Improvements in Ovens or Kilns for Use in Burning or Baking Articles of Porcelain, Earthenware; and the like, and in Apparatus for Use in connection therewith.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 24th May, 1894
Complete' Specification Left, 13th Feb., 1895-Accepted, 6th Apr., 1895
PROVISIONAL specificatiON.
Improvements in Ovens or Kilns for Use in Burning or Baking
Articles of Porcelain, Earthenware; and the like, and in Apparatus
for Use in connection therewith.
I, EDME MARIE CHARLES GONDOUIN, of the Company "La Faïencerie de
Gien" of Gien, (Loiret), in the Republic of France, Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:
This invention relates to kilns or ovens for use in burning or baking porcelain or
earthenware or like articles of pottery, and it more particularly relates to the class
of kilns known as "perpetual" or "semi-perpetual kilns, the interior of which
is divided into a number of compartments; the object of the said improvements
being to render this class of kilns fit to be employed as ovens or kilns for burning
or baking porcelain or china goods, pottery, stoneware and the like.
The invention mainly consists in the peculiar construction of the partitions used
for separating from each other the several compartments of the kiln, and which are
intended to serve as furnaces and to receive solid, liquid or gaseous fuel, whichever
may be employed in burning or baking the goods with which the oven or kiln is
charged.
In accordance with this invention, the said partitions are made hollow, so as to
permit the air to circulate through them, and the products of combustion to pass
from one compartment to the next. They are arranged in such a manner that the
air necessary for combustion, having been heated beforehand by being caused to
pass between the pottery already baked, is conducted into the partition, as it
cools down, and brought into contact with the fresh fuel which intimately mixes
with the said air and is immediately ignited; the combustion taking place within
the said partition in such a manner that the articles to be baked are protected from
direct contact with the flame and cinders.
The said hollow partition being, moreover, subdivided into several' series of
separate chimneys, fitted with dampers of fire-proof clay, the fire may be readily
controlled and regulated according to requirements, so that each portion of the
kilo may at any time be raised precisely to the required temperature.
Where solid fuel is employed it is preferred to use it in a pulverulent condition,
as then its combustion within the hollow partitions or intermediate furnaces is
facilitated owing to the readiness with which it may be distributed in thin layers
and mixed with the hot air of the preceding compartments; so that this' heat,
which would otherwise be lost, is here turned to account and enabled to produce a
useful effect.
The resulting advantage is considerable enhancement in the value of the' goods
which in no case are mixed with the fuel.
The pulverulent fuel is introduced through the outer parts of the partitions' and
this can be done by means of a mechanical distributor adapted to effect its
distribution in a uniform manner.
When the fuel is in the condition of either gas or liquid, its admission into the
interior of the said hollow partitions or intermediate furnaces may be effected' by
any suitable means.
The oven or kiln may be of rectangular circular or elliptic or other desired shape
the preferred form being that which extends on a straight line, that is to say the
form of a "semi-perpetual" kiln.

page_text: The oven or kiln is provided with the aforesaid partitions whereby it is
sub-divided into compartments independant of each other.
Doors are provided for the introduction of the goods to be baked in the several
compartments.
Beneath are flues the orifices of which open into the corresponding compartments
excepting the compartments of the head of the kiln, and which are connected to a
main conduit or channel leading to the chimney which may be situated at any
convenient distance.
Furnaces are provided in the head compartment only and having sufficiently
high bridges to prevent the flame from acting directly upon the goods to be
baked.
Air inlets are also provided leading into the several compartments.
The partitions are hollow and comprise two series of vertical chimneys or shoots
arranged in pairs and communicating with each other at the top through apertures
or ports each chimney being moreover open at its lower part towards the com-
partment next it. The port or channel of each of these chimneys may be closed
by means of a damper made of fire proof clay. The chimneys or shoots
communicate with the external atmosphere through top extensions or openings
formed in the kiln roof, through which openings fuel is supplied from time to time
and (as hereinafter more fully explained) there are arranged beneath these
chimneys ashboxes partially covered over with a removeable slab. On the top of
the kiln there is arranged to travel-on rails, for example, a distributing device
adapted by any suitable means to convey the pulverulent fuel down the chimneys
or shoots in a continuous and uniform manner (assuming of course that the fuel
used is solid.
The fuel distributor may for example consist of a large sized hopper filled with
fuel and having at bottom conveyor-screws or worms arranged at right angles and
in groups of three being operated in relation to each other by driving gear which
may consist of a worm wheel and an endless screw or worm or may be of any other
suitable construction. Each group or series of three conveyor screws carries the
fuel into a vertical conduit or channel integral with the hopper and which by
means of a removeable mouthpiece adapted to rest upon the slab of each chimney
allows the fuel to drop in the condition of fine powder or dust and in a regular and
continuous flow into the upper part of the chimneys or shoots.
Although the distributor herein exemplified is preferable it will be understood
that any other mechanism fulfilling the same conditions, that is to say ensuring the
descent of the fuel into the kiln in the condition of a uniform current of fine
powder, and in quantities graduated in accordance with requirements, may be
(mployed for the purpose.
The distributor, may be mounted upon a carriage moveable on rollers along the
kiln, and adapted to keep the air out of the fuel-admitting orifices.
It will be understood that there may be as many series of three conveyor-screws
cach as there are shoots or shafts in the partitions and that each series, moreover,
may in case of need comprise a number of conveyors either greater or less than
three.
Before and after the distribution of fuel to the hollow partitions or intermediate
furnaces, their respective shoots are, of course, kept closed by a slab of stone, brick
or other material.
In the case of gaseous or liquid fuel the same shoots or channels are similarly
fed with fuel by means of suitably arranged tubing.
The operation of the kiln or oven thus constructed is as follows
Suppose that the compartment and that next it are filled with the goods to be
baked, the doors of the several compartments are closed, and the fires kept going
in the furnaces while the cut-away portions of the second hollow partition or furnace
are covered over, for the time being, by dampers.
The gases arising from the furnaces become diffused in the head compartment
and thence pass into the next compartment circulating on their way through the

page_text: .
vertical chimneys or shoots of the partition intermediate between the two com-
partments referred to. These hot gases are drawn off by the chimney they
passing through the orifices and the corresponding flue of the lower part of the
chamber.
While this takes place in the aforesaid compartments the next compartments
receive batches of goods to be baked; and when the temperature in the head
compartment and that next it has risen to a sufficient degree, the hot gases are
conducted into the next succeeding compartments, being allowed to pass, for the
purpose through the break or cut away part of the intervening partition. As many
compartments are started at the same time as is compatible with the maintenance
of a draught of air sufficient to keep up combustion.
By the time the batch of goods in the first compartment have been sufficiently
baked or burnt, the chimneys in the partition are heated to a high temperature.
The solid slabs are then removed from the top orifices and replaced by perforated
slabs, and the carriage on which the fuel distributor is erected is moved to such a
position that the mouths exactly coincide with, or cover over, the perforations in
the slabs and the chimney-orifices.
The conveyor-worm then causes a current of pulverulent fuel such as coal dust
to descend, into the hollow partitions or furnaces. The temperature of these
partitions having by that time become very high, the fuel will at once commence
to distil in the upper parts thereof, and the gases resulting from such distillation, as
well as the fixed bodies forming a species of coke-dust meet somewhat lower down
a current of hot air passing through the aperture (giving communication between
the upper parts of the passages in the hollow partition) after having passed in
contact with the baked products cooling in the first compartment. In coming into
contact with this air, the gas and coke-dust are ignited, so that combustion takes
place throughout the whole lower part of the chimney or shoot. The cinders or
ashes of the burnt coal are collected in the ash-box while the very hot products of
combustion bake the goods contained in the adjacent compartment. When this
compartment has attained the required temperature, the distributor-carriage is
brought up to, and placed over, the next partition into which the fuel is fed and
lighted in the manner just described with reference to the preceding partition, for
the purpose of baking the batch of goods in the next succeeding compartment.
It will be understood that the slab covering the air-admitting orifices should be
removed at proper times and places from over the compartments wherein the
baking is completed.
From the foregoing it will be clear that while the oven or kiln is kept in
operation there is at all times one compartment under the action of the fire one
or more compartments cooling and one or more other compartments in the act of
utilising the products of combustion from the preceding compartment or
compartments.
The flames it will be understood are transmitted from compartment to com-
partment in succession without however coming into direct contact with the articles
being baked or treated in the several compartments.
The foregoing arrangement of partitions containing furnaces and chimneys, offers
the following chief advantages: it enables pulverulent fuel such as may be obtained
at comparatively little cost and is commonly used now in brick-kilns to be made
use of in baking or burning porcelain glazed or other earthenware and like articles
the treatment of which is of a very delicate nature whereby a considerable saving
is realized in the cost of the process furthermore, it permits the heat stored up in
the goods already baked to be utilized in heating the air necessary to assist com-
bustion; and finally it ensures the discharge of the gases through the chimney at
the lowest possible temperature. These advantages which are obtained not only
owing to the manner in which combustion takes place within the partitions-which
only allow hot gases free from anything that is likely to injure articles as delicate
as china goods or pottery to enter the compartments-but also owing to the manner
in which the chimneys independent of each other and fitted with dampers enabling.

page_text: the temperature to be made exactly equal in all parts of the kilu, are arranged in
series or groups; the temperature being equally controllable both when the com-
bustion is stopped or the fire slackened in those chimneys which are, opposite to the
parts appearing at the time to be hottest; and when on the contrary, it is
desired to increase the intensity of the fire in the chimneys facing the portions
which happen to be least heated.
The employment of a mechanical appliance for distributing the fuel,-necessary
more especially in the case of solid fuel,-offers the advantage besides of reducing to
a minimum the cost of labour in keeping up the fires with regularity.
It will be obvious that the vertical chimneys or shoots in the partitions may be
arranged in any suitable number within the width of the partitions and that the
partitions themselves may be constructed in any convenient manner the material
used for the purpose being either brick or specially prepared fire proof blocks.
Although it is preferred that the chimneys within the partitions be double so that
the hot gases are received from below and then pass upward through one chimney
and then into the next into which the fuel is passed may, if desired, be single in
which case they will receive the gases at the top and discharge them below. Again
in the case of double chimeys, an orifice may be provided in their upper parts, so
that, in certain cases, they. may receive the gases at the top instead of below; which
orifices may be closable by means. of dampers easy to operate. These upper orifices
may in such a case be used, if required, after using the lower orifices. The whole
or part of the fuel may be sent down the chimney or shaft up which the hot air first
passes, in which case the fuel will descend in the direction opposite to that in which
the air flows; but the flames would be carried off into the chimney adjacent to it.
In this case too the break or aperture connecting the said chimneys or. shafts need
not be necessarily at the top of these chimneys. The same remark applies also to
the similar connecting break between the chimney, and the following. compartment
which need not be exactly flush. with the bottom of the kiln or oven.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Ovens or Kilns for Use in Burning or Baking
Articles of Porcelain, Earthenware, and the like, and in Apparatus
for Use in connection therewith.
I
I, EDME MARIE CHARLES GONDOUIN of the Company La Faïencerie de Gien
of Gien (Loiret) in the Republic of France Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to kilns or ovens for use in burning or baking porcelain or
earthenware or like, articles of pottery and it more particularly relates to the class
of kilns known as "perpetual" or "semi-perpetual " kilns, the interior of which is
divided into a number of compartments; the object of the said improvements being
to render this class of kilns fit to be employed as ovens or kilns for burning or
baking porcelain or china goods, pottery, stoneware and the like.
The invention mainly consists in the peculiar construction of the partitions, used
for separating from each other the several compartments, of the kiln, and which are
intended to serve as furnaces and to receive solid, liquid or gaseous fuel, whichever
may be employed in burning or baking the goods with which the oven or kiln is
charged.

page_text: In accordance with this invention, the said partitions are made hollow, so as to
permit the air to circulate through them, and the products of combustion to pass
1rom one compartiment to the next. They are arranged in such a manner that the
air necessary for combustion, having been heated beforehand by being caused to
pa-s between the pottery already baked, is conducted into the partition, as it cools
down, and brought into contact with the fresh fuel.which intimately mixes with the
said air and is immediately ignited, the combustion taking place within the said
partition in such a manner that the articles to be baked are protected from direct
contact with the flame and cinders.
The said hollow partitions being, moreover, sub-divided into several series of
separate chimneys, fitted with dampers of fire-proof clay, the fire may be readily
controlled and regulated according to requirements, so that each portion of the
kiln may at any time be raised precisely to the required temperature.
Where solid fuel is employed, it is preferred to use it in a pulverulent condition,
as then its combustion within the hollow partitions or intermediate furnaces is
facilitated owing to the readiness with which it may be distributed in thin layers
and mixed with the hot air of the preceding compartments, so that this heat, which
would otherwise be lost, is here turned to account and enabled to produce a useful
effect.
The resulting advantage is considerable enhancement in the value of the goods
which in no case are mixed with the fuel.
The pulverulent fuel is introduced through the outer parts of the partitions and
this can be done by means of a mechanical distributor adapted to effect its
distribution in a uniform manner.
When the fuel is in the condition of either gas or liquid, its admission into the
interior of the said hollow partitions or intermediate furnaces may be effected by
any suitable means.
66
The accompanying drawings illustrate the manner in which this invention may
be applied to perpetual" or "semi-perpetual” kilns, and how, in consequence,
these kilns are converted into porcelain or earthenware baking kilns or ovens,
capable of replacing the apparatus hitherto used for the purpose, the heating of
which is a lengthy-and expensive operation, but I do not limit myself to the precise
details shewn in the drawings.
Figure is a longitudinal section of a portion of an oven or kiln constructed in
accordance with this invention. Figure 2 is a cross section thereof on line 1–2
Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross section on line 3-4 Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a
horizontal section on line 4-5, Figure 1.
Figures 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8 and 9 illustrate a modified form of kiln or oven
constructed according to this invention, hereinafter more fully described.
In the several figures A designates the properly strengthened external walls of a
rectilinear oven or kiln, the length of which may be proportioned to requirements,
or the oven or kiln may be of circular or elliptic or other desired shape, the
preferred form being that which extends on a straight line, that is to say the form
of a "semi-perpetual " kilu.
The oven or kiln is provided with the aforesaid partitions B whereby it is
sub-divided into compartments independent of each other.
Care doors by which the goods to be baked are introduced into the several
compartments.
Beneath are flues D the orifices d of which open into the corresponding compart-
ments, (except the compartments at the head of the kiln) and which are connected
to a main conduit or channel leading to the chimney which may be situated at any
convenient distance.
Furnaces a are provided in the head-compartment only, having sufficiently high
bridges a¹ to prevent the flame from acting directly upon the goods to be baked.
Air inlets c are also provided leading into the several compartments.
:
The partitions B are hollow and comprise two series of vertical chimneys shafts or
shoots 6b, arranged in pairs and communicating with each other at the top through

page_text: apertures or ports e, each chimney being open at its lower part towards the com-
partment next it. The port or channel e of each of these chimneys may be closed
by means of a damper made of fireproof clay. The chimneys or shoots b
communicate with the external atmosphere through top extensions or openings e',
formed in the kiln-roof, through which openings fuel is supplied from time to time;
and (as hereinafter more fully explained) there are arranged beneath these chimneys,
ash-boxes partially covered over with a removeable slab. On the top of the kiln
there is arranged to travel, on rails, for example, a distributing device adapted, by
any suitable means, to convey the pulverulent fuel down the chimneys or shoots
in a continuous and uniform manner (assuming, of course, that the fuel used
is solid).
The fuel distributor may for example consist of a large sized hopper E Figures 1
and 2 filled with fuel and having at bottom conveyor screws or worms arranged
at right angles and in groups of three, being operated in relation to each other by
driving gear which may consist of a worm wheel and an endless screw or worm or
may be of any other suitable construction. Each group or series of three conveyor
screws carries the fuel into a vertical conduit or shoot i integral with the hopper
and which by means of a removeable mouthpiece adapted to rest upon the slab
of each chimney, allows the fuel to drop in the condition of fine powder or dust,
and in a regular and continuous flow, into the upper part of the chimneys or
shoots b¹.
9
Although the distributor herein described is preferably employed it will be
understood that any other mechanism fulfilling the same conditions, that is to say
ensuring the descent of the fuel into the kiln in the condition of a uniform current
of fine powder and in quantities graduated in accordance with requirements, may be
used for the purpose.
The distributor may be mounted upon a carriage moveable ou rollers along the
kiln, and adapted to keep the air out of the fuel-admitting orifices.
It will be understood that there may be as many series of three conveyor screws h
as there are shoots or shafts in the partitions and that each series, moreover, may
comprise a number of conveyors either greater or less than three.
Before and after the distribution of fuel to the hollow partitions or intermediate
furnaces, their respective shoots are kept closed by a slab of stone, brick or other
material n.
In the case of gaseous or liquid fuel being used the same shoots or channels 61
are similarly fed with the fuel by means of suitably arranged tubing.
The operation of the kiln or oven thus constructed is as follows:-
Suppose that the compartments and 2 are filled with the goods to be burnt or
baked, being arranged for example in a pile, one piece upon the other, or encased
in seggars, according to the usual practice; the doors of the several compartments
are closed, and the fires kept going in the furnaces a, while the cut away portions e
of the second hollow partition or furnace are covered in for the time being, by
dampers.
The gases arising from the furnaces a become diffused in the head compartment 1,
and thence pass into the next compartment 2, circulating on their way through the
vertical chimneys or shoots bb' of the partition intermediate between the two said
compartments. These hot gases are drawn off by the chimney they passing through
the orifices and the corresponding flue D at the lower part of the chamber.
While this takes place in the aforesaid compartments the next compartments
receive batches of goods to be baked, and when the temperature in the head
compartments 1 and 2 has risen to a sufficient degree, the hot gases are conducted
into the next succeeding compartments 3, being allowed to pass, for the purpose
through the break or cut-away part of the intervening partition B. As many
compartments are started at the same time as is compatible with the maintenance of
a draught of air sufficient to keep up combustion.
By the time the batch of goods in the first compartment has been sufficiently
baked or burnt, the chimneys in the adjacent partition are heated to a high

page_text: temperature. The solid slabs n are then removed from the top orifices and replaced
by perforated slabs 9: and the carriage on which the fuel distributor is erected is
moved to such a position that the mouths m exactly coincide with, or cover over, the
perforations in the slabs g, and the chimney orifices .
The conveyor worm then causes a current of pulverulent fuel such as coal dust
to descend, into the hollow partitions or furnaces. The temperature of these
partitions having by thattime become very high, the fuel will at once commence to
distil in the upper parts thereof, and the gases resulting from such distillation, as
well as the fixed bodies forming a species of coke-dust meet somewhat lower down
a current of hot air passing through the aperture e, after having passed in contact
with the baked products cooling in the first compartment 1. In coming into
contact with this air, the gas and coke dust are ignited, so that combustion takes
place throughout thewhole lower part of the chimney or shoot 6. The cinders or
ashes of the burnt coal are collected in the ash-box while the very hot products
of combustion bake the goods contained in the adjacent compartment 2.
When
this compartment has attained the required temperature, the distributor carriage
is brought up to, and placed over, the next partition, into which the fuel is fed and
lighted in the manner just described with reference to the preceding partition, for
the purpose of baking the batch of goods in the next succeeding compartment 3.
The slabs covering the air-admitting orifices c should be removed at proper
times and places from over the compartments wherein the baking is completed.
From the foregoing it will be clear that while the oven or kiln is kept in operation,
there is at all times one compartment under the action of the fire, one or more;
compartments cooling and one or more other compartments in the act of utilising
the products of combustion from the preceding compartment or compartments.
The flames, it will be understood, are transmitted from compartment to com-
partment in succession, without however coming into direct contact with the articles
being baked or treated in the several compartments.
The foregoing arrangement of partitions containing furnaces and chimneys, offers.
the following chief advantages; it enables pulverulent fuel, such as may be.
obtained at comparatively little cost, and is commonly used now in brick-kilns, to
be made use of in baking or burning porcelain, glazed or other earthenware, and
like articles, the treatment of which is of a very delicate nature, whereby a .
considerable saving is realised in the cost of the process; furthermore, it permits
the heat stored up in the goods already baked to be utilised in heating the air
necessary to assist combustion; and finally it ensures the discharge of the gases
through the chimney at the lowest possible temperature. These advantages are
obtained not only owing to the manner in which combustion takes place within the
partitions, which only allow hot gases, free from anything that is likely to injure
articles as delicate as china goods or pottery, to enter the compartments, but also
owing to the manner in which the chimneys, independent of each other and fitted
with dampers enabling the temperature to be made exactly equal in all parts of
the kiln, are arranged in series or groups, the temperature being eqaully
controllable, both when the combustion is stopped, or the fire slackened, in those
chimneys which are opposite to the parts appearing at the time to be hottest, and
when, on the contrary, it is desired to increase the intensity of the fire in the
chimneys facing the portions which happen to be least heated.
The employment of a mechanical appliance for distributing the fuel, necessary
more especially in the case of solid fuel, offers the additional advantage of reducing
to a minimum the cost of labour in keeping up the fires with regularity.
I will now describe a modification constructed according to this invention referring
to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 5 is a longitudinal vertical section
taken on the line 8, 9 Figure 8 of the head of a kiln or oven having modified
furnace partitions. Figure 6 is a transverse section on the line 1.2 Fig. 5, Figure 7
is a transverse section on the line 3. 4 Figure 5*, Figure 54 is a longitudinal
section on the line 10. 11 Figure 8A Figure 8 is a horizontal section on the line 6. 7.
Figure 54, and Figure 9 is a horizontal section on the line 12, 13 Figure 6.

page_text: It will be seen by reference to the drawings that the furnace partitions are
divided into a certain number or series of chimneys or shoots working in pairs-
in combination with a set of gas producers e' which are situated at the upper part
of the said chimneys, the series of chimneys or passages in this modification being
arranged in the same plane relatively to each other and the chimneys & alternating
with the chimneys & except at the centre part where two like chimneys may be
arranged side by side.
The series of chimneys and open into the lower part of the kiln one set into
the compartments which are cooling and the other into the compartments
in use.
The said groups are connected to each other at their upper parts
by cut-away portions or openings e above which are situated the gas producers e'.
These latter are placed above the chimneys so that the dampers k
which it may be desired to employ therein can rest on the separating
partitions of the two sets of chimneys. By this grouping of chimneys or shoots
the number thereof may be reduced, but the operation of the kiln is similar to that
already described. It will of course be understood that the ash boxes are only
needed beneath the chimneys b'.
It will be obvious that the vertical chimneys or shoots in the partitions may
be arranged in any other suitable manner within the width of the partitions, and that
the partitious themselves may be constructed in any convenient manner the material
used for the purpose being preferably either brick or specially prepared fireproof blocks.
Although it is preferred that the chimneys within the partitions be double so that
the hot gases are received from below and then pass upward through one chimney
and then into the next into which the fuel is passed, they may, if desired, be single,
in which case they will receive the gases at the top and discharge them below.
Again, in the case of double chimneys, an orifice may be provided in their upper
parts, so that, in certain cases, they may receive the gases at the top instead of
below, which orifices may be closeable by means of dampers casy to operate.
These upper orifices may in such a case be used, if required, after using the lower
orifices. The whole or part of the fuel may be sent down the chimney or shaft b up
which the hot air first passes, in which case the fuel will descend in the direction
opposite to that in which the air flows, but the flames would be carried off into the
chimney adjacent to it. In this case the break or aperture e connecting the said
chimneys or shafts need not be necessarily at the top of these chimneys. The
same remark applies also to the similar connecting break between the chimney b
and the following compartment, which need not be exactly flush with the bottom of
the kiln or oven.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what. I
claim is :-
1. In perpetual or semi-perpetual kilns or ovens, for the purpose of rendering
them applicable to the baking or burning of porcelain or earthenware or like
articles of pottery, sub-dividing the said kilns by means of intermediate
furnace partitions which are formed with a series or row of independent gas
producers into which pulverulent fuel is introduced in a uniform and continuous
flow of powder, while at the same time each of them receives from chimneys or
shoots the hot air derived from the lower part of the adjacent compartment last in
action other chimneys conducting the hot gases to the lower part of the next
following compartment which it is desired to heat, the said gas producers being
capable of operating either conjointly or separately, and being in all cases fed with
fuel by means of a mechanical distributing appliance, adapted to automatically
feed or scatter powdered fuel in a regular and continuous flow substantially as anil
for the purposes hereinbefore described.
2. In perpetual or semi-perpetual kilns or ovens, for rendering them applicable
to the baking or Iurning of porcelain or earthenware, and like articles of pottery,
the employment with the heating arrangement referred to in the preceding claiming

page_text: clause, of fuel in the condition of gas, or liquid such as oil, petroleum, or the like,
automatically fed or supplied to the hollow partitions or intermediate furnaces,
substantially as hereinbefore specified.
3. The arrangement of furnace forming partitions containing two series or rows
of vertical chimneys, or shoots, independent of each other, but arranged in
adjacent pairs, so as to communicate at the top through apertures or recesses
closeable by slabs and acting as gas producers; one series or row of the said
chimneys or shoots being open at the lower part on the side nearest to the
compartment which is in operation at the time, and the other being open below, on
the side nearest to the compartment in which the heating is to be started,
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
4. The arrangement of the distributing mechanism for supplying the independent
gas generating chambers in the furnace forming partitions with pulverulent fuel in
the condition of a uniform flow of fine powder or dust; the said distributing
mechanism being mounted on a carriage moving on rails and capable of being
brought up to, and placed over, each of the intermediate furnaces of the kiln, and
comprising for cach gas producing chamber, a group or set of rotary conveyor
screws or worms h, receiving the fuel from a common hopper E, and propelling it
towards a vertical conduit or shoot provided with a movable mouth-piece or
nozzle m arranged to fit the perforated slab or plate a placed over the orifice of
each gas producing chamber, substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
5. The improved oven or kiln for baking or burning porcelain, earthenware, and
like articles of pottery substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2,
3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
6. The modified construction of oven or kiln for baking or burning porcelain
earthenware and like articles of pottery substantially as described and illustrated
in Figures 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 13th day of February 1895.