IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND IN APPARATUS FOR VENTILATING AND WORKING COAL AND OTHER MINES, AND FOR UTILIZING THE GASES OBTAINED FROM SUCH MINES."
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Wesley Hackworth, of Darlington, in the County
of Durham, Consulting Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE METHOD OF AND IN APPARATUS FOR VENTILATING AND WORKING COAL
AND OTHER MINES, AND FOR UTILIZING THE GASES OBTAINED FROM SUCH
MINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Wesley Hackworth at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th January 1881.
JOHN WESLEY HACKWORTH, of Darlington, in the County of Durham,
Consulting Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND IN APPARATUS
FOR VENTILATING AND WORKING COAL AND OTHER MINES, AND FOR UTILIZING
THE GASES OBTAINED FROM SUCH MINES."
The objects of the Invention are the following:-(1.) The carrying of air at any
pressure above atmospheric from "bank" down into the mine in pipes (called
ingress pipes, consisting of mains, major and minor branches).
The mains, provided at intervals with escape man holes made to open and shut
easily either inside or outside the pipes, to be laid along the "head ways," and
joined with main branches ascending each shaft "to the day," into which the air is
pumped by engine power "at bank."
"
The headway mains are joined right and left by lateral major branches running
along the boardways, one line up each, and lengthened as the "boardways
extend, thus forming a complete ramification of ingress air pipes embedded in the
floor or "thill" throughout the whole mine. The entire area of ingress piping on
the top side, and at pitched distances, is to be perforated with holes, answering as
air valves, and having slides or keys like a flute to shut or graduate the openings
for the admission of air. These are provided with grates, or dispensing with grates,
separate sections of minor ingress pipes may be used just above the floor, perforated
with holes along the top side, serving as adjustible valves, with keys or sliding
covers for regulating the air admission. The said minor pipes to run parallel with
the mains and major ingress branches, and joined thereto underneath the floor or

page_text: "thill," thus introducing the air near the floor or "thill," whence it naturally rises
vertically towards the roof, and distributing the air uniformly, or more or less
locally, at pleasure through the entire workings, or any part thereof.
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(2.) The collecting the air and gases into pipes over a corresponding area is
effected by a similar arrangement of pipes to the above (called egress pipes,"
consisting of mains, major and minor branches), but of enlarged area commensurate
with the increased volume of added gases. The mains, one or more lines, run
parallel along the "headways" by the side of the ingress mains, being embedded
in the floor, and having branch mains up the shafts to the day, terminating in one
or more gas separators and holders at bank. A succession of lateral major branches
laid underneath the floor join the egress mains right and left, run along the
board ways, one up each, and are continued as the boardways extend. To the
egress mains and major branches over the entire workings are joined minor
branches or collecting pipes, consisting of a series of separate and distinct sections,
which the roof of the whole mine is prepared to receive. The following describing
one section is illustrative of the series:-A small pipe (say, 3/4 of an inch
diameter, 10 to 15 feet long, or other suitable diameter and length) is taken,
and perforated along one side with holes at pitched distances, the aggregate
area of the holes being preferably equal to the sectional area of the pipe (thin
metallic slides with corresponding holes for closing and regulating the hole openings
in the pipes may be used, or other suitable means of adjusting the outlet). The
holed minor collecting pipe being closed at both ends is fixed, holes uppermost, in
a longitudinal groove cut a little larger than the pipe in the centre of the roof of
the mine, the roof having been made to slope up a bit on either side of the groove.
From the middle of the above minor holed collecting pipe a transverse branch goes
out to the wall, down which the branch descends to near the floor, where it passes
an insulator (with water or other suitable fluid for breaking contiguity in case the
fire-damp" in the collecting pipe ignites), and continuing downwards joins the
egress mains below the floor in the headways or major branches in the
board ways, as the case may be. The above represents a type of the collecting
pipes to be applied over the entire mine. In all places where the roof rises above
the general level, i.e., "cavities," "domes," "fissures," "pot-holes," etc.; or in fact,
all obscure recesses and openings in the mine where gas first resorts and accumulates,
collecting pipes joined to the mains or major egress pipes rise out of the floor, and
passing insulators ascend to slightly below the highest points of such recesses, each
terminating with an adjustable valve for regulating the exit of the air and gases.
At each of these situations an indicator is fixed, which by a self-acting mode of
lighting or extinguishing the gas at a burner denotes the presence or absence of
gas in such localities. All "goaves" to be properly built off with permanent air
tight stoppings, and have "goave pipes" inserted at the highest points of the
stoppings." The said pipes in their descent pass insulators, and continuing
downwards are connected to the mains and major egress pipes below the floor in
the "headways" or "board ways," according to locality. "Gas blowers" are to be
treated in like manner by inserting and properly cementing into the outburst
orifices pipes which pass insulators on their way down to join the mains and major
egress pipes. Hence the fire damp" and carburetted hydrogen from these two
sources cannot accumulate or attain undue pressure, but are expelled through the
egress pipes "to bank," never having entered the open mine at all. By the above
means the whole of the exit air and gases are conveyed "to bank," separated, and
utilized, as further explained below, in contra-distinction to the present mode of
ventilation, which consists of drawing a large volume of air by partial vacuum
down what is called the "down cast" shaft, and coursing it horizontally through
the open workings, which requires "stoppings," "crossings," trapdoors," "brattices,"
etc., for giving the air the proper direction through the prescribed circuit or circuits,
and after sweeping the entire mine the air with the complement of gas with which
it intermixes is lightened or attenuated by exhaust fans or rarefaction furnaces at
the foot of the "upcast" shaft, and thus lightened the whole volume ascends the
СЕ
"

page_text: ¸upcast shaft “to the day" or "to bank," and is wasted. In other mines, where
carbonic acid gas chiefly prevails, the air is admitted at or near the roof, and the
gas collected and expelled at the floor.
(3.) The confining the air pressure in the mine is effected by docks with air tight
doors or gates, of which there are two classes, one kind for the ingress and egress
of the miners, the other for the "coal tubs." Both descriptions may be composed
of cemented brickwork, woodwork; wrought iron plates, or other material; I
prefer iron plates. The docks for the miners passing in and out are simply deep
door frames, each with a threshold, lintel, and two side posts of plate iron, and
forming a kind of lobby to hold four or six men between two ordinary sized air
tight doors to be strongly hinged on one side, while the opposite side, top, and
bottom are made to fasten firmly by a series of strong bolts actuated with a handle
inside and out. To facilitate bolting and unbolting, opening and shutting the
doors, valves for letting the air pressure in and out of the docks are provided; these
operations are timed by signals so as always to ensure one door being shut to
prevent the escape of air from the mine. The "coal tub" docks are similar to the
above, as to hinges, bolts, handles, etc., and the working of the doors, but differ
(being a species of iron tunnel) in height, width, and length; these proportions are
fixed by the size of the coal tubs and number to pass through each dock at once.
The convenience for the "output" of coal determines the number of both kinds of
docks, all of which are localized at the foot of the shafts, and are built in air tight
with cemented brickwork at the entrances of the workings. The ingress and egress
mains also pass from the shafts into the mine through similar air tight brick work.
In cases of casualty obstructing the usual passages of access to the mine, either in
the shafts or workings, the miners in such emergencies may obtain egress through
the ingress mains, the induction air being suspended for the time being, except what
is furnished by a small special perforated pipe, which is carried through all the said
mains both in the "headways" and shafts, having an inlet connection passed
through the sides of the mains at the top of the shafts for the introduction of air.
Thus a supply of air can be pumped down for the men to breathe while they are
making their exit. The men effect an entrance by the before described manholes
into the mains laid in the "headways," and after making their way to the vertical
mains up the shaft, they are individually drawn "to bank" by a cage, rope, and
pulley specially adapted to the purpose at the top of each shaft, where having a
cover made easily removable at the head of each vertical main immediately above
its junction with the horizontal main branch to the engines, the apparatus can be
brought into requisition with great facility. For passing the drainage water
out of the workings into the "sump" whence the pumps take their supply, a
second " sump is sunk inside the mine enclosure, the two being connected by a
subterranean pipe made air tight externally. At the end of the pipe in the
enclosed "sump," a valve worked by a float is applied for regulating the outflow
of the drainage water without the air escaping from the mine. The air and
gases when brought "to bank," pass into a separator, one or more may be used,
resembling a large gas holder, weighted to suit the working pressure in the mine,
say, two or three pounds on the square inch, less or more. The separator rises as
it fills with the above fluids, which being comparatively at rest, separation goes on
resulting from the difference of their specific gravity, the carburetted hydrogen
occupying the top, the air the middle, and the carbonic acid gas the bottom of the
separator. When the separator rises to a certain elevation, valves open, self acting
or by hand, periodically to discharge the air into the atmosphere, and the carburetted
hydrogen into a regular gasholder, where it is stored for lighting and heating
purposes, such as lighting a town or generating steam for working the colliery and
lighting the mine above and below. The gas on its transit from the separator to
the holder is reduced in pressure to the proper burning point, i.e., about one and a
half ounces above the atmosphere. The portion of gas for lighting the mine will be
stored in a special holder, and the pressure raised to the above burning pressure
over the ventilation pressure in the pit. This may be done by power derived from
"

page_text: reducing the pressure of the larger volume of gas on its passage from the separator
to the large holder, raising the pressure of the smaller volume supplied to the
special holder, or other mechanical means. The carbonic acid gas will be pumped
out of the separator as it accumulates, and stored in suitable reservoirs for such
uses as it is applicable, one of which is throwing it into the mine by fans, pumps,
or other means, in such cases as the mine taking fire, and cannot be extinguished
by ordinary means, but recourse must be had to closing up the fire by air tight
"stoppings" below, or flooding the mine with water. I adopt the alternative of
flooding it with carbonic acid gas, and should the reservoirs not afford a sufficient
supply generate what gas may be required. By this means the extinction of the
fire may be effected in a few days, and the colliery put to work again, whereas
extinction from lack of air or flooding with water occasions suspension for months,
sometimes years before work can be resumed. Besides lighting the mine with gas,
I purpose whitewashing the roof and "coal walls" to give additional light and
comfort to the miners. The air is to be pumped into the mine by engine power
(with an equal reserve duplicate power) erected "at bank," and governed by an air
governor or regulator. This consists of a truly bored open topped vertical cylinder
placed beneath the throttle or regulator valve. The cylinder is fitted with a free
moving air tight piston, having a rod to connect it to the throttle or regulator
valve above. The air by a branch from the mains is let into the cylinder below
the piston, which it lifts and shuts the steam off the engine when the pressure of
air exceeds the gravity of the piston, etc.; when the pressure of air is less than the
weight of these appliances, they fall and turn the steam on. Increased minuteness
"
of governing may be obtained by attaching a spring to the piston or piston rod of
the governor, the spring being "nil" or at "zero when the piston is in the
middle, but exerting a supporting power at the bottom, and a depressing power at
the top of its range. Thus the air can be made to govern or be self-regulating with
uniformity at any pressure by suitably weighting the regulator piston.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John Wesley Hackworth in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
8th July 1881.
JOHN WESLEY HACKWORTH, of Darlington, in the County of Durham,
Consulting Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND IN APPARATUS
FOR VENTILATING AND WORKING COAL AND OTHER MINES, AND FOR UTILIZING
THE GASES OBTAINED FROM SUCH MINES.
"
The objects of this Invention are the following:
$
(1.) The carrying of air at any pressure above atmospheric from bank down into
the mine in pipes (called ingress pipes, consisting of mains, major and minor
branches), the mains, provided at intervals with escape manholes made to open and
shut easily either inside or outside the pipes, to be laid along the headways and
joined with main branches ascending each shaft "to the day," into which the air is
pumped by engine power "at bank.". The headway mains are joined right and
left by lateral major branches running along the boardways, one line up each,
and lengthened as the boardways extend, thus forming a complete, ramification
of ingress, air pipes embedded in the floor or "thill" throughout the whole mine.
The entire area of ingress piping on the top side, and at pitched distances, is to be
perforated with holes answering as air valves, and having slides or keys like a flute
to shut or graduate the openings for the admission of air. These are protected
with grates or boxes, or, dispensing with these (when inconvenient), separate
sections of minor ingress pipes may be used just above the floor, perforated with
holes along the top side, serving as adjustable valves, with keys or sliding covers
for regulating the air admission. The said minor pipes may be ranged along one
or both sides, and run parallel with the main and major ingress branches, and
joined thereto underneath the floor or "thill," thus introducing the air near the
floor or "thill," and distributing the air uniformly, or more or less locally at
pleasure, through the entire workings or any part thereof.
(2.) The collecting the air and gases into pipes over a corresponding area is
effected by a similar arrangement of pipes to the above, called egress pipes.
(consisting of mains, major and minor branches), but of enlarged area, commensurate
with the increased volume of added gases. The mains, one or more lines, run-
parallel along the "headways" by the side of the ingress mains, being embedded
in the floor, and having branch mains up the shafts "to the day," terminating in
one or more gas separators and holders "at bank." A succession of lateral major
branches laid underneath the floor join the egress mains right and left, run along
the "boardways," one up each, and are continued as the boardways extend.
To the egress mains and major branches, over the entire workings, are joined minor
branches or collecting pipes, consisting of a series of separate and distinct sections,
which the roof of the whole mine is prepared to receive. The following, describing
one section, is illustrative of the series: -A small iron pipe, say, 3/4 of an inch
diameter, 10 to 15 feet long, or other suitable length and diameter, is taken and
perforated along one side with holes at pitched distances, the aggregate area of the
holes being preferably equal to the sectional area of the pipe (thin metallic slides.
with corresponding holes for closing and regulating the hole openings in the pipes.
may be used, or other suitable means of adjusting the outlet). The holed minor
collecting pipe being closed at both ends is fixed, holes uppermost, in a longitudinal
groove cut a little larger than the pipe in the centre of the roof of the mine, the
roof having been made to slope up a bit on either side of the groove. From the
middle of the above minor holed collecting, pipe a transverse branch goes out to.
the "wall," down which the branch descends to near the floor, where it passes an

page_text: insulator (with water or other suitable fluid for breaking contiguity in case the
fire damp in the collecting pipe ignites), and continuing downwards joins the
egress mains below the floor in the "headways," or major branches in the "board-
ways," as the case may be. The above represents a type of the collecting pipes to
be applied all over the entire mine. In all places where the roof rises above the
general level, i.e., "cavities," "domes," "fissures," "pot-holes," etc., or in fact all
obscure recesses and openings in the mine where gas first resorts and accumulates,
collecting pipes joined to the mains or major egress pipes rise out of the floor, and
passing insulators ascend to slightly below the highest points of such recesses, each
terminating with an adjustable valve, or ordinary stop cock above the insulator
may be used for regulating the exit of the air and gases. To show when gas is
present or absent at each of these situations an indicator is fixed near the floor,
consisting of an inverted syphon pipe. The longer leg of the syphon ascends to
the highest part of the roof, while the shorter leg is enclosed in a chimney with an
annular gas light burning at the foot, and by the gas flame impinging on the
outside of the pipe it rarefies the air or gas inside, and thus induces a current to
flow down the longer and up the shorter leg of the syphon, and as the latter
terminates with an ordinary gas burner having a lighted cross gas jet playing
through the current, if gas is drawn down lights, if air there will be no light.
On the presence of gas being thus indicated recourse must be had to the freer exit
of the gas by opening the egress valve or cock of the vertical collecting pipe a little
more. All "goaves" to be properly built off with permanent air tight stoppings,
and have goave pipes inserted at the highest points of the stoppings. The said
pipes in their descent pass insulators, and continuing downwards are connected to
the mains and major egress pipes below the floor in the "headways" or "board-
ways," according to locality. Gas blowers are to be treated in like manner by
inserting and properly cementing into the outburst orifices pipes which pass
insulators on their way down to join the mains and major egress pipes in their
localities. Hence the "fire-damp" and carburetted hydrogen from these two
sources cannot accumulate or attain undue pressure, but are expelled through the
egress pipes "to bank," never having entered the open mine at all. By the above
means the whole of the exit air and gases are expelled from the mine, conveyed
"to bank," separated, and utilized, as further explained below, in contradistinction.
to the present mode of horizontal ventilation, which consists of drawing a large
volume of air by partial vacuum down what is called the "downcast shaft," and
coursing it through the open workings, which requires "stoppings," "crossings,"
trap doors," "brattices," etc., for giving the air the proper direction through the
prescribed circuit or circuits, and after sweeping the entire mine the air with the
compliment of gas with which it intermixes is lightened or attenuated by exhaust
fans or rarefaction furnaces at the foot of the "upcast shaft," and thus lightened
the whole volume ascends the upcast shaft "to the day or "to bank," and is
wasted. In other mines, where carbonic acid gas chiefly prevails, the air is
admitted at or near the roof, and the gas collected and expelled at the floor.
"
(3.) The confining the air pressure in the mine is effected by docks with air tight
doors or gates, of which there are two classes, one kind for the ingress and egress of
the miners, the other for the coal tubs. Both descriptions may be composed of
cemented brickwork, woodwork, wrought iron plates, or other material, I prefer
iron plates. The docks for the miners passing in and out are simply deep door
frames, each with threshold, lintel, and two side posts of plate iron, and forming a
kind of lobby to hold four or six men between two ordinary sized doors. The
doors are strongly hinged on one side, and those inside the mine having latches
and handles for shutting and opening are kept shut and air tight by the air
pressure forcing the doors against rubber facings or other suitable elastic material
on the door frames. The outside doors next the shafts are each securely fastened
by two cross bars. The cross bars are carried on. round pins fixed in the doors,
and being connected together by rods, the bars turn simultaneously and freely on
the pins; their ends fall into pockets or stirrups which are rivetted to the door posts

page_text: The
or frames. The necks of the carrying pins are screwed and fit with nuts formed in
the bosses of two spur wheels. These wheels gear with a pinion which is carried
on a spindle running in a bush in the door, and having a handle at each end inside
and outside the door for giving motion to the wheels, which, when turned one way
round, secures the door air tight against the joint rubber on the door frame, and
when turned the opposite way round the door unfastens, and by a handle inside
and outside the cross bars are thrown out of the stirrups, thus allowing the door
to swing open and shut on its hinge. The "coal tub" docks differ from the above
in height, width, and length (being a species of iron tunnel), and as the sizes of
the tubs vary in different localities the docks will be subject to like variation.
The Drawings hereto annexed represent the height and width of doors nearly
equal, while the length affords accomodation for six to eight tubs at once.
dock-doors inside the mine are strongly hinged and kept air tight similar to the
above. But the outer doors next the shafts, being only about half the height of
these, for the miners are fastened by one cross bar to each, with a hand wheel instead
of spur wheels for securing the door air-tight against the joint rubber on the
frame. All the docks are provided with valves for letting the air pressure
in and out of the docks to facilitate fastening, unfastening, and working the
doors. Those operations are timed by signals so as always to ensure one
door being shut to prevent the escape of air from the mine. At both
ends of the tunnels or docks a
length of rails, on which the coal tubs
run, is thrown up and down by levers for allowing the opening and shutting
of the doors against the joint rubber on the frames or thresholds. The number
of docks of both kinds is determined by the convenience for the output of
coal. All the docks are localized at the foot of the shafts, and are built in air
tight with cemented brickwork at the entrances of the workings. The ingress and
egress mains also pass from the shafts into the mine through similar air tight brick-
work. In case of casualty obstructing the usual passages of access to the mine
either in the shafts or workings, the miners in such emergencies may obtain egress
through the ingress mains, the induction air being suspended for the time being,
except what is furnished by a small special pipe which is carried through all the
mains in the "headways," and having an inlet connection through the sides of the
mains at the foot of the shaft. For the convenience of the cage the said pipe
ascends the shaft outside the mains "to bank," where it branches into the air.
mains with a stop valve between the engine and main stop valve. This arrange-
ment will apply to both shafts. Thus a supply of air can be pumped down for the
men to breathe while they are making their exit. The men effect an entrance by
the before described manholes into the mains laid in the "headways," and after
making their way to the vertical mains up the shafts they are individually drawn
"to bank" by a cage, rope, and pulley specially adapted to the purpose at the top
of each shaft, where having a cover made easily removable at the head of each
vertical main immediately above its junction with the horizontal main branch to
the engine the apparatus can be brought into requisition with great facility. For
passing the drainage water out of the workings into the "sump" whence the pumps
take their supply, a second "sump" is sunk inside the mine enclosure, the two
being connected by a subterranean pipe made air tight externally at the end of the
pipe in the enclosed "sump." A valve worked by a float is applied for regulating
the outflow of the drainage water without the air escaping from the mine.
The above will answer for any pressure of air, but where the pressure is light,
say, four or five pounds per square inch, the valve may be dispensed with,
and a vertical pipe having its length proportional to the air pressure joined
with an elbow to the horizontal subterranean pipe will be simpler. The
air and gases when brought to bank pass into a separator, one or more
may be used, having a large pipe (about as high as the separator rises and
falls) for drawing the gas off at the highest possible altitude. The separator is
weighted to suit the working pressure in the mine, say, two or three pounds on the
square inch, less or more. The separator rises as it falls with the above fluids, which

page_text: being comparatively at rest separation goes on resulting from the difference of their
specific gravity, the carburetted hydrogen occupying the top, the air the middle,
and the carbonic acid gas the bottom of the separator. When the separator rises
to a certain elevation valves open, self acting or by hand, periodically to dischargé
the air into the atmosphere, and the carburetted hydrogen into a regular gas holder
where it is stored for lighting and heating purposes, such as lighting a town or
generating steam for working the colliery and lighting the mine above and below.
The depths of the air and gases in the separator may be ascertained by passing a
pipe through a stuffing box on the top of the separator, which by being drawn up
and down while a test light is applied to the top end of the pipe their respective
depths may be determined. The gas on its transit from the separator to the holder
is reduced in pressure to the proper burning point, i.e., about one and a half ounces
above the atmosphere. The portion of gas for lighting the mine will be stored in
a special holder, and the pressure raised to the above burning pressure over the
ventilation pressure in the pit. This may be done by two properly proportioned
pumps, the larger actuating the smaller, by power derived from reducing the
pressure of the larger volume of gas on its passage from the separator to the large
holder, raising the pressure of the smaller volume supplied to the special holder, or
other mechanical means, such as loading the crown of the said gas holder with a
weight equivalent to the required ounce and a half per square inch above the
pressure in the pit, the weight to be raised for filling the gas holder and the gravity
of the weight added to the gas holder for increasing the pressure of gas during its
descent.
The carbonic acid gas will be pumped out of the separator as it accumulates and
stored in suitable reservoirs for such uses as it is applicable, one of which is
throwing it into the mine by fans, pumps, or other means in such cases as the
mine taking fire and cannot be extinguished by ordinary means, but recourse must
be had to excluding the air by air tight stoppings below or flooding the mine with
water. I adopt the alternative of flooding the whole or any part of the mine with
carbonic acid gas. In applying the gas to a section of the mine it is thrown in
behind or through air-tight stoppings, to which the gas is conveyed in hoses of
rubber or other suitable elastic material coupled together with unions of earthen-
ware, glass, or other non-corrosive substances. The gas is conveyed in leaden
mains or pipes lined with lead down the shafts and along the "headways" with
nipples on the latter at intervals for attaching the hose. When the whole mine is
flooded the gas is injected with the shafts closed up. Should the reservoirs not
afford sufficient gas the required quantity must be generated. By these means the
extinction of the fire may be effected in a few days and the colliery put to work
again, whereas extinction by excluding the air or flooding with water occasions
suspension for months, sometimes years, before work can be resumed. Besides
lighting the mine with gas I purpose whitewashing the roof and coal walls to give
additional light and comfort to the miners.
The air is pumped into the mine by engine power (with an equal reserve
duplicate power) erected "at bank" and governed by an air governor or regulator.
This consists of a truly bored open topped vertical cylinder placed beneath the
throttle or regulator valve. The cylinder is fitted with a free moving air tight
piston, having a rod to connect it to the throttle or regulator valve above. The
air by a branch from the mains is let into the cylinder below the piston, which it
lifts and shuts the steam off the engine when the pressure of air exceeds the gravity
of the piston, &c.; when the prèssure of air is less than the weight of these
appliances, they fall and turn the steam on. Increased minuteness of governing
may be obtained by attaching a spring to the piston or piston rod of the governor,
the spring being "nil" or "at zero' when the piston is in the middle, but exerting
a supporting power at the bottom and a depressing power at the top of its
range.
"
Thus the air can be made to govern or be self regulating, producing uniformity
of air pressure by suitably weighting the regulator piston.

page_text: In order that my Invention may be clearly understood I will now proceed to
further describe same by reference to the accompanying Drawings, the manner in
which the same is to be performed or carried out in practice, that is to say:―
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
In the Drawings similar letters and Figures refer to like parts.
Sheet 1 represents part of a mine, serving as illustrative example.
Fig. 1 longitudinal sectional elevation through the headways and shafts S
and S¹; Fig. 2, sectional plan having the coal tub and men docks" F at the
foot, and "sump "S for draining pumps, also ingress mains A and egress mains B
passing vertically down the shafts and along the "headways." In Fig. 2, shafts S
and S are shown, also eight docks F at the foot of each, and enclosed "sump" S³,
the vertical mains descending the shafts and running through the "headways.".
Also, as example, part of the major ingress A' and egress B' branches along the
board ways."
"
Sheet 2 shows various exemplary details. Figs. 1 and 13 (section and plan)
show arrangement of ingress and egress mains down and at the foot of the shafts
typical of both shafts. The air is forced by the engines to the stop valve at the
head of the ingress main A, thence down the vertical ingress mains A, the bottom
of which has a base piece with a foot let into the floor, widened out of elliptic
section, for the miners entering the escape cage E (Figs. 1 and 11). The ingress
mains A join the base piece, and passing from the shafts into the headways
branch right and left, as shown. Fig. 3 represents a section of the boardway, A¹
being major ingress pipes in the floor, having adjustable hinged rubber faced valves
for the admission of air through the perforations. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of
the valves in horizontal and vertical section, made in convenient lengths, and
enclosed in covered boxes to keep out dirt whilst allowing the air free passage into
the mine. In cases where the "horse track interferes with the admission of
ingress air, either-in the "board ways" or "headways," minor branches may be taken
to convenient situations and provided with valves similar to the above for meeting
such contingencies; Figs. 6 and 7 on Sheet 2' represent a section and part plan of
the ingress main A with breathing air pipe A2 passing through it, and the doors for
allowing the escape of the miners. The doors are secured with bolts and handles
inside or out; Fig. 12 is the governor G, partly in section and elevation, showing its
connection with the throttle or regulator valve. Sheet 3, Figs. 1, 2, and 3 are
details of the docks F for coal tubs and miners. The door for the coal tub
dock is fastened by the handwheel a with screwed boss working on the centre pin /
upon which the cross bar b is carried; c, c, are the pockets or stirrups for receiving
the ends of cross bar b, and secure it while the hand wheel forces the door air tight.
The door for the miners' dock is fastened similar to the above, but has double cross
bars and spur wheels g, g, (in place of hand wheel) actuated by a pinion f worked
from both sides of the door by handles k. The cross bars are coupled together by
rods d, and are put in and out of the pockets c, c, c, c, by a spanner e and handle
inside of the door. The air pressure is let in and out of the docks by valves / at
the top of the doors. Lever m, Fig. 3, raises and lowers the rails at each end of
the coal tub dock. Sheet 2, Figs. 3, 2, and 1, cross sections of boardways and
headways, showing collecting pipes B2 embedded in the roof with branches
down the right hand side wall, and continuing down from the minor egress
branches B¹ and egress mains B; Fig. 9 shows enlarged detail of the collecting
pipe B with end cap and metallic sliding covers for regulating the outflow; Fig. 8
shows detail of vertical collecting pipe B* for high parts of roof; Fig. 4 shows
arrangement_of "goave" pipe B³, which may also be adapted to the location of
"blowers." The volume flowing through these collecting pipes passing insulators C
on its way down to join the major B¹, and main egress pipes B under the floor,
passes thence to the foot of the shafts S and S', and ascending to branches B at a
suitable depth below the surface for discharging into the separator, as shown in
Fig. 1 on Sheet 1; Fig. 6 on Sheet 3 is enlarged detail of insulator C, showing the
31138

page_text: screw caps for filling and gauging. Sheet 4, Figs. 1 and 2, half section, elevation,
and plan of the separator. The separator is similar to an ordinary gas holder
suitably weighted for the working pressure of the mine, and having a centre tube
or casing of height equal to the rise and fall of the separator. This casing
envelopes the outlet pipe for the purpose of collecting the gas at the highest
altitude, and conveying, it to the regular gas holder or holders where it is stored
for use.
The above general description and explanatory Drawings will suffice to make
clear and manifest the general principle of my Invention; but as the circumstances
of its intended application are so various I have not endeavoured to elucidate
its application in all conditions. It will apply to mines entered by "drifts,"
"levels," etc., as well as by shafts. I know of no mines to which it could not be
easily applied.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in
practice, I hereby declare that I claim the said Invention of improvements in the
method of and in apparatus for ventilating and working coal and other mines, and
for utilizing the gases obtained from such mines, wherein the following are peculiar
and important points or features :-
First. Carrying air pumped above atmospheric pressure into the workings of
mines in pipes laid under the floor or thill, and diffusing the said air variously
over such mines.
Second. Distributing the air uniformly, or more or less locally, throughout the
entire workings or any part thereof at pleasure, and confining the air pressure in
the workings by doors at the foot of the shafts, outlet drifts, or levels, &c.
Third. Collecting the air and gases into pipes in the roof or floor for carbonic
acid gas over the entire workings, or any part thereof, with power to increase or
diminish the receptivity of the pipes at pleasure by varying the hole openings or
valves for expelling the whole volume through pipes, preferably under the floor
to bank.
Fourth. The natural system of vertical ventilation in contradistinction to
horizontal ventilation, the current to be applied inversely when carburetted
hydrogen or carbonic acid gas is to be expelled.
Fifth. Apparatus for carrying the air and gases "to bank," separating, storing,
and utilizing the same.
Sixth. Indicator for ascertaining when carburetted hydrogen or fire damp is
present in the roof and high places and cavities of the mine.
Seventh. The expulsion of gas or fire damp from goaves and blowers without
entering the open mine.
Eighth. Method of passing the drainage water out of the workings without the
air escaping therefrom.
Ninth. Escape apparatus for the miners in cases of casualty.
Tenth. Fire extinguishing apparatus.
Eleventh. Air governor for regulating the engine power and securing uniformity
of air pressure at any grade of pressure it may be desirable to work the
ventilation air at.
•
Twelfth. Method of storing and augmenting the gas pressure in the special gas
holder for lighting the mine and supplying lights to the gas indicators.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Wesley Hackworth, have hereunto se
my hand and seal, this Sixth day of July, One thousand eight hundred
and eighty one.
JOHN W. HACK WORTH. (L.S.)