Year: 1897

page_text: the outer portion of which is offset so as to stand opposite to or in line with the outer
face of the same arm e, behind which stands the shoulder of rik, j. The extension k
is bored or drilled and tapped to receive a heavy screw l, the inuer end of which may
be carried directly against the arm e, or as near thereto as desired, its adjustment
determining whether or not there shall be any play or lost motion of the head K,
relatively to sleeve H, and, if so, how much. The outer end of the screw stem is
furnished with a hand lever, wheel, or other contrivance by which to turn it.
Since the grate receives motion through connection with the lower arms g of head
or rocker K and the feeding slide or pusher F receives motion through connection
with the arms e, of sleeve H, it will be apparent that the relative extent of their
movements may be determined by the adjustment of screw l.
The head or casting, K, is further formed with a socketed neck or boss m, to
receive a hand lever by which to rock the head and actuate the feed slide and
grate as indicated in Figure 3.
When the apparatus is to be thus manually actuated, the rocking head K is left
free and loose upon shaft I, but, as it is desirable ordinarily to actuate the whole
through power applied to the shaft I, provision is made for locking the head or rocker
to the shaft. For this purpose there is keyed or otherwise made fast upon the shaft I,
beside head K, a sleeve M, provided with a tubular shell m¹, in which is arranged a
sliding bolt n, adapted to be protruded from the shell and to be entered into a seat
or socket o, in the head or rocker K, as indicated in Figures 1 and 5. The bolt n is
in all essential particulars like an ordinary cylindrical door bolt, having an operating
hand piece p extending through a slot q, formed with seats or depressions to receive
the hand piece p, and to retain the bolt at either limit of its travel.
In order that the movement of the grate bars or grate may be made relatively_less
than that of the feeding slide F, when desired, the pitman or connecting rod I, is
shouldered in rear of sleeve i, as shown in Figure 3, and a nut or follower q¹ is screwed
upon the rod L at its outer end or in front of sleeve i. By properly adjusting this
nut or follower and screw stem any desired relative play may be secured.
し
It is important in any apparatus of this sort that all parts be accessible and
susceptible of manual regulation and control. Thus it is desirable that the attendant
shall be able at any time to pass his fire tools into throat c or through the same and
into the space beyond; and it is likewise advisable to maintain a fairly close sealing
of the opening at the front of the hopper, through which the feeding slide or follower
passes. To meet both requirements, the opening through the front of the hopper E
is made considerably higher than the slide or follower, except near each end, and the
opening is normally closed by a vertical gate N, the lower edge of which rests upon
slide or follower F, and the ends of which are or may be held in place by overlapping
plates secured to or ribs cast upon the hopper. The gate is free to rise and fall, and
is advisably furnished with handles by which to lift it from position when it is desired
to open the space above the pusher or follower F.
For the purpose of supplementing the weight of the gate N and thus more
certainly maintaining a close joint between its lower edge and the follower, one or
more levers O are provided each having an upturned end to engage beneath a lug or
ear q2 formed upon or secured to the front of the hopper, and each furnished with a
pendulous link r, having at its lower end a T-head to rest in or upon the ears
or lugs s formed upon or attached to the gate, all as plainly shown in Figures 1 and 3.
The levers O may be weighted to give any desired pressure of the gate upon the
slide or follower.
Extending inward from the furnace front D is a frame composed essentially of two
side plates P P, two cross-bars Q and R, and a box-like cross-connection S, the latter
serving as an air space or chainber, and being covered by a ribbed and perforate
plate T, the outer edge of which joins the inner edge of the bottom or floor of
feeding throat c, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
The side plates P P are bolted to the furnace front D and the connecting
members QR and S are bolted to the side plates, as indicated in Figures 2 and 3.
The lower ends of the side plates rest upon the floor of the ash pit, and the cross-

page_text: bar R extends beneath a projection of the bridge wall, so that all parts are retained
firmly in place, yet may be readily withdrawn for renewal or repair after being
properly unbolted.
As seen in Figures 2 and 3, cross-bar Q is formed with a horizontal flange t along
its forward or outer side, and with horizontally projecting fingers u along its rear face,
the latter producing a comb-like ledge, as shown. U indicates the fire grate upon
which the fuel is burned, and V the clinker or cinder grate, which receives the spent
or partially spent fuel, clinker, etcetera, and discharges them into the ash-pit beneath,
when necessary.
The grate U may be of any approved type, but is preferably composed of parallel
bars or members wand x, the former bolted to the cross member S or other suitable
support, and the latter adapted to move relatively to the former, to effect proper
agitation of the fire and discharge of ashes.
The lower ends of both sets of bars w and x are slotted to fit
over the
projecting flange t of cross-bar Q, the slots being of such length as to provide for any
expansion that may occur, and the bearing being sufficient to preclude withdrawal
from the flange t under the greatest contraction possible.
The grate bars are quite heavy, and this weight, augmented by that of the fuel,
necessitates the expenditure of considerable force to move the grate bars x. To make
the movement as free as practicable, each bar is formed with an elongated horizontal
opening y in its lower end, as seen in Figure 3, and cylindrical rods or rollers z are
passed through the openings of a series of the bars and serve as rolling bearing for
the movable bars the rolls moving upon the fixed bars, and the movable bars
travelling upon the rolls. The bars should have no direct or actual bearing upon
the flange or rib of cross-bar Q under ordinary circumstances, but, in the event of the
rolls working out of any of the movable bars, they would be kept in position by said
flange.
To permit the ready insertion of the rollers where the masonry is completed prior
to setting the grate, and to provide also for removal at any time, the rollers 2 are
preferably made of a length equal to half the width of the grate, approximately, and,
when about half the bars are set in place, the two rollers are passed side by side into
the openings y of said bars. The other bars are then set up, and then one of the
rollars is moved endwise to its place in the second half, or, in other words, the rollers
are placed end to end and in alignment, each thus tending to retain the other in place,
since they move equally and simultaneously and remain in alignment.
For the purpose of reciprocating or moving the bars x, there is provided a
rock-shaft W carrying a series of arms or projections which serve both to support and
to impart motion to the grate bars.
The construction of the rock-shaft may vary, but that illustrated in Figures 1 and 4
is preferred, where the shaft is represented as of square form in cross section, but with
its ends turned cylindrical to form journals, which are preferably carried in roller
bearings, as illustrated in Figure 4.
Each bar x is formed with an open-sided circular seat a¹ to receive the boss or
head 6 of a block c¹ made in the form of a sleeve or collar to closely encircle the
shaft W. These blocks c¹ may be cast or forged as desired and may be shrunk, keyed
or otherwise secured upon the rock-shaft W, or merely slipped to place thereon,
passing between the fixed bars wand being thus prevented from shifting laterally to
any material extent.
One of the blocks or sleeves c¹ is formed with depending arms d³, Figures 3 and 4,
for connection with the rod L through which motion is imparted to the grate
bars x.
The construction shown and described is simple, strong and efficient, the bars x
receiving a longitudinal movement and also a rising and falling movement at their
upper ends, whereby the ashes are effectively shaken out and the coal is caused to
work down over the fire-grate surface; the cinders finally falling upon the lower
grate V.
The grate bars wand x are represented as of stepped form with horizontal or

page_text: slightly concaved plates or portions corresponding to the treads of steps and with
openings beneath the plates, through which air may enter. This construction is
found to give excellent results, and to ensure very perfect combustion; but may be
departed from, if desired.
The grate V is or may be of any usual grate form, but is preferably made in two
sections, each extending half way from one side plate P to the other, as seen in
Figure 2. Each section is formed with journals or gudgeons el near its rear side,
which rests in suitable seats or bearings in the grate frame. This construction is for
the purpose of permitting the front of each section to be dropped from its normal
position to dump the cinders, clinker, etcetera, accumulated thereon; or to be quickly
raised and lowered a short distance to break up and dislodge any clinker or slag that
may form along the comb-like ledge u.
For the double purpose of maintaining the clinker grate sections normally in
horizontal plane, and of moving them vertically when required, each section is
provided near its free or moving edge with a supporting brace or frame X of the form
shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. These braces are each in the form of a triangular
frame, one side or member of which extends beneath and is hinged or jointed to the
grate section, while at its lower angle there is a lateral projecting stud or axle f
preferably furnished with a roller g¹ which rests and travels upon a supporting flange
or rib h¹ formed upon or bolted to the proximate side plate P and of curved form at its
forward end, as shown, the curve being of relatively shorter radius than the supporting
frame X.
Y indicates an actuating bar, one end of which is hung upon the bolt or axle f¹
and the other end of which, protruding through and beyond front plate D, is fashioned
into a hand-hold, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. There is a bar Y for each brace or
support X and each bar is provided with a notch in its lower edge to engage with the
lower wall of the opening in the front plate D through which it passes; said notch
being located in position to lock the bar at that point at which it will hold the brace
in a vertical position and consequently retain the grate section in horizontal
plane.
The curvature of the forward end of the rib or flange h' is such that, when the
bar Y is drawn forward from its normal position, the brace X and consequently the
forward side of grate section V will be elevated above its normal plane; but as
the angle of the brace to the grate section changes from a right angle to an obtuse
one, the force required to move the brace forward decreases as the distance moved
increases.
The box-like connecting member S and its cover T designed to serve the double
function of connecting the side plates P P and containing and distributing air for
aiding combustion have been referred to above. Air is introduced into the box or
chamber S by a trunk Z Figure 3 and may be forced into and through the same by
any convenient means if natural draft is inadequate. In the drawing indicated by
dotted lines an annular blower of common form, located in the induction end of the
trunk is indicated; but any other type of air forcing device may be employed; or in
some cases none need be used.
From the box S the air escapes through broad flat mouths or nozzles formed in
the top or cover T of said box, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, these mouths -or
nozzles being separated by channels, grooves or depressions, which become
filled with ashes in & short time and prevent the plate or top from
burning out.
For a like purpose the horizontal portions of side plates P P are similarly grooved
or channelled.
The lower side of box S is provided with a sliding bottom or damper j¹ having a
handle / projecting beyond the furnace front. By opening this damper more or less
air may be permitted to pass in any desided quantity to and through the grate
bars under whatever pressure is maintained within the box.
By opening the ash-pit doors more or less, a natural draft may be caused through
said grate.

page_text: The cover or top T continues the upward inclination of the bottom of
throat c.
At the sides or ends of the hopper E there are openings through the front plate D
closed by suitable doors, by opening or closing which the fire may be regulated with
nicety, or access may be had to the fire-box for any purpose.
The construction of the motor may vary as desired, though there is a material
advantage in employing a hydraulic motor and connecting its supply pipe with the
boiler below the low water level, so that the motor may at all times receive water at
boiler pressure, but not receive steam. The water motor gives abundant power,
operates somewhat slowly or gradually, and causes but little loss of heat, the water
being discharged into the feed water well or tank and pumped back to the boiler,
with practically no loss other than the power required to restore the water to the
boiler.
The apparatus constructed as above set forth has been found extremely satisfactory
in use, showing great economy in fuel consumption relatively to evaporation, and this
because of the even distribution of fuel, the clean grate, and the proper supply of air
to the whole body of fuel.
The clinkers, slag, slate, etcetera, which ordinarily deaden a fire, are in a short
time worked down over the fire grate and delivered to the clinker grate, whence they
are delivered by lowering the front of the clinker grate, any clinker or slag forming
at the foot of the fire grate being broken and loosened by moving the rods Y back
and forth and thus throwing the clinker grates up and down at their forward edges.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion 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 :-
1
1. In a stoking apparatus for furnaces, the combination of a downwardly inclined
grate; a fixed bed or fuel support at the upper end of the grate; a feed hopper; an
upwardly inclined feeding throat or passage, the lower wall or floor of which extends
in a direct line and at a slight upward inclination from the bottom of the feed hopper
to the fixed fuel bed or support; and a reciprocating slide working across the hopper
and serving to force material therefrom through the feeding passage and to deliver it
upon the fixed fuel bed or support, substantially as set forth.
2. In combination with the fire box or chamber of a furnace; a fuel hopper; a
reciprocating slide or pusher movable across said hopper; an opening extending across
the hopper above the slide; and a gravitating gate bearing upon the slide at the
forward or outer side of the hopper, and serving the double purpose of a closure for
the opening and a scraper for the slide.
3. In combination with hopper E having lugs q; gate N provided with lugs 8; and
levers provided with links r, all constructed and arranged substantially as described
and shown.
4. In combination with fuel hopper and slide or pusher F, a delivery trunk c
extending upward therefrom at a slight inclination and of regularly increasing
vertical measurement; and a fuel bed or supporting plate T at the rear end of the
trunk c; all substantially as described and shown.
5. In combination with a feed hopper, a delivery slide or pusher; a shaft; a sleeve
encircling said shaft and having a radial arm connected with the slide or pusher; a
rocking head carried by the shaft, movable relatively to the sleeve and provided with
a shoulder to engage the arm of said sleeve; and a screw also carried by the rocking
head and adapted to bear upon the arm of the sleeve at a point opposite that
at which the shoulder bears; whereby the rocking head is adapted to impart
movement to the sleeve, but with lost motion determined by the adjustment of the
screw.
6. In combination with shaft I sleeve H encircling said shaft provided with
arms e e; slide or pusher F connected with said arms; hopper E; rocker K provided
with shouldered rib j and screw ; sleeve M provided with bolt n; arm f secured to
shaft I; and motor J connected with arm f.

page_text: 7. In combination with a feed hopper and a feeding slide or pusher; a rocking
sleeve or shaft connected with and serving to reciprocate said slide; a rocking head
adapted to receive the power required for oscillating the sleeve or shaft; means for
connecting and disconnecting the rocking head with a source of power; and an
adjustable connection between the rocking head and sleeve or shaft, whereby the
extent of movement of the sleeve or shaft may be varied while that of the head
remains constant.
8. In combination with hopper E; slide F; shaft I; sleeve H provided with
arms e for moving the slide F; rocking head K; and means substantially such as
described and shown for connecting the sleeve and the rocking head.
9. In combination with a suitable frame, the grate composed of alternate fixed and
movable bars w and x; rock-shaft W provided with removable sleeves c¹ having
bosses 61; and means for oscillating said shaft.
10. In combination with grate bars w and x provided with slots y; rollers z passing
through said slots; and rock-shaft W having bosses 61 seated in recesses in the
bars x.
11. In combination with a series of alternate fixed and movable grate bars, each
provided with a slot y; two rollers passing through said slots and placed in axial
alignment, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
12. In a furnace, an air box located at the front of the fire grate, and provided
at its top with a series of upwardly projecting mouths or nozzles for delivery of
air.
13. In combination with an inclined fire grate; an air box at the front thereof.
provided with openings in its top for escape of air above the grate, and with an
opening in its bottom provided with a slide or damper to permit and control delivery
of air beneath the grate.
14. In a furnace, the combination of an air box located at the front of the fire
grate and provided with a series of upwardly projecting mouths or nozzles for
delivery of air; and means for producing a blast or forced draft through said
nozzles.
15. In combination with a grate frame provided with a rib, h¹, having an upwardly
turned forward end; a grate V pivotted at a point distant from its front edge; and a
supporting brace X having a roller gi arranged to traverse the upwardly turned
portion of the rib and thereby to elevate the front of the grate above its normal
plane.
16. In combination with a grate frame having a toothed bar; and with an inclined
grate carried by said frame; a clinker grate located at the lower side of the inclined
grate; and means substantially as described for moving the edge of the clinker grate
past the toothed bar, for the purpose set forth.
17. In combination with a grate frame having toothed bar Q and flange or rib h¹
curved as described; swinging grate V; brace X; roller g¹ carried by said brace and
arranged to traverse the curved portion of rib h¹; and bar Y for moving the brace;
whereby the free edge of grate V is caused to move upward past the teeth of bar Q
and thereby to break and dislodge clinkers there located.
Dated this 20th day of December 1897.