells became choked with paraffin they were 
 cleaned by exploding nitro-glycerine cartridges, which was a costly method and 
 risky. The electric stove process, which is cheap and can do no damage, has 
 made the inventor a rich man. 
 
 William Painter, of Baltimore, was a poor man. The notion of crimping 
 a piece of metal around the neck of a bottle, to take the place of a cork, struck 
 him, and he became well off. Many bottles nowadays have such caps. 
 
 Augustus Schultz, of New York, invented the modern method of tanning, 
 which has reduced the process of making leather from an affair of a year or 
 two to one of a few weeks, thus revolutionizing the business. All of the thin, 
 tough leather manufactured nowadays is made in this way. When Schultz 
 began his experiment he was so poor that, it is said, he had to prepare his 
 solutions in tumblers. His invention made him rich. 
 
 Charles M. Hall was a student at Oberlin College when he discovered a 
 solvent by which aluminum could be separated from its ore. Though the metal 
 is very plentiful in nature, the difficulty was to part it commercially from other 
 substances with which it is commonly found combined. Hall solved this prob- 
 lem, and his process, which is in use to-day, has made a fortune for him. 
 
 Charles J. Van Depoele, inventor of the under-running trolley, was a 
 mechanic. Now, thanks to this and other ideas in regard to railroading, he 
 is a rich man. 
 
 Emile Berliner was a clerk, and he paid a mechanic fifty_ cents a night 
 to teach him something about electricity. The teacher was very ignorant of the 
 subject, and that was one reason why Berliner was led off the beaten track. 
 He began to make discoveries, and finally he evolved ideas which made the long 
 distance telephone possible, the Bell apparatus being good only for short dis- 
 tances. The monopoly of the Bell company is now held under the Berliner 
 patents, and the ambitiotis clerk is well to do. 
 
 Thomas L. Wilson, of New York, was a dabbler in experimental chemistry. 
 He hit upon a cheap method of making carbide of calcium, which up to that 
 time had been known only as a laboratory product, and the discovery has brought 
 him wealth, calcium carbide being the source of acetylene gas. 
 
 Dr. Bell, the telephone man, was a school teacher. He took the first 
 working model of his telephone to John A. Logan, and offered him a half 
 interest for $2,500, saying that it would do away with the telegraph, and that 
 
Patiints Guaranteed. 
 
 there were millions in it. I,ogan said: "I dare say your machine works per- 
 fectly, but who would want to talk through such a thing as that, anyway? I 
 advise you to save your money, young man." Telephone stock is worth to-day 
 $80,000,000 or some such sum, and Bell got several millions of the money. He 
 offered a tenth interest to an Examiner in the Patent Office for $100. It was 
 refused. The tenth was worth $1,600,000 within 15 years. 
 
 Edison was a telegrapher when he made his first important invention. He 
 took it to a company on Broadway, New York, and the manager told him he 
 would pay $36,000 for it and not a cent more. The future wizard was as- 
 tounded, never having thought of receiving such an immense sum. He feared 
 the check might be bogus, and was sure of it when the paying teller refused 
 to cash it offhand. However, when he secured identification the money was 
 handed to him. It was the greatest day in Edison's life, and, though he has 
 received millions since then for his ideas, he has never been made so happy 
 by a subsequent success. 
 
 Hugo Cook, of Dayton, Ohio, was a worker for wages in that city when 
 he made the invention upon which one of the most efficient cash registers in 
 the market is based. He receives a royalty of $2 apiece, and enough are sold 
 in a year to give him an income of about $25,000. 
 
 W. Li. Bundy was a watchmaker when he invented the workman's time 
 recorder, which is now coming into use all over the world for the purpose of 
 keeping "tab" on employees in factories and other business establishments. 
 Large capital has been invested in the contrivance, and Mr. Bundy is a rich 
 man. 
 
 Westinghouse, who invented the air brake, was a machinist. His idea was 
 worth millions to him. 
 
 Gramme, a Belgian, who invented the ring dynamo, was a carpenter by 
 trade, employed in the making of models for electric machines. He could 
 hardly read or write, but he bought a dictionary and book on electricity and 
 tried to teach himself. His invention revolutionized the manufacture of dynamos, 
 brought him a fortune and made him famous. 
 
 Of course the foregoing are but a few of numberless instances showing the 
 opportunities open to those in every walk of life, who are alert to the spirit 
 of progress now moving the whole civilized world. Many an humble toiler has 
 been raised from comparative poverty to plenty, or from a modest income to 
 affluence by a fortunate exercise of the inventive faculty. Good inventions 
 never found a more ready market or at higher prices than obtain to-day, and 
 rich opportunities are open to those of every age and sex. 
 
 MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS. 
 
 Every mechanic or inventor should study to avoid clumsiness in the con- 
 struction of his model or machine and so arrange the several parts as to pro- 
 duce the result desired with the least number of parts possible. He should, 
 therefore, be very careful to select as far as possible the simplest and best 
 forms of mechanical movements. For this purpose we have compiled together in 
 a compact manner a large number of the most practical, simple and inexpensive 
 mechanical movements such as are most generally used in all classes of ma- 
 chines. Among them the mechanic or the inventor may find at a glance just 
 such a movement as is best suited for his purpose, and may find the several parts 
 best adapted for any special combination of mechanism. The following is a 
 brief description of the various movements as numbered: 
 
 1. Pulleys with a belt passing thereover. 
 
 2. The ordinary sliding clutch and pinions. 
 
 3. Means for imparting a jumping motion to a horizontal arm. A cam 
 secured to a cog-wheel alternately lifts and drops said arm. 
 
^ ffl 
 
 3 
 
 M 
 
 1 
 
 
 12 
 
 '^ JL 
 
 22~E^ 
 
 MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 43 
 
 4. Elliptical spur-gear for securing variable speed. 
 
 5. Beveled gears. 
 
 6. Means for imparting an alternate rectilinear motion to a rack-rod by a 
 continuously rotated mutilated gear. 
 
 7. Means for transmitting motion from one shaft to another, said shafts 
 being in the same plane, but at right angles to each other. 
 
 8. Pulleys for lifting weights. 
 
 9. An eccentric upon a revolving shaft adapted to impart a reciprocating 
 movement to a yoke strap. 
 
 10. Two forms of universal joints. 
 
 11. Differential gears. The inner and outer gears move in opposite direc- 
 tions at different speeds. 
 
 12. Different kinds of gear for transmitting rotary motion from one shaft 
 to another arranged obliquely thereto. 
 
 13. Means for imparting a partial revolution to a ratchet-wheel at the com- 
 pletion of each revolution of the main wheel. 
 
 I4._ A tilt hammer. The wiper-wheel lifts the hammer four times each 
 revolution. 
 
 15. Means whereby a reciprocating rectilinear motion of a vertical rod 
 transmits an intermittent circular motion to a toothed wheel. 
 
 16. An ordinary sliding clutch and pinions. 
 
 17. Sun and planet motion. The outer gear is fixed to the connecting link 
 and moves around the axis of the fly-wheel. 
 
 18. Means whereby the reciprocating motion of a jointed rod produces an 
 almost continuous rotary movement of the ratchet-face wheel. 
 
 19. Gearing for transmitting a continuous rotary motion to a vertical 
 shaft from a horizontal shaft, by the alternate revolution of gears upon said 
 horizontal shaft. These gears are loose upon their shaft, and have ratchets 
 which are engaged by pawls fixed to the shaft. 
 
 20. Means for transmitting rotary motion from one shaft to another at 
 right angles thereto. 
 
 21. Multiple gearing. The triangular wheel drives the large one. 
 
 22. A simple ore stamper or pulverizer. The plunger is raised and dropped 
 twice for each revolution of the shaft. 
 
 23. Variable rotary motion produced by uniform rotary motion. 
 
 24. Ordinary crank motion. 
 
 25. Air pump; piston motion. The racks are moved in opposite directions 
 by the revolution of the gear. 
 
26 
 
 ( (/ O S)) 
 
 28 
 
 rniniiirniii 
 
 30 
 
 34 
 
 36 
 
 38 
 
 40 
 
 41 
 
 42 
 
 ;^,,..\ ^<^ 
 
 44 
 
 45 
 
 46 
 
 
 MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 45 
 
 26. Crank motion. The wrist-pin upon the disk works within the slotted 
 yoke. 1 1 
 
 2T. Centrifugal governor for steam engines, etc. 
 
 28. A lower fixed rack having a gear mounted thereon and meshing with an 
 upper movable rack. As the pitman secured to the gear reciprocates, said gear 
 revolves and imparts a movement to the upper rack which is double that of 
 the gear. 
 
 29. Means for imparting a reciprocating rectilinear motion to an upright 
 rod by rotating an upright shaft having an oblique disk secured thereto. 
 
 30. A heart-shaped groove engaged by a lever, is adapted to impart an 
 irregular swinging motion to said lever. 
 
 31. A triple cam adapted to lift the rod three times at each revolution of 
 the disk to which said cam is secured. 
 
 32. Means for producing a uniform reciprocating rectilinear motion by the 
 rotary motion of a grooved cam. 
 
 33. A carpenter's bench-clamp. By pressing a strip against the crossed ends 
 of the dogs, the rounded heads thereof will clamp said strip. 
 
 34. Means whereby a reciprocating motion is imparted to a frame by a 
 continuously rotating shaft. This shaft has three wipers adapted to contact 
 with inwardly extending arms within the frame. 
 
 35. Means whereby the rotation of two spur gears having crank wrists 
 produces variable alternating traverse of a horizontal bar. 
 
 36. Means for converting uniform circular motion into alternating motion. 
 Cams are mounted upon a revolving shaft and alternately lift and drop levers 
 to which are attached rods. 
 
 37. An ellipsograph. By attaching a pencil or other instrument to the 
 cross-bar ellipses may be readily drawn. Studs upon the bar engage the grooves. 
 
 38. A fiddle drill. A strap is secured between the ends of a bow and 
 encircles a shaft or drill which is revolved by the back and forth motion of 
 the bow. 
 
 39. A crank substitute. Two loose pinions with reverse ratchets are at- 
 tached to the shaft, with pawls on the pinion ratchets. Each rack meshes with 
 the reverse pinion for continual motion of the shaft. 
 
 40. Metal shears. The arm of the moving blade is raised and lowered by 
 the revolution of the cam. 
 
 41. A vertically movable presser platen. This platen issecured by a rod to 
 a toothed sector pivoted within a frame and which receives motion from a 
 small pinion meshing therewith. 
 
 42. Means for converting circular motion into variable alternating rectil- 
 linear motion. A wrist-pin upon a revolving disk works within a slotted lever. 
 
 43. Means for converting circular into rectilinear motion. A waved wheel 
 mounted upon a rotary shaft rocks a lever upon its fulcrum. 
 
48 
 
 52 
 tie 
 
 53 
 
 :)D 
 
 A6 
 
 57 „ 
 
 60 
 
 61 
 
 
 64 
 
 65 
 
 66 
 
 58 
 
 *(§) 
 
 MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 47 
 
 44. "I,azy tongs." A system of crossed levers pivoted together by which 
 the amount of a rectilinear motion is increased by the proportional number 
 of sections in the tongs. 
 
 45. A rack adapted to receive rectilinear motion by the rotary motion of 
 toothed wheels meshing therewith. 
 
 46. Means for converting reciprocating rectilinear motion into intermit- 
 tent circular motion. 
 
 47. I^ink motion for locomotives. The slotted link is moved up and down 
 over the wrist pin block bjr the lever and connecting rod; the lever, locking 
 in the toothed sector, allowing for a close connection to the valve stem by a 
 lever and short connecting rod. 
 
 48. Valve motion and reversing gear. The slotted link receives a rocking 
 motion from the eccentrics and rods, and is thrown from its center either 
 way for forward or back motion of the engine by the lever secured thereto. 
 
 49. Safety stop for elevators. When the cable breaks,^ the bow spring will 
 force the plungers secured to the bell-crank levers outward into engagement with 
 the racks. 
 
 50. Mangle rack, guided by rollers and driven by a lantern half-pinion. 
 The long teeth in the rack act as guides to insure a tooth mesh at the end of 
 each motion. 
 
 51. Breast wheel. The power of this wheel equals about forty per cent, of 
 the value of the waterfall flowing through the gate. 
 
 52. Single acting pumping beam. Parallel motion is received from a sector 
 beam. The cylinder is open and the piston is lifted by the weight of the 
 pump rods on the other end of the beam. Movement of the piston is reversed 
 by atmospheric pressure. 
 
 53. A gyroscope or rotascope. The outer ring is fixed to a stand. The 
 intermediate ring is pivoted vertically therein. The inner nng_ is pivoted in 
 the intermediate ring at right angles thereto and the globe is pivoted at right 
 angles to the inner ring. 
 
 54. Wheel work used in the base of a capstan. The central gear is fast 
 to the shaft. The intermediate pinions are loosely mounted upon a frame 
 secured to the drum. The gear ratchet ring runs free on the shaft. 
 
 55. Scroll gears. For increasing or decreasing the speed gradually during 
 one revolution. 
 
 56. Pantograph. For reducing or enlarging copies of drawings. The free 
 ends of the arms are provided with drawing instruments which are adjustable. 
 The point of connection between the two intermediate arms is fixed. 
 
 57. Diagonal catch and hand gear used in large blowing and pumping 
 engines. 
 
 58. Ball and socket tube joint. 
 
 59. Toe and lifter for working puppet valves in steam engines. The lower 
 arm or toe is_ secured to a rock shaft operated from the engine shaft and is 
 adapted to raise and lower the lift or upper arm which is secured to the valve 
 rod. 
 
j9 
 
 72 
 
 74 
 
 7b 
 
 76 
 
 79 
 
 (rXlJ 
 
 80 
 
 81 
 
 82 
 
 
 B4 
 
 87 
 
 .^ 
 
 
 38 
 
 91 
 
 MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 49 
 
 60. A rotary engine. This engine lias two abutments and two inlet and 
 exhaust ports. 
 
 61. A horsepower tread wheel. The horse is placed below the shaft and 
 between the spokes which are arranged at the sides of the wheel. 
 
 62. A four-way cock. 
 
 63. A swape, or New England sweep. The weighted end of the pole over- 
 balances the bucket so as to divide the labor of lifting the water. 
 
 64. Ordinary screw-propeller. 
 
 65. Chain pump. 
 
 66. Rotary engine, in its simplest form. 
 
 67. Hydraulic ram. The "Montgolfier" idea for a fountain supplied by a 
 water ram. 
 
 68. Means whereby rectilinear motion of variable velocity is imparted to a 
 vertical bar by turning a shaft having a curved slotted arm thereto. 
 
 69. Friction gear. Variable speed is obtained from the pair of cone pulleys, 
 one of which is the driver. The intermediate double-faced friction pinion is 
 moved from one end to the other of the cones. 
 
 70. Barker wheel. The reaction of the water escaping from the tangential 
 orifices at the ends of the arms under the pressure of the water-head in the 
 hollow shaft gives impulse to the wheel. 
 
 71. "Root" rotary blower. The extended surface of the periphery of the 
 wheels allows them to run loosely in the shell without friction and with very 
 small loss by air leakage. 
 
 72. An elastic wheel having a steel spring tire with jointed spokes. 
 
 73. Globoid spiral gear wheels. The revolution of the globoid gear gives 
 a variety of differential motions to the spur gear, as it swings between the 
 limits practicable with the globoid teeth. 
 
 74. Ratchet head with spring pawls. 
 
 75. Means for transmitting rotary motion to an oblique shaft by means 
 of contacting drums having concave faces. 
 
 76. A reversing movement for a pump valve. The piston rod trip carries 
 the ball frame beyond the level, when the ball rolls across and completes the 
 valve throw. 
 
 77. Multiple speed gear in line of shaft. The small intermediate gear is 
 secured to the small shaft. The central intermediate gear is secured to_ the large 
 shaft, while the large intermediate or end gear is fixed to the bearing. The 
 side beveled pinions are revolvable with the large shaft. With this device 
 speed may be increased or decreased on a continuous line of shafting accord- 
 ing to the relative number of teeth in the different gears. 
 
so George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 78. Toggle joint cam movement, for throwing out a number of grips at 
 once, by the movement of the jointed ring within the disk. 
 
 79. Anchor escapement for clocks. 
 
 80. Cam bar valve movement. The horizontal movement of the cam bar 
 by the bell crank lever alternately moves the two valves. 
 
 81. Double acting lift and force pump. 
 
 82. Rack and pinion movement for bracing spiral grooves on a cylinder. 
 
 83. Right angle shaft coupling. A number of right angle steel rods move 
 freely in perforated guide flanges on the ends of shafts that are arranged at 
 right angles. In this manner motion may be imparted from one shaft to the 
 other. 
 
 84. Grooved friction gearing. 
 
 85. Revolving rapid blow hammer. 
 
 86. Rotary multi-cylinder engine. The cylinders revolve with the fly-wheel 
 and the crank to which the pistons are secured is eccentric thereto. 
 
 87. Pendulum water lift. 
 
 88. Means whereby rectilinear vibrating motion may be imparted to a 
 spindle having an endless worm gear, by a spur-gear sector. 
 
 89. Mangle wheel with equal motion forward and return. The end of the 
 shaft of the pinion is slidably mounted within the groove and retains said pin- 
 ion in mesh. 
 
 90. Tin-tooth wheel and pinion. 
 
 91. Disk shears. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 WHAT TO INVENT 
 
 In presenting the following suggestions to inventors, we make no pretense 
 whatever, nor would we wish inventors to understand that no patents have been 
 granted in the classes named. What is particularly wanted are devices which 
 in themselves possess superior merits to those in common use. 
 
 1. An automatic self-inking proof roller. 
 
 2. Devices for conveniently keeping record of telephone messages sent. 
 
 3. White indelible ink, for marking black clothing, would find a ready 
 sale. 
 
 4. A practical self-inking type-writing machine, dispensing with carbon 
 
 ribbons. 
 
 5. A blotting substance of increased absorbent nature which is better than 
 blotting paper. 
 
 6. A substitute for tar or metal as a roofing material. Cheap, durable 
 and water proof. 
 
 7. A new and perfect artificial fuel, compounded from natural products, 
 and cheaper than coal. 
 
 8. A device for quickly and effectively cleaning hair brushes. Also toilet 
 articles of general use. 
 
 9. New systems of house heating and ventilation are in demand. No per- 
 fect system is yet in use. 
 
 10. A practical automatic cut-off safety gas cock, whereby the flow of gas is 
 permitted only when lighted. 
 
 11. A process and apparatus for drawing electrical energy from the atmos- 
 phere and storing it for use. 
 
 12. Means for breaking cars and other vehicles which will be quick-acting, 
 and will not "flat" the wheels. 
 
 13. A practical device for regulating incandescent electric lights which can 
 be turned partly off or on like gas. 
 
 14. Type-setting and casting machinery on the plan of the "linotype," but 
 more simple and easier in operation. 
 
 15. Improved electrical conductor, lessening resistance to the current and 
 loss thereby by leakage and radiation. 
 
 16. A noiseless typewriting machine is greatly needed. All workers in 
 modern offices will appreciate this invention. 
 
 17. Fashionable confectioiners want a box which cannot be repacked with 
 confections of an inferior grade without discovery. 
 
^ 
 
 i 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 53 
 
 1 8. A tough transparent substitute for glass, which will not crack under a 
 high degree of heat, and will withstand a great strain. 
 
 19. A perfect fire-proofing compound, which will not injure the materials 
 to which it is applied, and which is safe and inexpensive. 
 
 20. An improvement in doors similar but superior to the "revolving door," 
 which has been a financial success, but has some objections. 
 
 21. Improvements in key action, carriage movement, ribbon and other parts 
 of writing machines, to cheapen the cost and enhance speed and accuracy. 
 
 22. A simple cork extractor which will not break up the cork and cause 
 portions of the latter to fall into the bottle will satisfy a general demand. 
 
 23. A simple and effective coffee mill for domestic use, provided with 
 means for regulating the degree of fineness to which the coffee is ground. 
 
 24. Improved machinery and apparatus for curing, stripping and packing 
 tobacco. The present methods require much space and great loss of time. 
 
 25. Special machinery for shoe-lasting, book-binding, metal-working, and 
 other purposes. Improvements upon machinery in general use are often very 
 valuable. 
 
 26. A safety envelope that cannot be opened without detection is greatly 
 desired. There are some inventions in this line, but there is still room for im- 
 provement. 
 
 zj. An invention for holding up a lady's skirt when walking in the street 
 would be highly appreciated by the ladies, especially if thev are encumbered 
 with bundles. 
 
 28. A more sensitive and accurate diaphragm for telephones, phonographs 
 and similar instruments, whereby the sounds produced will be clearer, louder 
 and more natural. 
 
 29. Journals for car and other axles have been much improved, but "hot 
 boxes" are still of trequent occurrence. Improved metals for anti-friction bear- 
 ing can be patented. 
 
 30. A preserving^ compound for wooden piles is desired on the Pacific Coast 
 that will make piles immune from the attacks of teredos and other form of de- 
 structive marine life. 
 
 31. A wash-board with soaping apparatus or means embodied therein, and 
 so arranged that the soap would be applied by the action of rubbing, would be 
 a profitable invention. 
 
 32. Ingenious articles of utility formed of wire bent from a single piece, 
 and therefore extremely cheap. This applies particularly to household and store 
 
 fittings and simple implements. 
 
 33. An ink bottle which will permit of the insertion of a pen point therein, 
 will provide a regular depth of dip for the pen point, and will prevent the 
 evaporation of ink contained in it. 
 
54 George S. Vashon & Co.^ Washington, D. C. 
 
 34. An improvement in printing presses to do away with tlie necessity for 
 an elaborate make-ready. Much time is lost in overlaying and underlaying 
 forms that would be saved by such a device. 
 
 35. An invention is desired which will make a horse secure on his legs on 
 slippery pavements. 
 
 36. New construction of boats and methods of boat propelling. Some- 
 thing better than paddle wheels or screws. Water drawn in at the bow of the 
 vessel and forcibly expelled at the stern has been tried. 
 
 37. A better type of fixed ammunition for rapid-fire guns is greatly desired. 
 We would suggest a caseless charge compressed in the form of a solid cylinder 
 and attached in some manner to the base of the projectile. 
 
 38. A safety stirrup, one that would be so arranged by a spring or other- 
 wise that instead of holding the rider's foot when a horse falls, the weight of 
 the rider pulling backward or downward would cause the release of the foot. 
 
 39. Why cannot a system of bundle carriers, such as are used in dry 
 goods stores, be devised for public restaurants? The advantages of such a 
 system are many, and would effect a great saving of time and labor. 
 
 40. An automobile street sweeper is also desired — one that will sweep the 
 dust direct from the street into a dust bin carried by the machine where it could 
 be dampened, thus causing no dust to be thrown out during its operation. 
 
 41. New labor-saving means in washing, wringing, drying and ironing clothes 
 would be profitable and should have a ready sale in the market. Laundry im- 
 provements, when properly protected, are always appreciated and have a quick 
 
 sale. 
 
 42. New compositions of matter. Dye-stuffs are patented in great num- 
 bers, and some very valuable. Mere prescriptions can not be patented, but new 
 chemical compounds, such as phenacetin, are patentable, and often yield great 
 profits. 
 
 43. Improvements in apparatus for generating and using acetylene gas are 
 now especially wanted. This gas has been proved a valuable illuminating me- 
 dium, and simple means for safely generating and storing and using it are 
 valuable. 
 
 44. A practical crude oil burner. There are two main lines of invention 
 in this class. One is for supplying the oil mixed with steam for combustion, 
 and the other is for turning it into vapor and mixing it with air, burning it in 
 that form. 
 
 45. A motor plow that could be easily handled and operated would revolu- 
 tionize existing agricultural methods. Besides the motor plow there are_ other 
 farm implements where the principle of the automobile could be applied to 
 advantage. 
 
 46. There is a great demand for an automatic telephone exchange, by 
 of which connections will be made automatically, greatly facilitating the ser- 
 vice, and doing away with salaries of large numbers of persons usually employed 
 at the exchange. Recent experiments of Dr. Pupin have demonstrated that the 
 Trans-Atlantic telephone is feasible. Quadruplex machines will also come in 
 time, and it may be as easy to send four or five messages over a single wire by 
 the telephone as it is by the telegraph now. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 55 
 
 47. A storm-proof cover and sun-shield for standing crops, such as choice 
 garden products. A cover which is cheap and simple, and can be easily manipu- 
 lated. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of crops are destroyed by the 
 elements annually. 
 
 48. The need of a practical spark and cinder arrester for use on railway 
 locomotives is apparent to all who travel, as frequent fires are ignited by the 
 sparks, and the cinders have a disagreeable habit of making known their pres- 
 ence in various ways. 
 
 49. An apparatus for utilizing the great cold producing power of liquefied 
 air to cool houses in summer. The time may not be far distant when houses can 
 be provided with an ice plant or cooling room which will be operated by 
 simply turning on a spigot. 
 
 50. A bottle for containing mucilage which is so constructed that when 
 the brush is in place a complete closure of the upper end of the bottle will be 
 effected, and which will prevent the gumming and sticking of the brush to 
 the inside of the neck of the bottle. 
 
 51. A bottle or stopper therefor so constructed as to prevent the bottle 
 from being filled a second time. Manufacturers of proprietary compounds, 
 liquors, perfumery, sauces, etc., are on the lookout for something practical 
 of this kind which can be manufactured at a small cost. 
 
 52. Another field which has not been successfully exploited is the shucking 
 of oysters and clams. Any simple mechanism for accomplishing this object 
 would, in all probability, prove an immensely valuable invention, as the pres- 
 ent hand work is necessarily slow, tedious and expensive. 
 
 53. Removing coke from ovens. Perhaps the most serious drawback to the 
 production of coke is the apparent impossibility of removing the coke from the 
 oven without cooling the oven. The process now employed of cooling the oven 
 with water generates steam which affects the structure of the oven injuriously, 
 and materially lessens its usefulness and durability. A practical process for 
 removing the coke without cooling the oven will be an invention of unusual 
 value, as it will save thousands of dollars annually to the coke industry. 
 
 54. An automatic stoker to replace firemen on locomotives is sure to be 
 adopted in the near future. 
 
 55. An electric flat iron, so constructed that it could be heated by elec- 
 tricity and propelled by it, but controlled by the hand of the user, would be a 
 blessing to thousands of hard-working housekeepers who do their own ironing, 
 and to all laundry workers. 
 
 56. A machine which will pull or throw up beets and other like products 
 out of the ground and top and clean the same, would also be a valuable inven- 
 tion, buch a machine might resemble a self-binder or analogous harvester, and 
 should include mechanism to withdraw the beets or other products from the 
 ground, convey them upwardly by means of an endless belt, in accurate position, 
 to Knives or cutters where they could be chopped, and from the knives or cutters 
 pass through a cleaning apparatus or means. 
 
 57. An economical means of absorbing the vibration of both electrical and 
 steam motors in automobiles is a desirable invention. This means should be 
 light in weight and inexpensive. The vibration of the motors in automobiles 
 tends to rock and strain the bodies of the latter, and at present cumbersome 
 vehicle constructions are necessary to withstand the wear and tear. Means 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 57 
 
 for muffling the noise or sound emanating from automobile motors is also de- 
 sirable. Means for condensing exhaust steam in locomobiles without obstruct- 
 ing or retarding the exhaust, and to automatically relieve such means of the 
 water of condensation, eitner by exterior outlet or returning it to the boiler or 
 feed pipe. An absolutely safe structure to prevent explosion or injurious results 
 due to the use of vapor or gasoline engines or motors in locomobiles, such as 
 thermal or heat controlled vents, valves and similar devices in conjunction with 
 the vapor or gasoline supply tank and cylinders. 
 
 58. In order to cheapen the manufacture of acetylene gas, some means 
 will have to be discovered for economically producing magnesium carbide, to 
 compete with calcium carbide now commonly used, and from which less gas 
 can be produced than from a corresponding quantity of magnesium carbide. 
 Those_ inventors who operate in the field of chemistry will find it profitable to 
 experiment in an economical production of magnesium carbide. 
 
 59. The man who invents a really practical corn busker which will husk 
 standing corn is assured of a fortune. As in the case of the trying work of 
 picking cotton, but little help has been given to the farmer by the inventor. 
 Numerous attempts have been made, but none of the machines constructed have 
 proved practicable. One of the latest is a combination of the corn binder and 
 the husker and the shredder, which is attached to the ordinary farm wagon. 
 The fingers of the husker collect the stocks and convey them to the rollers of 
 the shredder, where the husks are removed and the ears elevated to wagon box. 
 The principle seems to be all right, but the practicability of the machine is yet 
 to be demonstrated. Some day the successful machine will appear. 
 
 60. A cotton picker to replace the ordinary methods of picking cotton by 
 hand is desired by cotton raisers, and if a successful machine of this class is 
 produced the inventor will receive a well-merited income therefrom. 
 
 61. A telescopic or folding umbrella, that can be easily and quickly reduced 
 to complete form and when folded will not be cumbersome and bulky, would be 
 a valuable and most profitable invention. Many attempts have been made to 
 accomplish this result, but such complex and expensive structures have always 
 been presented in the known folding umbrellas that they have been of small 
 commercial value. 
 
 62. A prize of i,ooo francs ($163) will be given the inventor who shall 
 produce a glove that can be used by electrical workmen to safeguard them from 
 accident. The premium is offered by the French "Accidents to Workman Assur- 
 ance Association." The conditions are that the gloves must cover the forearm 
 as well as the hands; that they must be light, and leave the utmost liberty to the 
 worker. If_ none of the devices submitted come up to the required standard, 
 the prize will be divided among those inventors who most nearly approach it. 
 
 63. A_ bottle containing poisons having a practical device for attracting 
 the attention of those handling the same, or to indicate by some means that its 
 contents are of a poisonous nature, is in demand. The device or structure for 
 notifying the user of the dangerous character of the contents of the bottle can 
 be applied either to the neck, body, or stopper of the bottle, but in devising 
 such indicating means care should be taken to avoid cumbersome or imprac- 
 ticable structures. 
 
 64. The use of aluminum for the manufacture of small articles, such as 
 spectacles and eye-glass frames and the like, is prohibited by reason of a failure 
 to successfully solder separate ahiminum parts to complete a full organization of 
 members of such devices. In the arts generally the use of aluminum is also 
 prohibited where it is necessary to connect separate parts by reason of a lack of 
 a proper solder for this purpose. The inventor who discovers an economical 
 means of soldering aluminum will reap a considerable fortune. 
 
58 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 65. Owing to the destruction of pasturage, cereal crops generally, and 
 growing vegetables, by prairie dogs, gophers and similar small animals, serious 
 havoc has resulted from the inroads of these pests. Attempts to practically 
 exterminate them have failed. An economical method or means for this purpose 
 would be very valuable. The extermination of these pests can be effected, in 
 all probability, by some yet undiscovered simple destroyer, either of a chemical 
 or mechanical nature. 
 
 66. Find a substitute material having all the characteristics and advan- 
 tages of yieldable India rubber and your fortune is made. Owing to the enor- 
 mous consumption of this substance, the expense of commercial production 
 and the_ rapidly growing scarcity of the natural product, due to the reckless 
 destruction of trees and plants which are the source of the same, the rubber 
 output is becoming diminished, and its commercial value correspondingly in- 
 creased every year. 
 
 _ 67. Many devices and various kinds of apparatus have been produced for 
 extinguishing fires in the holds of vessels. This field of invention is still 
 ripe, however, for the harvest of fertile brains of inventors, and a simple effec- 
 tive extinguishing means of a comparatively inexpensive nature that will not 
 obstruct the capacity or operate in a manner to contaminate the cargo of the 
 hold of a ship will result in a magnificent remuneration to the fortunate 
 inventor who discovers the same. 
 
 68. There is a demand for a painting machine of simple construction, 
 embodying a gang or series of revolving brushes operated by electricity or 
 direct mechanical means or by compressed air, and to which the paint may 
 be fed by a conduit running to a supply tank or receptacle. If compresed air 
 be the operating means the paint from the source of supply could be forced 
 upwardly to the brushes by such air, and moreover the application of the 
 paint to a surface of a building or other device could be more evenly spread by 
 compressed air. 
 
 69. A simple and absolutely reliable spring cushion device or analogous 
 buffer to prevent accidents and loss of life from falling elevators is wanted. A 
 magnetic check, automatically energized by a pre-determined slack in the cable 
 through the medium or intermediate device, would also be advantageous as 
 a safety device for an elevator. There is also room for improvement in auto- 
 matic closers for elevators. In this class of inventions, the usual disadvantageous 
 forms of dumb-waiters might be replaced by more economical and practical 
 structures, and numerous automatically operating devices, both mechanical and 
 electrical, could be devised for raising and lowering such waiters. 
 
 70. A very convenient and profitable invention would be an automatic 
 signal to notify icemen, grocers, butchers, milkmen, or other tradesmen when 
 they are wanted. Such a signal might be located at the front of a residence 
 and operated from tne interior of the latter, so_ that the tradesman desired could 
 see_ the same in passing and take an order without requiring any one in such 
 residence to go to the place of business of the various tradesmen. 
 
 71. New principles in cash registering means and purchasing indicators 
 are always in demand and anxiously sought by the manufacturers of cash regis- 
 ters. Cash registers as now manufactured are more or less expensive and em- 
 body complex features. A departure from the ordinary methods of cash- 
 registering constructions with quick, practical results and efficiency, would be 
 a source of substantial income to the fortunate inventor devising and protect- 
 ing the same. 
 
Patents Guara.nteed. 59 
 
 "/z. An improved method or means of exterminating flies, roaches and 
 other similar pests in houses, hotels and restaurants is greatly desired. The 
 means now employed are rarely effective and are frequently of such an ex- 
 tremely poisonous nature as to be dangerous in their use. Within this same 
 class of invention, practical means of exterminating mosquitoes is also desired, 
 particularly in view of the fact that recent experiments have demonstrated that 
 mosquitoes spread the germs of malaria, yellow fever, and kindred diseases. 
 
 73. A practical household ice machine in connection with a refrigerator 
 which could be operated by a Vv'ater or other similar motor, would be a valuable 
 invention. In devising a machine of this class it is suggested that means be 
 provided for producing the ice directly in the refrigerator and if some inexpen- 
 sive chemical or electrical means for this purpose is discovered a long felt want 
 will be supplied. 
 
 74. A practical, cheap and efficient pocket match box, which will be con- 
 structed and operated by simple manipulation to deliver one match at a time, 
 would be a most valuable acquisition to this class of devices. There is a demand 
 for an improvement in the usual form of match boxes, in view of the fact that 
 those that have heretofore been devised were of such a complex and expensive 
 nature that they had but a limited commercial value. 
 
 75. A boot blacking machine for effectively polishing the parts of a boot 
 or shoe and operated by the nickel-in-a-slot principle, is wanted and would 
 be a profitable field of invention in which to enter. Such machine would have 
 to include a motor and mechanism for applying and rubbing on the polish, and 
 might be in the form of brushes or textile bands, or both. 
 
 76. If incubators are made that are mechanically regulated and held to a 
 given degree of heat, with an electric bell to call when there is need of atten- 
 tion, why cannot a cook stove be produced on the same plan? This stove 
 should contain a series of ovens controlled by thermometers and equipped with 
 a simple electrical appliance to call when there is danger. The heat in one 
 oven could be regulated to cook meat, eggs and other albuminous foods; 
 another oven to be regulated for boiling purposes. In another, the heat could 
 be regulated for baking bread, etc. 
 
 TT. Printing without type. Not only has this been accomplished by tne 
 inventor of this system. Mr. Friese-Green, but he has actually succeeded in 
 printing in colors without the use of any pigment whatever. _ This process is 
 accomplished through the use of electricity and can be applied to any press, 
 it being only necessary to remove the ink roller. This invention opens up an 
 endless field of invention. 
 
 78. There is a great demand for .a practical wall papering machine. By 
 this is meant machines that are readily portable and to which the_ paper may 
 be easily applied and delivered therefrom to walls or ceilings by a simple opera- 
 tion. A machine of this character, embodying features to permit the operator 
 to stand at a distance from the wall to be covered and dispose the machine at 
 the proper angle to_ the wall or ceiling as to obtain a square application of the 
 paper will solve this problem. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 6i 
 
 79. A practical musical instrument which shall produce orchestral music, 
 including the representation of a violin, cornet, trombone, flageolet, flute and 
 piccolo, bass viol, snare and bass drum, leaving the expression of the music 
 under the control of the operator. Also, in connection with such instrument, a 
 machine for preparing perforated sheet music with which to operate the musical 
 instrument. 
 
 80. Many attempts have been made to practically cool and ventilate cars by 
 replacing vitiated air with successive or continuous charges of fresh air from 
 the exterior. Some of these have been more or less successful, but in the pres- 
 ent systems, under the most favorable circumstances, the apparatus used mater- 
 ially adds to the expense of the car equipments, and in some structures the thor- 
 ough ventilation and cooling of a car is not effected equally throughout the in- 
 terior area. 
 
 81. Inventions for the utilization of waste products, or by-products, result- 
 ing from the treatment of various articles or commodities in manufacturing, are 
 always successful if practical and meritorious. For example, the numerous so- 
 called "waste products" of the packing houses of Chicago and other places are 
 turned to account, and are probably as profitable as the meat or principal pro- 
 duct. In the same manner waste and by-products of soap factories, dye works 
 and numerous other establishments are utilized and made sources of profit. 
 Inventions resulting in the utilization of such common waste products as 
 ashes, furnace slag, sawdust and oyster shells, cannot fail to prove successful on 
 the market. 
 
 82. The utilization of the sun's rays for mechanical purposes is now actively 
 engaging the attention of inventors. The most practical apparatus up to the 
 present time is one recently tested in Southern California. It consists of a large 
 reflector in the shape of an umbrella with the top cut away. The inner surface 
 is lined with numerous small mirrors, which concentrate the sun's rays and direct 
 them upon a boiler located within the reflector. 
 
 83. After centuries of use, the cork-closing bottles are passing slowly away, 
 and rubber, metal, glass, pasteboard and pulp coverings are taking the place of 
 cork. Success awaits the inventor who hits the popular taste for a cork sub- 
 stitute. Fruit jars have long had patent tops, beer is seldom sold in any other 
 way; and milk is now put up in bottles that have little covers of metal. Citrate 
 of magnesia bottles have now a special stopper of their own. Rubber corks 
 are made in great quantities, and glass tops to ordinary corks are made for 
 the high-class drug and perfume trade. The mechanism now coming into use 
 for the soda and beer bottles, and fruit jars as well, is the eccentric one in 
 which a double wire loosely clasping the neck of the bottle, when pushed up, 
 raises the stopper cleanly and easily. 
 
 84. There is a large fortune in store for some energetic inventor who will 
 devise a bob-sled or the like having practical means of propulsion controllable 
 within the confines of the body of the sled and departing from the usual grip- 
 ping or traction wheel devices heretofore invented for this purpose. A valuable 
 feature of construction in automobile sleds would be means for practically 
 ascending grades or hills by step movement, and also to have the propulsive or 
 operating mechanism capable of being thrown out of contact with the surface 
 over which the sled is moved to adapt the latter to descend grades by its own 
 momentum. Reliable steering devices for a sled of this class would also have 
 to be provided. 
 
62 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 85. Sooner or later the faithful tow-path mule will be emancipated. At- 
 tempts have been made to propel canal boats by the trolley system, but thus far 
 without complete success. Two obstacles must be overcome before practical suc- 
 cess is reached. One is the provision of means for maintaining the trolley in 
 effective contact with the conductor, and the other the prevention of "side 
 wash" or undue disturbance of the water which undermines the canal banks. 
 The benefit to the shipping public which would result from a more expeditious 
 canal service can not be estimated. 
 
 86. In a railroad disaster in the tunnel of the New York Central Rail- 
 road great destruction of property and loss of life ensued from the explosion 
 of the Pintsch gas reservoirs. The use of gas is therefore shown to be as 
 dangerous as the car stove, and the discovery of some illuminating means that 
 will not tend to fire the same in the event of accident will prove to be a valuable 
 invention. 
 
 87. There is great demand in eyeglasses for some means of practically secur- 
 ing the extremities of the nose-spring, the nose-pad arms and the 
 posts secured to the lenses which will resist accidental loosening and annoying 
 movement of the lenses. Many attempts have been made to successfully arrive 
 at this result, but they are all more or less disadvantageous, and the means here- 
 tofore used have been either cumbersome or weaken the strength of the parts 
 which they engage. Every one seems to have followed the old plan in the use_ of 
 a screw, and if some one should devise a simple and positive means for securing 
 the parts of an eyeglass without the use of screws, and without detracting in the 
 least from the strength of said parts, immediate adoption of such device would 
 follow. 
 
 88. Another promising field is that of single-rail railways, commonly known 
 as "mono railways." There is room for great improvements in this class of 
 inventions, both in the structure of the railway itself and in cars adapted 
 thereto. Recent European experiments in mono railways have demonstrated 
 the wonderful advantages of single-rail track, both in speed and safety; and 
 the near future may witness the practical development of this class of invention. 
 
 89. Prairie fires. This subject offers an opportunity for inventors to devise 
 a machinefor moving over the ground surface similar to a horse rake or culti- 
 vator, having means for burning the grass down to the ground for a space of 
 about 8 or 10 feet in width, using gasoline to ignite the grass, and a train of 
 steel brushes or other devices to extinguish the flame before it is permitted to 
 spread, thus creating a fire guard. 
 
 90. No practical device has been discovered that will utilize the power of 
 the waves and the tides. The main obstacle to success in getting the ocean into 
 harness has been to provide a motor that would withstand a heavy surf. The 
 latest attempt in this line_ proposes a series of submerged pistons worked on 
 buoys, whose constant motion is expected to compress air. 
 
 91. Incandescent gas lighting approaches perfection in house illumination, 
 and is now generally used. A serious drawback to this system of lighting, how- 
 ever, is the fragile and perishable character of the mantles employed. What 
 is needed is a mantle which will not break in ordinary handling, or if accidentally 
 dropped a distance of a few feet. Also one which will not melt or crack when 
 exposed to the temperature of burning coal gas, and which will not become use- 
 less if bent out 01 its original shape. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 63 
 
 92. Women are always on the outlook for curling tongs or irons, hair curl- 
 ing devices generally, and other mechanical articles for the toilet. New ideas 
 in corset, placket, glove, shoe and hat fasteners command a ready sale. Simple 
 attachments for belts which prevent sagging and displacement, and novelties 
 in pocketbooks, cravat and necktie holders are very much sought after. 
 
 93. Novel and sensational advertising devices, especially for store window 
 displays, find ready sale. 
 
 94. Means for protecting shores which will prevent the undermining of 
 buildings situated on the beach. Every year thousands of dollars are lost by 
 reason of the breaking of the buttresses or breakwater, caused by high waters, 
 which removes the foundation of buildings, and causes the collapse and entire 
 loss of the same. 
 
 95. A prolific field for the inventor is offered in the line of sub-marine 
 vessels. Already the British and French Governments are building a number 
 of vessels- of this class. The patent rights in all countries, excepting the United 
 States, for the Holland sub-marine boat, have been acquired by the Vicker & 
 Maxim Company; and commercial activity in this line of invention has already 
 begun. 
 
 96. A paste composition for friction matches, free from phosphorous, would 
 revolutionize the manufacture of matches. The composition should offer such 
 resistance to shocks ana friction as to prevent apprehension of danger from ex- 
 plosions during the process of manufacture. It should also be free from chem- 
 ical ingredients injurious to the health of those employed in the manufacture of 
 matches. 
 
 97. An alloy for armor plate, and a process and apparatus for making the 
 same. The question of obtaining armor plates for forts and war vessels which 
 shall be able to withstand the heavy projectiles which are now used is occupying 
 the attention of all the principal nations of the world, and any improvement 
 in this class of inventions would be readily adopted. 
 
 98. For years various inventors have been attempting to secure a substi- 
 tute for the razor. Recently a Frenchman thought he had solved the problem, 
 but after his device and an electro-chemical combination had been used in 
 the barber shop a few days, the customers discovered that the instrument 
 burned and blackened their chins and the inventor was obliged to flee before 
 their rage. Nevertheless there is a fortune for the inventor who discovers a 
 harmless substitute for shaving. 
 
 99. Novel devices or structures, on the order of merry go-rounds, toboggan 
 slides and the Ferris wheel, for use at summer resorts, fairs and expositions, 
 are always in demand, and, as a rule, are very profitable. The most recent 
 inventions in this line are the centrifugal railway, in which a car describes a 
 circle, and is maintained on the rails by centrifugal force; the "aquarama," or 
 voyage on the rivers of the world; and the "hotel topsy turvy," in which every- 
 thing appears to be reversed, or upside down. 
 
 100. Novelties in culinary utensils, or labor-saving devices for the household 
 like egg beaters, vegetable parers, can openers, coffee pots, window or floor 
 cleaners, tack pullers, carpet stretchers, sweepers, cleaners and beaters, dusters, 
 polishers, cabinets, and flour and ash sifters, are always salable. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 65 
 
 1 01. A simple device for tightening woven wire bed springs. Any one who 
 has used these kind of bed springs knows that in a short time the wire stretches 
 or springs, causing a sagging in certain parts_ of the bed. A device which will 
 provide means for overcoming this objection is very much desired. 
 
 102. A druggists' prescription file which will enable prescriptions to be com- 
 pactly filed away in regular order, kept clean, and at the same time rendered 
 quickly accessible for several years back, so that any desired prescription may 
 be readily found, removed and replaced without disturbing others. 
 
 103. A practical machine for scaling fish is also an invention which ought 
 to prove successful, as this work is now done altogether by hand. In large 
 establishments for the handling and canning of fish some rapid and labor- 
 saving means for removing the scales or cleaning fish are demanded. 
 
 104. A wash basin having means for closing and opening the discharge 
 therein without the necessity of inserting the hand into the water contained in 
 the basin. Some simple device which will take the place of the ordinary plug 
 and chain, and will add little or nothing to the expense, is what is desired. 
 
 105. Owing to the destruction of forests, and the growing scarcity of wooden 
 ties, a demand has arisen for a substitute. Metal ties have been used for some 
 time on European railways. It would seem that some kind of a hollow steel 
 tie, filled with cement or some other practical construction, would fill the need. 
 
 106. One of the things which the average street railway manager is in 
 search of is a satisfactory convertible car, which will save him the necessity 
 of doubling his equipments and of providing storage room for the closed cars in 
 summer and the open cars in winter. Experiments should be along the line of 
 convenient disposition of the seats and the replacement of the ordinary side 
 curtains which are of very little protection in wet weather. Some simple 
 means of temporarily collapsing or throwing out of use of window sections so 
 that they may be readily drawn into operative position will be a step in the 
 direction of solving the problem. 
 
 107. Any one who can invent a process which will save half a cent a ton on 
 the present system of loading coal into ocean steamers should be able to sell 
 his invention for a very large sum. Among the great needs of the Navy is 
 some easier method of coaling ships at sea _ from colliers, especially when the 
 sea is rough. A method that would accomplish this result with more ease than 
 it is now accomplished, would do as much to improve the efficiency of a fleet 
 of battleships as would an improvement in the making of armor or the inven- 
 tion of a more efficient gun than is now known. 
 
 loS. Liquid blacking is much more convenient to apply to boots or shoes 
 than the solid blacking or paste, but most of the devices for handling it hith- 
 erto produced are not easy to manipulate, the common practice being to apply 
 the liquid with a sponge attached to a wire inserted in the cork_ of the bottle. 
 Attempts have been made to arrive at a successful use of liquid blacking in 
 connection with a brush, but like most original inventions this class is subject to 
 a wide range of improvement and affords an opportunity for an inventive mind 
 to produce a simple and effective brush construction for applying liquid black- 
 
66 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 109. Any improvement tending to the amelioration of the condition of those 
 who delve in the bowels of the earth for their bread would be a boon to human- 
 ity. The prevention of explosions from fire damp, and the purification of the 
 unwholesome atmosphere of the mines are subjects worthy of the attention of 
 the thinker and inventor, not only from the humane standpoint, but also from 
 a business point of view. Mine owners are quick to adopt practical ideas look- 
 ing to the comfort or safety of their operatives, or adapted to facilitate the 
 work of mining. 
 
 no. A mechanical device or machine for plucking feathers from fowls 
 would form a commercially valuable invention if constructed to operate effici- 
 ently and practically. Such a machine should comprise means for completely 
 removing the feathers, and ejecting the fowl from the machine thoroughly 
 picked and ready for dressing. 
 
 111. A device by means of which a hat, coat or umbrella may be hung up 
 with security from thieves is something which has not yet been successfully de- 
 veloped. An effective and comparatively simple invention in this line would be 
 one of value, and one which would be readily adopted. Security is the prime 
 consideration, but expense and ease of manipulation are factors not to be 
 ignored. 
 
 112. One of the most profitable fields of invention at the present time is 
 a smoke consumer for stoves and furnaces. If one knows the composition of 
 smoke and understands that it is merely unconsumed flakes of carbon floating 
 in non-combustible gases he need not be a chemist to see that smoke abatement 
 is merely a question of fuel. If soft coal was perfectly consumed the gases that 
 escape through the chimney would be colorless; that is, there would be no car- 
 bon or soot in them and hence no smoke. It is obvious that this line of inven- 
 tion lays open a valuable territory and encourages inventors to experiment and 
 to cover by patent every field relating to improvements in stoves and furnaces 
 with this end in view. 
 
 113. Notwithstanding the wonderful development of improvements in railway 
 construction and equipment during the past quarter of a century, this field of 
 invention is still an attractive one for the inventor. With respect to the locomo- 
 tives, economy in fuel is an important consideration, and inventions looking to 
 the consumption of the products of combustion, and the arresting of sparks and 
 cinders are in demand. Improvements which increase the safety of trains are 
 also of value, and if practical can be readily placed. In connection with railway 
 inventions, it may be suggested that apparatus for weighing the cars of a train 
 with reasonable accuracy while moving either separately or loosely coupled, is 
 something which railway companies need, and would doubtless promptly adopt. 
 Car heating and yentilation,_ devices for improving the road bed and track struc- 
 tures, are all subjects to which the inventor can profitably direct his ingenuity. 
 
 114. A reliable automatic gas governor, which may be attached to a meter 
 for regulating the flow of gas through the meter, and preventing the waste there- 
 of. Most of the devices of this kind now on the market are unsatisfactory, be- 
 cause they require constant attention and become inoperative after having been 
 in use a. short time. A simple, inexpensive and effective gas governor would 
 meet with a ready sale. 
 
 115. To penetrate the fog at sea has always been and still is a problem, and 
 a fortune awaits the solver of this problem. Audible signals, such as alarm 
 whistles, have been insufficient, and a new idea must be evolved in which the 
 
 L,mxi. 
 
 i 
 
Patents Guaranteed. ^1 
 
 audible signal will be eliminated or combined with other safeguards. While 
 no specific suggestion can be offered, it is probable that electricity will play 
 an important part in the successful working out of this important matter. 
 
 1 1 6. There is an actual demand for a simple, inexpensive voting device, 
 adapted for the use of legislative bodies. The adoption of such an invention 
 by the Congress of the United States has been agitated for some time, and has 
 probably only been delayed by the non-appearance of a voting machine or 
 system answering the requirements as to simplicity, accuracy and expense. It 
 requires about forty-five minutes to call the roll in the House of Representatives, 
 and the time and expense thus involved in the course of a session can readily be 
 estimated. The inventor who solves this problem will be amply rewarded. 
 
 117. To scrape a ship's bottom without the delay and expense of dry-docking 
 presents a problem to inventors, the solution of which will mean profit to the 
 originator and a revolution in marine repairs. The fouling of ships by barn- 
 acles and sea waste is a source of constant concern to navigators, and the 
 expense of dry-docking is an important item. To free ships from the incubus 
 of the sea has always been a thing desired, and sooner or later a practical 
 method of accomplishing this while the vessel is afloat may be devised. 
 
 118. Wheels, axles, bridges and rails have all been strengthened to carry 
 their increased loads; but, strange to say, the splices which hold in place the 
 ends of the rails, and which are really short-span bridges, are now the weakest 
 part of a railway. The angle-bar splice has but one-third of the strength of the 
 rail, and its strength cannot be increased, owing to its want of depth. Joints 
 go down under every passing wheel, and the ends of the rails wear out long 
 before the rest. 
 
 119. The electrical storage battery is the generator of the immediate future. 
 The brush battery employs lead plates which necessarily require a considerable 
 generation for their own transportation. The weight of the battery is its barrier 
 to commercial success. The new Edison battery, which is the most recent im- 
 provement in this line, substitutes thin steel plates for lead, and the plates are 
 perforated to receive cells containing compressed parcels of mixed iron and 
 graphite for the positive electrode, and nickel and graphite for the negative 
 electrode. The electrolytic fluid is a solution of potash, which does not affect 
 the containing vessel and preserves its quality. It is claimed for the battery, 
 as a result of prolonged and severe tests, that it will render two or three times 
 as much service as the same weight of the ordinary lead battery. 
 
 120. During the past few years a new field has been opened for inventors. 
 To produce realistic stage effects, mechanism is required, and a number of 
 patents have been recently granted in this line of invention. Examples of these 
 are the patents of Neill Burgess on mechanism for producing the horse race 
 in the "County Fair," and the apparatus employed in the play of "Ben Hur" 
 for the illustration of the chariot race. Any invention of merit in this line will 
 be readily adopted, and perhaps no class of patented devices is more profitable. 
 
 121. This field has been extensively exploited, but new toys are always in 
 demand. Simplicity is to be kept in view in toys, as the cost of manufac- 
 ture is an item of first importance. However, in the line of electrically-operated 
 toys which convey an elementary knowledge of electricity the cost is of sec- 
 ondary consideration, novelty and originality being the essentials. In Germany 
 the manufacture of toys is an important industry, and it is also an item of im- 
 portance in this country. As expensive plants are ordinarily not required for 
 the manufacture of toys, patents in this line are easily marketed. 
 
 :vf I 
 
THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 6g 
 
 122. A fortune awaits the man who will invent a good substitute for leather. 
 Nobody has yet succeeded in approaching it, unless it be an inventor who has 
 patented a fabric, which he proposes to use, in particular, as a material 
 for the inner soles of shoes and boots, though it may be employed for other pur- 
 poses. It resembles what is known as split sole-leather, but is much cheaper, and 
 claims to be superior, being waterproof, ^as well as stronger. _ The manufac- 
 turer of this imitation leather uses the fine sole-leather dust given off by the 
 buffing rolls used upon sole-leather. Hitherto this dust has been a waste pro- 
 duct, but the new invention combines it with gum and employs it in this shape 
 to form a coating on one or both sides of canvas or other similar fabric. As it 
 dries, a sprinkling of dry leather dust is added, and the fabric thus treated 
 is passed between rollers, so as to catise the leather dust to be firmly imbedded 
 in the fabric and combined with it. 
 
 123. Inventors keep pace with the times, and encourage new "fads." This 
 is demonstrated by the large number of patents recently granted on golf sticks 
 and paraphernalia used in the game of golf. The latest diversion in men's 
 apparel is the shirt waist, and this demands a substitute for suspenders. The 
 belt has been universally adopted for summer wear by men, but it falls short 
 both in appearance and comfort. The lucky inventor who devises a satisfactory 
 substitute for suspenders will reap a rich harvest. 
 
 124. The greatest inventions are not necessarily the most profitable. Small 
 articles which may be cheaply made, and sold at a small price, are usually 
 the most ready producers of profit. The public demands novelties, and the 
 inventor must supply them. It may be a difficult matter to find a manufac- 
 turer and capitalist to promote a complicated machine, however meritorious, but 
 comparatively easy to place a patent for a simple novelty which may be manu- 
 factured at little expense. 9 
 
 125. A successful scheme for paving alongside street car tracks is needed. 
 Repairs to the paving next the rails is one of the largest items of maintenance 
 of way. The vibration due to the speed of the heavy cars shatters the edges of 
 the pavement and the rain and weather do the rest. 
 
 126. Tables have been invented for ocean steamers that purport to maintain 
 an equilibrium of the articles contained thereon. These have generally been 
 constructed to swing or sway, but the movements have been so abrupt that 
 they are not practical for the purpose, and the way is open for some one to 
 devise a simple table of this character having an easy movement without jar or 
 vibration. 
 
 127. An apparatus for aerial navigation. Great strides have been made in 
 this art recently, and a number of partially successful devices have been in- 
 vented. There is still room for improvement, however, and the value for war 
 purposes of some machine which may be propelled through the air cannot be 
 overestimated. The Patent Office will not grant patents in this class unless the 
 machines are provided with balloon or similar attachments, unless a working 
 model is furnished. M. Santos-Dumont recently won the prize of $20,000 offered 
 for the discovery of a dirigible balloon, by circling the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, 
 with his air ship. He fiew high, low, in straight lines, and curves, with the wind 
 against him, precisely as he willed. He proved himself master of the air as 
 truly as the navigator of a steamship is master of the waves. 
 
 128. Government officials are studying constantly to devise rapid means for 
 transporting the mail for the convenience of the public. A system by which 
 letters, instead of being dropped into stationary boxes, can be placed in recep- 
 tacles and carried by electricity or pneumatic power to the post office should 
 solve the problem. 
 
70 Ge;orge S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 129. Dispatching or block signaling on electric railroads is, strange to say, 
 considerably behind the perfection reached on steam railroads, and questions 
 connected with signaling or controlling the traffic at meeting points are among 
 the most serious now engaging the attention of the managers of the inter-urban 
 lines. _ There are two general ways of dealing with this problem, first by tele- 
 graphic dispatching, and second by electric block signals, automatic or other- 
 wise. The possibility of using the tracks for signaling purpose on steam roads 
 gives an immense advantage over electric roads in automatic signaling. The 
 block system used on some electric railroads is not practically feasible by 
 reason of the necessity of rail insulation in ground structures. On lines with 
 dirt ballast and where one rail of the track cannot be spared from the return 
 circuit for the purpose of signaling, this plan is not available. The discovery 
 of a simple and practical signaling device or mechanism for electric railroads 
 will prove a source of material income to the successful inventor. 
 
 130. In connection with sea travel, another avenue to wealth is open to 
 inventors, for second only in importance to preventing collisions and accidents 
 at sea is the loss of life which results from such accidents. While life boats 
 of various construction and of more or less merit are now carried as part of 
 the equipment of sea-going vessels, perfection in this line has by no means 
 been reached, and there is an absolute demand for meritorious and practical 
 improvements in this line. Any invention which will add to the present safe- 
 guards for ocean travelers should be successful financially, as well as a con- 
 tribution to the cause of humanity. 
 
Patents Guaranteed. 
 
 INDEX TO CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Appeals 26 
 
 Applications for Patents ^ 
 
 Assignments ] 5 
 
 Assistance 14 
 
 Attorneys (Value of Attorneys) 15 
 
 Caveats 16 
 
 Claims of a Patent '^ 
 
 Compounds (Patents for Compounds) 17 
 
 Copies of Patents 27 
 
 Copyrights -. 24 
 
 Cost of Patent 6 
 
 Design Patents 1'' 
 
 Distinguished American Inventors 39 
 
 Drawings 9, 10, 12, 18, 22 
 
 Guaranteed Certificate of Patentability 5 
 
 HOW TO GET A PATENT 5 
 
 How to Gain Profit by Invention 34 
 
 Infringements 25 
 
 Interferences 24 
 
 Joint Applications 13 
 
 Isabels 23 
 
 Manufacturing under "Patent Applied For" 14 
 
 Mechanical Movements 41 to 50 
 
 Mechanical Drawings 10, 12, 18, 22 
 
 Obtaining Assistance 14 
 
 Official Drawings 9, 10, 12, 18, 22 
 
 Perpetual Motion 39 
 
 Prosecuting Cases Before Patent Office 9 
 
 Rejected Cases 26 
 
 Term of Patent 11 
 
 Time Necessary to Secure Patent 11 
 
 TRADE-Marks and Cost 19, 21 
 
 Trade-Marks must be used Continuously 23 
 
 Useful Facts About Patents 36 
 
 Value of Attorney 15 
 
 Who Can Apply for Patent 13 
 
 WHAT May Be Patented 13 
 
 WHAT TO INVENT 51 
 
 FOREIGN PATENTS. 
 
 Africa 30 
 
 Argentine Republic (South America) 31 
 
 Asia 30 
 
 Australia Commonwealth 31 
 
 Austria 30 
 
72 George S. Vashon & Co., Washington, D. C. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Bahama Islands (West Indies) 31. 
 
 Barbados (West Indies) 31 
 
 Belgium 29 
 
 Brazil (South America) 31 
 
 Canada 28 
 
 Cape Colony (Africa) 30 
 
 Central America 30 
 
 Ceylon (Asia) 30 
 
 Chili (South America) 31 
 
 China Empire 30 
 
 Combination Rates 33 
 
 Costa Rica (Central America) 30 
 
 Cuba (West Indies) 31 
 
 Denmark 29 
 
 Egypt (Africa) 30 
 
 England 2S 
 
 Foreign Patents 27 
 
 France and Colonies 29 
 
 General Instructions 33 
 
 Germany and Colonies 29 
 
 Honduras (Central America) 30 
 
 Hungary 30 
 
 India (Asia) 30 
 
 Italy 29 
 
 Jamaica (West Indies) 31 
 
 Japan (Asia) 30 
 
 Mexico 30 
 
 Natal (Africa) 30 
 
 New Zealand 31 
 
 Nicaragua (Central America) 30 
 
 Norway 29 
 
 Peru (South America) 31 
 
 Portugal 29 
 
 Russia 30 
 
 Spain 29 
 
 Special Offer 33 
 
 South America 31 
 
 Sweden 29 
 
 Switzerland 29 
 
 Trade-Marks 23 
 
 Trinidad (West Indies) 31 
 
 Turkey 30 
 
 United States of Colombia (South America) 31 
 
 West Indies 31 
 
 THOMSON PRINTING COMPANY, 
 
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