IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING THE RETORTS OF Gas ManufacTORIES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Abbott Quincey Ross, of Cincinnati, in the County of
Hamilton, and State of Ohio, United States of North America, for the Inven-
tion of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING THE
RETORTS OF Gas ManufacTORIES.”
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Abbott Quincey Ross at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th December 1879.
ABBOTT QUINCEY Ross, of Cincinnati, in the County of Hamilton, and State of
Ohio, in the United States of North America. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
CHARGING AND DISCHARGING THE RETORTS OF GAS MANUFACTORIES."
The object of this Invention is to accomplish in a more expeditious and perfect
manner the introduction and removal of coal and coke into and out of retorts, and
for the purpose of making illuminating gas; to which end one portion of the
Invention consists in the means used for introducing the coal into the retort, and ⚫
another portion of the Invention consists in the means, with the various modifi-
cations thereof, to be employed for removing the coke and ashes after the gas has
been liberated from the coal.
I will first describe the means employed for introducing the coal, and which
are shown by Figures 1, 2, and 3 of Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings,
after which I will describe the means employed for subsequently removing the
coke and ashes, and which means, with several modifications thereof, are illustrated
in Figures 1 to 14, Sheets 2, 3, and 4 of said Drawings.
In the apparatus for charging the retorts I make use of the power of a steam
blast, or air blast, or other similar fluid under pressure, to force the coal from a
charging vessel into the retort, upon the general principle shown in the Letters
Patent heretofore granted to me, and dated the 30th day of December 1878,
No. 5311.
So far as this part of my Invention is concerned my present improvements consist,
first, in a provision for raising the charging vessel to the level of the different retorts
by the power of steam or compressed air, or other similar means, instead of by hand
as heretofore, secondly, in controlling the descent of the charging vessel from its
Price 1071

page_text: position when so elevated by exhausting the steam or air which had been employed
to raise it; thirdly, in a friction brake combined with the hoisting shaft of the
charging vessel to assist the exhaust in controlling its descent, or to control it
independently of the exhaust; fourthly, in combining the charging vessel, and the
mechanism whereby it is directed and operated, with a compressed air or steam
reservoir from which the steain or air is taken to discharge the coal into the retort,
and with an air compressor or steam generator arranged on the same car or movable
platform, and moving with the other parts referred to, whereby the necessity of
flexible or jointed connections to a fixed reservoir or power generator is avoided,
and the apparatus is rendered fully operative independently of any outside connec-
tion; and, lastly, in the said apparatus as an entirety and in the new and improved
devices and combination of mechanism which contribute to its practical working and
beneficial results. Referring to Figures, 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1, A is a suitable car or
platform mounted on four wheels, a, a, a, a, on which it is guided back and forth
in front of parallel to the face of the retorts in any suitable manner. It may be pro-
pelled by the power of steam or compressed air, substantially as set forth in my former
Patent above referred to, or by hand power applied either directly or through the
medium of a crank and gear connection as may be preferred by the constructor or
purchaser. Two guide tracks (preferably rails) a¹, a', are arranged on the platform
parallel to the axles of the wheels a for the purpose of guiding the charging
mechanism towards and from the mouth of the retorts. A reservoir B is stationed
upon.one side of the platform to contain the compressed air or steam to be used, and it
is connected by a pipe b to the air compressing engine or steam boiler C also arranged
upon the platform, whereby the reservoir or receiver can be charged with a sufficient
supply of elastic fluid under pressure by mechanism arranged on the platform and
without the necessity of tubular connections to any outside point, or of running the
apparatus to any place to charge the receiver. This compact and movable arrange-
ment of all the parts is further advantageous in that it euables the attendant or
attendants who charge the retorts to attend to the generator more conveniently and
to watch more closely the condition of the fire and water in the furnace and boiler
respectively.
It also shortens the steam connections, thereby preventing condensation and
keeping the reservoir steam hotter and drier. The connecting pipe b serves also
as a stay both to the receiver and boiler enabling them to support each other. The
charger and conduit represented at D are substantially of the same construction
shown in my former Patent above referred to, and are operated by exploding the
steam or air in blasts of successively decreased force, as therein described.
The pipe which conveys the elastic fluid from the receiver to the charger is
shown at d, and its throttle valve at d¹. The charger as here shown is not
capable of rocking, but is guided in vertical lines with the conduit always horizontal
by means of six (more or less) projecting guide arms e, e¹, es, having their ends
recessed to fit partially around the upright of the carriage F which runs back and
forth on the rails a¹. The lower guide arms e arrest the descent of the charger at
the extreme lower end of its movement by striking against stops 8 on the uprights
or frame of the carriage. A rocking charger may however be used if preferred.
The secondary carriage or frame F is mounted on four wheels fs, and consists of
two triangular upright sides ff',ƒ³, connected at their lower ends by the axles of
the wheels fs, and at their upper ends by a cross bar f and the hoisting shaft G.
The charger is raised and lowered by cords or chains h passing around grooved
pulleys on said shaft. The ends of the shaft project through the supporting
frame, and at one extremity carries a grooved pulley m, while at the other a friction
brake I is connected to the shaft and is operated by a lever handle i at the side
nearest to the receiver and boiler. A ratchet plate i¹ or other equivalent device may
be employed for the purpose of holding the brake to its work. The carriage is
further preferably provided with a floor f, which strengthens it and furnishes a
convenient stand for the operator. It may also be provided with a pulley k on one
of the axles, and a belt k¹ extending therefrom to a pulley k² on a short crank shaft k³,

page_text: whereby the attendant can run the carriage back and forth at will upon the platform
or car A. As a means for raising and lowering the charger D to adjust it to the different
levels of the retorts I employ a steam cylinder M, containing a piston and piston
rod N, and supplied with live steam from the receiver by means of a flexible jointed
or telescopic pipe O. The cylinder is preferably supported by the inclined frame-
work f, and arranged in the position shown in the Drawing with the upper end of
the piston rod extending towards the pulley m, to which it is connected by a cord
or chain p that passes around the pulley. When arranged in this position steam is
admitted to its upper end so as to depress the piston, unwind the cord p, and wind
the cords h, h, thereby elevating the charger. When the charger arrives at the
required height it may be held in that position by the brake I, or by closing the
steam port and exhaust 7, and holding the pipe and cylinder charged with steam
or by any other means that may be preferred. It may be eased down by the brake
or by slowly exhausting the steam or other fluid from the cylinder. A small
puncture should be made in the other end of the cylinder to equalize atmospheric
pressure and to allow any steam, air, or water of condensation to escape. In case
the steam should act by expansion, after the throttle valve of pipe O is closed, the
brake can be used to hold the charger from rising too far, and in case the steam in
the cylinder should suffer any diminution of force by condensation or otherwise the
brake will also hold the charger from descending. The brake may be used both for
regulating the ascent and descent of the charger.
Both the pipes d and O should be connected to the upper end of the receiver in
order to get dry steam, and should be of such length as to permit the proper move-
ment of the carriage F without dragging on the floor or getting under the wheels.
If preferred, they may be triced up or supported clear of the floor or platform by
any suitable means. The ends of the rails a¹ may be bent up, as shown at a², or
provided with suitable stops to prevent the carriage from running off. The various
cocks and handles are arranged in positions convenient for the attendant.
I wish it understood that I do not limit myself to the details of construction here
shown and described, but may vary the same at pleasure so long as the essential
principles of operation are preserved. I would further say that any form of steam
or air engine may be substituted for the hoisting engine shown, in which case the
connections should be properly adapted thereto. I regard the use of compressed air
when
as the equivalent of steam and a compressing engine and boiler for driving
air is to be used as the equivalent of a steam boiler alone when steam is to be used.
The advantages of these improvements are numerous and important. The apparatus
can by means of them be much more quickly and conveniently adjusted and operated.
By means of the steam lift the charger can be elevated quickly and positively to
the level of the retort to be charged. If the lower retort is first charged it is then
only necessary to move the charger back a few inches till the conduit clears the
mouth of the retort, and then by a movement of the throttle valve raise it a few
inches to the next retort, or to the upper retort if desired; all of which is accom-
plished in a moment without exertion on the part of the attendant. The exhaust
valve being arranged below the throttle valve enables the same pipe O to
answer for supplying steam to the engine and exhausting it therefrom, and by
exhausting it slowly to control the speed at which the charger is lowered indepen-
dently of the brake, while on the other hand the brake may be used to control or
assist in controlling the speed of both the upward and downward movements of the
charger. The secondary carriage can be run back and forth by the attendant upon
it without stepping out of reach of the various valves or levers used by him in
directing and controlling the movements of the other parts.
In that part of my Invention which is employed for removing the coke and ashes
from the retort after the gases are liberated I also make use of the power of
steam, compressed air, or other similar fluid under pressure, which power, applied
to and controlled as I will proceed to describe, is exerted upon the coke and ashes
through the means of a controllable rake or rakes properly adapted to the purpose.
Of this part of my apparatus there are three different forms or modifications, all

page_text: acting upon the same principle, and any one of which may be successfully employed.
These modifications I will describe in their order. I will now describe the first
modification of the apparatus, which consists, 1st, in combining a reciprocating rake
operated by variable power, with a water governor so constructed and operating
that it will control and equalize the movement of the rake and prevent its being
suddenly shot or thrown beyond the point intended to be reached by it, and
thereby breaking the apparatus or damaging the retort; secondly, in using with
said apparatus and governor a regulating valve controlled automatically for the
purpose of diminishing the speed of the rakes near the extreme end of their move-
ment; thirdly, in an adjustable support for the free end of the rake or rakes, by
which their elevation and depression above and below their horizontal position can
be controlled at any part of their stroke at the will of the operator; fourthly, in
combining with the rakes and means for reciprocating them mechanism for posi-
tively elevating them at any part of their stroke at the will of the operator;
thirdly, in combining with said rakes a counterbalance for assisting in their elevation
and depression; sixthly, in combining with the adjustable rakes means for holding
them positively in any adjusted position at the will of the operator; seventhly, in
combining with a traveler and a series of rakes means whereby one or more of said
rakes may be thrown out of action, leaving the remaining rakes to do the work, as
I will now describe, and as I have shown in Figures 1 to 7 inclusive of Sheets 2 and
3 of the accompanying Drawings, and in which
Figures 1 and 6 are top and bottom plan views respectively.
Figures 2 and 3, front and side elevations respectively.
Figures 4 and 5, front and rear elevations, and Figure 7 a detail view.
The machine is adapted to travel back and forth in front of the benches of retorts,
and to this end its working parts are mounted upon a suitable frame A supported
upon wheels or rollers B, and moved by hand or otherwise. The rollers may be
grooved or flanged and guided upon rails. In the Drawings the machine is shown
as moved back and forth by a small oscillating engine C connected to one of the
axles by suitable crank shaft and gearing c, and supplied with steam from a boiler
D mounted upon the frame. The frame is further provided at its front corners with
two uprights A1, A2, which are connected by stout rods or bars a, a², a³, the inter-
mediate one being slightly out of line with the others in order to accommodate the
traveler E. These rods are preferably composed of tubes forming struts or braces
between the end standards A², A2, and having smaller rods extending through them
and through the end standards, and secured by screw nuts at their extreme ends, as
shown by Fig. 7. The traveler is constructed in any suitable form, and is supported
and guided by the upper and lower rods a², a, it being preferably furnished with four
grooved guide rollers e, and provided on its front end with a stout vertical standard
e which extends slightly above the upper rod and below the lower one, and is
designed for the attachment of the rake arms. The frame may be further trussed
or braced in any suitable manner, as at at. The traveler is caused to traverse
from end to end of the machine by means of a wire rope or chain F connected
to it, preferably by adjustable couplings or eye bolts f, and guided by grooved
pulleys arranged at each end of the frame, such rope being actuated by a drum
G around which it winds, or by any equivalent thereof. The drum G is mounted
upon a shaft G¹, which at its rear end is provided with a small pinion g that
engages with a rack glattached to the underside of the cross-head H, or more
properly to the underside of a sliding guide block H' to which the cross head
is affixed. The guide block H¹ is provided with grooved sides into which fit
the edges of two horizontal plates I that support it and guide it during its
movements. The cross head is reciprocated by a piston rod J connected with the
piston working in a steam cylinder K, which is supplied with steam from the boiler
D by means of a pipe d, and is provided with a throttle valve k controlled by a hand
lever at the front side of the machine, in order that the exhaust steam may, when
desired, be utilized to exist or assist in extinguishing the fire of the burning coke
at that point. A sliding screen L is arranged in front of the machine upon a

page_text: suitable support to prevent the coke from falling upon the machine when the upper
rake is in use, and to assist in guiding the coke into the cellar or other receptacle.
This screen is arranged beneath the upper rake, but in front of the lower ones,
and is enabled to slide laterally out of the way of the lower ones when they are in use.
The arms of the rakes M are supported at the front end of the machine upon deeply
grooved rollers n, and held in place by friction rollers n' arranged above the grooved
supporting rollers which guide the rake arms in their back and forth movements
and prevent them from swinging laterally while the upper friction rollers or idlers
bear upon the upper surface of said arms, and under all circumstances hold them
properly in engagement with the supporting rollers. These rollers should be placed
far enough apart to allow some vertical movement of the rake arms between them,
but not far enough apart to permit said arms to be disengaged therefrom. Each
rake arm or handle extends through a slot o in the vertical standard e'; such of the
rakes as are not in use are drawn back, and the rear ends of their arms are secured
to the rear standard A' by means of pins p. The rake which is in use has its arm
secured to the vertical standard e' by means of a similar pin, and therefore moves
back and forth with the traveler while the other rakes remain idle.
This feature of the machine allows the rakes to be used alternately, giving the
idle rakes time to cool and obviate the necessity for any cooling apparatus. The
rake heads are attached to their arms by means of a hinged joint which permits
their lower edge to swing back over the coke encountered in entering the retorts,
and they are further provided with stops to hold the heads in a vertical position
while raking out the coke. It is necessary that the rake head should be perfectly
under the control of the attendant, so that it can be raised and lowered whenever and
to whatever extent it may be desirable so to do. To this end the grooved pulleys n
and rollers n' are attached to a vertically adjustable sliding plate N. The elevation
and depression of the rakes is controlled at the will of the attendant by means of
a hand lever Q connected to the sliding plate N by a rod q and bell crank lever q!.
The lever is arranged near the throttle lever, preferably in such position that the
attendant, with his right hand on the latter, can control the steam valve, and at the
same time, with his left hand on the former, can control the rakes. It is obvious
that by reason of greater leverage the rakes will bear more heavily on the supporting
plate N in proportion as they are advanced, hence by adjusting the weight N¹ to
balance the rake when the latter is near the forward limit of its movement the
attendant will be required to exert but little force to raise or hold the rake head in
an elevated position; whereas without such counterbalance the same movement
would require great exertion on his part. In operating the machine the rake arm
is elevated until the rake head is about on a line with the centre of the mouth of
the retort. The steam valve lever is then moved toward the retorts, causing the
traveler and rake to move in the same direction.
As soon as the rake has entered the retort it is raised so as to bear against the
roof or top of the retort during its inward movement. If there are any irregu-
larities in the top surface of the retort, the operator will be apprised of them by
the irregular movements transmitted to his hand through the lever and will
thus be enabled to accommodate the ruke to them. By holding the rake up against
the top of the retort the rake head is enabled to maintain a vertical position, and
to be forced down into the coke at any point, whereas if it were permitted to rest
on the coke in passing in, the rake head would be swung up against the arm and
would be liable to slide out without bringing the coke. When the rake has
entered to the proper point it is depressed and held down by the operator during
its backward movement. It will be further observed that the rakes do not
necessarily make a full stroke, but can be depressed and reversed at any part of the
stroke. This is of great advantage where the retorts vary in length, and also when
there is a formation of "tar cake near the front of the retort so as to render it
necessary to remove the cake before withdrawing the charge, as it enables the
operator not only to adjust the length of the stroke to the length of the retort but
"

page_text: also to the removal of any "cake" or other obstruction at any point within the
.retort In fact nearly every movement that could be imparted to a light hand
rake can be with equal or greater ease and convenience imparted to these machine
rakes, even to the extent of bringing a piece of coke not larger than a walnut
from the back of the retort while the operator is twenty feet away. The wire
rope or chain F is attached to the traveller about midway between the upper and
lower rake arms, and thus tends to equalize the strain upon said traveller. It
is obvious that if the rake should encounter a considerable obstruction when
moving in either direction within the retort, it would be liable upon the yielding
of the obstacle to be thrown forward or backward with great violence, and that
by reason of the expansive force of the steam, this difficulty could not be practically
obviated by instantly cutting off the steam. I have therefore provided an
automatic governor to remedy the difficulty, and which in practice is found to
answer the purpose admirably. It consists substantially in providing the machine
with a water cylinder R in which works a piston R¹ connected to the cross-head H
by a piston rod r. The piston rod R¹ will therefore move simultaneously with the
piston of the steam cylinder and as it moves will displace the water from one end
of the cylnder and force it through a piper into the other end. The rake can
therefore move forward or backward no faster than the water is thus displaced in
the water cylinder, and as the water can only be displaced at a moderate and com-
paratively uniform speed it follows that the motion of the rake will be rendered
equally moderate and uniform.
The displacement of the water can be further controlled by a valve or cock &
arranged in the pipe ³, and operated either automatically or by hand as the con-
structor may prefer. For the purpose of preventing the rakes from moving too
rapidly at the extreme forward and backward limit of their movement, I partially
close the water valve just before each end of the stroke by an automatic arrangement
consisting of a rod T connected to the handle or lever of the valve and extending
through guides t, and through a slot in a projection of the cross-head H. I provide
two adjustable stops or tappets t, t, upon the rod T, against which the cross-head
will strike as it nearly reaches either end of its stroke, and thereby slide the rod and
partially close the valve. Springs immediately open the valve again on the return
of the cross head. Care must be taken to adjust the tappets so as not to entirely
close the valve, as that would stop the action of the machine and prevent the rever-
sing of the rakes until the valve was opened by some other means. It will be seen
that this hydraulic governor performs the function of a buffer to check the velocity
of the traveler as it approaches the extremity of its stroke in either direction. Any
well known form of buffer however may be used in addition thereto if desired. I do
not limit myself to the details of construction herein shown and described, because
it is obvious that the mechanical principles and mode of operation which are
involved can be applied in a variety of ways by a mechanic skilled in the art and
instructed by the description herein contained. For example, a rotary water piston
may with proper connections to the cross head be substituted for the reciprocating
water piston. So too the governing water piston may be connected to any moving
part of the machine which is actuated by the steam piston instead of being
directly connected to the cross-head. Other liquids may be used in the governor
instead of water. The application of the counterbalance may also be effected in
different ways and by a spring or springs instead of a weight, if preferred. It is
obvious that an oscillating or rotary steam or air motor might also be substituted
for the reciprocating steam engine herein shown. And the form and arrangement
of the several parts of the machine may be varied at the pleasure of the constructor,
as long as the principle and mode of operation are retained.
I will now proceed to describe the second modification of my Invention, referring
to Figures 8 to 11 inclusive, Sheets 3 and 4, and of which Figures 8 and 9 are
opposite side elevation, the latter in perspective; Figure 10 is a front view, and
Figure 11 a detail view. of the cross-head in perspective.

page_text: In this modification the general structure and operation of the apparatus is
substantially similar to that above described, but in addition thereto it further
shows an automatically adjustable counterbalance as a substitute for the counter-
balance described in the first modification. It also contains a novel and peculiar
mechanism for operating this adjustable counterbalance automatically; and lastly,
it contains a novel construction and mode of applying a shield or series of shields or
deflectors in connection with the apparatus; and referring to the above described
Figures 8 to 11 of the accompanying Drawings, A. is the main frame of the
machine, movable back and forth in front of the retorts, so as to bring the rakes in
coincidence with any bench of retorts; A³ and A' are two vertical standards
attached to the main frame and forming parts thereof; and a and a³ are two bars
rigidly connecting said standards, and serving as rails on and between which a
reciprocating traveler or carriage B runs to operate the rakes, as hereinafter more
fully described; C, C₁, and C are the rake bars pivoted to a vertical bar E, which
is rigidly attached to said reciprocating traveler; said rake bars when in use are
pivoted to the bar E at c, but when it is desired to use only one or two of the
rakes at the same time, the bars of such as are to remain idle are detached from
said bar E, and secured to the rigid frame of the machine at either of the points
c¹; D is the reciprocating traveler which runs upon the connecting bar a upon
grooved rollers d, and is guided and held in position by grooved rollers d', running
under bar a'; F is an adjusting bar supporting the front ends of the rake bars
which is secured in suitable guides to the standard A¹ in such manner that it may
be moved vertically up and down to elevate and depress the rakes e, the rake-
bars are supported upon and move in the grooves of grooved rollers f, and are
secured in place by idle rollers f¹ upon said adjusting bar F, which is moved up and
down by means of a T lever G at the rear end of the machine connected by rods
g with another T lever G' at the front end of the machine, which latter lever is
connected with said adjusting-bar by a link g'.
By raising the handle of the lever G the rakes are elevated, and by pressing
it down they are depressed. H is the cylinder of a reciprocating steam engine
which drives the machine, and H' is an hydraulic governor or regulator. The
piston rod I of the steam cylinder H also works the piston in the governor H¹,
and between said cylinder and governor is a cross head J secured to the piston
rod by a set screw, and it slides to and fro upon and between two guide plates J¹.
On the lower side of said cross head is a toothed rack 3, which engages with a
toothed pinion i upon a shaft i, on the opposite end of which is a drum I.
Around said drum is wound a wire rope or chain k, one end of which is carried
around a grooved roller up and around another grooved roller ³, thence to
the traveler, to the central part of which it is attached, and the other end is
carried around a grooved roller , thence up and around a grooved roller ³,
thence to the traveler to which it is attached opposite the point of attachment
of the other end. As the piston rod moves to and fro the rack upon the cross-
head J revolves the pinion i which turns the drum I, causing the wire rope or
chain to move the traveler to or from the retorts according to the direction in
which the piston rod moves. L is a lever having its fulcrum at Z on a bracket
secured to the standard A. The short end of this lever is connected by a link
to the upper end of the adjusting bar F. On the other end of said lever L is
mounted an adjustable counter weight M, having in its upper portion two grooved
rollers m, which ride upon the lever L, which lever passes through a slot in said
weight; to the forward part of said weight M is attached one end of a rope or
chain n, which passes forward and around a grooved roller n', thence back through
a hole in the lower part of the weight to the rear end of the lever L, where it passes
around another grooved roller n³, thence back to the weight M to the rear end of
which it is attached. The grooved roller n³ is mounted on the same shaft with a
5. sprocket wheel o, said shaft having its bearings in the bracket . From the cross-
head J an arm P projects towards the rake bars, to the outer end of which arm a
small cross head p is secured by a set screw, and to this small cross-head one end of a.

page_text: chain Qis attached, which chain passes around a sprocket wheel o' mounted on the
rigid frame of the machine, thence passes up and around the sprocket wheel o, thence
down and around another sprocket wheel o³, thence back and around a sprocket
wheel os at the rear end of the machine, and thence to the cross head p on the
arm P to which it is attached. It will be seen that as the piston head moves
towards the retorts and thus projects the rakes further from their bearings upon
the adjusting bar F, it so moves the chain Q as to rotate the sprocket wheel o
and the grooved roller n², and thus so moves the chain n as to cause it to draw
the weight M away from the fulcrum of the lever L and give it an increased
leverage to support the advanced rakes, and when the piston rod moves back it
in like manner draws the rake towards the fulcrum of the lever, and thus diminishes
the leverage, as less leverage is required to counterbalance the rakes.
When but one rake is in use, the weight having been properly adjusted may
be permanently fixed upon the lever L by means of the set screw r, and the
chain Q may be unshipped from the cross-head J by loosening the set sorew
which secures the small cross-head p to the arm P and removing the said cross-
head therefiom. The movement of the piston rod will not then move the weight.
S, S, are two shields hinged to the adjusting bar F and falling down at an incline
upon the middle and lower rake arms, thus forming scrapers to keep the upper
surfaces of said rake arms clean, and effectually preventing the coke from falling
upon said rake arms and from being carried out on to the floor and from getting
between the grooved and idle rollers f. f'; instead of being hinged to the adjusting
bar F said shields may be rigidly affixed thereto so that their lower ends will
not quite come in contact with the rake arms, but I prefer to hinge them as
shown.
I will now describe the third modification of the discharging apparatus illus-
trated by Figures 12, 13, and 14, which represent it in side elevation, top plan
view, and cross section respectively. In this modification also the general con-
struction and operation of the apparatus is substantially similar to those above
described, but in addition thereto it contains two rakes or series of rakes arranged
on opposite sides of a traveler, and combined with means for connecting or dis-
connecting either of said rakes or series of rakes to or from the traveler. It
further contains a reciprocating traveler combined with a rake pivoted to and
wholly supported by said traveler, and means for holding the outer end of the
rake normally elevated by a yielding force, and it further contains a modified form
and construction of the means for raising and lowering the rakes.
In the above described Figures 12, 13, and 14 of Sheet 4 of the accompanying
Drawings, A is the main frame mounted on wheels, and B the reciprocating
traveler, also mounted on wheels b adapted to work in guiding grooves in the
parts C of the frame; it is reciprocated by means of the wire ropes or chains D
connected to it at opposite ends, and which after passing over grooved guiding
pulleys p on the end uprights A', A³, are secured to a drum E or any equivalent
thereof; F, F', are two series of rakes arranged on opposte sides of the traveler and
capable of being connected thereto or disconnected therefrom as already explained.
Each rake is independent of the other rakes in the same series, and also of the
rakes in the series on the opposite side of the traveler. When not in operation the
rakes are secured to the standard A¹ by means of pins a or similar fastenings, and
when in use they are detached from the upright and connected to the traveler by
pins b', as shown in Fig. 12. In drawing the coke from a large number of retorts
with machines of this class, the rakes get heated so as to render them inoperative,
and it becomes necessary to arrest the operation of the machine in order to allow
sufficient time for them to cool. This involves a great loss in time, and impedes
materially the progress of the work. It is found impracticable to remove the
rakes from the machine and substitute others in their stead, because their heat
renders them difficult to handle, besides they are cumbrous and heavy. I have
overcome this difficulty by the employment of two series of rakes with a common
traveler, whereby I am enabled to keep the machine in constant operation without .

page_text: stopping for cooling the rakes, or while fixing one or more disabled rakes. When
all of one series or gang of rakes are employed to discharge several retorts simul-
taneously, the are connected to and move back and forth with the traveler,
while those of the opposite series are attached to the frame of the machine and
remain stationary. The rakes in each series are held in the same position as that
in which the corresponding rakes in the opposite series are held when they are
in operation, so that the outer ends carrying the rake heads will be normally at
the same hight, no matter which series is in use. I regard this part of my
Invention of great practical importance as it enables me to uninterruptedly
discharge a large number of retorts in a short space of time without having to stop
for the cooling of the rakes or immediately attending to a disabled rake. Each
of the rakes when in use is pivoted to and wholly supported by the traveler, as
before described, and its outer or forward end which carries the rake head is held
normally in an elevated position by means of a weight W hung to the rake arm
back of its pivot, or by a downwardly acting spring applied at said point, or an
upwardly acting spring applied in front of the pivot, it being only essential that
some device be employed by which the outer end is elevated by a yielding pressure
in order that as the rake head enters the retort it will bear against the top surface
thereof, and adapt itself to any inequalities or irregularities of said top surface.
As another equivalent of the weight W the rake itself might be extended back
of its pivot sufficiently far to elevate its forward end. For effecting the depression
of the rake heads and force them into the coke for the purpose of withdrawing the
latter from the retort I employ longitudinal oscillating bars H, one alongside of each
series of rakes, and mount upon each of said bars a crank or arm I in such manner
that while said crank can slide longitudinally on said bar it will be vibrated up
and down whenever the bar is oscillated on its axis. This manner of connection
may be accomplished by constructing the bar angular in cross section and making
the opening in the lever or crank of similar shape, or by forming a feather or spline
on a round bar and a groove in the lever or crank, as will be readily understood.
The crank or arm is provided with a hub having a peripheral groove, in which fit
the bifurcated arms j,j, of a bracket J secured to the body of the traveler. By this
arrangement the crank is carried back and forth with the traveler, and caused to
slide longitudinally on the oscillating bar. The outer end of the crank is located
beneath the inner end of the lower rake back of its pivot, and when the bar H is
oscillated by the hand lever K the crank is raised, and striking the lake causes its
outer end to be depressed. The rakes in the series above the lower ones are also
operated from the crank through a jointed arm L or other equivalent arrangement.
The crank, instead of operating to merely depress the outer ends of the rakes and
then allow them to be automatically raised, as before described, may if desired be
positively connected to the inner ends of the rakes, so as to both positively raise
and depress the outer ends, as will be apparent. The bracket J not only connects
the crank with the traveler but offers a support for the bar H at the point at which
it is subjected to the greatest amount of strain.
It is sometimes desirable to employ but one rake at a time, and to disconnect the
others from the traveler and secure them to the standard A¹ of the frame; for
instance, the upper rake of the series only may be required for use.
If the connec-
tions of the lower rakes were made to the upright A¹ while they lay in a horizontal
position it would be necessary in adjusting the upper operating rake to lift all the
rakes, and since the pivots of said lower or idle rakes would be at their ends it
would be more difficult to raise them. When therefore it is desired to disconnect,
say, the lower rake, the traveler is moved back to the limit of its stroke, and the
pivot pin by which the rake is connected to the traveler removed. The rake then
drops into a horizontal position, its forward end being supported by a bracket N on
the upright A². The operating lever is then moved so as to raise the lever or crank
and lift the inner weighted end of the rake, so that it can be connected higher up
on the upright A¹. In this position the lower rake is so held that the crank will
not engage with it in operating the other rakes until the traveler is moved so far

page_text: forward that the raising of the rake will not be attended with much disadvantage
by reason of the power being applied so far from the pivot. When it becomes
necessary to remove the deposit of carbon which collects on the interior surface of
the retorts the rake heads can be taken off and rigid scrapers attached to the rakes
in their places. The scrapers are then run into the retorts and moved back and
forth until the deposit is cleared away.
Having now described my Invention, together with its modifications and the
manner in which the same may be carried into practical effect, I wish to repeat
again that I do not desire to limit myself to the exact details as shown and described
in the various apparatuses, as these may be varied without departing from the
spirit and the peculiar nature of my said Invention, but what I claim is,-
1st. A gas retort charger having a main car or movable platform adapted to move
back and forth in front of the retorts, a secondary movable frame or support for the
charging vessel, adapted to move in and out and to and from the retorts, and a
hoisting engine arranged on the secondary frame and adapted to raise the charging
vessel; substantially as and for the purpose specified and shown in Figures 1, 2, and
3 of Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings.
2d. A gas retort charger having a main car or platform adapted to move back and
forth in front of the retorts, a secondary movable frame or support for the charging
hopper adapted to move in and out towards and from the retorts, a vertically
adjustable steam charging hopper or vessel, and a steam receiver and boiler arranged
on the main car or platform, and connected to the charging vessel by a flexible or
jointed pipe, as and for the purposes specified, and shown in said Sheet 1 of the
accompanying Drawings.
3d. A gas retort charger having a main car or platform, a secondary movable
frame or support for the charging vessel, both adaapted to move as set forth, a
hoisting engine arranged on the secondary frame, and adapted to raise the charging
vessel, and a steam receiver and boiler arranged upon the main car and connected
to the hoisting engine on the secondary car or frame by means of a flexible or jointed
pipe, as described and shown in said Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
4th. A gas retort charger having a main car or movable platform, a secondary
movable frame or support for the charging vessel, both adapted to be moved as set
forth, a vertically adjustable steam charging hopper or vessel, a hoisting engine
arranged on the secondary frame and adapted to raise the charging vessel, and a
steam receiver and boiler arranged on the main car, and connected both to the
charging vessel and hoisting engine by flexible or jointed steam pipes separately
controllable, as described and for the purpose specified, and shown by said Sheet 1 of
the accompanying Drawings.
5th. A gas retort charger having a vertically adjustable charging vessel raised
and lowered by the movement of a hoisting shaft with a friction brake operating
in connection with said shaft for the purpose of controlling or arresting its move-
ments, and assisting in adjusting the charger to the different retorts and holding it
in place when adjusted, as described and shown in said Sheet 1 of the accompanying
Drawings.
6th. The combination of the plat form A, chargerand carriage F, with the receiver
and boiler, both arranged on the main platform at the side of the carriage F, whereby
the flexible jointed pipe or pipes of minimum length receive steam from the top
of the receiver at the side of the secondary track and about midway of the move-
ment of the carriage thereon, and are supported by such receiver in an elevated
position so as to clear the platform and accommodate themselves readily to the
movements of the charger on the carriage or upper movable frame, as described and
shown by said Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
7th. The combination of the carriage, the charger, and the flexible or jointed
pipe with a steam or air cylinder and piston having the induction and exhaust
on one side of the piston, whereby the charger is raised by the induction of the
steam or air, and lowered by its eduction, as described and shown in said Sheet 1
of the Drawings.

page_text: 8th. The combination with the charger of the guides, the hoisting shaft, the cords
and pulleys, and the steam or air cylinder and piston arranged on the movable
carriage, and connected to the receiver by a flexible or jointed pipe, as described
and shown in said Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
9th. The combination of the carriage F having the triangular sides with the
inclined cylinder supported by one of the inclined sides of the carriage, and having
its piston moving towards & from the hoisting pulley or shaft, as set forth and
shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Sheets 2 and 3 of the accompanying
Drawings, I claim,-
10th. In combination with a reciprocating rake operated by variable power a
water governor, operating as and for the purpose specified.
11th. In a gas retort discharging apparatus the combination of a steam cylinder
and piston with the reciprocating rakes and a water governor, operating as shown
and described.
12th. The combination of the motor, the rakes, and the hydraulic governor with
a regulating valve controlled automatically for the purpose specified.
13th. The combination of the cross head and the guide plates I, with the rack g¹,
pinion g, drum G, and a rope or chain, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
14th. The combination of the traveler E having grooved guide wheels, with the
rods a, a, and the standard el, as described.
15th. The combination of the rakes, the traveler, the rope or chain, the pulleys f',
the drum G, the cross-head H, the steam motor, and hydraulic governor, operating
together as described.
16th. In a gas retort discharger the combination of one or more rakes hinged to
a reciprocating traveler of an adjustable support for the free end of said rake or
rakes, substantially as and for the purpose shown and described.
17th. The combination with one or more rakes hinged to a reciprocating traveler
of mechanism for positively elevating and depressing said rake or rakes at any
point of their stroke, as specified and shown.
18th. The combination with a rake or rakes hinged to a reciprocating traveler of
an adjustable support for said rake or rakes, by which their elevation and
depression may be controlled at any point of their stroke or when the traveler is
at rest, and with a counterbalanco for assisting in said elevation or depression,
substantially as specified.
19th. The combination with the rakes of the counterbalance located upon the
main frame of the machine and independent of the traveler, as specified.
20th. A rake or rakes provided with mechanism by which they are automatically
adjusted to the inequalities or irregularities of the interior of a retort or retorts, in
combination with mechanism for holding them positively in the adjusted position,
as described.
21st. The combination of the reciprocating traveler and a series of rakes, one or
more of which may be projected at a stroke while the others remain stationary, as
set forth, with a support for sustaining the free ends of the rakes, whether projected
to enter the retorts or retracted and stationary, as described.
22d. The combination with a reciprocating traveler of a series of rakes and devices
for securing the latter to the traveler or the main frame, whereby one or more of
said rakes may be held stationary while the others are projected.
23d. The combination of the rakes with the slotted traveler standard e', and
means for securing the idle rakes to the frame of the machine, as and for the purpose
specified.
24th. The combination with one or more rakes pivoted to a reciprocating
traveler of means for elevating or depressing said rake or rakes at any poit of
their stroke, independently of any movement of the traveler or carriage, as
described.

page_text: 25th. The combination with the reciprocating rakes of the grooved rollers n, and
idle rollers n¹ upon the adjustable support of the rakes, as and for the purpose
specified.
26th. In combination with the rakes and their operating mechanism of the sliding
shield L, substantially as specified.
Referring to Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Sheets 3 and 4 of the Drawings hereto
annexed, I claim,--
27th. In combination with one or more reciprocating rakes an automatically
adjustable counterbalance, actuated by the piston rod and connecting mechanism,
as shown and described.
28th. In combination with the chain for operating the counterbalance the small
cross-head p, detachable from its arm P, as and for the purpose described.
29th. The inclined shields S, S, or either of them, hinged or rigidly attached to
the adjusting bar F, as and for the purpose specified.
Referring to Figures 12, 13, and 14, Sheet 4 of the Drawings, I claim,-
30th. The combination with a reciprocating traveler of two rakes or series of
rakes arranged on opposite sides of said traveler, and means for connecting or
disconnecting either of said rakes or series of rakes to or from said traveler, as
specified.
31st. The combination with a reciprocating traveler of a rake pivoted to and
wholly supported from said traveler, and means for holding the outer end of the
rake normally elevated by a yielding pressure, as and for the purpose specified.
32d. In a gas retort discharger the combination with a reciprocating traveler
having a rake or series of rakes pivoted thereto of a crank or lever I moving with
said traveler, and an oscillating bar H, by which the crank or lever can be
oscillated to raise and lower the rake or rakes at any point of their stroke, as set
forth.
33d. The combination with the oscillating bar and the crank or lever of the
bracket secured to the traveler, by which said crank or lever is made to slide
along the oscillating bar as the traveler is moved back and forth, and by which
also said oscillating bar is supported at the point of greatest strain upon it, as
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Abbott Quincey Ross, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Seventeenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.