Improvements in and relating to the Construction of Shaking and Dumping Grates.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Mar., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 30th July, 1896-Accepted, 3rd Oct., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to the Construction of Shaking and
Dumping Grates.
I, GEORGE MILAN CONWAY, of Number 229 Eleventh Street, in the City
and County of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, United States of America,
Manufacturer, do bereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists, primarily, in constructing a shaking and dumping grate,
with a suitable frame and a series of movable grate sections, and arranging the
latter so that they may dump either way, and so that the space between each two
adjacent sections (while passing through an angle of say thirty degrees either
way from their normal vertical line, in shaking) will remain always the same, so
that this operation of shaking within the angular limits named, will sufficiently
agitate the fuel resting on the grate to free it from dust, ashes, or whatever
substance is to be eliminated therefrom, and break up incrustation, and effectually
prevent this material from filling up the grate and its interstices, without permitting
the valuable combustible part of said material to dump down between said sections
and become lost, and so that, by turning the said grate sections from the said
angle of thirty degrees to an angle of say sixty degrees, the space between the
grate-sections will increase sufficiently to enable the material to be dumped; and
secondly, in forming the said grate-sections, intermediate between the ends of the
supporting frame, with vertical parallel sides, connected by transverse bars integral
therewith and projecting beyond the line of said sides, with integral end pieces,
said grate-sections at the line of said bars being transversely of spherical triangular
shape; and finally, in constructing outer movable grate-sections at each end of
the intermediate grate-sections just described, corresponding at the top and inner
sides with the shape of the said intermediate grate-sections, but each having its
outer bar extensious forming a sector of a circle extending from the intersection
of the rounded top surface and adjacent vertical side of the said grate-section down
to the base line of the said vertical side, all of the said movable grate-sections
being connected together and mounted in the frame, and there being independent
removable outer stationary grate-sections, each comprising a vertical web, and
obliquely inclined transverse teeth projecting outward and upward and inward and
downward, from the opposite sides of said web, said stationary grate-sections being
supported and held in sockets in said frame, free from extraneous fastening
devices, and there being also a lever pivoted to a stationary fulcrum and also
pivoted to the connecting device which unites all the movable grate-sections,
whereby, when said lever is operated in either direction, the angle of inclination
of the said movable grate-sections will be simultaneously and uniformly varied.
Dated this 25th day of February 1896.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to the Construction of Shaking and
Dumping Grates.
I, GEORGE MILAN CONWAY, of Number 229 Eleventh Street, in the City
and County of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, United States of America,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention consists, in constructing a shaking and dumping grate, with a
suitable frame and a series of movable grate sections, and arranging the latter so
that they may dump either way, and so that the space between each two adjacent
sections (while passing through an angle of say thirty degrees either way from
their normal vertical line, in shaking) will remain always the same, so that this
operation of shaking within the angular limits named, will sufficiently agitate the
fuel resting on the grate to free it from dust, ashes, or whatever substance is to be
eliminated therefrom, and break up the cliukers, and effectually prevent this
material from filling up the grate and its interstices, without permitting the
valuable combustible part of said material to dump down between the grate
sections and become lost, and so that, by turning the grate sections from an angle
of thirty degrees to an angle of say sixty degrees, the space between the grate
sections will increase sufficiently to enable the material to be dumped.
In order that my invention may be fully understood, I will describe the same,
reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved device with parts broken away, and
shown partly in section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of my device with portions thereof broken
away or removed and partly in section.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the lines 3-3 of Figs. 1 and 2.
Figs. 4 and 5 are detail sectional views of the grate-sections in different positions,
Fig. 4 being taken on a section through the central portion of the grate-sections
and the section-line of Fig. 5 being taken adjacent to the end of the grate-sections
beyond the last side extensions of the transverse bars, which therefore do not show
in said Fig. 5.
Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged detail views of portions of the frame.
As shown in the drawings, the grate is arranged for use in connection with a
horizontal cylindrical boiler, though it will be understood that it is adapted for any
kind of furnace.
My grate rests upon its' own supports independently of the surrounding walls.
AA Figs. 1, 2 and 3, represent the legs or supports of my device.
BB represent the vertical end frames of the device, which interlock with the
top of the legs A A in the following manner. Each of the legs A has a central
vertical web a, the upper part of which web has a cross-head a', and said legs have
enlarged bases or feet a. At points directly over said legs the end frames B
are formed, as shown in detail, Fig. 7, with downward-forked flanges bb (designed
to embrace the described webs a of the legs A between the transverse outer
edge of the said legs and the cross-head a¹) and horizontal flange at the top
of the forked flanges bb, so that when the end frames B B are dropped into
place on the legs A A all parts will be held firmly together, the horizontal
flange besting on the top of the web a and cross-head a'. In addition, the
frames B B have vertical angle-flanges 22 on their inner sides, above the
flanges bb and rising to the height of the said frames B. All these parts (shown.
in Fig. 7) are cast solidly and integral with the said frames B.

page_text: CC represent the two side hearing-bars, ant D the center bearing-bar of the
frame. The ends of these bars are provided with cross-heads c Figure 2, for
engagement with the angle-flanges 6 of the frames B, back of which are the
flanges d having right-angular bottom extensions d³ for the ends e see Figures 2
and 6, of the stationary outer grate-sections E hereinafter described. The bars C
are each provided on the inner side with a series of round hubs c¹ perforations c²
extending through the center of said hubs and through the sile bearing-bars in
line therewith, as shown best at the left hand in Fig. 3. The bars C are further
provided with projecting arms e Figures 2 and 3, on the outer side, and the end
frames B are similarly provided with end flanges ³, Figure 2 both the arms c³ and
flanges & being designed for the support of the webs Figure 3, on the under side
of the perforated inclined plates F hereinafter described.
The center-bearing bar, D, Figures 2 and 3, is provided on both sides with
hubs having perforations d therethrough and through the said bar in line
therewith, as best shown in the center of Fig. 3, similar to the hubs c¹ on the
bars C; but unlike those hubs c¹ the hubs are not wholly round, but are
cut away on the under side, as shown at d', Figure 6, to enable the grate-sections
to be placed on or removed from the hubs separately without disturbing the end
frames and side and center bearing-bars. The center bar D, is further provided
with a series of teeth d, d, Figure 2, arranged at intervals to fill up the space
that would otherwise be left between the adjacent ends of grate-sections next
described.
The stationary outer grate-sections E, already named, comprise a central
vertical web, (whose ends e rest on the flange extensions d³ of the bearing-
bars C, C, as already stated, between the flanges d on said bars and the adjacent
flanges of the end frames B,) said web being provided at each side with
obliquely-inclined teeth projecting inward and downward from one side of said
web and outward and upward from the other side thereof, as shown best in full
lines on the right-hand side and in dotted lines on the left-hand side of Fig. 1.
Only, one of these stationary outer grate-sections E is shown in Fig. 2, but it will
be understood that there are four of them in this form of my device, all parallel
with the said end frames B B, and as they converge from the said outer end
frames B B inward they form practically two sides of a hopper formation, the
other sides of which consist of the herein before-named inclined perforated side
plates FF.
The shaking and dumping grate sections comprise outer sections G H, Figure 2,
which are right and left handed complements to the stationary outer grate
sections E, and intermediate sections I, I, which are of uniform conformation.
Each of these sections has respectively inner end pieces g, h, aud i, Figure 2, with
rounded tops and vertical parallel sides and having lower lever extensions, as best
indicated in Fig. 5, at , i, g, which latter are connected by pivots j, j
Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, with a parallel connecting-bar J, which latter is connected by
forked head and pivot k to the connecting-rod K, Figures 1 and 3, which extends
from this point to the shaking-lever M, hereinafter particularly described, to which
the rod K is pivoted, as shown by the pivot-pins L. In addition, each of the said
inner ends g, h, and i of these grate-sections have circular openings y³, 13,
therethrough Figures 2, 4 and 5, to receive the described hubs d', on the
center-bearing-bar D. The outer ends of the grate-sections 93, 3, and so on,
see Figure 2, are correspondingly rounded on top and have slotted openings g*, *,
and so on, Figure 1, in their lower edges to pass down over the hubs on the side
bearing-bars, CC, said ends being extended downward below the hub-line and
transversely perforated to receive locking-pins y, , and so on Figure 3, just
below the lower line of said hubs.
The inner and outer ends of the outer grate sections G, H, and intermediate
grate sections I, are connected by vertical parallel side ribs integral therewith.
The intermediate grate-sections I, I, are each composed, in addition to the
already-described parts, of a series of transverse bars, rounded on top in

page_text: C
conformity with the curvatures of the described inner end pieces. The transverse
bars which connect the upper ends of, and are integral with the described vertical
parallel side ribs, project beyond the outer side faces thereof, on both sides of
these grate sections I in the form of a convex bracket extending downwards to the
lower ends of the said vertical parallel side ribs 18, as clearly indicated by the
intermediate grate-section in Fig. 4. The outline of the outer end pieces of these
said intermediate grate-sections is of corresponding form down to the base of the
described hub-line. The outer movable grate-sections, G, H, have similar series
of transverse bars, which are of similar form on the top and project in a similar
manner beyond the outer side face of the vertical parallel side rib 8 on the inner
side of these grate sections; but the extension of the transverse bars on the
outer side face of the vertical parallel side rib on the outer sides of said
sections G, H are modified, as shown at the right and left in Fig. 1, and at the
left in Fig. 4, by being struck on a circle from the center of the openings, as 2,
that receive the hubs d', forming a sector of said circle extending from the inter-
section of the said rounded top surface and adjacent vertical side rib of the
grate-section down to the base-line of said 'vertical side rib.
The sbaking levers M (of which there is one for each set of grates, two being
shown in the present illustration) are preferably of the general form shown in
Fig. 1, and are pivoted, as already described, at L to the connecting-rod K, and
also, as shown at n, to an arm or projection n' on a casting N, (which acts as the
fulcrum of said lever,) the upper portion of which casting is preferably bifurcated,
aud in the opening of said bifurcated portion there moves a rearward extension of
said lever M, having an arc slot m. The said bifurcated casting has two holes
therethrough, the upper one being in line with the radial line of movement of said
slot m and the other just below it, and registering, when the parts are in the position
shown in Fig. 1, with a hole m¹ through the lever extension below said slot. O is a
pin adapted for engagement with either of the holes described, as circumstances
may require. The lever M is provided with a suitable socket p for the reception
of a lever-handle P, as shown. In Figure 2, the casting N is shown double to
carry the two levers of the two grates.
The operation of my device will next be described, the parts being in the relative
positions shown in Fig. 1, and it being understood, for the purpose of this
explanation, that my invention is here shown as arranged for a coal-burning
furnace, although, as heretofore stated, not in any sense limited thereto.
The fuel is fed on to the upper surface of the grate and properly ignited, and
when a sufficient quantity has been consumed to cause the resultant ashes and
clinker to partially close up the orifices in the grate-sections it becomes necessary,
in order to continue a proper combustion, to get rid of that deposit. This is
accomplished by shaking the grate-sections back and forth, as described, the
limitations enforced by the relative arrangement of the pin O and the arc slot m
in the shaking-lever serving automatically, to keep the movement of the said
grate-sections within the angular limits herein before named without increasing the
size of the openings between the adjacent grate-sections, and this, as already
stated, will suffice to get rid of the dust, ashes, and like refuse matter without loss
of fuel, the space between the grate-sections in this position (shown in Fig. 4)
being the same as when they are in their normal upright position. (Shown in
Fig. 1.) When in the normal position, the pin O is shifted to the lower hole, m',
and thereby the parts are rigidly locked and all movement of the grate-sections
prevented. As the ashes and other refuse matter are gotten rid of, as described,
the fuel which is piled up against the obliquely-inclined plates F gradually settles
down, and the ashes are liberated from the said plates and from the inclined
stationary outer grate-sections. The perforations in the said plates F are to admit
air therethrough, and thereby aid in the combustion of fuel, and the described
hopper-like formation of the inclined parts E, E, F, F, aid in keeping the fuel fed
forward to the grate, as well as in the operation of dumping.
When it becomes necessary to dump the grate, the pin O; which is preferably

page_text: secured by a chain (not shown) to some adjacent portion of the structure, is wholly
removed and dropped down, and then the lever M is operated by means of the
handle P to its fullest extent back and forth, whereby the grate-sections assume at
each end of the movement the relative positions shown in Fig. 5, the openings
between the adjacent grate-sections amounting to nearly forty per cent, of the
entire grate area, instead of only about six per cent. thereof when the said sections
are in either their normal or shaking positions, and consequently the grate is very
quickly dumped.
My grate-sections are preferably strengthened by central transverse webs i. as
shown in Fig. 3, and all parts of said sections are cast solidly in one piece. The
hubs upon which said grate-sections are supported, as well as the bearing-bars of
which said hubs form portions, are made hollow or perforated at these points, as
described, for the purpose of securing a circulation of air therethrough, and aiding
thereby in keeping the said parts comparatively cool in use, and by reason of the
described cut-away portions d of the hub d¹ on the center bearing-bar D and the
slotted openings g, and so on, at the opposite end of the grate-sections G, I, and
so on, the said sections can, as already stated, be readily dropped into place and
then secured against accidental displacement by means of the-described locking-
pins go and so on, which pins can be easily removed for the withdrawal of any of
said grate-sections in the reverse manner, it being, of course, necessary to remove
the split locking-pins gh, which secure the pivots on the lower ends of the
lever extensions g of the grate-sections to the connecting-bar J, before this
removal can take place, and to secure such locking devices in place when the
grate-sections are adjusted.
In place of the described connecting-bar J and connecting-rod K any suitable
connecting device may be employed, so far as the operation of my grate-sections is
concerned, but I have found the means described to work well in practice.
A valuable feature of my present device lies in the fact that the entire frame is
so constructed as to be readily removable at all parts for the replacement or repair
of a broken portion, and is all put together and held rigidly in place without the
use of a single nut or rivet, and hence the injury arising from the burning, breaking
or warping of such securing devices in other shaking and dumping grates is wholly
obviated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is;
1. In à shaking and dumping grate, a series of movable grate-sections, each
comprising vertical parallel side ribs, connected at their upper ends by transverse
bars integral therewith, said transverse bars having a rounded top surface and
projecting beyond the line of the outer side faces of said side ribs, in the form of a
convex bracket extending downwards to the lower ends thereof; and integral end
pieces.
2. In a shaking and dumping grate, a series of intermediate movable grate-
sections, each comprising vertical parallel side ribs connected at their upper ends
by transverse bars integral therewith said transverse bars having a rounded top
surface and projecting beyond the line of the outer side of said side ribs, in the
form of a convex bracket extending downwards to the lower ends thereof, and
having integral end pieces, and outer movable grate-sections, corresponding at the
top and inner sides with the shape of the said intermediate grate-sections, but each
having its outer transverse bar extensions forming a sector of a circle extending
from the intersection of the rounded top surface and adjacent vertical side rib of
the said grate-section down to the base-line of the said vertical side rib.
3. In a shaking and dumping grate, the combination with a suitable socketed
frame, and a series of movable grate-sections connected together and mounted
therein, of independent removable outer stationary grate-sections, each comprising
a vertical web, and obliquely inclined transverse teeth projecting outward and

page_text: upward, and inward and downward, from the opposite sides of said web, and held
in the sockets of said frame, free from extraneous fastening devices.
4. In a shaking and dumping grate, the combination with a series of independent
legs, each provided with enlarged bases, central vertical webs and cross-heads, of
end frames having downward forked flanges for engagement with said. webs,
horizontal flanges projecting above the said forked flanges, and vertical angle-
flanges above the said horizontal flanges, side and central bearing-bars having
cross-heads at their ends for engagement with the angle-flanges on the end frames,
flanges with right-angular bottom extensions for receiving the stationary grate-
sections, and projecting hubs for receiving the movable grate-sections, all adapted
to be held together in operative position by the interlocking of the various parts
named free from extraneous fastening devices.
5. In a shaking and dumping grate, the combination with a series of grate-
sections, and a suitable connecting device for operating the same simultaneously,
of a lever pivoted to a stationary fulcrum, and also pivoted to said connecting
device, and provided with an arc slot, and a pin, held at a stationary point within
the limits of movement of the slotted portion of said lever, whereby, when said
lever is operated in either direction, the angle of inclination of the said grate-sections
will be simultaneously and uniformly varied.
Dated this 20th day of June 1896.
GEORGE MILAN CONWAY.