New Inventions.
SELF ACTING HELM, OR AN ARTIFICIAL HELMSMAN, FOR STEERING VESSELS.—Incredible as it may appear to our skeptical readers, it is nevertheless a fact that an apparatus has been invented on rational principals, that will guide a ship to any required point of the compass, without any attention from the mariners on board. This is effected by means of an electro magnetic engine, which is connected with the rudder and operates forward or reverse according to the circuit connections with the battery; and these connections are formed, pro or con, by the least variation of the needle of the compass, from the required relative position. We shall procure an engraving illustrative of this invention, in a few days, and then give a more particular description.
A NEW PUMP.—An improved pump has been introduced in Indiana, which is said to avoid the friction to which ordinary pumps are exposed, in raising sandy or muddy water from mines. As usual, the inventor declines giving a full description of the pump, because it is not yet patented. We think this a mistaken policy of inventors, however. The most ready and effectual method of securing an invention in this country, is to publish the description forthwith, with the name of the inventor. This course at once secures the inventor against all pretended claims of others, although the invention should not be patented for a year afterward.
PEDESTRIAN CAR.—Mr. Hiram Tyler, of Worcester, Mass., has constructed a carriage for travelling on common roads, by hand power. The carriage runs on three wheels and weighs but fifty pounds, although made entirely of iron. The rider propels the carriage by means of a crank, which is connected by machinery to the wheels, which are nearly four feet in diameter; and travels rapidly on a hard level road. There have been several similar carriages constructed at different times by different inventors; but this is evidently an improvement and may be useful as well as curious.
A PAGING MACHINE.—A machine which occupies a space of less than three square feet, is so constructed as to number the pages of a book, whether bound or unbound, progressively from 1 to 10000; the simple movement of a lever, performing the combined operations of taking and distributing ink, transferring the same to the figures, making the impression, and changing the figures to the succeeding number; and is equally applicable to the numbering of railroad tickets. The invention has been patented in England by W. Shaw of Liverpool.
IMPROVED FIRE ENGINE.—Mr. E. Mars, of this city, has secured a patent for an important improvement in the fire engine. By means of a crank-screw the engine is raised from the ground, and the wheels serve as fly-wheels; and by means of ropes attached to these, one hundred or more persons may aid in working the engine. A machine of this plan is in progress, and will soon be ready for operation.