LMPROVED APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND DISTILLING CARBURETTED HYDROGEN GAS FROM COAL OR OTHER CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jolm Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "LMPROVED APPARATUS
FOR GENERATING AND DISTILLING CARBURETTED HYDROGEN GAS FROM COAL
OR OTHER CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS." A communication from abroad by
Thomas Summerville Stewart, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of
America.
Sealed the 3rd November 1876, and dated the 5th June 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th June 1876.
A
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND DISTILLING CARBUJ-
RETTED HYDROGEN GAS FROM COAL OR OTHER CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS."
communication from abroad by Thomas Sumerville Stewart, of Philadelphia,
Pennslyvania, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improved apparatus for generating and distilling car-
buretted hydrogen gas, whereby the defects inherent to the ordinary method are
obviated or greatly diminished.
The Invention consists, first, in the combination, arrangement, and working of
horizontal generating beds formed by ranges of pivotted louvers placed in vertical
tiers forming compartments surmounted above each other to any required height
and of any horizontal form inclosed in an outer gas-tight case.
Second. In the application of a horizontal throwing disc wheel cither used
separately or in combination with encircling shutes or any segment thereof formed
by vertical louvers for the purpose of charging and distributing the coal upon the
louver-formed generating beds or their equivalents.
Third. In the formation of a series of projecting check ribs or their equivalents
fixed in inversely inclined order upon the bottom plate inside of an inclined and
heated gas main alone or in combination with oblique vertical deflectors formed and
arranged in series throughout the inside of the said main.
Fourth. Of the combination of generating beds, distributor feed valves, weighing
bins, conduits with mechanical movements operating and effecting the self-charging
and discharging each louver-formed generating bed in succession, as herein-after
described.

page_text: Fifth. Of the combination of numerous ranges of louver-formed carbonizing beds
automatically worked within a scaled air-tight case or retort receiving their charge
of coal, and (lischarging it when coked without opening said retort or the admittance
of atmospheric air.
Sixth. In the arrangement and combination throughout the interior of a
hydraulic main placed over and heated by a hot-air flue of a series of condensers
and evaporators for the recovery by distillation and evaporization of the liquid
hydrocarbons condensed and carried down by the tar.
The apparatus consists generally of generators, by preference arranged in pairs,
and each consisting of a number of beds, say, for example, 22, for receiving the
coal in thin layers, such beds having an aggregate generating surface giving to the
pair of generators a distilling power equal to, say, three hundred and fifty-one
common retorts working at four hours charges.
The coal is first prepared by breaking and screening to the required size, and by
elevators deposited in coal stores situated on the top of the building, thence it
passes by gravity into weighing bins, from thence into the distributor, the function
which part of the apparatus is to charge and spread the coal in even layers of
required thickness in and upon each of the distilling beds of the generator in suc-
cession, beginning with the lowest one. After fifteen minutes' time for a charge
of three-eighths inch or twenty for a half-inch layer the coke is discharged from
the beds, and passes by gravity down a chute or conduit into the seal from which it
is carried by a rake-formed bucketed elevator into coke bins for distribution of
gravity.
After the lapse of half the time of the duration of the charge given to the first
generator the distributor is turned half-way round and a charge delivered upon the
beds of the second of the pair, when a full and free intermingling of the products
of distillation takes place between the half carbonized and that of the new charge,
spaces being provided for the free passage and intermingling of the gases of each
generator.
The products pass up into a drum, and thence by an outlet pipe through the
main. In this main is placed the condensers and the evaporators whereby the
crude products of distillation are condensed and forced to give up the tar, and
liberate any enveloped globules of gas or hydrocarbon vapours by a series of deflect-
ing condensers upon which the flowing volume of gas impinges in its passage to
the washers, while the tar and volatile hydrocarbons "carried down" into it is re-
distilled by being forced to pass over a surface, say, forty feet in length, heated to
the proper degree for the distillant purposes, while the gas and vapors given off
are mixed and combined with the large volume of the flowing hot gas.
The whole process and throughout its various parts is operated and worked by
application of mechanical movements. The only manual labor required is with
regard to firing, and the attendance to continuous working of the machinery. The
weighing of the charges is self-acting and registering, only requiring a sheet of paper
to be placed on the cylinder of a registering apparatus somewhat like to a gas
pressure indicator in arrangement.
The generator beds or floors are formed by horizontal ranges of plates of iron in
the form of pivoted louvers or luffer, sloats combined in vertical tiers forming
compartiments arranged above each other to any required height or size, or of any
required horizontal sectional form; cach range is turned and adjusted through
means of a crank and lovers actuated by mechanical movements opening the louvers
and closing them preparatory to receiving the new charge, always beginning with
the bottom range.
The chain in passing from the bottom to the top carries with
it one of a series of rollers, which acting on a cam slides the levers by ineans of
the cranks and studs on levers, and turn the louvers. After the roller has passed
the upper range the motion of the movement is reversed. The rollers are caused
to pass down the opening thus inade, and around a lower chain pulley, thence up
the other side of the chain passage, and again acting on the cams restore the
louvers to the former position.

page_text: The yokes formed in the middle of pivot rails and crank levers when combined
make a nearly enclosed rectangular tube, by an increased width given to the crank
lever yokes from the yokes a perfectly tight tube is continued down into the hydraulic
seal at the bottom of the chain. The louvers have cranks and levers operating
at one end only, the other having a single eye turning upon short studs or pins made
on the rail. All the crank levers slide on friction rollers.
This method of swinging the louvers has the advantage of preventing the coal
when charging from getting in between the ends of the louvers and the case, but
any equivalent of the same is applicable. The distance of the beds apart should
be more than half the width of the louver in order to clear when turned up.
The lower beds of each generator are inclosed by strong open framework, of
which the pivot rails form the longitudinal ties which together with transverse end
returns are supported by uprights, this frame and in the closed louvers should be
constructed in vertical sections of such weight as will suit convenient handling.
This frame is again enclosed by an outer case made of boiler plate iron gas-tight,
formed by preference in segments of a circle secured at the springings by strong
abutting stays to counteract any inward movements upon the louvers that might
occur from bulging in or expansion or warping, but flat surfaces may be used,
provided a sufficient number of wide angle irons are rivettod vertically on the
outside of the sheets, and a space left between the case and the frame.
This outer case is to be protected from the cutting effects of the heat currents by
fire-clay tiles let in at the top and bottom to the fluc tile, leaving a clear space
between the iron and the tiles for expansion.
The two ends and outer side of each generator are continued down at an angle
of not less than forty-five degrees, and united to formn the bottom leaving an
opening for outlet of coke, the space for the centre flue is enclosed, the coke
conduit is continued down from the opening into the seal, an endless chain with
rake-formed buckets upon it conveys the coke into bins located in a suitable com-
partinent from which it passes by gravity down conduits into fire-places. The
heated air passes up through the flues, the flues are continuous inclined planes of
the pitch of two flues to each revolution.
When large generators are required pulverized coal fuel with hot blast is intended
to be used as auxiliary to the fires.
Three ranges in height of draft dampers will be required to each generator setting,
and valves for cleaning out the flues are to be placed at each corner of each range
of flues vertically over each other, with a dust conduit from the bottom flue down
through the piers to a receptacle. The centre flue is stopped off by an A shaped
coping to prevent the coal laying on it, and the outer sides and ends are stopped up
to form the top, having a drum-formed receptacle placed on the centre, the top and
drum are lined with a non-conductor of heat.
An outlet pipe leads from the drum to the hydraulic valve. The rectangular
chain frames form a nearly enclosed chain pass through the beds of generators,
so as to exclude lumps of coal or coke when charging or discharging, this pass is
continued from the lower lever down into the hydraulic seal by a tube made of
plate iron gas-tight, the endless chain works freely in this pass one side between
the cams, and the other having a pair of rollers on each face of the same thickness
as the cams. The chain in passing up by the rotation of the chain pulley acts
upon the cains, sliding the levers a distance equal to the throw of the cranks,
thereby turning the louvers one-fourth around; when the rollers have passed the
upper cam the actuating motion is reversed, the chain and rollers pass down the
now open side of the pass through the water of the hydraulic seal by which it and
the chain are cooled, thence up the other side of the pass, now obstructed by the
changed position of the cams upon which the rollers again act, but on their opposite
edge, thereby sliding the levers and turning the louvers into their former position.
The rollers are attached to one link of the chain by forming hollow studs upon each
of the outer plates over which the rollers pass) secured in a place by a bolt passed
hrough them and the chain link. Near the lower end of the chain pass is placed

page_text: one of the chain pulleys and axle, another is placed on the same axle outside of
the pass case, and above this a sufficient distance to allow of depth of seal a liko
pulley is placed vertically over the axle of this works in a box fixed on the outside
of chain pass and has a spur gear on the outer end, an endless chain passes over the
pulleys, then motion given to spur gear is transferred by means of the chain. The
feed hopper is suspended by a projection on the inside of the drum.
A range of coal bins is placed against the wall on each side of the building
leaving a sufficient space between them for clearance in hoisting for putting in or
getting out sections of the generators; two bins are required to supply a pair, one
to feed on coal while the other is being replenished, each bin rests entirely upon
the frame of a self-registering weighing apparatus showing upon a dial the weight
of coal drawn off by each charge, and making an automatical register of the same,
the time of the charge, and of that between the charges, it is arranged somewhat
like the gas pressure indicator. Above these weighing bins are placed large coal
stores resting upon the walls of the building forming part of the roof, the coal is
conducted by suitable chutes or passages from the weighing bins to the feed hopper.
The hydraulic unions pave slide top valves placed over each, like connections and
valves are made between the bins and coal stores, the object of this form of connee-
tion is to allow of the free movement of the binns upon the weighing apparatus and
the ready removal of the conduits when required.
The supply of coal to the hopper and distributor is regulated by slide valves.
The coal is prepared by breaking and passed through screens, the meshes of which
are four to the square inch, then by means of elevators it is put into the coal stores
from which it passes down by gravity as required.
One object of the Invention is to form within a large gas-tight retort numerous
compact sub-retorts or compartments so combined and arranged as to produce large
carbonizing areas with minimum use of materials and space, whereby a large amount
of coal can be submitted to any required degree of heat and carbonized in com-
paratively very thin layers with facility and speed. Another object is the
automatic charge and discharge of contents in union with efficient ingress of the
coal and egress of the coke.
These functions combined with that of other parts herein-after described are
operated by mechanical movements alone, forming a new and useful combined
apparatus by which time, material, and labour will be most effectually utilized and
a superior article of great commercial importance produced at a reduced cost.
On the lower end of the hopper is formed a flange upon which the distributor
is suspended and revolves freely. The distributor consists of a horizontal rotating
disk or throwing wheel having radial blades fixed equidistant upon its upper
surface, and is attached to the lower end of a hollow vertical shaft having a speed
pulley fixed upon its upper end.
This disc wheel is fitted into a horizontal case or box of a circular form turning
freely upon a vertical spindle passing up through the hollow shaft, and is continued
down through a collar in the centre of the bottom plate of the case sufficiently to
rest in a step upon which the case may freely turn, this spindle has a lever attached
to the upper end by which the case is turnel round after charging the first
generator to give a charge to the second, a certain portion of the circumference of
the case is enclosed, the remaining parts are formed by a segmental range of vertical
pivot louvers set at a radial angle of, say, forty-five degrees forming chutes or
directors of the flow of coal thrown off the rotating disc wheel from the action of
centrifugal force for generators of a full circular horizontal form, the louvers of
the distributor forn a full circle viz., the whole circumference of the case.
To the case is attached an outside lining of a non-conducting material with a
covering shield of the same arranged to slide over the louvers.
Another object of the Invention is a machine wherewith to utilize and apply
centrifugal force, and to divide and direct the flow of coal received through the
hopper, to distribute and spread it in even layers upon either oblong, circular, or
other sectional formed generator beds in combination with the before described parts.

page_text: The hydraulic main is formed in cross section, the flat side set downward, it is
continued around on the top of the four walls of the generator upon an indo-
pendent hot-air flue through which heat from the upper generator flue is caused
to pass in quantity at will regulated by valves and dampers, the main is to have
au inclined ascent from the hydraulic valve inlet. The hydraulic is formed by an
outer cylinder with flat top and bottom having a "cup" formed around the inside,
it drops slightly below the range of the bottom of the hydraulic main slopes down
to meet that of the cylinder thus extending the tar reservoir the outlet for which
is slightly above the cylinder bottom.
"
The inner and moving cylinder is without top or bottom, it has, say, seven short
dip pipes" suspended within its area equidistant apart, having their lower end
in sanie plane with that of the cylinder, the inverted cup is formed at the upper
end on outside, the cylinder is of sufficient length to dip slightly, it is raised
or lowered by a rod connected to an outside lever and counterpoise retaining it
up unsealed except when the generator being put in or out of service, or in case
of back pressure froin the works, and when in service the "dip" can be made as
light as required.
The evaporator is formed upon the bottom plate of the hydraulic main, and
consists of a series of horizontal check ribs projecting above the bottom surface
continued throughout the length of the main at intervals apart having a slight
Interal descent alternately with that of the main, each rib to have au opening
between its lowest end and side of the inain, or at the alternate ends the other end
and lower edge to be fixed with tar-tight joints.
In combination with this evaporator is a condenser also formed on the inside
of the main by a series of thin plates placed at intervals in two diverging lines
of, say, about twenty-nine degrees to the centre line of the main in form of the
letter with the points towards the hydraulic valve, each leg of the angular formed
figure is to be kept off from the sides of the main, the plates are fixed vertical
extending from the bottom to the top of the main the series beginning at, say, four
or five feet in from the hydraulic valve, thence continued throughout the length
of the main with the point of one to the base of the other.
The crude products of distillation from the generator beds rises into the drum
passing through the outlet pipe and hydraulic valve into the main in its course to
the washers; but in continuing this course the flow impinges upon the oblique
uprightp lates and is reflected, striking the sides of the main obliquely, is again
reflected upon the next of the series of oblique plates, and so on throughout the
length of the main, thereby causing condensation and deposit of the tar upon the
plates and sides, also a breaking up and disintegrating any globules containing
gas or hydrocarbon vapours, this tarry matter falling upon the flat bottom of the
inclined inain is caused to flow back towards the valve, but is obstructed in its
course by the projecting check ribs and caused to spread out over the bottom in
a thin broad sheet over an extended heated surface whereby it is distilled at any
required degree of temperature, the hydrocarbon vapours evaporated or distilled into
permanent gas intermingling and uniting with the large passing flow, thereby
enriching and increasing its volume.
Another object of the Invention is an apparatus combined with those before
lescribed wherewith to recover and redistill any enriching hydrocarbon oils and
the like "carried down,” by causing the crude-flowing gas before reaching the
washers to strike upon numerous plates of metal whereby the mechanically con-
tained globules and particles of tar and hydrocarbon vapors are condensed and fall
down, flowing with the tar along a wide heated surface, where it is "fractionately"
evaporated at suitably limited and regulated degrees of temperature.
The main should be continued around the inside of the building with a regular
descent for the tar to that part in which the evaporators are fixed.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said John Henry Johnson on the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th December
1876.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND DISTILLING CARBU-
RETTED HYDROGEN GAS FROM COAL OR OTHER CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS." A
communication from abroad by Thomas Sumerville Stewart, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, United States of America.
The said Invention relates to improved apparatus for generating and distilling
carburetted hydrogen gas by means of which the defects inherent to the ordinary
method are obviated or greatly diminished.
The apparatus consists generally of generators by preference arranged in pairs,
and each consisting of a suitable number of beds for receiving the coal, for
example, in thin layers and having a large aggregate generating surface, and the
process is carried out in the following manner :-
The coal having been first prepared by breaking and screening to the required
size is by means of elevators deposited in coal stores situate on the top of the
building, thence it passes by gravity into weighing bins, and thence into a dis-
tributor, the function of which part of the apparatus is to charge and spread the
coal in even layers of required thickness in and upon each of the distilling beds of
the generator in succession beginning with the lowest one. After a lapse of say
about fifteen minutes time for a charge of three-eighths of an inch, or of twenty
minutes for a half inch layer, the coke is discharged from the beds, and passes by
gravity down a chute or conduit into a seal, from which it is carried by a rake-
formed bucketted elevator into coke bins for distribution by gravity.
After the lapse of say half the time during which the charge supplied to the first
generator is being operated upon the distributor is turned half way round and a
charge is delivered upon the beds of the second of the pair of generators, when a
full and free intermingling of the products of distillation takes place between the
half carbonized charge and the new charge, spaces being provided for the free pas-
sage and intermingling of the gases of each generator.
The products pass up into a drum and thence by an outlet pipe through the
main. In this main are placed condensers and evaporators, herein-after described,
whereby the crude products of distillation are condensed and forced to give up the
tar and liberate any enveloped globules of gas or hydrocarbon vapors by a series
of deflecting condensers, upon which the flowing volume of gas impinges in its
passage to the washers, while the tar and volatile hydrocarbons "earried down into
it are redistilled by being forced to pass over a suitable length of surface heated to
the proper degree for the distillant purposes, the gas and vapors given off being
mixed and combined with the large volume of the flowing hot gas.
The whole process in all its various parts or branches is operated by the applica-
tion of mechanical movements, the only manual labor required being for the
attendance to firing and to the continuous working of the machinery. The weigh-
ing of the charges is self-acting and registering, only requiring a sheet of paper to
be placed on the cylinder of a registering apparatus somewhat resembling a gas
pressure indicator in its arrangement.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now pro-
ceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the
several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings represents a vertical section of
one of a pair of generators, the section being taken along the line 1-2, Figure 2.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section taken along the line 3-4, Figure 1, of a pair of
generators as arranged and combined in practical working.
Figure 3 is a sectional plan of the saine, the top cover being removed; and the
remaining Figures are details which will be herein-after referred to.

page_text: The generator beds or floors consist of horizontal ranges of iron plates A in the
form of louvres arranged in vertical tiers one above another so as to form com-
partments of any required height and of any required horizontal sectional form.
T'hese louvres are so pivoted as to be capable of being turned by means of cranks U
and lovers S¹, see Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 1, or by other suitable mechanical
arrangement into the open and closed positions represented on the upper and lower
parts respectively of Figure 1. The louvres are actuated by means of a chain P passing
round pulleys N, N¹, and carrying two rollers P, which when the chain is in
motion act upon cams R so as to cause the levers S¹ to slide and turn the louvres.
The lowest series of louvres is first acted upon, and after the rollers have passed
the upper series the motion of the chain is reversed in the manner herein-after
described, the rollers will then descend and pass around the lower chain pulley N
up the other side of the chain passage and act upon the opposite sides of the cains R
so as to cause the louvres to return to their former position.
The yokes formed in the middle of the pivot rails S and the crank levers S' when
combined make a nearly inclosed rectangular tube, and by increasing the width of
the crank lever yokes, as represented on Figure 5, a perfectly tight tube P is pro-
duced extending down into a hydraulic seal at the bottom of the chain, as shewn
at Figure 8. The louvres are actuated from one end only, the other having a
single eye turning upon short studs or pins on the rails S.
The method above described of swinging the louvres has the advantage of pre-
venting the coal (when charging) from getting in between the ends of the louvres
and the case, but any equivalent arrangement may be adopted.
The Drawings represent a generator containing forty-four beds of louvres, one
half the number only being represented in Figure 1. The distance of the louvres
apart should be more than half the width of the louvre in order to admit of their
being turned.
The beds of each generator are inclosed by strong open framework, of which the
pivot rails S form the longitudinal ties, which together with transverse end plates
are supported by uprights. This frame, which is by preference constructed in
sections vertically and of such weight as will suit convenient handling, is inclosed
by a gas-tight outer case made of boiler plate iron, formed by preference in segments
of a circle, as represented in Figure 3, and secured at the springings by strong
abutting stays at the points T, T, to counteract the effect of any bulging consequent
on expansion or warping tending to affect the action of the louvres. Flat surfaces
may be used if desired, provided a sufficient number of wide angle irons are rivetted
vertically on to the outside of the sheets and a space left between the case and the
frame.
This outer case is protected from the injurious effects of the licated currents from
the fire-places J, J, by fire-clay tiles let in at the top and bottom and extending
to the flue tile, a space being left between the iron and the tiles to admit of
expansion.
The two ends and the outer side of each generator are continued down at an
angle of not less than forty-five degrees, as shewn in Figure 1, so as to form a
Shopper-shaped bottom for conducting the coke from the generator into a vessel L
through a conduit K, the lower end of which enters and is sealed by the vessel L.
The coke is conducted from the vessel L by means of an endless chain c, Figure 1,
carrying rake-formed buckets d, which when in motion convey the coke into bins
located in a suitable compartment, from which it passes by gravity down con-
duits M, M, Figure 1, into the fire-places J, J. The heated air from the fire-
places J, J, passes through flues I, I. arranged in a continuous inclined direction
like a screw thread, and of a pitch equal to the depth of two flues.
Three ranges (in height) of draft dampers are provided for each generator, and
valves for the purpose of cleaning out the flues are fitted at each corner of each
range of flues, a dust conduit being also provided extending from the bottom flue
down through the piers to a receptacle below. The centre flue is stopped off' by a
coping of a shape, to prevent the coal from laying upon it, and the outer sides
I

page_text: and ends are stopped up, as represented in Figure 1, so as to form the top. In the
centre flue fis placed a drum-shaped receptacle W, provided with an outlet pipe Q
leading to the hydraulic valve E. The rectangular chain pass herein-before referred
to formed through the beds of the generators is continued from the lower lever S¹
down into the hydraulic seal N", N, Figure 8, by the gas-tight tube P" The
endless chain P¹ works freely in this pass, one-half on one side of the cams R, and
the other half carrying the rollers P, P, (which are of the same thickness as the
cams) on the opposite side of the cams. The rollers in passing up by the rotation
of the chain pulleys N, N¹, acts upon the cains R, so as to cause the levers S¹ to slide
as herein-before described, a distance equal to the throw of the cranks U, thereby
turning the louvres one-fourth round; when, however, the rollers have passed the
top cam of the series the motion of the chain is reversed and the rollers caused to
pass down the now open side of the pass through the water of the hydraulic
scal N, N", (by which the rollers and the chain are cooled) and up the other side
of the pass, now obstructed by the changed position of the cains R, the rollers again
acting upon their opposite edge, thereby sliding the levers and turning the louvres
into their former position, all as herein-before described. The rollers P are attached
to one link of the chain by forming hollow studs upon each of the outer plates
(over which the rollers pass) secured in place by a bolt passed through them and
the chain link. Near the lower end of the chain pass is placed the lower chain
pulley N (Figure 8) on the axle of which there is keyed another pulley N³,
and at a sufficient distance above this latter to allow of depth of seal a similar
pulley N is arranged, the axle of which works in bearings on the outside of the
chain pass.
This axle carries a spur wheel Z by which motion is imparted to an endless
chain passing over the pulleys N³, N, and thence to the chain P¹. The two chain
passes of the double generator are inclosed by one outer case forming the seal for
the pair of generators, as represented in plan at Figure 14.
In working the apparatus a range of coal bins is placed against the wall on each
side of the building, a sufficient space being left between them for clearance in
hoisting and for inserting or removing sections of the generators. Two bins are
required to supply a pair of generators, as shewn at H, H, one to feed coal while
the other is being replenished, each bin is entirely supported upon the frame of a
self-registering weighing apparatus, which indicates automatically upon a dial the
weight of coal drawn off by each charge, the time of the charge, and the time
between the charges. Above the weighing bins are arranged large coal stores
which rest upon the walls of the building and form part of the roof. The coal
is conducted from the weighing bins H, H, to the feed hopper D, by means of
chutes or conduits G, G, hydraulic unions F, F, fitted with slide stop valves being
placed over each conduit and between the bius and coal stores. The object of 4
this form of connection is to allow of the free movement of the bins upon the
weighing apparatus, and the ready removal of the conduits when required.
V, V, are slide valves for regulating the supply of coal to the hopper D and the
distributor B, the latter being shewn in vertical section and horizontal section
respectively in Figures 12 and 13.
4
Ôn the lower end of the hopper D is formed a flange by which the distributor B
is suspended so as to revolve freely. The distributor consists of a horizontal
rotating disc or throwing wheel B' having radial blades fixed at equal distances
upon its upper surface, and it is attached to the lower end of a hollow vertical
shaft Bs having keyed at its upper end a speed pulley B' for imparting motion to 5
the wheel B¹.
This disc wheel is fitted into a horizontal case or box of a circular form, fitted to
turn freely upon a vertical spindle B' passing up through the hollow shaft B³, and
is continued down through a boss formed on the centre of the bottom plate of the
case sufficiently to rest in a foot step bearing B, upon which the case may freely turn. 5.
This spindle is fitted at the upper end with a lever B7 by which the case after charging
one generator is turned round for the purpose of charging the second generator.

page_text: A portion of the circumference of the case is enclosed, whilst the remaining part
B is provided with a segmental range of vertically pivotted louvres set at a
radial angle of, say, forty-five degrees, and forming shutes or directors of the coal
thrown off the rotating disc wheel by its centrifugal force.
The angles of inclination of the louvres vary to some extent between the ends
and centre of the segment, and also in the proportional width to the length of the
generator beds to which the distributor may be applied.
The exact "pitch "is therefore to be ascertained by trial upon a bed of the size
and forin (except circular) to which it is to be applied and the louvres fixed at the
"pitch" thus obtained. The same "pitch" will always suit the like size and form
of generator bed. The outside of the case is covered with a non-conducting
material, and a covering or shield of similar material is arranged to slide over the
louvres when required.
The hydraulic main C, illustrated in Figure 1, and in enlarged sectional views at
Figures 9, 10, and 11, Sheet 2, is D shaped in cross section, and is arranged with
its flat side downward around the top of the four walls of the generator upon an
independent hot-air flue I¹ through which heat from the upper part of the generator
flue I is caused to pass as required by valves and dampers. The main C¹¹ is
inclined upwards from the hydraulic valve inlet E, as shewn.
The hydraulic valve E consists of an outer cylinder with flat top and bottom,
and formed with a trough or water chamber around the inside, occupying about
one-third of the length of the cylinder between the top and the bottom. The
bottom of the valve is situate below the bottom of the hydraulic main, and the
bottom of the main slopes down to meet that of the cylinder thus extending the
tar, reservoir, the outlet for which is above the cylinder bottom.
The inner moving cylinder of the valve carries seven short dip pipes
which are suspended within its area and arranged at equal distauces apart with
their lower ends in the same plane. The inverted trough is formed at the upper
end on the outside of the inner cylinder and is of sufficient length to "dip," say,
four inches, it is raised and lowered by means of a rod connected to an outside
lever and counterpoise, which retains it up and unsealed except when the generator
being put in or out of service or in case of back pressure from the works, when
in service, however, the "dip" may be made as light as required.
The evaporator is formed upon the bottom plate of the bydraulic main, and
consists of a series of horizontal check ribs C projecting slightly above the bottom
surface, and continued throughout the length of the main, at intervals of, say, about
two feet apart, having a slight lateral descent alternately with that of the main.
Each rib is so arranged as to leave an opening of about one and a half inches
between its lowest end and the side of the main at the alternate ends.
A. condenser is also formed on the inside of the main, consisting of a series of
thin narrow plates C³, placed at intervals in two diverging lines from the centre
line of the main. These plates are arranged in the form of the letter V (as shewn
in Figure 9) with the points towards the hydraulic valve E, and the end of the
angular formed Figure is arranged so as to be in close proximity to the sides of the
main. These plates C extend vertically from the bottom to the top of the main,
and the first of the series is situate at a suitable distance from the hydraulic valve
E, the succeeding ones being arranged throughout the length of the main with the
point of one to the base of the other.
The crude products of distillation in their course from the generator beds to the
washer rise into the drum W, whence they pass through the outlet pipe Q and
hydraulic valve E into the main C, and impinge upon the oblique upright plates
C¹by which they are deflected and caused to strike the sides of the main obliquely,
and are again deflected upon the next of the series of oblique plates, and so on
throughout the length of the main, thereby causing condensation and deposit of the
tar upon the plates and sides, also a breaking up and disintegration of any globules
containing gas or hydrocarbon vapors. The tarry matter falling upon the flat
bottom of the inclined main is caused to flow back towards the valve E, but is
-

page_text: obstructed in its course by the projecting check ribs C, and caused to spread out in
a thin broad sheat over the heated surface of the main, whereby it is distilled, the
hydrocarbon vapors being evaporated or distilled into permanent gas which by
intermingling and uniting with the passing vapour enriches and increases its
volume.
The main should be continued around the inside of the building for a sufficient
distance with a regular descent for the tar to that part in which the evaporators
are fixed.
#
By means of this Invention there are obtained within a large gas-tight retort
numerous compact sub-retorts or compartments so combined and arranged as to
produce large carbonizing areas with minimum use of materials, and minimumn
space, whereby a large amount of coal can be submitted to any required degree
of heat, and carbonized in comparatively thin layers with facility, and in a short
space of time. The automatic charge and discharge of the contents are also effected
together with efficient ingress of the coal and egress of the coke without opening
the retort or the admittance of atmospheric air.
The centrifugal force is utilized and applied to divide and direct the flow of
coal received through the hopper to distribute and spread it in even layers upon
either oblong, circular, or other sectional formed generator beds in combination with
the other parts herein-before described. Moreover, the enriching hydrocarbon oils
and the like carried down are recovered and redistilled by causing the crude
flowing gas before reaching the washers to strike upon numerous plates of metal
whereby the mechanically contained globules and particles of tar and hydrocarbon
vapors are condensed and fall down flowing with the tar along a wide hented
surface where it is "fractionately" evaporated at suitably limited and regulated
degrees of temperature.
The mechanism for effecting the automatic action of the apparatus is illustrated
in elevation and plan respectively in Figures 1 and 14.
The chain P¹ is actuated, as herein-before described and illustrated by Figure S,
by means of a spur wheel Z and endless chain and pulleys N, N
The wheel Z is in gear with two spur wheels Y, Y, mounted loosely on shafts 6
and 7 respectively, two other wheels Y, Y₁, being mounted on the opposite ends of
the same shafts in gear with another wheel Zi corresponding with the wheel Z.
Each of the four wheels Y, Y, Y, Y, is fitted with a clutch box for the purpose
of imparting motion to them from the wheels Z, Z1, when required.
A mitre wheel a¹ is keyed on one extremity of each of the shafts 6 and 7 in gear
with corresponding wheels b, b, b, b', keyed on the transverse shaft 1.
The wheels b,, on the shaft 1 are provided with only one-sixth the number
of teeth of that of the wheel a¹, so that the shaft 6 receives an intermittent motion
of one to six, one-sixth of a revolution of the spur wheel Z causing the chain P¹ with
its roller to travel the distance of one link and actuate one of the series of
louvres.
The mitre wheels b, b, on the shaft 1 and gearing with the wheel a¹ on the end
of shaft 7 are provided with the same number of teeth as the wheel a¹, and are
fitted with a clutch box which slides upon feathers between the pair of wheels
b, b, for the purpose of reversing the motions of the slinft 7, a similar clutch being
also provided between the wheels b', b', for the purpose of reversing the motion
of the shaft (i.
The shaft 1 also carries a worm 9¹ in gear with a worm wheel 911 fixed on the
shaft 2, and having, say, sixty-six teeth, which cause it to receive one to sixty-six i
revolutions of the shaft 1.
The shaft 2 carries a worm 9 in gear with a worm wheel 911 fixed on the
shaft 5 and having eight, teeth, whereby this shaft is caused to receive one to 528
revolutions of the shaft 1 being the number of revolutions required to charge one
of the pair of generators. On the shaft 2 there is also fixed a spur wheel 21 in 5
gear with a pinion 31 having only half the number of teeth and mounted loose
upon the shaft 3 which is provided with a clutch for the purpose of engaging it

page_text: with and disengaging it from the wheel 2'. This pinion also gears in a similar
manner with another spur wheel 41 keyed on the shaft 4 having the same number
of teeth as the wheel 21.
Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, represent the special forms of the cams employed
in the apparatus, the figures marked on the divisions representing the number of
revolutions of shaft 1, and the lettering the functions of the divisions.
The cams 15 and 16 are fixed on the shaft 5, the former being connected by
means of levers with the clutch on the shaft 3 and regulating the movements
imparted by spur gear 21. During 396 revolutions of the shaft 1 the cam 15 retains
the clutch disengaged from the pinion 3', but causes it to engage during the period of a
further 132 revolutions, 66 of which the pinion 31 transmits to the spur wheel 4¹ and
shaft 4.
The cams, Figures 17 and 18, are fixed on the shaft 3, a rod and lever connecting
the cam 17 with the double clutch between the wheels b', b, for regulating the
movements of the said wheels by alternate engagement, and thereby imparting an
alternate reverse motion to the shaft 6 and through the wheels Z, Z', to the pulleys
N, N', and the chain P¹.
The cam 18 regulates the movements of the distributor B and the feed valves V¹, V,
by actuating a clutch engaging with a bevelled pinion 10 mounted loosely on the
lower end of a vertical shaft 101, 10", Figure 1. The pinion is in gear with and
receives motion from a bevelled wheel 10 keyed on shaft 1 and provided with
double the number of teeth. When the cam engages the clutch with the wheel 10
the distributor is caused to be actuated during the charging only videlicit during
42, revolutions. This cam is timed so as to act at one-sixth of a revolution later
than the cam 17. A chain or belt connects the speed pulleys on the upper end of
the shaft 10 with the hollow shaft of the distributor, and thereby imparts a
rotatory motion to the disc wheel B. This cain 18 also actuates the feed valves V¹, V,
by means of a connecting rod and bell-crank lever so as to open and close them one
half a revolution in advance of the cam in order to fill the hopper D in time for the
charge and leave it empty after the last louvre is turned to receive its charge.
"
The cam 16 is fixed on the shaft 5, and requires for effecting one revolution
thereof 528 revolutions of the shaft 1, the six divisions marked "prepare," "discharge,"
prepare," " charge," require 132 revolutions the other 18 divisions 22 each.
This cam actuates by means of a bell-crank, the double clutch arranged between
the mitre wheels b, b, which by engaging with one or the other of the said wheels
imparts to the shaft 7 a number of revolutions in the reverse directions, according
to divisions marked on the cam.
The cam 19 is fixed on the shaft + and requires for one revolution 132 revolutions
of the shaft 1; its function is to regulate the inotions of the clutches for imparting
motion to the shafts 6 and 7 by means of oscillating levers 20¹, 2011, and 211, 211,
connected by rods and bell-crank levers 20 and 21 to the cam yoke.
For working any greater number of pairs of generators in a range the lines of
shafting 6 and 7 are extended in order to transmit the movement.
While the division marked "2:31%, stop" on cam 19 is passing its yoke roller the like
divisions of cams 16 and 17 are also passing their respective yoke rollers preparatory
to discharging the alternate generator of each pair.
The cam 16 by acting on the clutch of the wheels b, b, imparts motion to the
shaft 7, which motion is thence transmitted by the spur wheel Z to the chain P³,
which continues to travel until the expiration of the 23, revolutions, thereby
bringing the rollers P into the position shewn in Figure 1, after which the cam
reverses the motion of wheels b, b, causing the chain and rollers to return during
21 revolutions, whilst the division "discharge 42 ። on cam 19 at the same time
acts on its yoke roller causing the oscillating lever and the clutches 201 and 2011 to
receive a reverse motion, which brings them into the position represented on
Figure 1, cluth 20¹ being engaged and 2011 disengaged.
By the reversing of each alternate oscillating lever, as described, each of the
clutches is disengaged alternately, whereby an intermittent motion is imparted
through the wheel Z to the chain P¹.

page_text: While the division "stop 231" of cam 17 is passing its yoke roller there is no
inotion, the clutch of the segmental toothed wheels b', 6', being disengaged, but as
"division discharge 421½" passes the wheels 6' it imparts an intermittent motion to
shaft 6, thence by spur wheel Z (engaged with clutch 20¹) to chain P¹, and also
to the chain of each alternate generator of a range.
By this motion the chain rollers P, Figures 1 and 5, are carried up acting upon
the cams R, R, thereby shifting the crank levers S₁, S', so as to turn up the louvres
forming the beds of the generator in succession until the whole are so turned up.
The cam 17 then reverses the motion of shaft 6 by passing the next division of
stop 23 or preparatory to charging during which time no motion is given to
shaft G, and the cams 16 and 19 are also entering the like division. The cam 19
then comes into action and again reverses the position of the oscillating levers 201
and 2011 disengaging clutch 20' and engaging 2011, and so on for each alternate
oscillating lever, and thus on again engages all the clutches on shaft 7, and disengages
all on shaft 6, whilst the cam 16 after passing two changes of chain of 21+ turns.
cach again actuates the clutch of the wheels b, b.
The reverse motion of 23%, revolutions of the shaft 7 is transferred by the engaged
clutches to the chain P¹, causing the rollers P, which had been (by cam 17) carried
above the 44 generating beds in discharging, to be transferred again to the position
shewn in Figure 1 on the opposite side of the chain to that which it occupied for
the discharge. A reverse motion to the extent of 21+ revolutions again takes place,
and the cams 17 and 19 at the same time reverse their respective clutches under
their control, the clutch 20¹ being caused to engage, and the clutch 2011 to be
disengaged, so that the motion of shaft 7 cannot act further on the chains engaged
in operating the charge, whilst cam 17 by actuating the wheels b', b¹, transmits their
intermittent motion through the now engaged clutch on shaft 6, thence by the
wheel Z to the pulley N, cliain P1, and rollers P. This motion is continued upwards,
the rollers P acting against the lowest cam R shifts one of the crank levers S to its
former position, thus turning down a range of louvres forming the first or bottom gene-
rating bed. An intermission of five-sixths of a revolution of chain pulley P now takes
place, during which the charge of coal is distributed upon the bed by the action of
the distributor, which charge is spread in an even equal layer before another range
of louvres is operated upon, and so on until the 44 ranges are turned down, and
each has received its charge of coal.
By the time that the whole of the beds are charged the cam 15 disengages the
clutch from spur pinion 31 having passed the four divisions aggregating 132 revolu-
tions, it then stops during 396 revolutions, the pinion 31 being disengaged and stop-
ping the motions of the shafts 3 and 4, and the fixed cams 17, 18, and 19 during the
396 revolutions of the shaft 1. After the cams have passed the divisions "charge,"
the motion is reversed by their entering again upon the divisions "stop 23," in the 4
casc of the cams 17 and 18, and upon division stop 132" in the case of the cam 19.
The cam 19 on entering this division again actuates each alternate oscillating lever
and attached clutches so as to disengage the clutch 20' and engage the clutch 2011,
and so on, whereby all the clutches on shaft 7 become engaged, while cam 16 taking
its motion from shaft 5 continues to actuate the wheels b, b, for eighteen changes of 4
the chain (each change requiring twenty-two turns of shaft 1), and it is then in a
position to again enter the preparatory division 23, turns, the commencement of a
charge to the other generator of the pair. The distributor is turned half round when
half the time for a charge to the first generator has expired with one revolution of
this cam.
For discharging and charging the second generator of the pair the same movements
of the respective parts as herein-before described take place, except that the four
parts marked "discharge," charge," and "stop" on cam 19 actuate the movements
while passing the lower yoke roller at a determined point of its diameter.
" t
On the shaft 1 there is keyed a speed cone, a similar speed cone being also fixed 5
on the shaft 8, which latter also carries a driving pulley S, these cones are formed in
the requisite proportion for the duty to be performed, as will be well understood
without further explanation.

page_text: Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I would
observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent is-
First. The arrangement and combination of horizontal generating beds formed by
ranges of pivoted louvres placed in vertical tiers forming compartments, surmounted
above each other to any required height and of any horizontal form, inclosed in an
outer gas-tight case, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before described.
Second. The application of the horizontal throwing disc wheel, either alone or in
combination with the encircling shutes or any segment thereof, formed by vertical
louvres for the purpose of charging and distributing the coal upon the louvre-forined
generating beds or their equivalents, substantially as and for the purposes herein-
before described.
Third. The formation of a series of projecting check ribs, or their equivalents, fixed
in inversely inclined order upon the bottom plate in the interior of an inclined and
heated gas main, either alone or in combination with oblique vertical deflectors,
formed and arranged in series throughout the interior of such main, substantially as
and for the purposes herein-before described.
Fourth. The combination of the louvre-formed generating beds A, distributor B,
feed valves V, VI, weighing bins H, and conduits C, with the mechanical movements
operating and effecting the self-charging and discharging of the louvre-formed
generating beds in succession, substantially as herein-before described.
Fifth. The combination of numerous ranges of louvre-formed carbonizing beds A.,
automatically worked within a scaled air-tight case or retort T, receiving their charge
of coal and discharging it when coked without opening the said retort, or the
admittance of atmospheric air, substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whercof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, the Twenty-fourth day of November,
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)