and in Apparatus therefor
Year: 1885

page_text: and in Apparatus therefor.
I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the county of Middlesex,
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TRANSFERRING GRAIN AND OTHER MATERIALS AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
"
(a communication from Lyman Smith of Kansas, Missouri, United States of
America) 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 an improved pneumatic system of transferring grain or
other materials to which the devices herein set forth are peculiarly adapted, from
places of storage to Railroads or Marine Conveyors, as may be desired.
This invention embraces many improved devices and features of construction,
which may be embodied under the four following heads, viz : 1st. Devices for
transferring grain from one place to another, or one vessel to another, weighing it
before delivery, and at the same time, saving the expense that occurs from the
heated condition of the grain when being removed from storage, and thus deliver
it in a better condition than when received.
2nd. A flexible hose to facilitate the removal of a mouth piece, which is designed
to cover a large area of grain; said hose being capable of withstanding considerable
pressure from within, and collapse from without, or suction pressure from within ;
also the peculiarly arranged coupling for connecting the sections of hose so that
they may be readily coupled and uncoupled. The construction and arrangement of
these devices will be more fully described and claimed hereinafter.
3rd. To transfer grain pneumatically, and to introduce a new device, consisting
of a mouth-piece at the end of the supply pipe, and adapted to be conveniently
moved about a car or other receptacle; this mouth-piece is made to cover a large
area of the surface of the grain.
4th. This feature of the invention is embodied and substantially described in the
description of the preceding head, and will be more fully described and specifically
pointed out in the claims for the said feature.
Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to the illustration of the
features embraced under the first head.
Fig. 1 is an illustration of this pneumatic grain transfer for marine purposes
showing the ship in elevation, and clearly showing two of the apparatus mounted

page_text: on suitable frame-work, and centrally, one of the continuous operating grain
transfers connected by the air-tube, which works together or separately, as may be
desired.
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same, showing four of the pneumatic apparatus
as well as the blowers and motive power engine.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of a barge, showing the entire working apparatus,
and two end compartments for grain, which are calculated to hold a small ship load.
These compartments are also designed to hold surpluses left from one ship to
another, should their differences in size be such that there would be surpluses left
from either.
Fig. 4 shows an end elevation of the barge with the apparatus thereon, and
Fig. 5 an enlarged top plan view of the working machinery arranged on the
barge below the decks, the figure being taken on a horizontal plane through the
vessel.
In describing the 4 sub-divisions in their regular order, I will proceed to describe
the figures indicated on sheet I.
It is evident that the large vessel may be made of any size or dimensions, but
I have calculated 200 feet long, fifty wide, and twenty five feet for depth of hold
would suit this purpose at present. For the barge I have calculated it to be, say,
eighty five feet long, thirty five feet wide, and depth of hold, twenty feet, which
would give storage room at each end thereof of 24 x 34 which would be capable of
holding ten thousand bushels of grain. The larger vessel is to be used for steerage
when not in use for transferring grain, and preferably to be built of iron.
Heretoforé, great difficulty had experienced in the hulls of vessels to prevent
sliding, and much of it has to be put up in bags, which not only consumes much
time but is also very expensive.
But with this apparatus, the grain can be packed very closely in the hull of the
vessel by blowing it in, whereby it reaches all the vacancies and crevices.
In the drawins, Fig. 1, A, is the vessel made of metal and of a large capacity
having a central compartment; and the arrangement of the vessel is such that is
suitable for steerage similar to that of elevators when such use is essential.
The boilers and the engines for propelling the vessle is located in the stern, and
the blower engine and blowers in the bow; by such location the vessel is as near
balanced as possible, and when the vessel is unloaded the proper amount of ballast
is used. The boilers are preferably of twin character, and as many as is required
to supply the proper quantity of power for the engines. Upon the deck of the
ship, are arranged two or more exhausting or forcing apparatus B, B, but in this
case four are shown, see Fig. 2. The tanks or reservoirs are also of the required
capacity and are provided with funnel shaped bottoms for the ready discharge of
the grain, see Fig. 4, and are mounted upon hydraulic scales C, so that when
they have been filled the grain weighed, engine reversed, then the grain is blown
out into a vessel, elevator, or into its own hull to be conveyed to a convenient
place for unloading.
The tanks or reservoirs B are provided with two grain receiving pipes D, D, on
each of its sides, although only one set is used at a time, the object being to render
the vessel capable of running along either side of the vessel to be loaded or
unloaded, and the object of having two grain suction pipes from each side of the
tank is to equally unload the vessel so as to prevent tilting. The pipes or hose
that enter into the hull of the vessel are flexible to allow them to be carried from
one point to another within said hull to unload from any desired point or points.
The pipes D run through the bottom of the tank, up inside to near it top on an
inclination towards the upper central portion thereof; they are beveled at their
mouths to guide grain downwardly in its descent. The deflector F is situated
above the mouth of the pipe D to prevent the grain from being carried off by
the suction pipe G. The garin pipes and tanks are each provided with valves, a, b,
whereby they can be controlled at will. It is evident that any number of tanks or
reservoirs B may be used by shutting off the blast by means of the valves b.

page_text: Centrally on the large vessel, what is termed a continuous loading and unloading
apparatus H is erected this is smaller than the other tanks, and is only designed to
form a vacuum chamber. If this form of tank is preferred, there is no reversal of
the engine required, as the machine unloads and loads automatically.
When it is desired to provide steamers or any vessel having steam as a motive
power, these devices can be so arranged as to occupy very little space, but in such
location that they will serve the purpose of loading coal or any granulated
substance with great facility; and can also be used to discharge accumulated ashes
or refuse coal, or may also be used for ventilation.
Referring to the devices embraced under the second subdivision and to sheet
No. 3, containing the illustration of said devices.
Fig. 1 is a prespective view of this improved coupling device.
Fig. 2 is a section of the coupling when connected.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the improved base.
Like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
B, is the mouth piece and C, the base, which is flexible, as will be more fully
described, D & E are the coupling pieces which are provided with flanges a, b,
dovetailed and tapering to fit into each other, The object of tapering the flanged
projection and its corresponding seat, is to readily insert and remove one from the
other, and also to provide against wear, and thereby give a tight joint.
In the face of one of the coupling is made the recess c, into which is inserted a
rubber kacket, and if preferred a wire ring, or other binder may be driven in to
secure it in position. If necessary, bosses may be cast on the sides of the flanges,
in which set screws are inserted to bind the couplings together when in position.
The hose C is used to facilitate the removal of the mouth piece and is capable of
withstanding a great amount of external and internal pressure. This hose is made
first of an interlining of rubber, which is then covered by another lining of fibrous
material, preferably cut bias, and to render it firm and secure a wrapping of spring
wire is spirally wound around the linings, at intervals, then covered with another
ply of fibrous material closely rolled and stitched, and then a final outer covering
over the whole. Then it is completed by being vulcanized, which makes the hose
springy, and capable of preventing collapse from without, or suction pressure from
within.
The hose may be provided at intervals on their lengths with branches for the
attachment of the other sections (referred to hereinbefore) when so desired or for
attaching one or more mouth-pieces, but when not in use, seals may be readily fixed
to those branches by which they are kept perfectly tight.
Referring to the devices forming a component part of this invention, and
embraced under the third head and also to the sheet of drawings No. 3, indicating
the construction and arrangement of said devices.
Fig. 1 shows a car loaded with grain, the mouth piece being in position for
operation. Fig. 2 shows a side elevation and plan in perspective.
Fig. 3 a cross section taken on line x-x Fig. 2.
Figs. 4, 5, & 6 are views of modified forms of this invention.
A, is the mouth-piece, and B the flange, C is the take up tube which carries the
grain to the receiver.
<<
"
In many instances, the suction pressure is quite great and requires considerable
resistance to prevent the collapse of the mouth-piece; in order to avoid this the
mouth-piece is made double, as shown in section, in Fig. 3. It also occurs, that
the grain, while being sucked or drawn up in the tube, forms what I term a cone
which interfers with the perfect operation; and to avoid this, the inner plate a, is
bellied downward, which brings the mouth of the tube close to the grain and thus
the "coning" is prevented. Again, if the mouth of the tube is too far from the
grain, more air is proportionately drawn therein, which interferes also with the
proper suction of the grain. The upper plate b is slightly inclined upward, so that
it will shed any grain that rests upon it.

page_text: This form of mouth piece has three functions, viz: the strenghtening of the
device, the prevention of "coning" and the shedding of the grain.
It will be observed that the form shwon in Fig. 2, (sheet No. 3) is provided with
hinged flanges, the object of which is, that generally when a car is being emptied,
the centre is emptied first, leaving the sides piled up so that a flat mouth-piece
could not have equal bearing to the surface of the grain, it being at an inclination.
To avoid this, the hinged flange is thrown up, which opens a passage for the grain
to enter at the side of the mouth piece and insures the ready drawing up of every
particle of grain. The mouth-piece is also provided with small wheels or casters
which facilitate the movement of the said mouth-piece.
The construction shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 (sheet 3), is very readily understood; but
particular attention is directed to the following: "that better operation is effected
when the pipes and nozzles are without curves.'
Referring to the fourth feature of this invention, it embraces the same descrip-
tion, and arrangement and construction of the devices which are substantially
described under the preceding (3) subdivision, and which particular difference will
be specifically pointed out in the claims hereinafter appended.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated
to me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is
Subdivision 1.)
1. A system for transferring or conveying grain, consisting of the grain receiver
or tank, provided with inlet and outlet orifices, a blower having connecting pipes
with said tanks, a motive power engine connected to the said blowers, the pipes
arranged within the tank, and extending above the grain, and into the discharging
orifice for forcing the grain from said orifice; the whole being suitable to be
arranged on a barge or vessel, substantially as described.
2. The combination in an apparatus, for transferring grain, which consists of a
tank provided with supply and exhaust pipes, a blower, a motive power for operating
said blower, and a discharge pipe arranged with valves, whereby the exhaust from
either sede of the tank, an air forcing pipe leading to the discharge orifice from the
upper space of said tank, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
3. A system for transferring, grain, or conveying the same, from marine vessels,
consisting of a barge or vessel having prearranged compartments, substantially as
described, the motive power of which is contained in one compartment, while the
remaining compartments are arranged for the reception of the grain air pipes, and
the tank, the latter being arranged to receive grain from one vessel and weigh it,
and discharge it into another from the opposite side to the tank through different
pipes, substantially as described.
4. The combination in a system for transferring grain from vessels, of two or
more tanks above deck, one or more blowers below deck, and their operating
mechanism with a air connecting pipe, arranged at right angles, or nearly so, and
connecting said blowers and tanks, the pipes being provided with controlling
valves, substantially as described.
5. A system for transferring or conveying grain or other like substances from a
vessel or other recepticle to another, consisting of the barge or vessel, the blowers,
the receiving and discharging tanks being arranged to receive and discharge from
either side, substantially as described.
(Sub-division 2.)
6. In a grain conveying apparatus, a flexible hose constructed substantially as
described, whereby the suction of the apparatus will not casue its collapse, in com-
bination with the mouth piece and coupling, substantially as described.
7. A hose coupling having interlocking tapering flanges substantially as described.
8. A hose coupling provided with interlocking tapering flanges, one of which is
provided on its face with a recess for the reception of a packing peice against which

page_text: the smooth face of the other inpinges in such a manner as to form a tight joint,
substantially as described.
9. A hose consisting of an interlining of rubber covered by a lining of fibrous
material preferably cut bias, then a wrapping of spring wire spirally wound around
the inner linings at intervals, then covered with another ply of fibrous material
closely rolled and stretched, then another covering over the whole, and then com-
pleting it by vulcanizing the hose, substantially as set forth.
(Sub-division 3.)
10. A mouth piece for pneumatic grain transfer apparatus, having an enlarged
area to cover a large grain surface, and having wings or flanges to prevent the
admission of air beneath it, and an exit pipe, substantially as set forth.
11. A mouth piece for pneumatic grain transfer, having an enlarged area, and
wings or flanges to enter the surface of the grain, whereby the admission of
external air is prevented from entering beneath said mouth piece and a bellied
central portion, whereby the suction nozzle is brought in close proximity to the
surface of the grain and an air chamber is formed in the other portion of the said
mouth piece, substantially as described.
12. A mouth piece having an enlarged area and wings or flanges to prevent the
admission of the external air while in operation, a central bellied portion and an
upwardly inclined portion, substantially as specified.
13. The combination with a mouth piece having an enlarged area and flanges to
prevent the admission of external air, the said flanges being hinged or jointed for
the purpose set forth.
14. A mouth piece for pneumatic grain transfer, consisting of an exit pipe, and
a surrounding portion of large area having an air chamber extending through the
mouth piece of said pipe, substantially as described.
15. As a new article of manufacture, a mouth piece having an enlarged area and
constructed so as to substantially prevent the entrance of external air beneath it
while in operation.
(Sub-division 4.)
16. The manner herein described of conveying grain, and sucking or drawing it
into a receiver, by first covering the surface of the grain, in bulk, or a portion
thereof, then forining a vacuum or suction under said covering and then drawing
the grain or other material therefrom substantially as described.
17. The manner herein described of lifting and transferring grain, of first
covering the surface thereof, excluding external air from under said covering, then
imparting a sucking or drawing action to the grain, beneath the covering which
gives to it the character, when mixed with air already mingled with grain, of a
semi-fluid, and then drawing it off by means of a suction machine, substantially as
set forth.
18. The method herein described of conveying grain, which consists in first
covering the surface of the grain, thereby excluding the air, forming an air chamber
above the mouth of the suction pipe, and then imparting a sucking or drawing
nction to the grain beneath the cover, whereby the grain is drawn off as a semi-