Patent GB-190228813-A (GB)
Title: Charging Apparatus for Gas and other Retorts.
Inventor: BRONDER GASTON ALOYSIUS
Filed: 1902-12-30
Granted: 1903-12-30
Abstract: 28,813. Bronder, G. A. Dec. 30. Gas &c. retorts.-Charging-apparatus for gas and other retorts, to pile the coal &c. in thick layers at the sides of the retorts, is formed of a double carriage, one part C, C<1>, C<2> travelling on rails B parallel with the front of the retorts A, A<1>, A<2>, and the other E, E<1> travelling on rails a laid on the former carriage in alignment with the retorts. Each carriage is driven by a motor carried upon the carriage C, which also supports a hopper H divided into three compartments, one for each scoop T. The scoops are shown in different positions in Fig. 1, and one is shown in detail in Figs. 5 and 6. Each consists of a long box open at the top and at the forward end. Along its bottom is fixed a prismatic projection J<9>, and at its forward end a triangular plough Z. Its inner end is provided with a counterbalance weight I. Lying loosely on the top edges of the scoop is a scraper frame J, consisting of T-shaped side bars joined by cross-bars J<1>, and provided with stops J<5>, a counterbalance weight j<1>, one fixed scraper plate J<3>, and several hinged scraper plates J<2>. Each plate has a triangular piece cut out of its lower edge ; and the opening formed is covered by a plate, such as Q, supported from the first-mentioned plate by chains &c. w, Fig. 11, and a small triangular piece t<6> cut out of its lower edge. Along the side of the carriage C are fixed three longitudinal angle bars V, Fig. 3, each having a stop K<11>. To each of these bars is hinged a locking-bar V<1>, having a hook r<2> at one end and a roller v at the other. In use, the scoops are brought beneath the hopper, and that portion from the front to the fixed scraper J<3> filled with coal, the scoops being locked to the carriage E, E<1>, which is brought to the rear bars C<2> of the frame C. The engine is then started to carry the scoops, upon which rest the scrapers, into the retorts to the position shown at F<2>. Rollers K<4> on the end of the levers K, Fig. 5, just before the scoops arrive at this position, contact with the stops K<11>, Fig. 3, and the rollers k<3>, Fig. 5, at the other extremities of the levers force the scrapers forwards faster than and beyond the scoops, sweeping with them the coal, which, by means of the ploughs, is directed to the sides of the retorts. In this movement, and also in the return movement, each plough Z easily raises the cover Q so as to pass backwards as described. When the carriage E, together with the scoops, is run back by reversing the engine, the scrapers are held fixed by the engagement of hooks r<1> thereon engaging with the hooks r<2>, Figs. 1 and 3, thereby preventing the coals from being withdrawn with the scoop. As the scoop is relieved of its weight of coals, the weights I, j<1>, Fig. 5, cause the forward ends of the scoop and scraper frame to rise nearly clear of the coal. A cam P on each scoop carriage next engages the roller v on its locking-bar, causing the hooks r<2>, r' to disengage. A bar L, Fig. 5, slides in guides in the scoop frame, and is attached to pulleys l, l<1>, around which passes an endless chain, which is attached to the scraper frame. When each scoop has been brought back to its rearmost position, the corresponding bar L moves rearwardly, but, when the hooks r<2>, r<1> disengage, it passes within the scoop, drawing the scraper frame rapidly back to its original position.