Patent ID: 8978895
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: B07B,B08B

Abstract:
1. A self-cleaning sizing grate assembly for sorting lump coal according to size comprising: a fixed grate having a plurality of spaced apart grate bars defining a sorting area having an overall width; a first cleaning comb displaceably mounted proximate the fixed grate for cleaning a first portion of the sorting area extending across a first part of the width of the sorting area; and a second cleaning comb displaceably mounted adjacent the fixed grate for cleaning a second portion of the sorting area extending across a second part of the sorting area width; each of said combs comprising a plurality of bars pivotally connected together at one end such that, when actuated for displacement, the bars travel reciprocally from a first position through and between bars of the fixed grate in their respective sorting area parts, and then reverse back to the first position to remove jammed coal therefrom; and control means for selectively causing individual reciprocal motion of the first and second combs such that the first and second combs pass between the grate bars at different times; wherein said control means includes means for monitoring the electrical current level in a motor which powers a coal crusher associated with and receiving oversize coal lumps from said sizing grate to effect sequential actuation of said combs when the crusher motor current reaches a predetermined level.