1851 Great Exhibition: Official Catalogue: Class IX.: Henry A. Thompson
248B. THOMPSON, HENRY A., Lewes — Manufacturer.
Set of improved entrance gates, with cast-iron piers, constructed upon improved principles: they are composed of iron and wood, without mortice, mitre, dovetail, nail, screw, cement, or glue, and combining strength with durability. They are trussed-braced with saltier crosses between uprights, with bevelled abutments, similar to the king-post which supports a barn roof.
The plan of these gates prevents their dropping from long wear or ill usage; and their power of resistance is very great. They are hung to, close by themselves, and the mountings are of peculiar construction; the upper ride hook oscillates to adapt itself to the position of the gate, and the lower joint is a combination of levers to produce an elliptical and eccentric motion, necessary to make the gate shut itself: in the latch, is a friction roller, and a secret fastening to enable it to be locked with a key. These improvements enable them to swing without sustaining that severe shock in their oscillating motion, when they arrive at the centre, as in gates hung on the common method.
Portable steam cooking apparatus, for cooking all kinds of vegetables, linseed compounds, cut-stuff hay, etc. It consists of a cylindrical steam-generating boiler, with dome top, supported on iron legs, between which is an iron ash-pan, containing water to prevent danger from sparks, etc. On one side of the boiler is placed an iron cooking vessel, with perforated double bottom, for steaming vegetables, which is supported on centre gudgeons, so that the contents may be tipped into a wheelbarrow or other receptacle without dismounting the vessel. There is also attached to the boiler, a patent compound tube for cooking linseed, compost, or for boiling water. On the opposite side is a syphon pipe, dipping near to the bottom of cooking compost in the tub, through which the waste steam passes; the agitation occasioned by this supersedes the necessity of stirring.
Set of cast-steel measures for corn, seeds, etc., from a quart to a bushel; intended to supersede wooden measures. The top of each is strengthened by a steel hoop, which is hardened, to prevent wear; enclosed by this hoop, and visible on the inside, is a copper medallion, to receive the inspector's stamp.
Portable liquid manure-forcing pump, agricultural fire- engine, and irrigating machine, with an air vessel upon a peculiar principle, and arranged on an iron wheelbarrow.
Portable pump or tripod-stand, adapted for raising liquid manure or water out of tanks, ponds, etc. The hose-pipe is made of patent vulcanised India-rubber: it has a helical wire-spring running through its entire length, to prevent it from collapsing; and at the end is a strong copper strainer. The pump has a metallic bucket, and metal seats to all the valves. The valves are all formed of vulcanised India-rubber, with metal tops; and the bucket packing of gutta percha.