Samuel Blatchford

“ I think not, as channeled iron is in almost as common use as bar iron, and hardly any framed work is made where stiffness and lightness are required but that it is used, because it is the stiffest form in which iron can be used in carrying a load between two points, either suspended or in the form of a _____; and wherever a compressible strain occurs, or cross-strain, or any other strain than a purely tension strain, it is the cheapest iron to use, and it is in common use under such circumstances. ”

“ Wherever two members run either at an angle or in the same direction, its greatest convenience is in the easy manner and strength with which such attachments and connections can be made, on account of the thinness of its web, it being readily drilled or punched, requiring a great deal less labor and expense than flat bar iron, and on this account it is in general use throughout the United States for the last fifteen to twenty years, that I know of. ”

“ The adjustment of the dash and foot is not necessarily limited to the mode described. For instance, it may be effected by means of a series of holes, affording a means of adjusting the foot at different points. When the foot is not required, the dash may be connected directly to the body with like advantage, as the points of connection may be varied to suit bodies of different widths. ”

“ A vehicle dash whose lower bar is provided exteriorly with a channel or recess, the metal on either side of the channel or recess affording a bearing for the dash-foot or other portion of the vehicle to which the dash is connected, for the purposes specified; (2) a cash whose lower rail is composed near or at the ends of two thick portions united by an easily perforated web, for the purposes specified ”

“ The upper ends of the upright bar are provided with notches, d, for the reception of the upper rail of the dash-frame. * * * By constructing dash-frames in the manner described, much of the expense incurred in the ordinary mode of manufacture is saved. The lower rail is made broad and flat, so that the slot, a, or holes, a', can be made therein, and leave a strong bearing for the attachment of the feet. ”

“ Are or are not the slots of made in the web of the rail? A. 24. They are. Q. 25. Name some of the familiar uses in mechanics of slots for the purposes of adjustment, and describe the manner of their use. A. 25. They are so generally used in the construction of everything that is made of iron, or that iron is used in the construction of, that it would be almost impossible to pick out anything they were not used in for the purpose of adjustment. ”

“ Well, it's for the purpose of securing stiffness, lightness, and it is easy to work. It is easier to punch a hole through a light web than through a solid bar. It is economy to use it. Q. 16. Can you state any use to which channeled iron could be applied in mechanics where its use would be novel or would constitute an invention? ”

“ We are not furnished with any opinion given by the circuit stating the ground for its action, but it is said, in the brief for the appellant, that the ground was that the inventions were not patentable. ”