IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES FOR PUDDLING AND OTHERWISE TREATING IRON, and in Means or APPLIANCES TO BE USED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR CONVEYING AND WEIGHING MOLTEN METAL FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Mackintire, of the City, County, and
State of New York, in the United States of America, but at present
of Villiers Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES FOR PUDDLING AND OTHERWISE
TREATING IRON, and in Means or APPLIANCES TO BE USED THEREWITH, PARTS
OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR CONVEYING AND WEIGHING
MOLTEN METAL FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 30th January 1872, and dated the 30th November 1871.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Mackintire at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 30th November 1871.
'
I, JAMES MACKINTIRE, of the City, County, and State of New York,
in the United States of America, but at present of Villiers Street,
Strand, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES FOR PUDDLING AND OTHERWISE
TREATING IRON, AND IN MEANS OR APPLIANCES TO BE USED THEREWITH, PARTS OF
A

page_text: WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR
CONVEYING AND WEIGHING
MOLTEN METAL FOR OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
The Invention relates, firstly, to improvements in that class of puddling
furnaces in which the puddling chamber is caused to rotate on its own
axis; secondly, to a receptacle or reservoir connected with such furnace,
and communicating when desired by suitable passages with the puddling
chamber, such reservoir or receptacle being at all times in readiness to
receive the molten iron and deliver it into the puddling chamber; and,
thirdly, to a portable reservoir or vehicle adapted to receive the molten
iron from a blast or other furnace, and deliver it in quantities of any
desired weight into the receptacle or reservoir, the molten metal being
continuously under cover and protected from the action of the atmo-
sphere, whilst it is also kept in a molten condition until run into the
puddling chamber by means of heat suitably applied thereto when
required. This portable reservoir or vehicle is also applicable for
conveying and weighing molten metal for other purposes.
The puddling chamber is of a cylindrical form, and is provided with
rings around its periphery to rest upon wheels mounted on shafts, carried
by suitable standards or bearings; it is also provided with a toothed ring
around its periphery which gears with a pinion, by which rotary motion
is given to such puddling chamber as is now well understood.
In cases where a number of puddling furnaces are arranged in a line
with each other I conduct a continuous shaft or axis along the fronts
thereof, and give motion thereto by a single engine, and I provide each
furnace with a pair of pinions which by clutch levers are capable of
being thrown into or out of gear with either of a pair of wheels fixed on
the axis of a chain wheel, which gives motion to a shaft or axis, on
which is fixed the toothed pinion giving motion to the puddling
chamber. On this last-mentioned axis is also fixed a crank disc to
operate a pump by which water is supplied to the apparatus.
By these means I am enabled to drive the puddling chamber in
either direction, and give either a fast or a slower speed thereto as may
be desired.
The puddling chamber I form of an outer cast or wrought jacket, in
the interior of which is fixed a cast metal lining, which is formed in
segments for ready insertion and removal, one of such segments being
formed with parallel sides, or with sides at reverse angles to those of the

page_text: again used for the purpose of keeping the puddling chamber cool. A
pipe provided with a cock is fixed to the upper part of the back fixed
hollow chamber to enable any steam which may have been formed to
pass away above the heads of the attendants. A shower of water is
caused to fall on to the exterior of the puddling chamber from a trough
having a perforated bottom to assist in preventing the puddling chamber.
becoming too highly heated. The front fixed hollow chamber is lined
on the front side with fire-brick or other suitable material, and has a
series of water pipes or tubes fixed to the front thereof, and covered by
such lining, the ends of which pipes or tubes are connected to a boiler so
as to cause a circulation of water therethrough and thereby assist in
'heating the water in the boiler. The front of the furnace is also lined
on the inside with fire-brick or other suitable material, and is provided
with water pipes or tubes as was described with respect to the front fixed
hollow chamber, the two sets of pipes or tubes being connected together.
The front fixed hollow chamber and the "front" of the furnace with
the addition of sides, top and bottom, also similarly lined, form a smoke
chamber communicating with a flue. An opening is formed in the front
and at the bottom of this smoke chamber, the front one of which is
closed when desired by a counterbalanced sliding door, and the bottom
by a hinged door which is held in position by a prop having a roller on
the lower end thereof to run on a guide or guides or on the ground. In
the interior of this smoke chamber, is placed a counterbalanced shield
constructed with iron or steel, lined with refractory material, to break
the force of the heat and to protect the workman therefrom. Suitable
sight holes protected by mica are formed in the shield and in the sliding
cover to enable the workman to inspect the progress of the work.
eye
of a
"
At the front of the puddling chamber and at one side of the opening
therein I fix a crane capable of turning on its vertical axis and having
an arm pin jointed thereto. The chain of the crane passes over guide
pulleys carried by the crane and the jointed arm, and when required the
chain is connected to the
grapple" formed of a number of
hooks or claws connected to a head piece or stock. The "grapple" is
also formed with a long jointed arm by which it can be guided into and
out of the puddling chamber to receive the bar of puddled iron and
carry it to any suitable position. The puddled bar in the revolution
of the puddling chamber will readily roll on to the hooks or claws of the

page_text: 66
grapple." A tap hole is formed in the puddling chamber to enable
the "tap cinder" to be run out when required.
The furnace proper I arrange with doors to close in the ash-pit air-
tight, and on one side of the furnace I place a coal bunker to receive
fuel from a wagon running on rails carried over the top of the furnace,
such coal bunker communicating at its lower end with the interior of
the furnace by a suitable passage which is always kept closed by the
fresh fuel, and through which the fuel can be fed to the fire from time
to time as may be required.
A sight hole formed in a door and protected by mica is provided to
enable the attendant by the aid of the sight holes in the front of the
puddling chamber to see completely through the furnace and puddling
chamber from either end as may be required.
Over the top of the furnace I form a chamber, in the interior of which
I place a receptacle or reservoir to receive the molten metal direct from
a blast or other furnace, or from a waggon or portable reservoir which I
will hereafter describe. This receptacle or reservoir is placed between
the rails on which the waggon or vehicle runs, and is provided with a
suitable cover carried by a frame or carriage carried by a second pair of
rails placed between the first-mentioned pair. This cover is provided
with a screw to enable it to be pressed down firmly on to the receptacle
or reservoir, and to raise it therefrom when desired, whilst it may be run
along the rails out of the way of the portable reservoir when a fresh
charge of molten iron is being delivered to the receptacle or reservoir.
space is made between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of
the receptacle or reservoir, and such chamber is provided with a passage
communicating with the upper part of the furnace and with a passage
or passages leading into the puddling chamber.
A
By these means I am enabled when desired to direct a portion of the
heat of the furnace into and through the chamber, whence it issues by
two passages, one being on each side of the opening through which the
molten metal passes to a channel which conducts it to the interior of
the puddling chamber, thereby retaining the metal in a molten condition
until it is received into the puddling chamber.
I also arrange suitable heating chambers, one for gas the other for air,
in connection with the furnace, the gas and air being caused to pass
from these chambers by passages to perforated tubes or openings on each

page_text: side of the furnace below (and if desired above) the grate bars for the
purpose of aiding the fire when required, whilst the gas and air are also
conducted by other passages to one or more chambers or passages under
the ash-pit, whence the gas and air pass to a mixing chamber near the
bridge, from which they issue in a mixed state to each side of the
"bridge," where they meet the flame from the furnace, thereby keeping
the metal in a molten condition as it runs into the puddling chamber,
and increasing the heat in the puddling chamber. Cocks or valves are
applied to the various passages to regulate the supply of air and gas, or
to shut it off altogether when not required.
By these means I obtain a heating power which when required may
be employed to aid the ordinary fire, or if desired may be used in sub-
stitution therefor, whilst the air may be used alone as a hot blast.
I have two chimney stacks or flues, one in connection with the front
of the puddling chamber, the other communicating with the furnace,
such flues communicating with each other by a horizontal flue situated
underneath a boiler, and by another horizontal flue or flues passing
through the boiler. I arrange dampers or valves in such chimney stacks
and flues so as when required to change the direction of the flame and
gases. For instance, when a charge is under treatment the flame and
products of combustion are directed from the furnace through the
puddling chamber; they are then caused to return and pass under and
through the boiler, whence they pass away through the flue adjacent
to the furnace; but when a charge is being cooled down and removed
from the puddling chamber, the flame and products of combustion are
directed to pass direct from the furnace into the flues under and through
the boiler and out of the flue near the front of the puddling chamber.
By these means I am always enabled to cause the products of com-
bustion from the furnace to pass through and under the boiler to heat it,
and thereby obtain a continuous supply of steam to drive the puddling
chamber and apparatus connected therewith, whilst I am also enabled to
keep the molten metal reservoir suitably heated.
If desired, after the rolling, squeezing, and annealing has been com-
pleted in the puddling chamber, heat may be again applied to the iron.
before removing it therefrom to prepare it for the rolling mill.
I would here remark that in carrying my Invention into effect I adopt
the plan which has been heretofore proposed, but not successfully

page_text: carried into effect, of introducing the molten metal into the puddling
chamber without first casting it into "pigs," and in order to enable me
successfully to carry out this plan of working, I employ, according to
the third part of my Invention, a portable reservoir or vehicle of the
following construction to convey the molten metal from the blast or
other furnace and deliver it in quantities of any desired weight to the
puddling furnace. This vehicle consists of a close chamber mounted on
wheels suitable to run on the first-mentioned pair of rails. In the
interior of this chamber a hollow vessel is mounted in links carried by a
scale beam. This vessel is made of a size suitable to contain the amount
of molten iron it is desired to convey from the blast furnace at a single
pouring therefrom, and it is provided with a pair of mouths or spouts,
which are closed when required by valves or covers. One of these
mouths or spouts is used to receive the molten iron, whilst the molten
iron may be run out from either the one or the other of them as may be
found convenient. The scale beam is provided with suitable " centres,"
carried by links from a lever, by which the scale beam and hollow vessel
are when required raised into position for weighing, such lever having
a chain connected thereto, which is fixed to a pulley having on its axis
a hand wheel by which it is operated. At the outer end of the scale
beam a scale or rod is hung. On this scale or rod I place a number of
loose weights according to the weight of the molten metal in the hollow
vessel, and in order to obtain an exact balance and to ascertain the exact
weight I use a "pea" or small weight to slide along the scale beam.
When the vehicle is in transit or it is not desired to weigh out the
contents therefrom, the "scale beam" is lowered so as to allow the
necks or axes of the hollow vessel to rest in suitable bearings carried by
the vehicle.
On the necks or axes of the hollow vessel I mount, worm wheels,
which are taken into by worms mounted on shafts, which are connected
by bevil gearing with a cross shaft, on which is mounted a hand wheel,
by which means the hollow vessel can be turned on its necks or axes as
may be required to cause the molten metal to flow or to cease flowing
therefrom. The weight of molten metal run from the hollow vessel is
regulated by removing a number of weights from the scale or rod
corresponding to the weight of molten metal it is desired to run out.
•
The close chamber has an opening in the bottom and another in the
front and back thereof. The opening in the front is capable of being

page_text: closed by doors, one of which is hinged vertically and the other hori-
zontally; and the opening in the back is closed by a swing door, which
is provided with a sight hole protected by mica, so that the attendant
may be enabled to see into the close chamber as he is weighing out the
metal and handling the movements of the various parts of the vehicle or
apparatus. The opening in the bottom is capable of being closed by a
sliding door or cover, on which is fixed a rack or racks, which are taken
into and worked by a pinion or pinions fixed on a shaft, which is con-
nected by bevil gearing to a shaft or axis, on which is mounted a
hand wheel, by means of which the sliding door or cover is moved as
desired to allow the vessel to revolve completely around its axis so as to
empty it's entire contents. A suitable place is provided on the vehicle
for the attendant, where he may stand without being inconvenienced
by heat.
"
The hollow vessel is filled from a blast or other furnace by covered
passages running into one or other of the mouths thereof.
If required a jet of gas or air or a mixture thereof may be directed
into one of the mouths or spouts of the hollow vessel by means of a
suitable burner to apply heat to the contents thereof to retain them in a
molten condition, and the same provision is adopted to heat the vessel
when empty in readiness for filling.
.
i
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said James Mackintire in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 30th May 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
MACKINTIRE, of the City, County, and State of New York, in the United
States of America, but at present of Villiers Street, Strand, in the
County of Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of November, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, in the
thirty-fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said James Mackintire, Her special licence

page_text: that I, the said James Mackintire, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said James Mackintire, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
FURNACES FOR PUDDLING AND OTHERWISE TREATING IRON, AND IN MEANS OR
APPLIANCES TO BE USED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO
APPLICABLE FOR CONVEYING AND WEIGHING MOLTEN METAL FOR OTHER PURPOSES,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said James Mackintire,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under
my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James Mackintire, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
> performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say :-
The Invention relates, firstly, to improvements in that class of
puddling furnaces in which the puddling chamber is caused to rotate on
its own axis; secondly, to a receptacle or reservoir connected with such
furnace and communicating when desired by suitable passages with the
puddling chamber, such reservoir or receptacle being at all times in
readiness to receive the molten iron and deliver it into the puddling
chamber; and, thirdly, to a portable reservoir or vehicle adapted to
receive the molten iron from a blast or other furnace and deliver it in
O quantities of any desired weight into the receptacle or reservoir, the
molten metal being continuously under cover and protected from the
action of the atmosphere, whilst it is also kept in a molten condition
until run into the puddling chamber by means of heat suitably
applied thereto when required. This portable reservoir or vehicle
5 is also applicable for conveying and weighing molten metal for other
purposes.
The puddling chamber is of a cylindrical form, and is provided with
nings around its periphery to rest upon wheels mounted on shafts carried

page_text: by suitable standards or bearings; it is also provided with a toothed ring
around its periphery which gears with a pinion by which rotary motion
is given to such puddling chamber as is now well understood.
In cases where a number of puddling furnaces are arranged in a line
with each other I conduct a continuous shaft or axis along the fronts
thereof and give motion thereto by a single engine, and I provide each
furnace with a pair of pinions which by clutch levers are capable of
being thrown into or out of gear with either of a pair of wheels fixed on
the axis of a chain wheel which gives motion to a shaft or axis on which
is fixed the toothed pinion giving motion to the puddling chamber. On
this last-mentioned axis is also fixed a crank disc to operate a pump, by
which water is supplied to the apparatus.
By these means I am enabled to drive the puddling chamber in
either direction, and give either a fast or a slower speed thereto as may
be desired.
The puddling chamber I form of an outer cast or wrought jacket in
the interior of which is fixed a cast metal lining, using preferably iron
with a low per-centage of carbon in it, which is formed in segments for
ready insertion and removal, one of such segments being formed with
parallel sides or with sides at reverse angles to those of the other
segments to enable it to be readily inserted and removed from the
puddling chamber when the other segments are in proper position.
Bolts passing through such segment and through the jacket retain it in
proper position, and thereby prevent any displacement of the other
segments. The interior face of this cast lining is formed with one or
more gradual "rises" and one or more sudden "falls" extending from
end to end thereof, so that as the puddling chamber is revolved in the
one direction the mass of metal under treatment therein will be
gradually brought to the top of the "rise" and will then suddenly fall,
whereby the iron will be well worked or puddled, and in the reverse 3
motion a rolling and squeezing action will be given to such mass of iron
during the formation and annealing process. The inner face of the
puddling chamber has a further lining of suitable refractory material,
such as "
tap cinder" applied thereto, as is well understood. By this
arrangement of "rises" and "falls" I am enabled to work long rolls of 3
iron with as much facility as balls. The outer face of the segments is
provided with a number of longitudinal grooves or channels com-

page_text: municating with holes formed in each end of the jacket, thereby forming
a number of tubes or passages longitudinally of the puddling chamber
through which air, water or steam, or a combination thereof, is caused
to pass to prevent the puddling chamber becoming too highly heated.
Each end of the puddling chamber is provided with a projecting flange
or lip so as to form a groove or channel to conduct the water around and
away from the mouths of the puddling chamber.
The ends of the puddling chamber where the holes are formed
in the jacket are received into fixed hollow chambers, in the
front one of which are directed currents of air and water, one
current of water being caused to fall into each of the holes in the
jacket as such holes in succession come uppermost, and another jet
being carried to the under side of the puddling chamber, where it is met
by a current of air or steam which blows it into the holes in the jacket
as they successively come to the lowermost position, another current of
air or steam being directed to act upon the uppermost jet of water,
thereby forcing the water into and through the tubes or passages formed
between the jacket and inner lining of the puddling chamber whence
such mixture of air or steam and water is caused to emerge into the
back fixed hollow chamber from which the water is allowed to fall by a
suitable spout connected to a tube passing a short distance into such
hollow chamber, to channels or gutters placed under the puddling
chamber and into any convenient reservoir, whence the water may be
pumped into a boiler or may be again used for the purpose of keeping
the puddling chamber cool. A pipe provided with a cock is fixed to
the upper part of the back fixed hollow chamber to enable any steam
which may have been formed to pass away above the heads of the
attendants. A shower of water is caused to fall upon the exterior of the
puddling chamber from a trough having a perforated bottom to assist in
preventing the puddling chamber becoming too highly heated. The
front fixed hollow chamber is lined on the front side with fire-brick or
other suitable material, and has a series of water pipes or tubes fixed to
the front thereof and covered by such lining, the ends of which pipes or
tubes are connected to a boiler, so as to cause a circulation of water
5 therethrough, and thereby assist in heating the water in the boiler.
The front of the furnace is also lined on the inside with fire-brick or
other suitable material, and is provided with water pipes or tubes, as was
described with respect to the front fixed hollow chamber, the two sets of
pipes or tubes being connected together.

page_text: The front fixed hollow chamber and the "front" of the furnace, with
the addition of sides, top and bottom, also similarly lined, form a smoke
chamber communicating with a flue. An opening is formed in the
front and at the bottom of this smoke chamber, the front one of which
is closed when desired by a counterbalanced sliding door and the bottom
by a hinged door which is held in position by a prop having a roller on
the lower end thereof to run on a guide or guides or on the ground. In
the interior of this smoke chamber is placed a counterbalanced shield
constructed with iron or steel lined with refractory material to break the
force of the heat and to protect the workman therefrom. Suitable sight
holes protected by mica are formed in the shield and in the sliding cover
to enable the workman to inspect the progress of the work.
At the front of the pudding chamber and at one side of the opening
therein I fix a crane capable of turning on its vertical axis and having
an arm pin-jointed thereto. The chain of the crane passes over guide
pulleys carried by the crane and the jointed arm, and when required the
chain is connected to the eye
of a "
grapple," formed of a number of
hooks or claws connected to a head piece or stock. The "grapple" is also
formed with a long jointed arm by which it can be guided into and out
of the puddling chamber to receive the bar of puddled iron and carry it
to any suitable position. The puddled bar in the revolution of the
puddling chamber will readily roll on to the hooks or claws of the
"grapple." A tap hole is formed in the puddling chamber to enable the
"tap cinder" to be run out when required.
The furnace proper I arrange with doors to close in the ash-pit air-
tight, and on one side of the furnace I place a coal bunker to receive
fuel from a wagon running on rails carried over the top of the furnace,
such coal bunker communicating at its lower end with the interior of
the furnace by a suitable passage, which is always kept closed by the
fresh fuel and through which the fuel can be fed to the fire from time to
time as may be required.
A sight hole formed in a door and protected by mica is provided to
enable the attendant by the aid of the sight holes in the front of the
puddling chamber to see completely through the furnace and puddling
chamber from either end, as may be required.
Over the top of the furnace I form a chamber, in the interior of which
I place a receptacle or reservoir to receive the molten metal direct from

page_text: a blast or other furnace or from a wagon or portable reservoir, which I
will hereafter describe. This receptacle or reservoir is placed between
the rails on which the wagon or vehicle runs, and is provided with a
suitable cover carried by a frame or carriage carried by a second pair of
rails placed between the first-mentioned pair. This cover is provided
with a screw to enable it to be pressed down firmly on to the receptacle
or reservoir and to raise it therefrom when desired, whilst it may be run
along the rails out of the way of the portable reservoir when a fresh
charge of molten iron is being delivered to the receptacle or reservoir. A
space is made between the interior of the chamber and, the exterior of
the receptacle or reservoir, and such chamber is provided with a passage
communicating with the upper part of the furnace and with a passage
or passages leading into the puddling chamber.
By these means I am enabled when desired to direct a portion of the
heat of the furnace into and through the chamber whence it issues by
two passages, one being on each side of the opening through which the
molten metal passes, to a channel which conducts it to the interior of
the puddling chamber, thereby retaining the metal in a molten condition
until it is received into the puddling chamber.
'
I also arrange suitable heating chambers, one for gas the other for air,
in connection with the furnace, the gas and air being caused to pass
from these chambers by passages to perforated tubes or openings on each
side of the furnace below (and if desired above) the grate bars for the
purpose of aiding the fire when required, whilst the gas and air are also
conducted by other passages to one or more chambers or passages under
the ash-pit, whence the gas and air pass to a mixing chamber near the
bridge from which they issue in a mixed state to each side of the
'bridge," where they meet the flame from the furnace, thereby keeping
the metal in a molten condition as it runs into the puddling chamber
and increasing the heat in the puddling chamber. Cocks or valves are
applied to the various passages to regulate the supply of air and gas or
to shut it off altogether when not required.
By these means I obtain a heating power which when required may
be employed to aid the ordinary fire, or if desired may be used in
substitution therefor whilst the air may be used alone as a hot blast.
I have two chimney stacks or flues, one in connection with the front
of the puddling chamber, the other communicating with the furnace,

page_text: such flues communicating with each other by a horizontal flue situated
underneath a boiler and by another horizontal flue or flues passing
through the boiler. I arrange dampers or valves in such chimney stacks
and flues so as when required to change the direction of the flame
and gases.
For instance, when a charge is under treatment the flame
and products of combustion are directed from the furnace through the
puddling chamber; they are then caused to return and pass under and
through the boiler whence they pass away through the flue adjacent to
the furnace; but when a charge is being cooled down and removed from
the puddling chamber the flame and products of combustion are directed
to pass direct from the furnace into the flues under and through the
boiler and out of the flue near the front of the puddling chamber.
By these means I am always enabled to cause the products of com-
bustion from the furnace to pass through and under the boiler to heat it
and thereby obtain a continuous supply of steam to drive the puddling
chamber and apparatus connected therewith, whilst I am also enabled to
keep the molten metal reservoir suitably heated. If desired, after the
rolling, squeezing, and cooling down of the metal has been completed
in the puddling chamber, heat may be again applied to the iron before
removing it therefrom to prepare it for the rolling or squeezing mill.
I would here remark that in carrying my Invention into effect I adopt
the plan which has been heretofore proposed, but not successfully carried
into effect, of introducing the molten metal into the puddling chamber
without first casting it into "pigs;" and in order to enable me success-
fully to carry out this plan of working I employ according to the third
part of my Invention a portable reservoir or vehicle of the following
construction, to convey the molten metal from the blast or other furnace
and deliver it in quantities of any desired weight to the puddling
furnace This vehicle consists of a close chamber mounted on wheels,
suitable to run on the first-mentioned pairs of rails. In the interior of
this chamber a hollow vessel is mounted in links carried by a scale beam
or beams. This vessel is made of a size suitable to contain the amount
of molten iron it is desired to convey from the blast furnace at a single
pouring therefrom, and it is provided with a pair of mouths or spouts,
which are closed when required by valves or covers. One of these
mouths or spouts is used to receive the molten iron, whilst the molten
iron may be run out from either the one or the other of them, as may be
:-

page_text: found convenient. The scale beam is provided with suitable "centres"
carried by links from a lever by which the scale beam and hollow vessel
are when required raised into position for weighing, such lever having a
chain connected thereto, which is fixed to a pulley having on its axis a
hand wheel by which it is operated. At the outer end of the scale beam a
scale or rod is hung. On this scale or rod I place a number of loose
weights, according to the weight of the molten metal in the hollow vessel;
and in order to obtain an exact balance and to ascertain the exact
weight, I use a
pea
وو
or small weight to slide along the scale beam.

page_text: The hollow vessel is filled from a blast or other furnace by covered
passages running into one or other of the mouths thereof.
If required a jet of gas or air or a mixture thereof may be directed
into one of the mouths or spouts of the hollow vessel by means of a
suitable burner, to apply heat to the contents thereof to retain them in a 5
molten condition, and the same provision is adopted to heat the vessel
when empty in readiness for filling.

page_text: venient means.
On the shaft d I mount a pair of pinions d', d³, which
are capable of being shifted thereon by means of levers e, e¹, which at
their upper ends are each formed with a fork or clutch to work within
grooves formed in such pinions d³, d³, as shown. These pinions d³, d³,
are by means of the levers e, e³, capable of being thrown into or out of
gear with either of a pair of wheels f¹, f³, mounted on an axis ƒ carried
by the "front" of the puddling furnace. Connected with the wheels
f, f, is a chain wheel f³, which by means of a chain f*, passing partly
around it and partly around a chain wheel c² mounted on the shaft or
axis c, gives a fast or a slow motion to such axis c, and thereby to the
puddling chamber a in either direction, according as either of the
pinions d³, d³, is thrown into gear with either of the wheels ƒ¹, ƒ³.
On the axis c is also fixed a crank disc c³ to operate a pump c*, by
which water is fed through the pipe c to the cistern g to supply the
apparatus, as will be hereafter described.
"
The puddling chamber I form of an outer cast or wrought iron or
steel jacket as, in the interior of which is fixed a cast-iron or steel lining
which is formed in segments a' and a³ for ready insertion and removal,
the segment a being formed with parallel sides as shown, or with sides
at reverse angles to those of the segments a* to enable it to be readily
inserted and removed from the puddling chamber a when the segments
a* are in proper position. Bolts a passing through the segment a³ and
through the jacket a³ retain it in proper position, and thereby at the
same time prevent any displacement of the segments a. The interior
face of this cast lining I form by preference with two gradual "rises a7
and two sudden "falls" a³ extending nearly from one end to the other
thereof, or if desired it may be made with only one "rise"
and one
"fall," in which case a greater "rise" and "fall" may be employed
than those shown in the Drawings. The inner face of this lining has a
further lining aº of cinder or other refractory material applied thereto as
is well understood, such lining of refractory material being run in
between the various segments a³, a³, and into dovetail recesses, as
shown at Figure 3, to assist in holding it firmly in position. In the
revolution of the puddling chamber in the one direction the mass of
metal under treatment therein will be brought to the top of one of
rises a, and will then suddenly fall, whereby the iron will be well
worked or puddled, and in the reverse motion a rolling and squeezing
action will be given to such mass of iron during the formation and
annealing process to squeeze out the "tap cinder" therefrom.

page_text: The outer face of the segments a³, a³, is formed with longitudinal
grooves or channels a communicating with holes a₁ formed at each end
of the jacket a³, thereby forming a number of tubes or passages longi-
tudinally of the puddling chamber, through which air, water, or steam,
or a combination thereof, is caused to pass to prevent the puddling
chamber becoming too highly heated. Each end of the puddling
chamber is provided with a projecting flange or lip a¹ so as to form
a groove or channel to conduct the water around and away from the
mouths of the puddling chamber. The ends of the puddling chamber
where the holes a" are formed in the jacket a³ are received into fixed
hollow chambers h, i. Into the hollow chamber are directed currents
of water from the cistern 7 by the pipes 9', g³, whilst currents of air are
also directed into this hollow chamber by the pipes j,, communi-
cating with the pipe j, which is connected with a fan or other suitable
source of compressed air or is supplied with steam. The current of
water from the pipe g' is caused to fall into each of the holes a" in the
jacket a³ as such holes in succession come uppermost, and the jet of
water from the pipe 92 is carried to the under side of the puddling
chamber where it is met by a current of air or steam from the pipe j",
which blows it into the holes a¹¹ as they successively come to the lower-
most position, the current of air or steam from the pipe ¹ being directed
into the upper part of the hollow chamber h, the two jets of air or steam
from the pipes j, j³, acting in combination to force the water into and
through the grooves or channels a¹, whence such mixture of water and
air or steam is caused to emerge into the hollow fixed chamber i, from
which the water is allowed to fall by a spout or cock 2. And in order
that the back fixed hollow chamber i may retain a small quantity of
water therein I apply the spout or cock i¹ to tubes which are carried
up into the hollow chamber i, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 3.
Water is caused to fall in a shower on to the exterior of the puddling
chamber a from a trough g³ having a perforated bottom g*. This
trough is supplied with water from the cistern g by a cock g³ The
water falling from the apparatus is conducted by suitable channels A
under the puddling chamber to any convenient reservoir, whence the
water may be pumped into a boiler or may be again used for the purpose
of keeping the puddling chamber cool. A pipe provided with a
cock fixed to the upper part of the fixed hollow chamber i may be
employed to carry off any steam therefrom above the heads of the
attendants. The front hollow chamber h is lined on the front side with

page_text: fire-brick or other suitable material h³, and has a series of water pipes or
tubes k fixed thereto and covered by such material h¹; the ends k¹, k³, of
these pipes or tubes are connected to a boiler / so as to cause a circula-
tion of water therethrough, and thereby assist in heating the water therein.
The "front" m of the furnace is also lined on the inside with fire-brick
or other suitable material m³, and is provided with water tubes m² con-
nected with the pipes or tubes k. The fixed hollow chamber h and the
"front" m with the addition of sides m³, top m³, and bottom m³, also
similarly lined with fire-brick or other suitable material, form a smoke
chamber m* communicating with the interior of the puddling chamber a
and with a flue passing underneath the boiler 1, and also with the
flue passing through the boiler. An opening me is formed in the
front of the smoke chamber and an opening m² is formed in the bottom
thereof. The opening ma is capable of being closed by a door me sliding
in suitable guides as shewn, and counterbalanced by a weight me, whilst
the bottom opening m' is capable of being closed by a door m¹º hinged
at m", and held in position by a prop m³ having a roller m¹s on the lower
end thereof to run on a guide or guides or on the ground as shown. In
the interior of the smoke chamber is placed a shield m¹ to break the
force of the heat and protect the workman therefrom. This shield is
formed of iron or steel lined with fire-brick or other suitable material
and is counterbalanced by a weight m¹. In the door m³ is formed a
sight hole m, and in the shield m¹ is formed another sight hole m" to
enable the workman to inspect the progress of the work; both of these
sight holes are protected by mica.
•
At the front of the puddling chamber a, and at one side of the opening
m I fix a crane n, which is capable of turning on its vertical axis, and is
provided with an arm n² pin-jointed thereto at n¹. The chain n³ of the
crane passes from the barrel n' over pulleys n³, nº, carried by the crane,
and over pulleys n", n³, carried by the jointed arm n², and when required
the hook of the chain n³ is passed into the eye o¹ of a grapple o, which is
formed, as shown at Figures 12, 13, and 14, of a number of hooks or
claws connected to a head piece or stock fixed at the end of a long arm o²,
by which it can be guided into and out of the puddling chamber a to
receive the bar of puddled iron therefrom,
and carry it to any suitable
position. The puddled bar, in the revolution of the puddling chamber,
will readily roll on to the hooks or claws of the grapple o. The arm o² of
the grapple is jointed at o³, and is provided with a sliding tube or ferrule
B 2

page_text: "
o' to pass over such joint and render the arm rigid when required, whilst
such joint enables the arm o² to be folded up so as to be less cumbersome
when not in use. The puddling chamber a is provided with a tap hole a*
to enable the "cinder to be run out when required. The furnace p,
for supplying heat to the puddling chamber a, I arrange with doors p¹
and p to close in the ash-pit air-tight, and on one side of the furnace p
I place a coal bunker p³ to receive fuel from a waggon running on the
rails p carried over the top of the furnace, such coal bunker p³ com-
municating at its lower end with the interior of the furnace by a passage
p', which is always kept closed by the fresh fuel, or if desired a door or
damper may be employed to close it. Through this opening or passage p³
the fuel can be fed to the furnace from time to time as may be required.
A sight hole p✶ formed in a door ps, and protected by mica, is provided
to enable the attendant, by the aid of the sight holes m¹ and m¹, to see
completely through the furnace p, and through the puddling chamber a,
from either end as may be required. Over the top of the furnace p I
form a chamber p', in the interior of which I place a receptacle or
reservoir p³ to receive the molten metal direct from a blast or other
furnace, or from a waggon or portable reservoir which I will hereafter
describe. This receptacle or reservoir p³ is placed between the rails 'p*,
and is provided with a cover p' which is carried by a frame or carriage p10
carried on the rails 7". This cover p° is provided with a screw p¹² to
enable it to be pressed down firmly on to the top of the receptacle or
reservoir p³, and to raise it therefrom when desired, whilst it may be run
along the rails p" out of the way of the portable reservoir when a fresh
charge of molten iron is being delivered to the reservoir p³. A space is
left between the chamber p' and the receptacle or reservoir p³, and such
chamber is provided with a passage p" communicating with the upper
part of the furnace p, and with a passage p¹ on each side of the opening
2, by which the molten metal passes from the receptacle p³ to a
channel, p, which conducts it to the interior of the puddling chamber a.
A damper p¹8 is employed in connection with the passage p", whilst the
opening p is capable of being closed by a valve or damper p19, such
valves or dampers being operated by handles and levers as shown in the
Drawings, or by other suitable means.

page_text: passages p¹s into the puddling chamber a, thereby retaining the metal
in a molten condition until it is received into the puddling chamber.
I also arrange heating chambers q, r, one for air, the other for gas, on
each side of the furnace p, the gas and air being caused to pass from
these chambers by passages and cocks q', r¹, to perforated tubes q², r³,
on each side of the furnace, below (and, if desired, above) the grate bars,
for the purpose of aiding the fire when required, whilst the gas and air
are also conducted by passages q³, ³, to chambers or passages q', rª,
under the ash-pit, whence the gas and air pass to a mixing chamber q³, 105,
from which they issue in a mixed state by passages q³, 18, at each side of
the "bridge," such passages being provided, if desired, with perforated
tubes to act as burners. Cocks or valves are applied, as shown, to the
various passages to regulate the supply of air and gas, or to shut either
or both of them off when not required, whilst gauze or other perforated
divisions may be applied to the various passages when required to prevent
any "back flash" therein, as is well understood. By these means I
obtain a heating power which when required may be employed to aid the
fire in the furnace p; or, if desired, may be used in substitution therefor,
whilst the air may be used alone as a hot blast.
8
8, t, are two chimney stacks or flues; the flue 8 is in connection with
the smoke chamber m*, and the flue t is in connection with the furnace p,
whilst both flues & and t communicate with each other by the flues or
passages. The flue & is shut off when required from the smoke
chamber m* by a damper 8¹, and is closed at the top by a damper or
cover &² to prevent the escape of the products of combustion therefrom,
when it is desired that they should escape from the flue t. The flue t is
provided with a damper ¹ to shut it off from the furnace p when required,
and with a damper or cover to prevent the escape of the products of
combustion therefrom when it is desired that they should escape from
the flue 8.
As the dampers &¹, &, f, f, are shown arranged in the Drawings,
and whilst the metal is under treatment in the puddling chamber, the
products of combustion will be caused to pass from the furnace p through
the puddling chamber a into the smoke chamber m*, they thence pass
into the flues through the flues ", &, into the flue t, whence they escape
into the air; but when the treatment of the metal in the puddling
chamber has been completed, the dampers 81, 8³, t¹, t, are reversed, and
the products of combustion are caused to pass from the furnace p into
the flue t, from thence through the flues P, P, into the flue 8, whence

page_text: they escape into the air. By these means I am always enabled to cause
the products of combustion to pass through the flues 1, 2, to heat the
boiler 1, and thereby to obtain a continuous supply of steam to drive the
puddling chamber and apparatus connected therewith.
The portable reservoir or vehicle I employ, according to the third part
of my Invention, to transport the molten metal from a blast or other
furnace to the puddling furnace and supply it in quantities of any
desired weight to the receptacle p³, is constructed in the following
manner, as shown at Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18:-u is a close chamber
formed of sheet iron or steel suitably strengthened with angle iron, and
mounted on wheels u¹ to run on the rails p'. In the interior of this
chamber u a hollow vessel is mounted in links o² carried by a scale
beam. This vessel v is made of a size suitable to contain the amount
of molten iron it is desired to convey from the blast furnace at a single
pouring therefrom. It is formed of wrought or cast iron or steel, lined
with suitable refractory material, and is provided with a pair of mouths
or spouts ³, ', which are closed when required by valves or covers v³, v³.
The mouth or spout v³ is used for the purpose of receiving the molten
iron, whilst the molten iron may be run out from either of the mouths
or spouts v³, v*, as may be found convenient. The scale beam v³ is pro-
vided with suitable centres or knife edges * working in and carried by
eyes v', formed in the ends of links v³ carried by levers vº, which are
connected together by means of a cross bar 10 to cause them to work
together and make in effect but one lever. The cross bar v10 has a
chain connected thereto, which is fixed to a pulley v¹ having on its
axis a hand wheel vs by which it is operated as desired. The outer end
of the lever o may be held down when required by a self-acting catch
or by a ratchet wheel on the axis of the pulley 012. The scale beam v² is
also formed of two bars or levers as shown, connected together by a cross-
bar, from which a scale or rod is hung. On this scale. or rod o I
place a number of loose weights 1, according to the weight of the
molten metal in the hollow vessel v, and in order to obtain an exact
balance of the vessel and its contents I use a "pea" or small
weight" on each of the bars of the scale beam ³ to slide along
them.
When the vehicle is in transit or it is not desired to weigh out the
contants thanfrom the scale boom in lovosad he moons of the Inca
a

page_text: carried by the chamber u, by which means the weight is taken off the
scale beam and undue wear thereof prevented. On the necks or axes ¹s
I mount worm wheels 18, which are driven by worms 20 fixed on shafts
or axes v¹, which are mounted at one end in bearings 2 fixed to the
frame u*, and at the other end in bearings vs carried by the necks or
axes vs. The shafts or axes v2 are provided with bevil wheels, which
are taken into by bevil wheels 25 fixed on the ends of a cross shaft 28
on which is fixed a hand wheel, by which means the hollow vessel v
can be turned on its necks or axes v¹s as may be required to cause the
molten metal to flow or to cease flowing therefrom. The shafts or
axes are made to fit loosely in their bearings and to permit of
the free movement of the vessel v.
is
The weight of molten metal run into or from the hollow vessel
regulated by placing a number of weights 1 upon the scale or rod vis or
removing them therefrom, corresponding to the weight of molten metal
it is desired to run in or out. Thus when a quantity of molten metal
has been run in or out of the vessel corresponding to the weights 16
added or removed from the scale or rod 1, the attendant will watch the
scale beam, and directly the vessel v begins to ascend he will cause it
to turn on its necks or axes, and thereby raise the mouth or σ from
which the metal was flowing above the level of the metal in the vessel v.
The chamber u is provided with an opening in the bottom and another
in the front and back thereof; the opening in the front is capable of
being closed by doors u³ and us, and the opening in the back is closed by
a swing door us, which is provided with a sight-hole u protected by
mica, so that the attendant may be enabled to look into the close
chamber u as he is weighing out the metal and handling the movements
of the various parts of the vehicle or apparatus. The opening in the
bottom of the chamber u is capable of being closed by a sliding door or
cover wo on which racks w¹ are fixed. These racks to' are taken into and
worked by pinions w² fixed on a cross shaft w³ on which is also fixed a
bevil pinion w, which is taken into by a bevil pinion won a shaft w*,.
having a hand wheel w' by which the sliding door wo is moved as desired
to allow the vessel v to revolve completely around its axis so as to empty
its entire contents.
The attendant is provided with a standing place on the part 2 where
.

page_text: The vehicle may be moved along the rails by a light locomotive or by
chains hauled by a fixed engine, or in any other convenient manner, and
if desired breaks may be provided to act on the wheels, as will be well
understood.
The hollow vessel is filled with molten iron from a blast or other 5
furnace by covered passages running into one or other of the mouths o³
or v¹.
If required a jet of gas or air, or a mixture thereof, may be directed
into one of the mouths or spouts vs or v¹ of the hollow vessel v by means
of a suitable burner, to apply heat to the contents thereof to retain them 1
in a molten condition, and the same provision is adopted to heat the
vessel when empty in readiness for filling.
The apparatus shown at Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18 is also applicable
for conveying and weighing molten metal for other purposes.
It will be seen that by means of the various arrangements heretofore 1
described the molten metal is protected from the atmosphere in its
passage from the blast or other furnace and until it is taken out of the
puddling chamber.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention and the mode
in which I carry the same into effect, I would have it understood that I 2
do not claim the employment of a rotating puddling chamber generally
considered, nor do I claim generally the construction of such puddling
chambers with an inner lining composed of segments or bars, as previous
to my Invention rotating puddling chambers have been proposed to be
used, and also reciprocating cylindrical puddling furnaces in which the 2
lower half of the inner lining of the furnace was formed of segmental
bars supported on brackets, rings, flanges, or ribs, inside the outer
casing; but what I do claim is,―
First. The combination of parts forming the puddling chamber a, con-
sisting of a jacket a³ and segmental lining a*, ab, formed with "rises" a 30
and "falls" a³, extending nearly from one end to the other thereof, for
the purpose of working the metal in the revolution of the puddling
chamber a.
Secondly. The peculiar construction and arrangement of the seg-
mental lining a*, a³, providing for retaining it in position and at the 38

page_text: Thirdly. The combination of parts employed to prevent the puddling
chamber becoming too highly heated and to conduct the water away
from the mouths thereof, such combination of parts consisting of the
longitudinal channels or passages a¹ and openings a¹ through which air,
water, or steam, or a combination thereof, is forced, such passages a¹º and
openings a communicating with fixed hollow chambers h, i, from which
water, air, or steam, or a combination thereof, is conducted to the
channels or passages a¹, a", the water being conducted away from the
mouths of the puddling chamber by lips or flanges a¹.
Fourthly. The giving motion to a series of puddling chambers such as
are herein described, so as to enable them to be driven in either direction
and at either a fast or a slow speed, or to be stopped separately as may
be required in the manner above set forth.
Fifthly. The combination and arrangement with rotating puddling
furnaces, such as are above described, of tubes k and m² fixed to the
front of the hollow chamber h, and to the back of the "front" of the
furnace, and connected to a boiler / for the combined purpose of keeping
the "front" comparatively cool and of assisting to heat the water in the
boiler; also the employment of an interior counterbalanced shield m¹
to assist in preventing the "front becoming too highly heated by the
direct action of the heat of the furnace thereon.
"
Sixthly. The combination with rotating puddling furnaces, such as are
above described, of a smoke chamber m*, flues A, 1, and chimney stacks
or flues 8, t, provided with dampers 8¹, 8³, t¹, t, for the purpose of
enabling the products of combustion to be passed through the puddling
chamber a or to be diverted therefrom, whilst in either case they are
caused to pass through and under the boiler to heat it.
Seventhly. The employment, in combination with the rotating
puddling furnace, of a receptacle or reservoir p³ situated over the
furnace p, to receive the molten metal from a portable reservoir or direct
from a blast or other furnace, such receptacle p³ being provided with a
cover p' and with an opening p¹6, by which the molten metal can be run
therefrom to the puddling chamber.
Eighthly. The combination with rotating puddling furnaces such as are

page_text: heat and products of combustion of the furnace p into the chamber p
around the receptacle p³, to apply more heat to the metal therein and
thereby keep it in a molten condition.
4
.
Ninthly. The combination and arrangement with rotating puddling
furnaces such as are above described, of heating chambers q, r, for gas
and air, and passages in connection therewith to provide a heating power
which may be used as an aid to the ordinary fire or in substitution
therefor, and at the same time serve as a heating means to retain the
metal in a molten condition in the receptacle p³, and on its passage to
the puddling chamber a, by which means I am enabled at will to obtain 1
an increased heat in the puddling chamber, and thereby retain complete
control over the operation.
Tenthly. The combination and arrangement with rotating puddling
furnaces such as are above described, of an arm n³ pin-jointed to a
crane n situated at one side of the "front" of the furnace, and the
employment of a grapple constructed as shown at Figures 12, 13,
and 14, for the purpose of receiving the bar of puddled iron and
removing it from the puddling furnace to any desired position.
Eleventhly. The employment, in combination with a rotating puddling
furnace such as is above described, of rails p" over the top of the 2
furnace p to carry the cover pº, and enable it to be run out of the way
when it is desired to pour a fresh charge of molten metal into the
receptacle p³..
Twelfthly. The combination and arrangement with a rotating
puddling furnace such as is above described, of rails p₁ over the top 2
of the furnace p to enable a portable reservoir containing molten metal
to be run from the blast or other furnace to the receptacle p³.
Thirteenthly. The combination of parts consisting of the portable
reservoir and parts connected therewith, enabling it to convey the
molten metal to the furnace, and enabling the metal to be weighed and 3
delivered in quantities of any desired weight to the receptacle p³ or to
any other desired position.

page_text: when
permitting the complete revolution of the hollow vessel
desired to empty it of its contents, all in manner and for the purpose
substantially as herein shown and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Mackintire, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of May, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
'
JAMES MACKINTIRE. (L.S.)
Witness,
B. J. B. MILLS,
Patent Agent,
35, Southampton Buildings,
London.