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Nathan Chapman, of Mystic River, New London Co., Conn., has taken measures to secure a patent for a new and improved press for compressing cotton, &c. This press is intended to supply the desideratum of a quick motion for the follower when the cotton is first compressed. As is evident the cotton yields at first, with comparative facility, to the compressing power, but on the bale becoming more compact, it is necessary to employ a greater intensity of power when a less amount of speed is required. The inventor attains his object by employing spiral cams, or, in other words, conical drums with a spiral groove cast or cut around the periphery. Two of these cams are employed, one on each side of the press, and chains winding round them raise the follower, which slides longitudinally within the box containing the cotton. As the chains are attached to the larger part of the cam or conical drum, it is evident that on beginning to work the press with a regular motion, the chains will have to wind around a larger circumference at first than alterwards, and thus their speed, and consequently that of the follower, will gradually diminish, while, in accordance with the well-known law of mechanics, the intensity of the power will increase in the same ratio. The motion is transmitted through the agency of geared wheels,' and the box for the cotton has a cover capable of being removed atpleasure.
