IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND APPARATUSES OR MEANS FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Abbott Quincey Ross, of the City of Cincinnati, in the
County of Hamilton, and State of Ohio, United States of America, for the In-
vention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND APPARATUSES OR MEANS FOR
CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS."
Sealed the 28th February 1879, and dated the 30th December 1878.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Abbott Quincey Ross at the.
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th December 1878.
ABBOTT QUINCEY Ross, of the City of Cincinnati, in the County of Hamilton, and
State of Ohio, United States of America. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCESSES AND
APPARATUSES OR MEANS FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS."
The ordinary method of charging gas retorts consists in the use of a shovel or
scoop, which is loaded with coal and projected by hand into the retort, where it is
reversed or turned over to discharge its contents. It requires two loads to charge
each retort, and the coal must then be leveled off in some manner to insure its
uniform distillation. Comparatively much time and labor are required for this
hand process, and the charges cannot be uniformely distributed in the retorts.
Many efforts have been made to perform this work by machinery, but thus far
without practical success, owing to the expense of the machines, and the liability of
their being rendered inoperative by the intense heat of the retorts and furnaces, or
the disarrangement of the more delicate parts during the process of charging.
My Invention has for its object to provide simple and effective means for charging
the retorts, whereby the coal is evenly distributed in the most expeditious and
thorough manner, one operation only being required to charge such retort.
To this end the Invention consists, primarily, in forcing the charges into the.
retorts by compressed air, steam, or gases, preferably superheated steam being
employed; and, secondly, in the means by which this result is effected.
Various methods may of course be adopted for carrying out my Invention, one of
which I will now proceed to describe, but I wish it understood that I do not confine

page_text: myself to any special mechanism, as many kinds and combinations. may be used
(and some of which will be fully described herein-after) without departing from the
spirit of my Invention.
In the accompanying Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of one of
the apparatuses by which my Invention may be carried into practical effect; Figure 2
is a longitudinal section of the same, partly in elevation; and Figure 3 is a per-
spective view of the jets through which steam or compressd air is discharged to
force the coal into the retorts.
D, D, are guide rails laid in front of and parallel to the retorts, and B is a truck
or platform mounted on flanged wheels C, by means of which the truck may be
moved from one retort to another upon the track, and stopped at uniform distances
in front of them. A hand wheel S belted to a pulley T on the axle of the wheels C
may be employed for convenience in moving the truck along the track. Upon the
platform B are tracks or guides G, substantially at right angles to the rails D,
whereby the charger may be guided back across the platform to receive or forward
to deliver its charge. The truck and rails D thus enable the charger to be accu-
rately placed with relation to any retort of the series in the works, and the guides G
enable it to be accurately adjusted to receive and deliver its charge, and to be con-
veniently moved back and forth between the charging hopper or chute and the
retort.
The charger E is in size adapted to receive and deliver into the retort a full
charge of about 250 lbs. of coal at each operation. It is formed with an inclined
rear wall and a front wall, either slightly inclined or vertical, so as to approach each
other to form a throat over a horizontal conduit H, which projects forward towards
the retort so as to be capable of entering its mouth when the charger is advanced.
The charger is hung upon side trunnions in the frame which supports it, said frame
.being of any suitable construction, and being guided and mounted in any suitable
manner whereby the charger can be advanced and retracted as above set forth.
A is a hopper or chute, which, as here shown, is mounted upon the truck B, but
may be independent of the latter if preferred. It must be however so arranged
that the charger may by means of its guide tracks G be run back under it to receive
the charge of coal. A weighted valve or door L may be provided in the hopper to
retain the charge therein until the charger is in position to receive it.
In charging by the use of steam the latter must be as dry as possible in order to
prevent bad effects in the retorts. To this end when steam is employed it is indis-
pensable that a receiver K should be provided to contain the steam and receive
any water of condensation therefrom.
In charging by compressed air a similar receiver is also necessary to give sufficient
volume, strength, and steadiness to the air blast. This receiver is preferably
mounted on the truck, but may be used independently thereof.
A flexible jointed or telescopic pipe J extends from the receiver (and from the
upper part thereof if steam is to be used) to the lower rear edge of the charger,
where it communicates with a transverse pipe or series of pipes or jets I, or with
one or a series of slots or perforations, through which the air or steam from the
pipe J is fed to the charger behind the coal in the horizontal conduit. The device I
through which the air or steam is delivered against the coal in the conduit H is
rigidly attached to the charger, so that the jets or other discharge apertures will
deliver the steam in lines parallel to the floor of the conduit, whether the latter be
horizontal or inclined.
The charger E mounted on the trunnions F can be so inclined and secured by a
rack and detent P, R, or otherwise, that the floor of the conduit H will direct the
charge at an inclination upward into the retort, thereby causing the coal to be
projected to the rear of the retort; or it can be depressed to less inclinations
or to a horizontal line, thereby causing the coal to be projected to a less distance,
whereby the retort can be evenly and uniformely charged, it being only necessary
to incline the floor H upwards when first beginning to charge, and then gradually
reduce its inclination as the charging progresses.

page_text: The mouth of the conduit H is adapted in shape and size to enter very loosely
into the mouth of the retorts, so that the pressure produced therein by the steam or
compressed air may have an escape around said conduit.
The object of making the pipe J telescopic or flexible is to enable the charger to
run back and forth on its guides G without detaching said pipe from either the
reservoir or the transverse section I.
It is obvious that to control the action of the steam the pipe J must be provided
with a cock, and it might be supposed that a cock at any convenient point along
the pipe would answer the purpose, but I have, after many experiments and practical
trials, discovered that such cock must be arranged immediately at the reservoir K,
so that when it is closed the pipe J will not be filled with steam or compressed air.
The reason for this is that if arranged near the discharge end of the pipe the latter
will be kept full of steam under compression, and will be so rigid as to interfere
with and obstruct the movements of the charger, and besides will be liable to
leakage and injury, and if steam is used the latter will condense in the pipe and
blown into the retort, and render the whole operation abortive. It is therefore a
part of my Invention to arrange the cock M at, or in, or near the reservoir, whereby
the water of condensation will run back and drop to the bottom of the latter,
whence it can be drawn off by a cock, thus keeping the steam dry, and the pipe,
when not charging, flexible, light, and easily handled. The cock so arranged may
be controled from the front of the car by means of a rod O and hand lever N, or
other suitable device.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-The hopper being supplied with
coal the charger is now run back under it in the position shown by dotted lines,
Figure 2, and the charger filled with the requisite quantity of coal to charge one
retort, say, about 250 lbs. The charger is then moved forward upon the guides G,
so that the spout H shall enter the mouth of the retort to be charged. The cock M
is then opened so as to supply steam or air from the reservoir to the charger, which,
rushing through the jets, forces the coal instantly into the retorts, the coal above.
falling into the conduit as rapidly as the contents of the latter are blown into tho
retort. By this means one load of the charger will fill each retort, beginning at the
back end thereof, and distributing the coal evenly upon the bottom, so as to avoid
the leveling of the charge by hand.
In charging a bench of retorts I prefer to use three chargers properly arranged,
so that one-half of the bench may be charged at one time.
I will now proceed to describe an apparatus operated like the one just described,
and which is one modification in the means of charging retorts by a blast of air,
steam, or gases, or a combination of the same, and which consists,-
First. In the mode of operating by blast by using a controlling cock or valve
capable of instantaneous opening, and blowing the coal in by a series of graduated
blasts, decreasing successively in force, whereby the coal will be spread evenly and
uniformely over the floor of the retort.
.
Second: In combining in one vessel having a single charging conduit a series of
charge chambers, which can be emptied successively into said conduit, whereby
several charges can be moved up to the bench at once, and delivered into the retorts
by the same blast apparatus.
Thirdly. In a combined charger, conduit, and blast pipe, vertically adjustable.
to permit the delivery of coal from the same conduit into retorts at different
elevations.
Fourthly. In a three-port charger capable of containing three separate.charges
for the three retorts constituting one side of the bench, said three-port charger.
being vertically adjustable to accommodate it to said three retorts.
Fifthly. In an improved form of agitator for feeding the coal down from the
charger into the conduit.
:
Sixthly. In the employment of direct blasts of steam, compressed air, or its.
equivalent, for forcing the coal down from the charger into the conduit,
J
•
.

page_text: Seventhly. In combination with the charger and truck of a locomotive engine
driven by steam from the pipes or reservoir used for discharging the coal.
And, lastly. In means for protecting the operatives from injury, all as herein-
after described, and shown by Figure 4, which is a rear elevation of the charger,
partly in section; Figure 5 is a longitudinal section thereof.
Figure 6 is a cross section of the reservoir.
Figure 7 is a plan view of the charger, a portion being removed to show the
shield.
Figure 8 is a like view of the locomotive apparatus for moving the truck and
its attachments along the guide rails parallel to the front of the retorts; and
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the charger.
A represents one of a pair of guide rails in front of the retorts, and at a suitable
distance therefrom, to enable the machine to run back and forth from one bench to
another, as may be required; B is a truck or platform mounted upon four wheels
b, b, which rest upon the rails A. The truck with its connections may be moved
along the rails by hand or by the power of a small engine, as herein-after described;
C is a reservoir of sufficient strength to sustain a steam or air pressure of at least
40 lbs. to the square inch. It is mounted at a suitable height to clear the moving
parts below, and is supported by four inclined standards D, D¹, one or more of
which may be tubular, as shown at D¹, and serve to deliver the steam or com-
pressed air into the reservoir from a boiler, compresser, or other source.
The collars or branches to which the supply pipes are to be attached in such
case are shown in Figure 4, where the supply pipes are indicated by dotted lines.
The steam or compressed air thus fed into the reservoir is taken therefrom through
a pipe E.
The ends of all these pipes project up into the reservoir to a suitable
hight to prevent the water of condensation in the reservoir from entering them,
as shown in Figure 6, and by dotted lines in Fig. 7; and the reservoir may be pro-
vided with a cock for the purpose of drawing off the water of condensation from
time to time.
F is a small steam or air engine mounted upon the platform B, and supplied with
steam or air from one of the pipes D¹ by means of pipe f.
The piston rod of the engine may be connected by a double crank on the shaft
of the traction wheels, to a crank on a small intermediate shaft f¹, which drives
the larger shaft by gearing, as shown.
G, G, are guide rails arranged upon the platform at right angles to the rails A,
and serve to guide the charger H back and forth towards and from the retorts.
The frame of the charger is constructed with two side standards I, I, of sufficient
width at their lower ends to accommodate the axles of four wheels I¹ on which
the frame is mounted, and to furnish a broad base, upon which the frame and its
attachments are steadily and firmly supported. The wheels are arranged on the
ends of two fixed axles I2, which serve as cross beams for the base of the frame.
A single cross beam I³ answers for the upper end of the frame. This frame is
moved back and forth on the rails G by hand; or, if preferred, the motive power
of the steam or air may be employed therefor in any suitable manner.
The charger proper is mounted on trunnions h, which project through or into
vertical guides J in the standards I, which pass over pulleysk and down to a winding
shaft L, controlled and operated through gearing by a windlass P, provided with a
ratchet and pawl to prevent back movement. By turning the windlass the charger
can be raised or lowered to bring its discharge orifice in line with the mouth of
the retort to be charged. A screw or other mechanism may be employed instead
of the cords and pulleys.
The upper part of the charger H is constructed in the form of a rectangular box,
and the lower part forms a hopper H2, having a vertical front and inclined rear
and side walls, as shown; said hopper discharging into a conduit H³, the front of
which is open and adapted to enter the mouth of a retort to be charged. The
coal falls from the charger into the conduit, and is blown thence into the retort by
=

page_text: the action of a jet or jets of steam or compressed air conducted from the reservoir
through a flexible jointed or telescopic pipe E', controled by an instantaneously
acting valve 6. The blast jets open into the rear of the conduit from a transverse
branch E of the pipe E'. The flexible pipe enables the charger to be run back
and forth and raised or lowered without interfering with the action of the blast
apparatus. Inasmuch as the blast will enter the retort with great force, and is
liable to be deflected from the rear walls thereof out around the sides of the
conduit, so as to endanger the workmen, I attach a guard or shield S to the bottom
and sides of the charger, as shown, to arrest and deflect away the return move-
ment of the steam, air, or gases.
The shields may be attached to the supporting frame of the charger, or even to
the platforme B if preferred, instead of attaching them to the movable charging
.vessel itself.
The coal in the charger is liable sometimes to choke, and fails to feed down
properly, and therefore I make provisions for forcing it down properly when
required. To this end I arrange a a sliding plate M on the inner side of the rear
inclined wall of the part H2, said plate being guided in any suitable manner, and
provided with downward inclined spikes or teeth, as shown in Fig. 5. I operate
this plate in one direction by the action of steam or compressed air introduced from.
pipe E by a branch pipe e¹ into a steam cylinder N, and there moving a piston
upward, as shown in Fig. 5, said piston being connected to the slide M by a rod n,
and being moved downward when the steam is cut off by the action of a spiral
spring n contained within the upper end of the cylinder. I also force the coal
down by the direct action of the steam or compressed air introduced through the
walls of the part H³ by means of pipes O leading from the pipe E³, and having their
discharge ends bent down, as shown in Figures 5 and 7. These two means of
forcing the feed of the coal may be used separately or conjointly, as preferred.
The charger is divided into three compartments by two hinged and swinging
partitions R, R', controled by levers 7 outside of the charger, which can be locked
in position behind a projection r', or by a pin or other suitable means.
The nearly vertical dotted lines in Fig. 4 show the normal position of the partitions
when the charger is fully charged, and the diagonal dotted line in the same Figure
indicates the position of the right-hand partition when the middle compartment has
been emptied and the righ-hand compartment is discharging. The left-hand partition
will be swung in the reverse direction to dump the coals from the left-hand
compartment into the conduit.
With a charger thus constructed three full charges can be conveyed to the bench
at once, the middle charge can be blown out without disturbing the others, then
one of the partition walls can be swung over, allowing the coal in one side compart-
ment to dump into the conduit and be discharged into a second retort, and
finally both partitions can be swung in the reverse direction, allowing the coal in
the remaining compartment to dump and be discharged into a third retort, the
charger being raised or lowered meanwhile to admit the conduit into the several
retorts.
The charger can be slightly rocked on its supporting trunnions to vary the distance.
to which the coal will be projected, and thus facilitate their uniform deposition over
the floor of the retort.
The shape of the charger, a vertical box mounted upon a tapering hopper above
the horizontal conduit, not only adapts it to the introduction and use of the partition
valves above described, but also enables it to accommodate a full charge or charges
of coal, and cause the mass of coal to press down with sufficient weight to facilitate
the feed materially.
It will be observed that the coal from all three compartments is dumped into tho
same narrow conduit, and discharged by the same blast contrivance, thus simplifying
and reducing the cost and weight of the apparatus.
It remains now only to describe the mode or process which I employ in the use
of this improved apparatus, which consists in discharging a portion, say, the first

page_text: quarter of each charge, by the entire force of the steam, which when opened instan-
taneously, or exploded, as it were, against the coal by opening the valve wide open,
will project it to the rear portion of the retort, then discharging the next quarter
with about half the steam force, which will deposit that portion of the coal imme-
diately in front of the other, and, lastly, discharging the remainder of the coal with
about one quarter of the steam power, which will deposit that portion of. the charge
inside of the iron mouth-piece in front of the other coal.
. I find that with 40 lbs. of steam, and with a two-inch pipe discharging through
-twelve one-half inch jets, I can in the manner here indicated deposit the charge
uniformely over the entire floor of the retort; but the ordinary steam throttle valve
will not answer for this operation, as its action is not sufficiently rapid. This steam
must be instantaneously liberated or exploded upon the coal, and as instantaneously
cut off. I therefore employ by preference what is called the Wilson throttle valve,
which answers all the purposes, and being well known need therefore not be parti-
cularly described. With this valve a man can in a few minutes learn to deposit the
charge just as he desires by merely opening and closing the valve properly, which
opening and closing of the valve operates the agitator M at the same time, and thus
performs two important functions.
.
It is obvious that any other form of throttle valve adapted to operate instanta-
neously may be employed instead of the Wilson valve above referred to, and I do
not therefore wish to limit myself to any particular kind of such valves.
It will be understood that any form of steam or air engine or other motor
may be employed for moving the apparatus on its main track, instead of the oscil-
lating engine here shown and described, while the construction of the supporting
frame may be varied at pleasure, provided it is such as to accommodate the supported
mechanism.
In Figures 10 and 11 I have illustrated a modification in the construction of the
charger, particularly adapted for small gas manufactories, which is here shown as a
hand truck, whereby a full charge of coal may be wheeled to the retort, and dis-
charged, as above set forth, and in these Figures,-
A is the charger provided with inclined lateral and rear walls, and a vertical or
nearly vertical front wall, and opening at the lower end into a horizontal box or
conduit B, adapted to be projected into the mouth of a retort; c are the steam or
compressed air jets upon a transverse pipe C. The rear wall of the charger is also
provided with a sliding plate D, working in any suitable guides, as, for example, it
may be guided by pins d extending through slots e in the wall of the charger, a
spring or springs f, f, serving to draw the plate downward, and it is forced up by
means of steam actuating a piston within the cylinder G, steam being admitted to
the cylinder through a pipe g connected with the pipe C or the main conduit L in
a manner as already described.
The apparatus is mounted and pivoted upon an axle I of a pair of supporting
wheels J, so as to permit the conduit to be inclined and properly adjusted to its
work. K represents the draft frame, and L the main supply steam pipe supported
from the frame K and wheels J; this latter pipe communicates with pipe C and its
jets, and conveys the steam or other power to said pipe C from a reservoir, not
shown in the Drawings.
A standard M serves to support the rear end of the draft frame when required,
and when not in use may be folded under the frame out of the way.
From what has been said of the mode of operation of the chargers herein-before
described, the operation of this hand truck charger may be readily understood.
Instead of springs f to draw the feed plate downward weights may be employed,
or a double-acting steam piston may be employed in the cylinder G.
I will now proceed to describe one method and the means employed therefor for
discharging the retorts of coke and other residua after the gas has been extracted
therefrom, and it has for its object to facilitate and expedite the operation of cleaning
out retorts.
From what will be said herein-after the apparatus to be fully described is also

page_text: applicable to the discharging of double or through retorts, and to the discharging of
part or all of the contents of the retort, and this part of the Invention consists,
First. In the mode or process of discharging retorts by a blast of air, steam, or
other aeriform fluid under pressure acting upon the material to be discharged.
Secondly. In the use of a pipe adapted to direct the blast into the retort in
combination with a steam or air reservoir, and means to move the blast from one
retort to another.
Thirdly. In the use of a pipe adapted to enter the retort to a point behind the
coke, and provided with a return hend, whereby the coke can be blown back out
through the mouth which admits the blast pipe.
Fourth. In making said blast pipe vertically adjustable to adapt it to enter retorts
at different elevations.
Fifthly. In the use of a shield arranged upon said pipe to prevent the coke from
being forced back into the machine or against the workmen.
Sixthly. In making said shield adjustable on the pipe.
And, lastly. In certain details of construction.
Referring to the accompanying Drawings, Figure 12 is a side elevation, partly in
section; Figure 13, an end elevation, also partly in section, showing the arrange-
ment of pipes within the receiver; and Figures 14, 15, and 16 are detail views.
In the above Figures of the Drawings A is a platform or frame mounted upon
wheels a, by which it can be moved on guide rails or otherwise back and forth in
front of the retorts. Upon said platform are arranged a pair of guide rails a' at
right angles to the line of movement of the platform.
At the rear end of the platform is a steam or compressed air reservoir B, supported
upon suitable standards b, one or more of which may be tubular to admit the steam
or air into the reservoir from any suitable source.
Mounted upon the rails a' is an upright movable frame C, supported upon
four guide wheels c. This frame may be of any suitable construction, but I
recommend that herein shown, in which d, d', are end standards, connected at their
base by two rods e, and at top by one rod f, each standard being provided with a
vertical guide slot g to accommodate and guide the blast pipe H. This blast pipe
extends through a guide block I, which slides in the slot g of the front standards,
and is raised and lowered at will by means of a cord or chain in passing up over a
pulley and down to a windlass k provided with a ratchet and pawl. The
pipe H is connected at its rear end to the reservoir B by means of a flexible or
telescopic-jointed tube L, controlled by a cock in or near the reservoir.
In order that the steam may be used dry the end of the pipe L within the
reservoir extends nearly to the top of the latter, while the pipes b which supply
steam to the reservoir also extend up above the bottom of the reservoir, and a
suitable draw-off cock is arranged in or near said bottom, whereby any water of
condensation that forms therein will not enter said pipes but will fall to the bottom,
whence it can be drawn off by said cock.
The pipe H is made of metal or of any suitable refractory material; or it may be
of metal covered or tipped at its forward end with some refractory material to
prevent destruction by the heat of the retort. It should be of sufficient size to
deliver a blast of steam or air not less than about two inches in diameter to ensure
good work. It is made long enough to enter the retort and extend to the proper
point behind the coke to enable the blast to force the latter out of the mouth or
other discharge orifice.
For single retorts (in contra-distinction to double or through retorts) the forward
end of the pipes should be reversed, as shown ath, in order that it may be projected
in, to the rear wall of the retort and deliver the blast backwards towards the mouth,
and the bend may be curved laterally to make it fit the top of the retort and enter
in less space. I find it better to flatten the end of the pipes, as shown in Figure 16,
in order to produce the maximum of clearing effect.
For "through retorts" the reversed curve will not be needed, inasmuch as the
coke will be driven out of the opposite mouth

page_text: In order to prevent the hot coke from being driven back among the machinery,
or against the workmen, and to direct it into the proper receptacle below the front
of the retort, I arrange a shield M upon the pipe H, and as the pipe will not always
be projected into the retort to the same distance I adapt the shield to slide on the
'pipe, and provide a handle m behind it, by which the workman can slide it back
and forth to adjust its position properly.
To adapt the reversed curved end to sweep the whole floor of the retort I make
it capable of a partial rotary movement about its longer axis and provide a lever or
handle h', by which it can be turned. The curved end may thus be turned to ono
side or the other, and the blast thereby properly directed for the purpose required.
For through retorts with a pipe not having a reversed end the pipe can be made
to swing laterally by omitting the rear guide g and making the connection with the
block I sufficiently loose for the purpose, or the end may be bent as shown in
Figure 15, in which case it may be turned to sweep the floor the same, as with
the reversed curve.
The reversed curve discharge piece may be made in the form of a separate
section, adapted to be applied to or removed from the pipe, whereby the same pipe
may be readily adjusted to clean a single or double retort.
I have herein-before described my retort discharger as mounted on a movable
carriage and adapted for application to different retorts, but as far as the process of
discharging by steam or compressed air is concerned it is evident that such process
or mode is not confined to the use of a movable carriage or pipe, but may be applied
by means of a pipe permanently or temporarily attached to the retort itself in such
position as when operated to direct the blast behind or against the coke and
towards the discharge orifice of the retort.
Referring to Figures 17 to 22 inclusive of the accompanying Drawings I have
here shown another method and means for discharging gas retorts, and this part of
the Invention consists essentially,―—
1st. In a gang of rakes mounted upon a reciprocating carriage, which in its turn
is adapted to be moved along a track in front of a bench of retorts, and provided
with a hydraulic engine of peculiar construction by which the rake carriage is fed
forward to insert the rakes within the retorts, and to be retracted for discharging
the contents thereof.
2d. In the two lower rakes of the carriage constructed so as to be shifted from
side to side for discharging the right and left hand retorts of a bench.
3d. In the automatic rakes constructed and adapted to be lifted for insertion
within the retorts so as to enter above the coke, and to be automatically thrown
down within the retorts behind the coke into the proper position for discharging
the latter, and also in the method of hinging the rake beams.
4th. In the rakes provided with compensating mechanism by which they are
adapted to varying lengths of retorts in a bench, whereby when one or two rakes
are entering the longest retorts the remaining rake or rakes within the shorter
retorts coming against the back end thereof shall yield, and and thus prevent injury
to such end.
5th. In the rake-shifting mechanism by which the rakes within the retorts are
dropped behind the coke at the instant the supply of power is cut off, and after
discharging the coke are thrown upwards into the proper position for again entering
the retorts when the carriage has reached the limit of its backward movement,
_whereby the supply of power is again cut off.
6th. In the mechanism for reciprocating the rake carriage upon its track.
7th. In the means for adjusting the feeding chains or devices of the carriage
to shorten or lengthen the same and compensate for the wear of their parts.
In the Drawings above referred to,--
Figure 17 is a sectional elevation of the discharger taken on line x, x, of
Fig. 19.
Figure 19 is a detail view of the rake reversing rod, levers, and tripping device.
Figure 19 is a room and elevation of the cunembua

page_text: Figures 20 and 21 are detail views of the rake-lifting mechanism.
Figure 22 is a detail view of the rake heads, showing the ends J¹ of the rake
handles.
In the above Figures of Drawings, A is the truck frame mounted upon wheels B,
and adapted to be fed along upon a track C in front of a bench of gas retorts by
means of a hand wheel Ď mounted upon a standard E, and an open chain F
engaging with sprocket wheels G, G, on one of the truck axles, and the shaft of the
hand wheel.
The truck frame is provided with two longitudinal guideways H, upon which
the rake carriage I is mounted, and carries at or near each end a cross shaft I¹,
each having a large sprocket or chain wheel J between the guideways. These
sprocket wheels carry and endless chain K securely fastened at one point to carriage
I, and passing over an idle pulley L under the truck, by which the slack is
sustained above the ground or floor. When the sprocket wheels are rotated, the
chain feeds the rake carriage to and fro upon its waya
To properly guide the rake carriage and prevent it from tipping or becoming
displaced, the ways are made with longitudinal grooves in their proximate faces to
receive the wheels of the carriage, the lower flange of the ways supporting the
wheels, and the upper flange preventing them from rising out of place.
M is the hydraulic engine of any general or usual construction, also mounted upon
frame A, about midway thereof, and at the side of the guideways. It is provided
with the usual induction and exhaust ports, and receives its supply from a pump
in the retort house, or directly from the water mains by suitable pipes.
The piston rod E¹ of the cylinder is secured at its ends to a second chain N,
which passes around small sprocket wheels or rollers O, mounted upon the shafts
which carry the large sprocket wheels, and the chain is beld out of contact with
the lower side of the cylinder in proper working position by a small sprocket wheel
or roller P having its bearings under the truck. When the piston is reciprocated,
the chain N is made to rotate the shafts I', and with them the sprocket wheels J,
while the chain K is made to move the rake carriage back and forth upon its ways.
The diameter of the larger wheels J is proportioned to the stroke of the piston, Bo
as to move a sufficient distance for feeding the rakes into the retorts the entire
length of the latter.
The carriage should travel about twelve feet, and the stroke of the piston should
therefore be about three feet. Any other relative proportion however may be
adopted, according to the distance the rake carriage has to travel.
To tighten or loosen the chain K, the rear shaft of the truck is hung in slotted
boxes Q, which are provided with a strong end flange R through which the adjusting
screws S pass with their points against the boxes of the truck axles, as shown in
Figure 17. When the shaft has been set and the tension of the chains thereby
adjusted, the screws S are locked in position by jam nuts T bearing against the
flange, as shown.
The chain N is also adapted for adjustment for a like purpose, but this is effected
by a right and left threaded nut or thimble U working upon similarly threaded
bolts W, interposed in the chain, as shown by Figure 17.
The mechanism for cutting off the supply of water from the engine when the
carriage I has reached the limit of its forward or backward motion is con-
structed and operated as follows:-X is a long rod sliding within standards y, upon
the truck frame or upon the guideways, and provided with stops z near each end,
against which a lateral arm A¹ on the rake carriage impinges near the end of each
forward or backward movement, to move the rod and and set the rakes. The rod is
connected near the centre by a rod B₁ to the lower arm of a shifting or starting
lever C¹, pivoted to the truck frame at D¹, and the outer end of the valve stem E
is also connected by a rod E³ to said lever C' above its pivot D'. When the carriage
is to be moved forward to insert the rakes within the retorts, lever C¹ is thrown
forward in the direction of the arrow, which movement draws back rod X through

page_text: the medium of the connecting bar B¹, until the stop upon the rear end of said rod
comes in contact with the rear standard y to arrest the further movement of the
rod X backward. This movement of lever C¹ also opens the valve for the induction
of the water to the cylinder through the medium of the valve rod E², so that the
piston shall travel forward, and move forward the carriage I. When said carriage
has nearly reached the end of its movement, its side arm A' encounters the forward
stop on rod X, and moves the latter forward the remaining distance the carriage
has to travel. This movement of the rod again shifts the valves into a position to
cut off the water from the cylinder at the instant the carriage stops. Now to start
the Intter on its return movement, the lever is pulled back to re-open the valves
in a reverse direction, and when the carriage has nearly reached the limit of its
backward movement the arm A¹ strikes against the rear stop on rod X to carry it
back, and thereby cutting off the water from the cylinder, and stop the carriage until
the lever C¹ is again moved forward to open the valves for the forward motion of
carriage I. Thus it will be seen that the valves are automatically set whenever the
carriage I has reached the limit of its motion in either direction, the lever C¹ serving
only to start the carriage.
G' are the rake beams, three in number, being shown in this instance pivoted at
their rear ends within their carriage so as to rise and fall, and they are arranged
one above the other so as to be on a line with the retorts they are to enter. Hare
the rakes made in the form of oblong toothed plates provided upon their backs with
a boss or eye shank 12, which is pivoted to the ends of the rake arms, so that the
rake shall lie back of such end.
By this construction and means of hinging the rakes they will ride freely over the
top of the coke when they are inserted into the retorts, and will drop down behind
the coke with a certainty of action when they reach the back ends of the retorts.
When dropped down into raking position the upper edges above the hinges come
in contact with stops K¹ on the rake arm J, which holds them in the proper
working position, as shown in Figure 17, that is to say, nearly at right angles to
the beams.
I
The rake arms are slotted vertically to receive the ends of the rake beams, and
the latter are slotted laterally to receive the bolts by which the arms are held in
place. The rake arms are also provided upon one or both sides of the beams with
rods L which slide within loops secured to said beams, and each rod carries a spiral
spring M¹ between a boss N¹ secured to the rod, and the rear loop O¹ on the beams.
These springs exert their tension to hold the rods, and through them the rakes, in
proper working position; the bolts and the slots in the beams permitting the rods
to move freely. By this provision the rakes will yield or move back readily when
they come in contact with the back of the retorts, and therefore if one or more of
the latter are shorter than the others this contact of the rakes with their backs will
not injure or break them.
P¹ is a cross bar of the carriage upon which the intermediate rake beam rests, and
it is provided with pendant hooks Q which support the lower rake beam.
The hooks are held within vertical guides R¹, secured to the front of the carriage,
and the ends of the cross bar rests upon two cams c² secured to a shaft 8 carrying a
tripping lever S¹, so that its lower end shall lie within the path of stops 82, 83, on the
truck frame or guideways. The cross bar also carries an upright T' whose upper end
is pivoted to the upper beam L' in front of the carriage, as shown in Fig. 17. This
mechanism serves the purpose of holding the rake beams until they have entered
and reached the rear ends of the retorts, when the tripping lever strikes the stop 82
throwing it from under the cross bar and allowing the beams to drop upon the coke,
and the rakes to drop behind it. This continues until the charges are withdrawn
and the carriage reaches the rear end of the tracks, when the tripping lever
strikes the stop 83 and is again thrown under the cross bar to lift the rake beams,
as will be readily understood.
6
⚫. The rakes are arranged on one side of the carriage to enter three retorts of a bench

page_text: to discharge the coke, after which the two lower beams are shifted to the opposite
side of the carriage I, resting upon the cross bar and hooks, to enter and dischargo
the contents of the other three retorts of the bench.
If desired there may be as many rakes as there are retorts in a bench, but
according to the present mode of charging and discharging gas retorts three rakes
are all that are required for a gang.
By pivoting the rake beams to the carriage they are permitted to rise and fall
freely in riding over the coke within the retorts and over inequalities in the floor of
the latter in discharging their contents.
The same general mode of operation shown in Figures 17 to 22 may be embodied
in different forms, and among the many which are possible I have in Figure 23
shown one very simple and effective apparatus working on this principle.
In said Figure A is the rake pivoted to a rack bar A¹ toothed upon its upper
face a¹; said rack bar is reciprocated within the grooves of the supporting pulleys a, a,
mounted within a triangular frame B, oscillating upon an axle C, upon which are
mounted a cog wheel D and a pinion D¹. The former engages the rack bar A¹ and
the latter loosely mounted upon shaft C' is geared therewith by means of a feathered
clutch G operated by a forked shifting lever g, said pulley meshing with a vertical
rack bar E sliding within grooves m or flanged clips fixed upon the main frame L.
It will be observed that the rack bar E operates upon the rear edge of the
pinion D¹ so that its upward movement will simultaneously depress and retract the
Take to discharge the retort, while the downward movement of said rack bar will
raise and advance the rake simultaneously to guide it into the retort which exactly
adapts it to its work.
The rack bar is moved by means of a piston rod f working within a cylinder F
and is actuated by means of steain, air, or gases, or water fed to said cylinder from
any source by any of the means herein-before described.
The shaft C and mechanism connected therewith may be raised or lowered
vertically to adjust the rake relatively to the position or location of the retorts
by means of windlass H, cords h, and pulleys i, and locked into position by
catches which engage with the supporting blocks c in which the axle C is pivoted
or journalled. These blocks are guided in grooves or slots in the frame of the
machine, and the piston rod f is connected to the rack bar E by means of a cross
head e, and is guided by an arm c¹ and guide, groove, or slot e, in a manner well
understood by mechanics.
The whole apparatus is mounted upon a suitable platform P which runs on wheels
and guide rails back and forth in front of the several benches, and may be moved
by hand, or by means of the power employed to operate the rake, in any convenient
or preferred manner.
In order to limit the elevation or depression of the rake when operated by the
pinion and rack, I employ a rigid arm o attached to the rear end of the frame B,
and arrange bars R upon the frame L in such relative position to the locks k that
when the latter are engaged to hold the rake in any position the arm o will extend
into a notch in one of said bars.
The length of the notches is so regulated that their ends will arrest the arm o as
the frame B swings, and thereby prevent any further upward or downward move-
ment of the rake than is necessary to enable it to properly enter retorts and perform
its work.
When it is desirable to raise or lower the frame B, the rake is first run back till
it balances in the frame, the arm o will then be in line with the series of notches r,
and the frame can be readily raised or lowered and locked in position as shown.
I am aware that retorts have been charged by pulverizing the fuel and blowing it
in in small quantities, either intermittingly or continuously, so that all the fuel shall
instantly become incandescent as soon as it reaches the retort, and I do not claim.
this process as forming any part of my Invention.
Having now described my Invention, and the several means by which the same.
may be carried into practical effect, I wish to have it understood that I do not

page_text: limit myself to the particular details of construction and arrangement of mechanism
as herein-before described; and shown in the accompanying Drawings, as these may
be varied, and some parts naturally must vary according to the fluid employed
either for charging or discharging gas retorts by my improved methods, without
however departing from the peculiar nature of my Invention; but what I do claim
is,-
1st. The method of charging gas retorts consisting essentially in first separating
from the mass of coal a full charge for the retort, and then blowing said charge in
quickly at one operation by the action of a fluid under pressure, as set forth.
2d. The method of charging gas retorts by means of a fluid under pressure, con-
sisting essentially in exploding said fluid against the coal by a series of blasts
decreasing successively in force, as set forth.
3d. The method of discharging gas retorts by means of a fluid under pressure
introduced behind or against the materials to be discharged, and directed towards
the discharge orifice of the retort, as set forth.
4th. The adjustable charger E, constructed with substantially vertical front and
inclined rear walls, and a horizontal conduit H formed upon the lower end in con-
tinuation of the walls, with an opening or openings at the rear end to admit a
blast, substantially as described and shown by Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the accom-
panying Drawings.
5th. The combination upon one platform of a movable charger E, a hopper A, a
reservoir K, and a flexible or yielding connection between the charger and reservoir,
as described for the purpose specified, and shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying
Drawings.
6th. In combination with a coal hopper or chute a fluid reservoir and a charger
capable of being moved back and forth between the hopper and the mouth of the
retort, the flexible-jointed or telescopic pipe J, extending from the charger to the
reservoir, and provided with a cock M, arranged in or near the reservoir, whereby
the water of condensation is kept back and the pipe left empty when not charging,
as shown in above referred to Figures of Drawings, and herein-before described.
7th. In combination with a charger E, having a directing conduit H at its lower
end, and a blast pipe to force steam or air or other fluid through the conduit, a
movable supporting frame mounted on the track G, and connected to the charger by
trunnions F, whereby the charger can be advanced and retracted, and can be inclined
to direct the coal to the proper points in the retort, as shown in above-mentioned
Figures of the Drawings, and herein-before set forth.
8th. In combination with the charger and conduit H, adjustable at different inclina-
tions for the purposes described, and with the flexible pipe J capable of yielding to
the adjustment of the charger, the transverse discharge pipe or section I, rigidly
attached to the charger or conduit, so as to follow the movements of the latter and
insure the passage of the fluid through it in lines parallel to its floor, as shown in
above-mentioned Figures of Drawings, and herein-before set forth.
. And, referring to Figures 4 to inclusive of the accompanying Drawings, I
claim,
9th. The discharge conduit in combination with a series of charge compartments 4
emptying successively into said conduit, as set forth.
10th The combined charger, conduit, and blast pipe vertically adjustable by
means of chains and pulleys or their equivalent, as and for the purposes set forth.
11th. The three-part charging vessel capable of containing three full charges,
separate from each other, for the three retorts constituting one side of a bench, 5
and capable of vertical adjustment to the different retorts, as herein-before described.
for the purpose specified.
12th. The combination of the movable partitions with the charger and conduit,
whereby any one of the several compartments may be brought into communication
with said conduit and the blast apparatus for the purpose of discharging its contents 5
into the retort as described.
13th. The agitator M, in combination with the charger and a fluid cylinder con-

page_text: taining a fluid space on one side of the piston, and a spiral spring on the other side,
for the purpose herein-before set forth.
14th. The direct blast pipes O, with their downward discharge orifices, in com-
bination with the charger, as and for the purposes specified.
15th. The locomotive engine F arranged on the truck for driving it from place to
place, and supplied with steam from the same pipe D! which conveys steam to the
reservoir C, substantially as described.
16th. The combination of the shield or shields S with the charger and blast
apparatus, as and for the purposes specified.
And, referring to Figures 10 and 11, I claim,—.
17th. The charger A, conduit B, pipes C, L, two-wheeled truck I, J, and the draft
frame K, all combined and operating as and for the purposes specified.
18th. The combination of the charger A, agitator D, cylinder G, and its piston
and the connecting pipes and rods, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
19th The combination of the charger A, agitator D, cylinder G, and its piston
springs ff, and the connecting pipes and rods, as and for the purposes specified.
And, referring to Figures 12 to 16 inclusive of said accompanying Drawings, I
claim,
20th. In a retort discharger the combination of a laterally and longitudinally
movable blast pipe adapted to enter the retort to a point behind the coke, with a
compressed fluid reservoir, a connecting pipe leading from such reservoir, and a
controling cock, substantially as described for the purpose specified.
21st. The combination of a blast pipe adapted to discharge the blast behind the
coke and towards the discharge orifice of the retort with a compressed fluid reser-
voir, a connecting pipe, and a controlling cock, substantially as described.
22d. A blast pipe adapted to enter the back end of the retort, and terminating in
n reverse discharge orifice, as and for the purpose described.
23d. A blast pipe adapted to enter the back end of the retort to a point behind
the material to be ejected therefrom, and vertically adjustable, to enable it. to be
applied tö retorts at different elevations, as and for the purpose specified.
24th. The blast pipe adapted to enter the retort, provided with a reversed
discharge orifice, and adapted for rocking on its axis, to enable the discharger to
sweep the entire floor of such retort, as described.
25th The combination of the discharge blast pipe with a shield M arranged
around the same; as and for the purpose specified.
26th. The combination of the discharge blast pipe with a shield M adjustable
length wise of said pipe, as and for the purpose specified.
And, referring to Figures 17 to 22 of the accompanying Drawings, I claim,―
27th. The combination with an automatic discharging rake, which is actuated by
an hydraulic engine or equivalent mechanism, the means, substantially as shown
and described, of automatically stopping and reversing the motion of the rake at the
end of the stroke, substantially as described.
28th. The combination of a reciprocating carriage carrying one or more rakes and
a sliding rod X on the supporting truck, connected with the valve mechanism of the
engine, as and for the purpose specified.
29th. The combination of the shifting lever with the valve stem and sliding
rod X, to set the valves for the induction and eduction of the water, and to shift
the rod to receive the action of the rake carriage, substantially as described.
30th. The gang of rakes hinged to a reciprocating carriage combined with a
supporting frame T', cams o³, c², lever S', and stops &, 83, whereby said rakes are
automatically raised and lowered at each termination of its reciprocation.
31st. The combination of the cross bar P¹, pendant hooks Q', upright T¹, tripping
lever S¹, and cams c², o³, with the traveling carriage and rake beams, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
32d. The rakes hinged at at their backs to the ends of the rake arms, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.

page_text: 33d. A rake for the beams of a gas retort discharging apparatus provided with a
hinge upon its back whereby the rake is jointed to the rake arm substantially as
described.
34th. The combination of the stops K¹ with the rake and rake arms, as and for
the purpose specified.
35th The slotted rake arms supported upon their beams by the sliding spring
rods L', and by bolts working through longitudinal slots in the beams, as and for
the purposes specified.
36th. The reciprocating rake carriage, constructed as described, to receive the
gang of rakes and their beams, and provided with a mechanism whereby the two
lower beams can be shifted to opposite sides of the carriage and to opposite sides of
the upper rake beam, as and for the purposes specified.
And, referring to Figure 23, I claim,-
37th. The combination of the rake and its supporting bar the axle and raking
frame and the rack bar E, and cog wheels or their equivalent, the latter being
applied in such manner as to raise the rake head by the act of moving forward, and
depress it by the act of moving back, as and for the purpose specified.
38th. The combination of the arm o and notches r with the swinging frame, rake,
and mechanism for advancing and retracting the rake, as and for the purposes
specified.
39th. The combination of the locks K with the swinging frame axle, rake, and
the mechanism for advancing and retracting the latter, as and for the purpose
specified.
40th. The elevating mechanism combined with the rake frame and rake, substan-
tially as shown in the accompanying Drawings, for the purpose specified.
41. The combination of the cylinder F, its piston and piston rod, and cross head
with the rake, the gearing D, D', the rack bar E, frame B, axle C, and the rake
arm A, as and for the purpose specified.
42d. The combination of the suspended swinging frame with the guide pulleys a,
the rake, and the gear wheel D, as and for the purpose specified.
43d. The combination of the shifting lever, the clutch, and the loose pinion D',
the shaft C, rack bar E, frame B, and rake, substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Abbott Quincey Ross, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ABROTT QUINCEY DONN