Designed to meet 5 requirements: Economy in the consumption of wood for the handle; Increased strength of the handle over ordinary saws; More secure attachment of the handle with few bolts; Grip moved nearer to the blade than usual; Adjustable position of the handle to the blade
Patent picture shows cone shaped saw nuts used for a brief period on Disston saws.
Henry Howson is assumed to be the same Henry Howson that served as a witness on many of Disston's patents (as well as other Phil'd patents) and operated Howson's Patent Agency in Philadelphia.