Patent GB-188550-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in machines for discharging and charging furnaces or retorts
IPC: C10B35/00
Filed: 1921-11-30
Abstract: 188,550. Gibbons Bros., Ltd., and Cook, N. G. Nov. 30, 1921. Charging and discharging.-Retorts are charged and discharged simultaneously by a ramming machine having a pusher plate 6 for ejecting the coke, and drag bars 12 for advancing the fresh charge; means being provided whereby the plate 6 and drag bars 12 are positively raised above the charge before the machine is retracted. The plate 6 is pivoted to a longitudinal member 4, pivoted at 5, and is inter-connected by bars 11, 13, to suspended links 7, 9, the link 7 having transverse wing plates, which may be adjustable, to assist the drag-bars 12, and the links 9 having a balance weight 10. The rammer is operated by a chain 14 the front end of which is provided with pins 15 which project through slots 16 in the side-plates 1 of the machine. The pins are connected to a rack 17 which gears with a pinion 18 journaled in the side members and connected by an adjustable rod 19 to levers on the pivot of the links 9. During the advance stroke the pins 15 engage the forward ends of the slots 16 and the plate 6, drag bars 12 and links 7, 9 are in the lowered position for advancing the material. When the chain 14 is retracted, the pins 15 move to the other ends of the slots 16 and operate the rack 17 and pinion 18 and thus swing the plate 6 &c. to the elevated position shown in Fig. 8 before bodily movement of the machine commences. The member 4, being slightly overbalanced, moves about its pivot 5 and places the plate 6 substantially in contact with the roof of the retort. A pivoted hook 29 may be engaged with the chain 14 to allow the rammer to be retracted without elevating the plate 6 &c., the hook being used when a starting blow is imparted to the coke by a slight retraction and subsequent advance. A pivoted flap 20 backs up and assists the drag bars. The rack and pinion may be replaced by a quadrant block, connected to the links 7, 9, which engages the base upon which the machine moves and thus operates the plate 6 &c. The pusher plate 6 comprises a centre portion and hinged side portions 22 which are held forward during the advance stroke by extensions 24 on the drag bars and brackets 25 on the member 4, and on retraction fall into the dotted position, Fig. 11, to conform with the curvature of the retort roof, in which position they rest on the extensions 24. The side portions 22 may be provided with adjustable plates for regulating the width of the plate 6 and for wearing purposes. Some or all the drag bars may have a limited pivotal movement so that they rise over the charge surface during retraction. The machine may discharge the retort and insert a part of a charge during the first stroke and with subsequent strokes the fresh fuel may be placed in front of the pusher plate 6, as well as around the drag bars. According to the Provisional Specification a cam shaped block is provided at the bottom edge of the flap 20 which prevents the rammer from sliding bodily before the plate 6 &c. are lifted, it being necessary, before sliding occurs, to lift the forward end of the machine from the floor. This arrangement may be fitted at each end f the side plates 1.