Improvements in Apparatus for Shipping or Transferring Coal and other Materials.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Sept., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 3rd July, 1896-Accepted, 3rd Dec., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Shipping or Transferring Coal and
other Materials.
I, JOHN PEARCE ROE, of 150 Leadenhall Street, in the City of London.
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
This invention has for object to enable coal and other material to be shipped or
transferred from one place to another in a rapid and continuous manner with the
minimum of labour, and breakage of material.
For this purpose the coal or other material (hereinafter referred to as material)
is discharged from waggons or other suitable receptacles into a hopper or receiver
from the bottom of which it is discharged onto an endless travelling band,
hereinafter called the delivery band, by which the material is carried to a point
whence it can be discharged into the hold of a ship or other place. The capacity
of the hopper may advantageously be such that the variation in the level of the
material, due to its withdrawal from below during the short intervals between the
discharge of successive waggons, will be small, so as to thereby reduce the breakage
of the material to a minimum.
The rate of discharge from the bottom of the hopper is regulated by suitable
Ineans which also serve to convey the material from the bottom of the hopper to
the delivery band. For this purpose an inclined shoot in one or more sections may
be used, arranged at the hopper nose and having a jig motion that may be
adjustable so as to regulate discharge according to requirements. Or in lieu of
a shoot, an endless travelling band (hereinafter called for distinction the feeding
band) may be used, arranged at the bottom of the hopper in such a manner as to
practically form an extension of the hopper bottom.
When a band is used, it may be arranged to work beneath extensions of the
hopper sides, and is preferably provided with sides embracing the lower edges of
the said hopper extensions so as to prevent escape of small material between such
extensions and the band. Or the band may be arranged to pass through an
opening in the lower portion of the hopper so as to pass over the hopper bottom
and between the extensions of the hopper sides. The feeding band may have a
non perforated bottom, or the said band and the hopper bottom may be formed
with openings. When a jig shoot is used, the sides thereof form lateral extensions
of the hopper. The arrangement in either case may be such that the jig shoot or
feeding band when at rest, forms a toe of sufficient length to prevent any flow of
material from the hopper, and when it or they is or are set in motion, the
withdrawal of material will be proportionate to the speed of the shoot or band and
to the cross sectional area of the opening in the hopper the feeding device when
in motion withdrawing material of small and large size indiscriminately at a regular
given rate that can be varied at will to suit requirement by adjusting the motion
of the said feeding device.
In some cases the jig shoot, or the feeding band, may be provided with a pivoted
flap or part adapted to form a stop when the motion of the shoot or feeding band
ceases.
As the jig shoot or feeding band would have a depth of material upon it
corresponding roughly to the height of the opening in the bottom of the hopper,

page_text: its speed would be usually comparatively moderate, and to continue the movement
of material forward, the jig shoot or shoots, or feeding band, is arranged to deliver
onto another band (herein called the delivery band) that may advantageously run
at a greater velocity and have therefore a reduced thickness of material upon it.
By this means owing to the thickness of material upon the delivery band being
moderate, the structural scantlings for carrying this band can be proportionately
light, thereby enabling the band to be readily adjusted or moved to adapt it to
various applications where this power of adjustment would be advantageous, as for
example in shipping coal, where it is of importance to be able to move the outer
end of the delivery band to various positions over a vessel's hatchways and to
provide for differences in level.
The angular or radial adjustment of the delivery band, can be effected in various
ways.
In one arrangement the delivery band is pivoted at its inner end for vertical
movement, and to permit of horizontal movement, the hopper may turn bodily, or
it may be made in two parts that are circular in plan at the line of junction and
the lower of which together with the feeding and delivery bands is made to turn
horizontally as upon a centre or roller path, the centre of motion in each case
corresponding to the centre of the circular portion of the hopper. This arrange-
ment admits of an increased radius for horizontal swing, and of a simple
construction of driving mechanism for the delivery band, besides keeping the
feeding and delivery bands always in line.
The inner end of the delivery band may also be mounted on a carriage or
slide or be otherwise so supported as to enable the band to be run in and out so
as to serve for example a wide hatch and permit of its being housed. In this
arrangement the part of the delivery band that would receive the material from
the feeding device may be made to move through a straight or curved path
beneath the feeding device in which case the girders carrying the outer portion
of the band would be pivoted or jointed to those carrying the inner portion so as
to allow for vertical radial movement.
The girders supporting the delivery band are or may be partly suspended or
supported from a structure by suitable connections operated by hydraulic or
other mechanism for effecting and permitting the horizontal and vertical
adjustments of the band.
The apparatus hereinbefore described, may be mounted on a frame having
radial movement over a quay wall. Or it may also be carried by a frame or
structure mounted on ways parallel with a quay wall. An auxiliary frame
supported by and having radial movement upon the main frame may in some
cases advantageously be employed for carrying the hydraulic or other mechanism
used for effecting the vertical and horizontal radial movements of the delivery
band girders. The main or auxiliary frame may also carry other appliances
for suspending or handling suitable devices such as hereinafter described, for
distributing the material supplied by the delivery band.
To admit of a number of waggons being quickly discharged one after another
into the main hopper, and thereby to avoid the loss of time involved when each
empty waggon has to be moved back to a crossing at the rear of the tip, the
entering and leaving tracks may be so arranged in relation to tipping apparatus
that each waggon can be quickly moved from the one track to the other along
a connecting length of track, or crossing, located in front of the tip, or be conveyed
from one track to the other by a suitable traverser similarly located, the
arrangement in each case being such as to admit of a waggon after being dumped
passing on in the same direction so as to admit of the next waggon to be dumped
following immediately in the rear of the first one.
In one arrangement suitable for use where the waggons are to be dumped,
there an oscillating cradle to receive and tip each waggon in succession.
The cradle may be operated either by mechanical power, or by gravity. Movable
stops or buffers are provided against which each waggon takes when in position

page_text: for tipping, the said stops or buffers being so constructed and arranged as to
swing or otherwise move clear of the waggon to permit of its being passed
forward when emptied. After being tipped each waggon may move onward to
reverse points.
For low level tracks an elevator and drop may be provided whereby the
waggons can be lifted at one end of the tip and lowered at the other end
thereof after being dumped. The tracks may be arranged either parallel with,
or at an angle to the quay wall, and the elevator and drop may be arranged
to turn through any desired number of degrees during ascent and descent when
the lower tracks do not run in line with those at the higher level. When
hopper bottom or other type of self dumping waggons are usel, the tip cradle
is dispensed with.
Where a hopper, and the other devices herein before described are carried by
a movable frame or structure, the tipping or dumping apparatus and traverser,
or reverse points, or the elevator and drop, as the case may be, can be
mounted on the said main frame or structure so that the whole can be moved
together.
Various means may be provided for conducting or distributing the stream of
material in any desired direction and to any desired place after it leaves the end
of the delivery band. For this purpose a curved or other shaped shoot or guide
may be used, hinged or pivoted in such a manner as to admit of vertical
adjustment, by any suitable means.
The shoot or guide may be of various shapes.
For distributing or trimming coal or other material, as for example in the hold
of a ship, I provide in connection with apparatus adapted to supply a continuous
stream of material, mechanical trimming devices that may be suspended from
points outside the ship's hold, so as to be capable of being readily inserted into
manoeuvred within and withdrawn from the ship's hold and are so constructed and
arranged that the material can be delivered fore and aft and athwart ship in
such a manner as to avoid impact and breakage as far as possible. Where the
place to which the material is to be delivered is such that the force of gravity
will be sufficient to cause the delivery of the material to the required place,
the trimming device may be in the form of a curved shoot the entry end of
which may be approximately vertical whilst the lower portion is curved in a
lateral direction, and may be of such a shape as to considerably reduce the
velocity of the material before it finally leaves the shoot.
The sail shoot may
be made in two
or more sections capable of moving one over or within the
other.
According to another arrangement the trimming device comprises one or more
endless conveying devices driven where necessary by a self contained motor, and
arranged to pass over drums carried by light girders or other supports which may
be telescopically mounted in relation to other girders or supports, the whole
being suspended so that it can be conveniently adjusted to suitable heights and
positions and the arrangement being such that material delivered upon the
receiving end of the conveying device will be carried forward and delivered
where required. The conveying device in this arrangement may be in the form
of a band adapted to carry the material, or it may consist of ropes or chains
connected by transverse parts adapted to cause the material to travel over a
relatively fixed surface. Where two or more conveying devices are used they may
be driven at different velocities.
In another arrangement the trimming device comprises a shoot and band the one
being arranged to deliver by gravity onto the other which carries the material
forward and delivers it at the required place, the whole being suitably suspended
as before and the band being driven, where necessary, by a self contained motor,
and being capable when desirable of movement relatively to the shoot so that the
length of the said device can be varied to suit different requirements. The shoot
and band may in some cases be so constructed and arranged that the material

page_text: would be allowed to accumulate in the shoot from the lower end of which it would
be withdrawn in a regular manner by the band.
The shoots when used alone or in conjunction with a band or bands may be
made of a sinuous, zig-zag or other form in side view so as to occupy a com-
paratively short space horizontally, and exert a retarding action on material
passing through them.
Where the velocity of the material would be high in trimming apparatus of the
kind herein before mentioned, the discharging end of the apparatus may be so
formed as to retard the velocity of the material. To permit of this being done
without choking, the material is caused to spread and deliver itself over an
increased area.
For this purpose there may be provided at the delivery end of the shoot or band,
a retarding and distributing device consisting of a plate the upper surface of which
is so shaped as to spread the material delivered upon it and cause it, or some of it,
to escape laterally. In some cases this plate, or parts thereof, may be made
capable of adjustment relatively to the shoot or band so as to enable the extent of
retarding action, or direction of distribution, or both, to be varied.
Or
Where a simple or telescopically arranged shoot is used, its delivery end may be
suitably shaped to act as a retarder and distributor in the manner described.
Trimming devices such as hereinbefore described may be flexibly or otherwise
connected to an arm or support that is so pivoted to the shoot jointed to the
discharging end of the delivery band, that it can turn about a vertical axis.
the said trimming devices may be suitably connected to a ring supported by and
having a circular movement round the shoot nose. To reduce friction, the said
ring may work on balls or rollers running in or on a suitable path on the shoot.
The arrangement in each case is such that the trimming device can be turned
horizontally as required and so that it can if desired be raised and lowered.
In each case the supply hopper may be constructed with a double nose to serve
two sets of feeding devices.
The endless bands used in apparatus of the kind herein before described are
carried by girders or supports which may be so formed as to impart any desired
curvature to the bands; or supporting rollers, or sheaves arranged at intervals
may be used for this purpose. Or the bands may carry rollers arranged to run
along ways on the girders. A suitable tension may be imparted to the bands
either by tension pulleys, or by so forming the girders or supports that a portion
of each band will be unsupported from below so that such portion is free to sag
and thus exert a tension on the whole band.
Where the fall or inclination of the endless conveying devices in apparatus of
the kind herein described is, such as to cause the said devices to move under the
action of the load carried thereby, a suitable brake is or may be provided to
regulate the velocity.
The apparatus herein before described is especially applicable to loading ships
for converting the intermittent supply of material produced by tipping or dumping
into a continuous flow or stream of material of moderate dimensions, which can be
conveniently conducted to and trimmed or stowed for example in a ship's hold with
a rapidity and saving of labour that is not possible where large bulks are
discharged at intervals direct into the ship.
The apparatus can be adapted in the main or in part to be worked in conjunction
with a pontoon or float for the purpose of conveying material from one vessel or
lighter to another, or to the shore; also for conveying or transporting material in
mining or other works.
1 3

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Shipping or Transferring Coal and
other Materials.
I, JOHN PEARCE ROE, of 150 Leadenhall Street, in the City of London,
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 has for object to enable coal and other material to be shipped or
transferred from one place to another in a rapid and continuous manner with the
minimum of labour and breakage of material as I shall now proceed to explain by
the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein
Figs. 12 and 3 show respectively in side elevation, plan and rear elevation, one
arrangement of my apparatus suitable for use with low level tracks.
Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive are detail views, to a larger scale, showing modified forms
of feeding devices.
Fig. 8 is a side elevation and Fig. 9 a plan showing another arrangement of my
apparatus suitable for use with high level tracks.
Fig. 10 is a diagram.
Fig. 11 shows partly in longitudinal section and partly in side elevation, a tipping
cradle with movable stops for a waggon thereon, and
Figs. 12 and 13 are cross sectional views showing the stops in their operative
and inoperative positions respectively.
Fig. 14 is a part side elevation showing a modified arrangement of stops, and
Figs. 15 and 16 are plans showing respectively the operative and inoperative
positions of such stops.
According to my invention the coal or other material (hereinafter referred to as
material) is discharged from waggons 1 or other suitable receptacles into a hopper 2
from the bottom of which it is discharged onto an endless travelling band 3,
(hereinafter called the delivery band) by which the material is carried to a point
whence it can be discharged into the hold of a ship 4 or other place. The capacity
of the hopper may advantageously be such that the variation in the level of the
material, due to the withdrawal of material from below during the short intervals
between the discharge of successive waggons, will be small, so as to thereby reduce
the breakage of the material to a minimum. The rate of discharge from the
bottom of the hopper is regulated by suitable means which also serve to convey
the material from the bottom of the hopper to the delivery band. For this
purpose an endless travelling band 5, (hereinafter called for distinction the feeding
band) may be used, arranged at the bottom of the hopper 2 (Figs. 1 and 4) in
such a manner as to practically form an extension of the hopper bottom.
When a
band is thus used, it may be arranged to work beneath extensions 2 of the hopper
sides, and is preferably provided with sides flanges 5" embracing the lower edges
of the said hopper extensions so as to prevent escape of small material between
such extensions and the band. Or the band 5 may be arranged to pass through
an opening 2 in the lower portion of the hopper, as shown in Fig. 5, so as to pass
over the hopper bottom 2 and between the extensions 2" of the hopper sides. The
feeding band 5 may have a non-perforated bottom, or the said band and the hopper
bottom 2 may be formed with openings to serve as screens for the escape of small
material. For driving the feeding band, one of the pulleys 6 around which it
passes is arranged to be driven by any suitable means such as an electric or other
motor shown diagrammatically at 7. In lieu of a feeding band, an inclined shoot 8
(Figs. 6 and 7) in one or more sections may be used, arranged at the hopper

page_text: nose 2 and having a jig motion that may be adjustable so as to regulate the
discharge of material according to requirements. In Fig. 6 the shoot 8 is in one
section supported by radius bars 9, 9, a jig motion being imparted to it by a
connecting rod 10 from an adjustable pin 11 on a suitably driven crank disc 12.
In Fig. 7 the shoot is composed of two sections 8, 8* whereof 8 is hinged to the
nose of the shoot 2 at 8 and at 8° to the rear end of the section which is
supported upon radius bars 9 and has a jig motion imparted to it from a crank
disc 12 as in Fig. 6. When a jig shoot is used, the sides thereof form lateral
extensions of the hopper as shown. The arrangement is such that the feeding
band or jig shoot, when at rest, forms a toe (indicated by the irregular line A in
Fig. 4) cf sufficient length to prevent flow of material from the hopper 2 and
when the band or shoot is set in motion, the withdrawal of material from the
hopper will be proportionate to the speed of the band or shoot and to the cross
sectional area of the discharge opening in the hopper, the feeding device (band or
shoot) when in motion withdrawing material of small and large size indiscriminately
at a regular given rate that can be varied at will, to, suit requirement, by adjusting
the motion of the said feeding device.
In some cases the feeding band 5 or the jig shoot 8 may, as shown in connection
with the shoots in Figs. 6 and 7, be provided with a pivoted flap 13 adapted to be
turned upward from the position shown in Fig. 6 to that shown in Fig. 7 to form
inter alia a stop when the motion of the feeding band or shoot ceases.
As the feeding band or jig shoot would have a depth of material upon it
corresponding roughly to the height of the opening in the bottom of the hopper,
its speed would be usually comparatively moderate, and to continue the movement
of material forward, the feeding band or jig shoot is arranged to deliver onto the
delivery band 3 which may advantageously run at a greater velocity and have
therefore a reduced thickness of material upon it. By thus making the thickness
of material upon the delivery band moderate, the structural scantlings for carrying
this band, as hereinafter described, can be proportionately light, thereby enabling
the band to be readily adjusted or moved to adapt it to various applications where
this power of adjustment would be advantageous, as for example in shipping coal,
where it is of importance to be able to move the outer end of the delivery band to
various positions over a vessel's hatchways and to provide for differences in level.
The angular or radial adjustinent of the delivery hand can be effected in various
ways.
In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 the delivery band 3 is mounted to run over
pulleys 14, 14 journalled in girders 15 over which the band travels and which are
pivoted at their inner ends at 15ª to admit of vertical turning movement of the
band. To permit of horizontal movement, the hopper may be mounted to turn
bodily, or it may, as shown in Figs. 1, 35 and 8, be made in two parts 2, 2* that
are circular in plan at the line of junction and the lower of which (2*) together
with the feeding and delivery bands 5 and 3 respectively, is made to turn
horizontally upon and about a centre 16 the centre of motion in each case
corresponding to the centre of the circular portion of the hopper. This arrange-
ment admits of a large radius for horizontal swing, and of a simple construction
of driving mechanism, shown diagrammatically at 17, for the delivery band 3,
besides keeping the feeding and delivery bands always in line.
The inner end of the delivery band 3 may be so mounted, or supported, as for
example on a carriage or slide 18, (Fig. 1) as to enable the band to be run in and
out so as to serve for example a wide batch, and also to permit of its being housed
as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. The girders 15 carrying the outer portion of
the band are jointed at 15 to the carriage or slide 18 so as to allow for the vertical
radial movement of the said outer portion of the band.
In the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the hopper 2, 2*, feeding band 5
and delivery band 3 are mounted in a frame 19 arranged to travel on ways parallel
to a quay wall 20, the lower portion 2* of the hopper with feeding band 5 and
motor 7, carriage or slide 18 with the inner end of the delivery band 3 and the

page_text: motor 17 for driving the latter being mounted upon a separate frame 21 pivoted to
the frame 19 at 16 so that it can turn horizontally.
In the arrangement shown in Fig. 8, the upper portion of the hopper 2 is carried
by a stationary frame 19 and the inner end of the delivery band and adjacent parts
are mounted on a frame 21 pivoted at 16 so as to permit of a radial or turning
novement over the quay wall 20. The forward end of the frame 21 may as shown
in Fig. 5, be supported upon a circular way 22.
The outer ends of the girders 15 supporting the delivery band 3 are or may be
supported from a structure by suitable connections operated by hydraulic or other
mechanism for effecting and permitting the horizontal and vertical adjustments of
the band. In Figs. and 3 the outer end of the delivery band is suspendel by
ropes or chains 22 23 that are connected to a shoot 24, pivoted to the outer end of
the girders 15 and are adapted to be respectively operated by hydraulic
inotors 22° 23ª for effecting vertical adjustment of the delivery band and shoot 24.
The motors 22, 23ª are fixed upon an auxiliary frame 25 pivoted at 25 to the
main frame 19 which is provided with a circular way 19 on which the auxiliary
frame can be moved for the purpose of effecting the horizontal radial movements
of the delivery band and shoot 24.
To admit of a number of waggons being quickly discharged one after another
into the main hopper, and thereby to avoid the loss of time involved when each
empty waggon has to be moved back to a crossing at the rear of the tip, the
entering and leaving tracks may be so arranged in relation to the tipping apparatus
that each waggon can be moved from the one track to the other by means of a
crossing, turntable or traverser located in front of the tip, the arrangement in each
case being such as to admit of a waggon after being dumped passing on in the
same direction so as to admit of the next waggon to be dumped following immediately
in the rear of the first one.
In the arrangement shown in Figs. 8 and 9, suitable for use where the waggons
are to be tipped, there is an oscillating cradle 26 to receive and tip each waggon
in succession. The cradle may be operated in the usual way either by mechanical
power, or by gravity. In the example shown it is pivoted at 26" and is raised into
the dotted position for dumping by the ram of a hydraulic motor 27.
For holding
the waggon in position for dumping, the cradle is provided according to this
invention, with moveable stops 28 against which each waggon takes when in position
for tipping, the said stops being so constructed and arranged that they can be
caused to swing or otherwise move clear of the waggon to permit of its being
passed forward when emptied. In the example shown in Figs. 11 to 13 inclusive,
there are two stops 28 each carried by a lever 28" in the form of a plate mounted
to turn about a horizontal axis at 28, the lower arms of the two levers being
connected by rods to the two arms of a lever 28 that is fixed upon a shaft 28d
rovided with a second lever 28 by which it can be operated by a hydraulic
ictor 28, or be otherwise operated for the purpose of simultaneously moving the
pair of stops 28 into either the operative position (Fig. 12) or the inoperative
Losition (Fig. 13), as may be desired. In the modified arrangement shown in
Figs. 14, 15 and 16, the levers 28 carrying the stops 28 are mounted to turn about
vertical axes. After being tipped each waggon may move onward to reverse
joints and crossing 29 (Fig. 10); or to a turntable 29* (Fig. 10); or to a
raverser 29 (Figs. 8 & 9) arranged, in either case, in front of the cradle 26 and
hopper 2 so that the waggon can be transferred from the track 30 to the
track 30*.
For low level tracks an elevator and drop may be provided whereby the waggons
can be lifted at one end of the tip and lowered at the other end thereof aster being
dumped. The tracks may be arranged either parallel with, or at an angle to the
quay wall, and the elevator and drop may be arranged to turn through any desired
number of degrees during ascent and descent when the lower tracks do not run in
line with those at the high level.
In Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, 31 and 32 are respectively an elevator and drop each

page_text: in the form of a cage adapted to work vertically in guides 33 the raising in each
case being effected by a hydraulic motor 34 through a chain 35, and the lowering
being effected by gravity. In the arrangement shown, the tracks 30, 30* are
arranged at right angles to the quay wall, and the elevator and drop are each
turned through a right angle during ascent and descent by fixed spiral guide-ways 36
in which extensions 37 on the elevator and drop work for the purpose of bringing
the waggon in the one case into position to run upon the upper track 30°, which
extends across the top of the hopper 2, and in the other case to again bring the
waggon into position to be run onto the return track 30*.
When hopper bottom or other type of self-dumping waggons are used, as shown
in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the tip cradle is dispensed with.
Where a hopper 2 and the other devices herein before described, are carried by
a movable frame 19, the tipping or dumping apparatus with traverser, or crossing
and points, or turntable, or the elevator and drop, as the case may be, can, as
shown in connection with the elevator and drop in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, be mounted on
the said frame so that the whole can be moved together.
Various means may be provided for conducting or distributing the stream of
material in any desired direction and to any desired place after it leaves the end of
the delivery band. For this purpose a curved or other shaped shoot or guide
(hereinafter called a delivery shoot) may be used, jointed in such a manner as to
admit of vertical adjustment by any suitable means. This delivery shoot may be
of various shapes.
In Fig. 17, there is shown a straight delivery shoot 24 adapted to discharge
over its lower end. In Fig. 1, the shoot 24 has a discharge opening in the
bottom.
Fig. 18 shows a delivery shoot of the kind represented in Fig. 1, but having
mounted thereon a rotary distributing sheet 38* in a manner hereinafter
described.
For distributing or trimming coal or other material, as for example in the hold
of a ship, I provide in connection with apparatus, such for example, as that herein-
before described, adapted to supply material, mechanical trimming devices that can
be suspended from a point or points outside a ship's hold, so as to be capable of
being readily inserted into, manoeuvred within and withdrawn from the ship's hold,
and are so constructed and arranged that the material can be delivered fore and aft
and athwart ship in such a manner as to avoid impact and breakage as far as
possible.
Where the place to which the material is to be delivered is such that the force
of gravity will be sufficient to cause the delivery of the material to the required
place, the trimming device may be in the form of a curved shoot the entry end of
which may be approximately vertical whilst the lower portion is curved in a lateral
direction, and may be of such a shape as to considerably reduce the velocity of the
material before it finally leaves the shoot. The said shoot may be made in two or
more sections capable of moving one over or within the other.
Figs. 19 and 20 are elevations showing two forms of such shoot 44 each
provided with suitably arranged eyes 44° 44' by which it can be suspended by
ropes 44°, 44 (Figs. 1 14) from a jib 42 mounted to turn about a horizontal axis on
a pillar 43 (Fig. 1) which is mounted to turn about a vertical axis, the arrangement
being such that the trimming device can be suspended from a point outside the
ship's hold. By the meaus described velocity due to gravity is utilized, in conjunction
with guiding surfaces, to gradually change the direction of flow of material from
the vertical to the desired direction, at the same time reducing impact.
Fig. 21 shows another arrangement of trimming device comprising an endless
conveying band 45 driven where necessary by a self contained motor, and arranged
to pass over drums 46 carried by light girders 47 which are telescopically mounted
in relation to other girders 47, the device being suspended by the ropes 44° 44° so
that it can be conveniently adjusted to suitable heights and positions, and the
arrangement being such that material delivered upon the receiving end of the

page_text: band 45 will be carried forward and delivered where required. The girders 47
may be moved relatively to the girders 47 by ineans of a chain 49 connected to the
girders 47 and passing over chain wheels 48 which are mounted on the girders 47ª
and one of which is arranged to be driven by suitable mechanism 18".
Fig. 22 is a side elevation showing another arrangement of trimming device.
It comprises a shoot 44 and band 45, the first being arranged to deliver by gravity
onto the second which carries the material forward and delivers it at the required
place, the whole being suitably suspended as before and the band being driven,
where necessary, by a self-contained motor indicated diagrammatically at 50 and
being capable (when desirable) of movement relatively to the shoot by means such
as that hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 21 so that the length of the
said device can be varied to suit different requirements. Fig. 23 shows an
arrangement somewhat similar to Fig. 21 but in which the band 45 has a mean
inclination such that it will be automatically moved under the action of the load
carried thereby. In this case a suitable brake or regulator may be provided to
control the velocity. The girders carrying the band may be provided at the
receiving end with a shoot or guide 44 as shown in Fig. 23, or the said band may
receive material direct from the delivery apparatus without a shoot or guide being
combined with the trimming device, as shown in Fig. 23ª.
The shoot 44 and band 45 may in some cases be constructed and arranged as
shown in Fig. 24 so that the material would be allowed to accumulate in the
shoot from the lower end of which it would be withdrawn in a regular manner by
the band.
The shoot 44 when used alone or in conjunction with a band may be made of a
sinuous, zig-zag or other form in side view so as to occupy a comparatively short
space horizontally as shown in Fig. 25 and exert a retarding action on material
passing through it.
Where the velocity of the material would be high in trimming apparatus of the
kind hereinbefore mentioned, the discharging end of the apparatus may be so
formed as to retard the velocity of the material. To permit of this being done
without choking, the material is allowed to spread and deliver itself over an
increased area.
For this purpose there may be provided at the delivery end of the shoot 44
(Figs. 19 and 20) or band 45 (Fig. 26) a retarding and distributing device
consisting of a plate 51 constituting in effect a prolongation of the shoot or band
and the upper surface of which is so shaped as to spread the material delivered
upon it and cause it, or some of it, to escape laterally.
Fig. 27 is a plan of the shoot 44 shown in Fig. 20 provided with one form of
such a retarding and distributing device, and Figs. 28 and 29 are cross sections on
the lines A A and B B respectively of Fig. 27. In this case the plate 51 is made
of enlarged or flaring form, with the lateral portions 51ª inclined downward for the
purpose mentioned. The central portion of such a plate may be of concave form
in cross section instead of being fat as shown, or it may be of convex form as
in Fig. 1.
In some cases the plate 51 may be made capable of adjustment relatively to the
shoot or band so as to enable the extent of retarding action, or direction of
distribution, or both, to be varied. For this purpose the retarder and distributor 51
may be pivoted at the end of the shoot or band as shown in Figs. 19 and 26 and
be arranged to be turned by gearing 52.
The trimming devices shown in Figs. 19 to 29 inclusive may be suspended in a
ship's hold by ropes or chains 44° 44°, as described with reference to Figs. 14 19
and 20 & so as to be independent of the delivery shoot 24.
Or such devices may
be connected to the shoot 24 as well as to the ropes or chains 44° 44°. In this
case the upper end of the shoot may be detachably connected by a pin 53 to a
ring 54 capable of rotary movement on a ring 55 on the shoot 24, antifriction
balls 56 being preferably placed between the two rings as shown in side elevation
and cross section respectively in Figs. 30 and 31.

page_text: The endless hands used in apparatus of the kind hereinbefore described may be
supported between the end guide rollers and have a suitable tension imparted to
them, in any known or suitable way.
The apparatus herein before described is especially applicable to loading ships
for converting the intermittent supply of material produced by tipping or dumping
into a continuous flow or stream of material of moderate dimensions, which can be
conveniently conducted to and trimmed or stowed for example in a ship's hold
with a rapidity and saving of labour that is not possible where large bulks are
discharged at intervals direct into the ship.
The apparatus can be adapted in the main or in part to be worked in conjunction
with a pontoon or float for the purpose of conveying material from one vessel or
lighter to another, or to the shore; also for conveying or transporting material in
mining or other works as shown for example in Fig. 32 when the delivery band 3
is represented as working down a hill slope for delivery into waggons or other
receptacles. In the example shown, the delivery band will be driven by the load
and in turn drive the feeding band 5; a brake may be provided for controlling the
rate of delivery.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. Apparatus for shipping or transferring coal and other materials comprising a
hopper, a delivery band, and a feeding device such as an endless band or jig shoot,
located between the hopper and delivery band, the arrangement being such that
material fed into the hopper can be withdrawn from the bottom of the latter and
discharged upon the delivery band by which it can be delivered into the hold of a
ship or other place substantially as described.
2. Apparatus of the kind referred to in the preceding claim wherein the girders
or supports carrying the delivery band are pivoted at their inner ends to turn about
a horizontal axis, and the hopper, or the lower portion thereof, together with the
feeding device and delivery band, is mounted to turn about a vertical axis, the
arrangement being such as to admit of the discharging end of the delivery band
being adjusted both vertically and horizontally, substantially as herein described.
3. Mounting apparatus of the kind referred to in the preceding claims in a main
frame or structure and supporting the discharging end of the delivery band by an
auxiliary frame capable of radial movement and provided with means whereby
the position of the said end of the delivery band can be varied to suit requirement,
substantially as described.
4. In apparatus of the kind referred to in the preceding claims, mounting the
inner end of the delivery band upon a movable support below the feeding device so
that the delivery band can be run in and out substantially as hereinbefore described
for the purposes specified.
5. In apparatus of the kind referred to in the preceding claims, feeding devices
constructed and operating substantially as herein before described with reference
respectively to and shown in Fig. 4; in Fig. 5; in Fig. 6; and in Fig. 7 of the
accompanying drawings.
6. In apparatus for shipping or transferring coal and other materials, the
arrangement in connection with an entering track provided with a tip, and a
leaving track, of means such as a crossing and points, or a turntable, or a
traverser, arranged in front of the tip whereby a waggon after being dumped cau
pass on in the forward direction on the entering line and be then transferred to the
leaving line so as to admit of the next waggon to be dumped following immediately
in the rear of the first one, substantially as described.
7. In an arrangement of the kind referred to in the preceding claim, providing
in connection with an oscillating cradle adapted to tip a waggon end ways, movable
stops adapted to be moved into position to hold a waggon on the cradle during end
tipping and to be afterwards moved clear of the waggon to permit the same to

page_text: move forward, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 11
to 16 inclusive of the drawings annexed.
8. In apparatus for shipping or transferring coal and other materials, the
combination with low level tracks and a raised tip and hopper, of an elevator and
drop whereby waggons can be raised at one end of the tip and after being dumped
can be moved forward and lowered at the other end of the tip, means being provided
for automatically turning the elevator and drop during ascent and descent when the
lower tracks do not run in line with that at the higher level, substantially as
described.
9. The combination with apparatus of the kind referred to in Claims 1 to 4
inclusive for shipping coal and other material, of a trimming device suspended
below the delivery end of the apparatus from points outside the ship's hold so as
to be capable of being readily inserted into, manoeuvred within and withdrawn
from a ship's hold and whereby coal or other material supplied by the said
apparatus can be delivered fore and aft and athwart ship, substantially as
described for the purpose specified.
10. In apparatus for shipping coal or other material a mechanical trimming
device comprising an endless band passing over rollers carried by girders adapted
to be suspended in a ship's hold from a point outside the same, whether or not the
said girders be carried by other girders in relation to which the first mentioned
girders can be moved telescopically, the arrangement being such that material fed
upon the band will be carried forward thereby and delivered where required,
substantially as described.
11. In apparatus for shipping coal and other material, a mechanical trimming
device adapted to be suspended in a ship's hold as referred to in Claim 9 and
comprising a combined shoot and endless band the one being arranged to deliver
material by gravity onto the other which carries the material forward and delivers
it at the required place, substantially as herein described, whether or not a motor
be provided for driving the band, and whether or not the shoot and band be
relatively movable for varying the length of the said device.
12. The combination with a mechanical trimming device of the kind herein
referred to, of a retarding and distributing device consisting of a plate the upper
surface of which is so shaped as to retard and spread material passing over it
substantially as herein described for the purpose specified.
13. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination with a delivery band
and a shoot or guide jointed to the delivery end of the girders carrying the said
band, of a mechanical trimming device mounted upon the discharging end of the
said shoot or guide so that it can be turned around the same, substantially as
herein before described with reference to Figs. 30 and 31 of the accompanying
drawings, for the purpose specified.
14. My improved apparatus for shipping or transferring coal and other material,
constructed arranged and operating substantially as herein before described with
reference to and shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3; in Figs. 8, 9 and 10; and in Fig. 32
of the accompanying drawings.
15. My improved mechanical trimming devices constructed, arranged and
operating substantially as herein before described with reference to and shown in
Fig. 19 in Figs. 20, 27, 28 and 29; in Figs. 21, 22, 23 and 23ª whether modified
according to Fig. 26 or not; in Fig. 24; and in Fig. 25 of the accompanying
drawings.