Samuel Blatchford

“ The spring not japanned is, therefore, not only lacking in strength, but it is also practically useless, for want of a protecting covering. But the improved article, produced substantially in the manner I have described, forms a strong and durable spring, and no article like it has, so far as I am aware, ever been known or used. While I do not claim, broadly, the making of furniture springs of steel wire, I wish it to be understood I do not limit or confine myself to the exact order or method of operation here described, in producing my improved springs ”

“ First, the springs, when they come from the oven and are cooled, have firmly attached to their exterior surface a water-proof covering or coating, which perfectly protects them from corrosion, and fits them for service in all kinds of climates, hot or cold, dry or damp;second, the springs thus prepared are strengthened or stiffened, the application of heat to the springs in the oven having the apparent effect to temper the steel of which they are composed, making the springs stronger and more elastic. ”

“ His application has been twice rejected for want of patentable invention, and not for want of novelty. Sufficient reasons, it was deemed, were given for its rejection, and that rule 34 of office rules of practice is not applicable in the case. The process of japanning is so old that it is not probable that any person ever before applie for a patent for it. Furniture springs have been painted, galvanized, varnished, and, probably, japanned, as they are found coated with material that would require a chemical analysis to determine of what it was composed. ”