Improvements in or relating to Firegrates of Furnaces, Stoves, Ranges, and the like, and to the Combustion of Fuel and Smoke.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Aug., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 10th May, 1897--Accepted, 11th Aug., 1897
Improvements in or relating to Firegrates of Furnaces, Stoves, Ranges,
and the like, and to the Combustion of Fuel and Smoke.
I WILLIAM HENRY SHARP of 29 Russell Terrace, Bush Hill Park, Enfield, in the
County of Middlesex, Author, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
and
or
The object of this invention is to provide Firegrates and appliances in connection
therewith for furnaces, stoves, ranges, roasters, burners, kilns, hearths, and the like,
whereby fuel- other combustible material may be more conveniently, economically,
and efficiently utilized in the production of heat, and whereby the consumption of
smoke and fumes, and the clearing of firebars may be better ensured.
It has special relation to the combustion of coal and to the abatement of public
nuisance from smoke and soot, and it is applicable to the reduction of the exposure
of stokers or other attendants of furnaces and the like, and for other purposes.
All the firebars are preferrably constructed as of material having equal cross section
and such section an isoccles-triangular surface with its base and perpendicular
respectively equal to the width and depth of the firebars.
Fach firebar will herein be spoken of as made up of four components situate in one
plane riz.-a back-bar, a bottom-bar, a lower-front-bar, and an upper-front-bar.
When fixed each firebar presents a flat surface (its width) inwards to the fire and an
acute edge ontwards.
All the back-bars are equal to each other and have each two lugs or extensions, one
formed as by continuing the lower end of the back-bar beyond the end of a bottom-
bar, the other one formned as by bending the upper end of the back-bar at a right
angle backwards. When fixed, all the back-bars are in one plane (preferrably a
vertical plane) and form the back of the firegrate.
All the lower-front-bars are equal to each other and have each two lugs or
extensions, one formed as by continuing the lower end of the lower-front-bar beyond
the end of a bottom-bar, the other one formed as by bending the upper end of a
lower-front-bar at a right angle forwards. When fixed, all the lower-front-bars are
in one plane (a vertical plane) and form the lower-front of the firegrate.
All the bottom-bars are equal to each other and each is attached by its ends between
a back-bar and a lower-front-bar. When fixed all the bottom-bars are in one plane
(horizontal) and form the bottom of the firegrate.
All the upper-front-bars are equal to each other, and have each two lugs formed as
by bending the ends of those bars both at a right angle forwards. When fixed all
the upper-front-bars are in one plane (vertical) and form the upper front of the
firegrate.
All the lugs beyond the ends of every bottom-bar extend equally and preferrably a
distance equal to twice the depth of a firebar, and when fixed are in the same vertical
planes respectively which contain the back-bars and front-bars.
All the other lugs are preferrably equal and short, and when fixed are outside the
vertical planes respectively last mentioned.

page_text: Six parallel cross bars are provided, and their ends are supported respectively (in
sockets or otherwise) against the vertical parallel surfaces of two opposite walls,
plates, or frames, hereinafter called the side-plates. Those cross-bars are all of equal
length, and to their sides respectively the outer extremities of all the lugs aforesaid
are fixed.
By means of those cross bars (one across behind the firegrate, two across below it,
and three across in front of it) the fire bars (with their six lugs each) are held in
equidistant parallel planes separated by equal parallel planes or interspaces.
The upper-front and the lower-front of the firegrate are entirely separated by a
gap or opening extending across the front of the firegrate between the side-plates.
This gap is rectangular and its height no greater than inay be required to admit of
the fuel used being conveniently fed through it into the lower part of the firegrate by
means of a fire shovel or otherwise, so that products of combustion may have to pass
upwards through ignited fuel.
A space equal to the width of a firebar and the thickness of a guard plate (herein-
after inentioned) jointly, is retained empty on each side of the firegrate separating it
from the adjacent surface of the sideplates respectively, by causing the six cross bars
aforesaid to project accordingly on each side of the firegrate. In those two spaces so
retained two frames (each having the form of the letter T and the thickness equal to
the width of a firebar) may slide, with one plane surface of each such frame against
the plane surface of the sideplate adjacent thereto. And in order that those two
T shaped frames may always be retained in planes parallel to each other and in easy
sliding contact with the sideplates, the equal and similar tees are held together and
at the requisite distance apart, by two connections which form with the vertical
limbs of the tees a rigid rectangular frame situate in a plane at right angles to the
plane containing the horizontal limbs of the tees, which latter I will herein term the
tee-tops.
The vertical limbs of the tees are made a little longer than the back-bars, and they
have freedom of motion up and down only, in a plane behind and parallel to the plane
containing the hack-bars when fixed as aforesaid.
They are kept in that plane in which they may so move, by means of two parallel
guide-bars, equal to thein in length, fixed against each side-plate, to form two
grooves between which they slide, both grooves being situate below the level of the
bottom of the firegrate, and the tops of such grooves level with the upper edges of the
two crossbars aforesaid which extend across below the bottom of the grate.
The four halves of the tee-tops are equal to each other in length, and cach equal to
the distance from the outside surface of the grate front perpendicular to the vertical
limb of a tee; so that the two forward halves of the tee-tops (which rest when in their
lowest position upon, and both supported by, the two lower crossbars below the
bottom of the firegrate) may (when the vertical limbs rise in their grooves) slide
vertically upwards in a direction perpendicular to their own length, carrying their
forward extremities past the inside surfaces of the three crossbars which extend as
aforesaid across the front of the firegrate, but quite free and clear of those crossbars.
The upper limit to the motion of both tees is contact with the lower edge of the
crossbar which extends across behind the back of the firegrate as aforesaid.
Two equal and similar guard-plates are fixed respectively against the inner sides
of the forward halves of the tee-tops, each presenting a plane vertical parallel
surface inwards, so that as the tees rise as aforesaid, those guard-plates rise with their
inner surfaces respectively near to, and parallel with, the planes in which the exterior
edges of the first and last firebars of the combined series are situate to the right and
left of its front respectively.,
Those guard-plates are each rectangular and each as wide as the interior distance
froin the front to the back of the firegrate. They each extend below the level of the
tee-tops a distance equal to the length of a back-bar, and above that level each extends
upwards beyond the depth of a firebar a distance equal to the thickness of a cover
hereinafter mentioned.
Those guard-plates are equal to each other in thickness, and when mounted as

page_text: aforesaid the joint width of a tee-top and thickness of a guard-plate sweeps through
each space retained as aforesaid between the cutsides of the firegrate and the side
plates respectively.
A cover is fixed against the upper edge of each guard-plate extending over the
space between it and its adjacent sideplate.
Each cover extends from over the front end of each tee-top respectively to a little
beyond its middle, in order to protect the side-bars of a comb (each equal in depth
and width to a firebar) as in two grooves open only at their ends, and into or out of
which grooves those side-bars slide upon the tee-tops.
The comb referred to is made by connecting two equal and parallel side-bars by a
bar at right angles against their ends so as to form a frame which may slide upon the
tee-tops with its side-bars between the side-plates aforesaid and in close sliding contact
therewith respectively.
Between those side-burs at suitable positions, teeth are formed by inserting straight
bars cach having one end fixed against the bar which as aforesaid connects the
side-bars.
Thus formed the comb has a thickness equal to the depth of a firebar and is a
plane grating approximately equal in area and similar to the bottom of the firegrate.
The teeth of the comb are equidistant from each other and are arranged so as to
rise freely through the interspaces of the firebars when the firegrate is fixed as
aforesaid. Those teeth are preferrably of similar section to the firebars aforesaid and
have their width or top surface (not their acute edge) presented to the ignited fuel
when in use and that top surface of each tooth channelled so as to form edges to
clear or cut away obstructions, attached to the firebar surfaces, projecting into the
interspaces aforesaid. The side-bars and teeth of the comb are respectively equal in
length to the distance between the exterior front and back surfaces of the firegrate,
and are parallel to each other.
Ordinary rack and pinion arrangements are used for moving the tees in their
grooves, and the comb may if necessary be moved by similar means along the tee-tops.
Or a mangle-rack and pinion may be used to carry the comb consecutively in the
requisite directions instead of using the tee frame and grooves.
or
other
The firegrate and all the aforesaid apparatus although described with reference to
vertical and horizontal planes may be inclined from those planes provided that the
parts of the firegrate and apparatus maintain their positions actual or potential with
reference to each other, and if desired more than one gap may be used. The pinion
axis (or axes) may be extended to any desired distance outside the firegrate. The
and
firegrate and all the aforesaid apparatus may be constructed of iron
suitable materials, by casting or otherwise and be protected by any desired infusible
or other coatings or fire bricks or the like, and all the parts may be made removable
if desired, and flues, doors, or enclosing plates or walls arranged therewith. Provided
always that the comb may enter through the inter-paces of the bottom of the firegrate,
pass through the interior so as to carry ignited fuel beyond the gap or gaps and be
used to retain it there while fresh fuel may be fed into the vacated space below it,
may then be slid back out of the fire-grate (between the back-bars and below the back
crossbar) so as to let the ignited fuel fall against the fresh fuel, may be lowered on
the back halves of the tee-tops freely down behind the firegrate, and may then be
slid forward below the firegrate (between the lugs below the back-bars) ready to be
used again through a similar cycle or cycles.
and
Pawls engaging with ratchet wheels keyed upon the pinion axes may be used for
holding releasing the tees. A handle or lever at the end of the axes may be used
to turn the rack wheels. A stop may be used to regalate the distance the comb may
slide to and fro on the tee-tops.
or
Antifriction balls or rollers may be used as desired. Pinion axes may be collared
and work in bearings supported by bars held between the side plates. The euds of

page_text: the comb teeth may be pointed as desired to ensure proper entrance between the
lugs or fire bars, also preferrably may be cut away below the top surface of their
extremities each at an angle of about forty-five degrees backwards.
Any suitable numbers of (solid or hollow) firebars may be used, and I prefer to form
the gap or gaps always with rhomboidal cross section by cutting the ends of the bars
presented to the gaps as by two parallel planes downwards from outside the firegrate
at an angle of about forty-five degrees into the interior of the firegrate. And I prefer
and
to form- fix the adjacent crossbar's parallel surfaces so as to form upward extensions
or
of those gaps out from the front of the firegrate.
An iron rod bent at one end, serves to move the comb to and fro on the tee-tops,
and the comb may if desired be fixed to a weighted swinging frame so as to leave the
firegrate as along a circular or cylindric are (when pushed out by the rod or otherwise),
travel down behind a vertical guide, and fall or swing (after passing same) into a
plane parallel below the bottom of the grate and whence it may be raised vertically
with ignited fuel upon it, and the procedure repeated.
The distance may be made a little greater if desired from hack to front at the top
than at the bottom of the firegrate. The top of the grate-front preferrably may be
higher than the top of the grate-back and may have an iron or fire brick plate
supported a short distance above it. The flue preferrably may be formed from and
above an inclined firebrick or other plate rising from the grate back.
Details may be varied without departing from the principle involved herein as
and
regards construction use of this invention for the objects aforesaid, and it
is applicable otherwise.
or
Dated this Eleventh day of August 1896.
WILLIAM HENRY SHARP.
Improvements in or relating to Firegrates of Furnaces, Stoves, Ranges,
and the like, and to the Combustion of Fuel and Smoke.
I WILLIAM HENRY SHARP of 29 Russell Terrace, Bush Hill Park, Enfield in the
County of Middlesex, Author, 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 :-
or
The object of this invention is to provide Firegrates and appliances in connection
therewith for furnaces, stoves, ranges, roasters, burners, kilns, hearths, and the like,
and
whereby fuel other combustible material may be more conveniently, economically,
and efficiently utilized in the production of heat, and whereby the consumption of
smoke and fuines, and the clearing of firebars may be better ensured. It has special
relation to the combustion of coal, and to the abatement of public nuisance from
smoke and soot, and it is applicable to the reduction of the exposure of stokers or
other attendants of furnaces and the like, and for other purposes.
This invention consists of a series of firebars supported in parallel planes to form a
firegrate having a gap in front covered by a sliding door; together with a comb (or
grating) and a means of moving the same so that the teeth of the comb may
1stly rise through the bottom of the firegrate and raise any burning fuel therein, and
open the door in front thereof, to permit raw fuel to be fed into the bottom of the
firegrate below the burning fuel which has been raised and is so retained by the

page_text: comb 2ndly slide backwards in their own plane through the back bars of the firegrate
to cause the door to close and to permit the burning fuel to fall upon the raw fuel so
added 3rdly pass downwards empty outside the back of the firegrate, and 4thly slide
forwards in their own plane so as to come under and parallel to the bottom of the
firegrate again so as to be ready to be used again as required as aforesaid.
List of the figures in the drawings herewith:--
Fig 1. Left side elevation of firegrate Fig 2 with sideplate 3. 3 in Fig 2 removed,
and front portion of Fig 3 omitted.
Fig 2. Front elevation of firegrate Fig 1 with side plate last mentioned restored,
and front portion of Fig 3 not omitted.
Fig 3. Perspective view of lifting frame of Figs 1 and 2.
Fig 4. Plan of comb to suit Figs 1, 2 and 3, but with one side bar elongated and
handle attached.
Fig 5. Enlarged view of a joint for linkwork of Figs 6, 10, 12, 13 and 14.
Fig 6. Outside and inside views of left side lifting groove to suit Figs 12, 13
and 14.
Fig 7. Front and top views of edge of linkplate in Fig 12.
Fig 8. Pinion wheels to suit Fig 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.
Fig 9. View of elongated side bar of comb, gearing with Fig 8 to suit Figs 6, 10,
11, 12 and 13.
Fig 10. View of upper surface of Fig 6.
Fig 11. View of back portion of comb to suit Figs 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14.
Fig 12. Left side elevation of lower portion of firegrate arranged for use of
linkwork for raising and lowering the lifting grooves. The left side plate (Fig. 13)
is removed and the left side lifting groove is shown raised.
Fig 13. Front elevation of lower portion of firegrate Fig 12 showing lifting grooves
raised.
Fig 14. Front elevation of part of left side of firegrate Fig 12 showing left side
lifting-groove lowered.
Fig. 15. View of a sliding door with extensions to slide in parallel grooves.
and
or
Fig 16. View showing parts in position which make up whole structure. The
dotted lines represent ovens other additions thereto for a domestic cooking
range. Z is the main flue to the chimney; V is the top plate; 3. 3. is a side plate;
U is a swinging door; P and O are cross bars; D upper-front bars; S portions of
upper bar of sliding door frame visible through interspaces of upper front bars;
Qvisible portions of sliding door bars; 41. 41. stationary guard plates; R is the
lower bar of sliding door frame and has two check pieces below it; 43. 43. are front
ends of the comb's side bars; 40. 40. are front ends of the lifting grooves; 44. is the
gap through which raw fuel may be fed into this firegrate below burning fuel; 42.
is a pendent handle from the comb's extended side bar; 29. 29 are link bars; M
and N are cross bars; C. lower-front bars; 32. 32. front ends of connecting bars;
31. 31. thickened portions of front link-plates with holes for inserting a lever. The
end of a lever is shewn in the hole of the right side link plate. Front ends of four
comb teeth are shown as small triangles visible in gap 44.
In this firegrate all the firebars are preferably constructed as of material having
equal cross section, and such section an isoceles-triangular surface with its base and
perpendicular respectively equal to the width and depth of the firebars.
Each firebar will herein be spoken of as made up of four components situate in
one plane viz-a back-bar A, a bottom-bar B, a lower-front-bar C, and an upper-
front bar D. When fixed, each firebar presents a flat surface (its width) inwards to
the fire, and an acute edge outwards.
All the back-bars are equal to each other, and have each two lugs or extensions
one E formed as by continuing the lower end of the back bar beyond the end of a
botton-bar, the other one F formed as by bending the upper end of the back-bar at
a right angle backwards.

page_text: When fixed, all the back-bars are in one plane (preferrably a vertical plane) and
forin the back of the firegrate.
All the lower-front-bars are equal to each other and have each two lugs or
extensions, one G formed as by continuing the lower end of the lower-front-bar beyond
the end of a bottom-bar, the other one formed as by bending the upper end of a
lower-front-bar at a right angle forwards. When fixed all the lower-front-bars are in
one plane (a vertical plane) and form the lower front of the firegrate.
All the bottom-bars are equal to each other, and each is attached by its ends
between a back-bar and a lower-front-bar. When fixed all the bottom-bars are in
one plane (horizontal) and form the bottom of the firegrate.
All the upper-front-bars D are equal to each other, and have each two lugs I and J.
formed as by bending the ends of those bars both at a right angle forwards. When
fixed all the upper-front-bars are in one plane (vertical) and for the upper part of
the firegrate.
All the lugs E and G beyond the ends of every bottom-har extend equally, and
preferrably a distance equal to twice the depth of a firebar, and when fixed are in
the same vertical planes respectively which contain the back-bars and front-bars. All
the other lugs preferrably equal and short, and when fixed are outside the vertical
planes respectively last mentioned.
Six parallel cross-bars K. L. M. N. O. P are provided, and their ends are supported
respectively (in sockets or otherwise) against the vertical parallel surfaces of two
opposite walls, plates, or frames hereinafter called the side-plates. Those cross-bars
are usually all of equal length, and to their sides respectively the outer extremities
of all the lugs are fixed. By means of those cross-bars (one across behind the
firegrate, two across below it, and three across in front of it) the firebars (with their
six lugs each) are held in equidistant parallel planes separated by equal parallel
planes or interspaces.
The upper-front and the lower-front of the firegrate are entirely separated by a
gap or opening extending across the front of the firegrate between the side-plates.
This gap is rectangular and its height no greater than may be required to admit of
the fuel used being conveniently fed through it into the lower part of the firegrate
by means of a fire-shovel or otherwise, so that products of combustion may have to
pass upwards through ignited fuel.
A space equal in this instance to the width of a firebar and the thickness of a
guard-plate (hereinafter mentioned) jointly, is retained empty on each side of the
firegrate, separating it from the adjacent surface of the side-plates respectively, by
causing the six cross-bars aforesaid to project accordingly on each side of the
firegrate. In those two spaces so retained, two frames (see Fig 3) (each having the
form of the letter T and the thickness equal to the width of a firebar) may slide with
one plane surface of each such frame against the plane surface of the side-plate
adjacent thereto. And in order that those two T shaped frames (or tees) may always
be retained in planes parallel to each other, and in easy sliding contact with the side-
plates, the equal and similar tees are held together, and at the requisite distance
apart, by two connections (11 and 13 Figs 1 and 3) which form with the vertical
limbs (16 Fig 3) of the tees a rigid rectangular frame situate in or near a plane at
right angles to the plane containing the horizontal limbs (9. 9. and 9. 9. Fig 3) of
the tees, which latter limbs I will herein term the tee tops. Two similar connections
(8 and 10 Figs 1 and 3) are attached across below the back halves of the tee tops.
The vertical limbs of the tees are made a little longer than the back-bars, and they
have freedom of motion, up and down only, in a plane behind and parallel to the
plane containing the back-bars when fixed as aforesaid. They are kept in that plane,
in which they may so move, by means of two parallel guide-bars (12. 12 Fig 1) equal
to them in length, fixed against each side-plate, to form two grooves between or in
which they slide, both grooves being situate below the level of the bottom of the
firegrate, and the tops of such grooves level with the upper edges of the two cross-
bars aforesaid which extend across below the bottom of the fire-grate.
The four halves of the tee-tops are equal to each other in length, and each equal to

page_text: the distance from the outside surfa e of the grate front perpendicular to the vertical
limb of a tec approximately; so that the two forward halves of the tee-tops (which
rest when in their lowest position upon, and both supported by, the two lower-cross-
bars below the bottom of the firegrate) may (when the vertical limbs rise in their
grooves) slide vertically upwards in a direction perpendicular to their own length,
carrying their forward extremities in a direction (and if necessary) past the inside
surfaces of the three-cross-bars which extend as aforesaid across the front of the
firegrate, but quite free and clear of those cross-bars. The upper limit to the motion
of both tees is contact with the lower edge of the cross-bar which extends across
behind the back of the firegrate as aforesaid.
Two equal and similar guard plates (15 and 15 Fig 3) are fixed respectively against
the inner sides of the forward halves of the tee-tops, each presenting a plane vertical
parallel surface inwards, so that as the tees rise as aforesaid, those guard-plates rise
with their inner surfaces respectively near to, and parallel with, the planes in which
the exterior edges of the first and fast firelars of the combined series are situate, to
the right and left of its front respectively.
Those guard-plates are ench rectangular, and each as wide as the interior distance from
the front to the back of the firegrate. They each extend below the level of the tee-tops
a distance equal to the length of a lack-bar; and above that level each extends
upwards beyond the depth of a fire bar a distance equal to the thickness of a cover
(7. 7. Fig 3) hereinafter mentioned. Those guard-plates are equal to each other in
thickness, and when mounted as aforesaid the joint width of a tee-top and thickness
of a guard-plate sweeps through each space retained as aforesaid between the outsides
of the firegrates, and the side-plates respectively.
A cover (7. 7. Fig 3) is fixed against the upper edge of each guard-plate extending
over the space between it and its adjacent side-plate. Each cover extends from over
the front end of each tee-top respectively to a little beyond its middle usually, in
order to protect the side-bars of a comb (see Fig. 4) (ench equal in depth and width
to a firebar) as in two grooves open only at their ends in use, and into or out of which
grooves those side-hars slide upon the fee-tops.
The comb referred to is made by connecting two equal and parallel side-bars by a
bar at right angles against their ends, so as to form a frame which may slide upon
the tee-tops with its side-bars between the side-plates aforesaid, and in close sliding
contact therewith respectively.
Between those side-bars at suitable positions, teeth are formed by inserting straight
bars each having one end fixed against the bar which as aforesaid connects the side-
bars. Thus formed the comb has a thickness equal to the depth of a firebar, and is
a plane grating approximately equal in area, and similar to, the bottom of the
firegrate. The teeth of the comb are equidistant from each other and are arranged
so as to rise freely through the interspaces of the firebars when the firegrate is fixed
as aforesaid.
Those teeth are preferrably of similar section to the firebars aforesaid, and have
their width or top surface (not their acute edge) presented towards the ignited fuel
when in use, and that top surface of each tooth channelled so as to form edges to
clear or cut away obstructions attached to the firebars surfaces, projecting into the
interspaces aforesaid. The side-bars and teeth of the comb are respectively equal in
length to the distance between the exterior front and back surfaces of the firegrate,
and are parallel to each other.
Ordinary rack and pinion or other arrangements are used for moving the tees in
their grooves so as to effect the up and down motion of the comb as aforesaid while
in its groove wherein it slides when required along the tee-topa. The comb may if
necessary be moved by similar means or otherwise along the tee-tops in its grooves.
Or a mangle-mack and pinion may be used to carry the comb consecutively in the
requisite directions instead of using the tee frame and grooves.
The firegrate and all the connected apparatus although described with reference to
vertical and horizontal planes may be inclined from those planes provided that the
parts of the firegrate and apparatus'maintain their positions (actual or potential) with

page_text: reference to each other, and if desired more than one gap may be used. The pinion
axis (14 Fig 1) (or axes) may be extended, as also may any handle, lever, or other
attachment, to any desired distance outside the firegrate.
and
or
and
or
The firegrate and all the connected apparatus may be constructed of iron
other suitable materials by casting or otherwise, and be protected by any desired
infusible or other coating, or fire bricks or the like, and all the parts may be made
removable if desired, and flues, doors, enclosing plates or walls arranged
therewith. Provided always that the comb may enter its teeth through the
interspaces of the bottom of the firegrate, pass then through the interior thereof so as to
carry ignited other fuel beyond the gap or gaps, and be used to retain it there
while fresh fuel may be fed into the vacated space below them; that they may then
be slid back out of the firegrate (between the back-bars and below the back-cross-bar)
and
so as to let the ignited other fuel thereupon fall against the fresh fuel; that they
or
and
or
may then be lowered (supported by their side-bars on the back halves of the tee-tops)
freely down behind the firegrate; that they may then be slid forward below the
firegrate (between the lugs below the back-bars) ready to be used again through a
similar cycle or cycles.
and
or
and
or
Pawls, engaging with ratchet wheels keyed upon the pinion axes are used when
necessary for holding releasing the tees other movable parts. A handle or
lever at the end of the axes is used to turn the rack wheels or pinions. A stop is
used when required to regulate the distance the comb may slide on the tee-tops.
Antifriction balls wheels or rollers are used when required. Pinion axes are collared
and work in bearings in the lower cross-bars L and M. or in bars held between the
side plates or otherwise. The ends of the comb teeth are pointed as desired to
ensure proper entrance between the lugs or fire bars, also preferrably are cut away
below the top surface of their extremities each at an angle of about forty five degrees
backwards.
Any suitable number of (solid or hollow) firebars is used and I prefer to form the
gap or gaps always with rhomboidal cross section by cutting the ends of the bars
presented to the gaps as by two parallel planes downwards from outside the firegrate
at an angle of about forty five degrees into the interior of the firegrate (see Fig 1).
and
And I prefer to form fix the adjacent cross-bars parallel surfaces so as to
or
form upward extensions of those gaps out from the front of the firegrate (see 0.
and N. Fig 1).
An iron rod bent at one end, serves whereby to move the comb to and fro on the
and
tee-tops I one or both of the comb's side-bars is extended (as in Fig 4) so as to be
or
used as a means whereby the comb can be conveniently pushed or pulled in its
grooves by a handle or otherwise.
In some cases I make the firegrate wider at the top than at the bottom. I prefer
usually to make the top of the grate front higher than the top of the grate back, and
to arrange an iron or firebrick plate (V Figs 1 and 16) a short distance above the
firegrate. And I prefer to arrange the flue Z from and above an inclined firebrick or
other like surface X (and if necessary through or below a back boiler) situate
immediately above the level (see W) of and rising from the top of the back-bars
aforesaid. Details and dimensions are capable of great variation without affecting
the principle involved herein as regards construction and use of this invention for the
obiects and in the manner aforesaid and otherwise,
or

page_text: and close inside the upper front of the firegrate usually, so that when the comb is in
its lowest and forward position and the gap closed by its door, the comb teeth on
rising push that door up, and when the comb is pushed back they let the door fall by
its own weight and close the gap immediately. Any required multiples of all or any
of the parts of this firegrate may be combined to form a firegrate larger.
and
wider deeper.
and
or
or
and
or
higher
The upper gap (if more than one used) I prefer in certain cases (particularly in
domestic grates) to make with a swing plate or grating U opening upwards and
outwards from the front.
The spaces on each side of the firegrate inside the sideplates respectively may be
varied in width to adinit fireclay or the like plates or coatings on the guard-plates
whether moving or stationary, and the spaces between the comb side-bars respectively
and their adjacent teeth arranged to suit same. I use the term comb because a
comb usually has a kind of frame about three sides of the rectangle containing it, as
this has the side-bars and back-bar, and in this case these have special functions to
perform. The grooves in which the extensions from the gap door slide may be below
the grate bottom if desired. In all cases spiral other springs may be used as
checks for that door or its projections to fall upon, to prevent noise or breakage, and
when necessary the door inay be partially counterweighted by a weight chain and
pulley.
and
or
A sliding door for a gap front is shown in Fig 15 with the usual extensions to fit
into grooves.
An ash tray may be used below the grate. The ashes produced are usually so fine
as to fall through the grate bottom, but if necessary an overflow passage may be made
from the top of the grate through the back or side-plates.
References to the drawings Figs 1, 2, 3 and 4 herewith:-
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are respectively side and front views of a firegrate made as first
hereinbefore described. In Fig. 1 the left side plate has been removed and the front
half of the left side tee-top with its guard-plate is omitted to give a better view of
the firebars and pinion axis.
Fig. 3 is a view of a lifting frame, and Fig. 4 a view of a comb to use therewith.
Both, these are to suit Figs. I and .2 This lifting frame Fig. 3 moves as one piece
up and down by means of a rack and pinion and three teeth of its rack are visible in
the drawing. The comb Fig. 4 has its left side bar lengthened or extended and a
swinging handle at the end of the extended side-bar. Of course the end of cross-bar N
is cut away when any such extension is used, so that such extension may be free to
pass up and down.
All the same letters and numbers used in different views refer to corresponding
parts. A, is a back-bar; B, is a bottom-bar; C, is a lower-front-bar; D, is an upper-
front-bar; and these together are termed a firebar though discontinous to leave a gap.
E and F G and H; I and J are the lugs aforesaid. K, L, M, N, O, P, are the
crossbars aforesaid, and have triangular or any suitable cross sections. Q is a vertical
bar in the vertically sliding door; R and S are the lower and upper bars of the
door's frame and (below R) a projection indicates one of two stops used if necessary
as shown in Fig. 15. The extensions upwards right and left of the door are not
shown, nor are the grooves in which they slide shown above S and immediately inside
of D.
The upper gap shown in Figs, 1 and 2 has a door U, partly open in one and closed
in the other.

page_text: A top plate V is used in the case of stoves and ranges and otherwise. W represents
an iron firebrick plate, completely separating the lower back from the upper
and
or
and
or
flues
and
or
back of the firegrate, and supporting if necessary a back boiler.
other
arrangements. X is an inclined firebrick or other suitable slab with a flue or flues
through it; but it may also represent the inclined surface of a saddle or other boiler.
Y is an iron or other suitable shelf supporting X. The plates W, X, and Y each
are supported by and extend between the sideplates.
Z is the main exit flue.
The groove for the left side vertical limb of the tee-frame is indicated by 12, 12,
and that limb is shown in that groove. The connections between (or behind) the
vertical limbs of the two tees are marked 11 and 13, and those between and below
the back halves of the two tee tops are marked 8, and 10. The tee-tops are
marked 9, 9, and 9, 9. The cover plates are marked 7, 7 and 7, 7.
6 represents a comb's side-bar and 5 represents the back bar of that comb. The
guard-plates are indicated by 15, 15, and their margins by 17, 17, 17, as seen in
Fig 3 wherein the right side tee is seen with its vertical limb marked 16.
The pinion axis is marked 14, but the pinion wheel thereon is not shown as it is
on the inner side of the vertical tee limb seen in Fig. 1.
That axis has a square at each end (one for the pinion wheel to be fixed upon, and
the other to fit the key). Two collars, or split pins keep it in its place. The comb
may have either or neither or both its sidebars extended, and the ends of N cut off
as requisite to let same pass.
Such extension is prefermably made so as to project from the front slightly, even when
the comb is in its back position (as it is in Fig. 1), and the handle is preferrably
designed to avoid conduction of heat to the hands, hence it is pendant outside (and
as far as convenient below) the front of the grate, and having an earthenware, wood,
or other coating or knob at its end. In all cases the teeth of the comb are opposite
to the interspaces of the firebars or of their lugs when not actually in same.
When the comb's sidebars are not extended I (in some cases) form a hook, ring,
stud, or the like, at the end of each sidebar so that a hooked or bent iron rod may
engage therewith inside the groove in order to push or pull the comb to and fro.
And any of the arrangements hereinafter mentioned (particularly in the
descriptions of Figs. 6, 8, 9, and 10, may be used to effect and regalate the motions
of the comb in its grooves so as to avoid having to use either an extension of one or
both sidebars of the comb, or to use the iron rod. References particularly to
drawings Figs. 5 to 14 inclusive ;-
In a modification of this firegrate I use link-work and lever instead of rackwork
and pinion in raising and lowering the comb, and I now proceed to describe this
modification and this I can do with greater ease by describing it as an alteration of the
grate shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by substitution therein below the level of W in Fig. 1 and
below the level of O in Fig. 2 and not as regards the fire bars and comb teeth but as
regards the arrangements to the outside of the extreme right and left fire bars of the
series used wholly or chiefly. I dispense with the whole of Fig. 3 in this modification,
and fix two guard plates (one each side) against the extreme fire bars, and between
them and their adjacent side-plates. Each such guard plate is formed
with a right angle cover-plate which in use is fixed against its adjacent side-plate.
I will call these stationary guard-plates (41 and 41), and premise that each has the
form shown in Fig. 12, outlined by right lines connecting the numbers 18, 19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 18 consecutively as regards the plane thereof parallel to the side-plate,
and outlined edgeways in Fig. 12 by the numbers 25, 18, 19 as regards the plane
thereof (the cover-plate) parallel to the bottom of the firegrate,
When fixed they appear in front view of the firegrate, to the left and right as
forming two rectangular spaces or enclosures wherein the lifting-grooves now to be
described inay move up and down, In Fig. 13 the two lifting-grooves are shown

page_text: raised in their enclosures, and in Fig. 14, the left side lifting-groove only is shown
lowered in its enclosure, and it corresponds (after making allowance for lefts and
rights as is in all cases to be done) with the position of that on the right side which
is not necessary to be drawn in Fig. 14. Fig. 6 shows an outside, and an inside view
of the lifting groove used in the left side enclosure of Fig. 13. Fig. 10 shows a top
view of that left side lifting-groove and the two projections shown in Fig. 10 fit
over and embrace the stationary guard-plate (which is shown in Fig. 12 for the
left side) so as to slide easily but closely up and down the vertical
edge 24 to 18, and the vertical edge 20 to 19 respectively. The function
of the lifting-grooves in this modification is the same as in the case
first described. These have the grooves towards the fire when in use,
whereas the grooves on the tee-tops were towards the respective side-plates when in
use. But in a sense these lifting-grooves correspond with the tee-tops (and grooves
thereon) of the first case after cutting off the vertical limbs of the tees (16. Fig. 3)
and the connections 11 and 13 and the margins (17 Fig. 3) and also cutting off so
much of the guard-plates (15, Fig. 3) as project below the tee-tops (9, Fig. 3).
These two lifting-grooves are retained parallel to each other and fixed at the requisite
distance so that the backs of the grooves may be always in easy sliding contact with
the side-plates, and their inside edges in similar contact with the stationary guard-
plates respectively, by means of two rigid connections fixed as were 8 and 10 in
Fig. 3. And these equal and similar opposite. lifting-grooves are cursed to move up
and down equally, and to be always in a plane parallel with the bottom of the fire-
grate by means of four equal and similar link-bars (28 and 29 in Fig. 12) which have
holes at their lower ends respectively fitting freely upon equal and similar projecting
pins fixedly projecting from four link-plates as 38 and 39 in Fig. 12, and also in
Fig. 7.
The four link-plates (30. 30. 31. 31) are equal and similar except as regards the
two (31 and 31) which are at the front of the grate, which have a thickened portion
at their front corners in order that a hole may be formed in same to admit the
end of a lever as the means of producing an approximately quadrantal revolution
of the four link-plates each in their own plane equally and simultaneously, in free
sliding contact against the outsides of the stationary guard-plates, which latter have
each two circular holes at the same height (one usually between Land M and the
other behind L on each side, as indicated by reference to Figs. 1 and 12) through
which the four squared ends of two axes pass to be fixed irrotationally in the
respective link-plates at the centres as shown in Fig. 12 by 33 and 34.
Each link-plate is semicircular (approximately) and each has two pins projecting so
that their ends in use slide freely against the side plates. Those two pius in each
case are fixed at the two corners of one side of the inscribed square in a circle having
its centre at the centre of the link-plates motion and its radius equal to the distance
of a pin therefrom. The pins are shown at 36 and 38 and at 37 and 39 in Fig. 12
entered into holes in link-bars and in the connecting-bar wherein they turn
freely.
The connecting-bars are each equal and similar and the centres of the holes therein
are exactly equal to the centres of motion of the link-plates as regards their distance
apart. In other words the distance 36 to 37 is equal to the distance 33 to 34 in
Fig. 12. Also the distance 36 to 37 is equal to the distance 38 to 39 and to the
distance of the centres of the approximately eircular tops of the equal and similar
link-bars 28 and 29 in Fig. 12. When the two pins of a link-plate are on the same
level (horizontal) the straight edge of that link-plate is also horizontal and in a
plane above the axes 33 and 34 in Fig. 12. And if the link-work be then properly
connected the straight edges of the four link-plates are in the same horizontal plane
and the lifting-grooves are at their lowest positions and almost resting upon that
plane. If then, any one of the four link-plates be caused to revolve its front corner
downwards through an angle of ninety degrees round its centre it causes the other
link-plates to move equally and similarly, because their axes compel the link-plates on
the left side and on the right side of the grate to move equally with each other, and

page_text: because the connecting-bars compel the link-plates at the front and at the back of the
grate to move equally with each other, and the result will be to bring the linkwork
on the left side of the grate into the position shown in Fig. 12 wherein the lifting
groove is is shown raised, and the same will be true of the right side link-work to
correspond.
The lifting-grooves (one of which for the left side is marked 40 in Fig. 12) are cast
or otherwise constructed each with two equal and approximately cylindric and
eccentric portions removed as from the back-plate of the grooves to admit the heads
of the four link-bars concentrically, and to permit them to lie against the upper and
lower margins of the lifting-grooves freely, while turning freely in the back-plates of
those lifting-grooves with a swinging motion of the link-bars. The necessary clearance
is allowed in each case as shown in the enlarged detail Fig. 5 to permit the link-bars
to move from side to side as required by the pins they work upon, and to enable the
link-bars to be used to convert the requisite angular revolution to and fro of the
link-plates into a corresponding rectilinear motion up and down of the lifting-
grooves.
Fig. 11 shows the back-bar and part of the teeth of the comb, to suit Figs. 12 and 13.
Fig. 9 shows a side-bar thereof extended, having a pendant handle and having rack
teeth formed upon its upper edge along the back half and usually a little beyond the
ends of the comb teeth, and gearing with a pinion wheel (45) of Fig. 8.
Fig. 8 is a pinion axis having two equal and similar pinion wheels (45) symetrically
fixed parallel upon it, and it is used in any case when it is necessary to secure perfect
uniformity of motion of the comb's two side-bars backwards or forwards in the lifting-
grooves. In that case rack teeth are formed upon both side-bars symetrically as
regards size and position, aud gearing with those two pinion wheels. Fig. 10 shows
the gap formed in the upper margin of the left side lifting groove for the left side
wheel of Fig. 8 to work through and Fig. 6 shows back and front views of a lug in
which a circular hole is formed to admit the projecting end of the axis of Fig. 8 to
turn freely therein and to rise and fall with the lifting-grooves as is seen near the
middle of 40 in Fig. 12. When in use, and the firegrate empty, it is obvious that
if the comb side-bar Fig. 9 be moved to or fro in its lifting-groove an equal and
similar motion is given to the side-bar on the other side of the firegrate, and all the
comb teeth move to and fro therewith no matter what the height of the lifting-
grooves may be for the time being. But if fuel be in the firegrate, it may prevent
the comb teeth entering the firegrate (but in no case prevent their leaving it by
sliding backwards in their own plane) if they are attempted to be entered from the
back, hence it is that I have arranged this firegrate, apparatus to be added to, or
and
or
below, or in place of the bottom of, any firegrate, so that the comb teeth always may
enter the firegrate by passing freely through or between the lugs below the back-bars,
and where the fuel cannot oppose their entrance below the bottom of the firegrate, and
have arranged that the comb teeth are (after being brought forward) to enter the fire-
grate upwards through the interspaces of the bottom thereof and be used to displace
the fuel therein upwards and retain it temporarily so displaced while fuel may be
added below such displaced fue).
And I prefer in all cases that such added fuel be placed on the grate bottom as a
slope or embankment against the back so that when the comb teeth are caused to
slide backwards out of the firegrate through the interspaces between the back-bars
and permitting the temporarily displaced fuel to fall for lack of support that such
fuel if ignited as it is intended it would be, would fall not only upon, but also partially
in front of, the raw fuel below it and also ignite that raw fuel, which in all cases is in
and
or
such a position that the products of its distillation combustion must necessarily
pass through or upwards by, the superincumbent ignited (incandescent) fuel, and in
such passage be burnt thereby.

page_text: If desired to avoid extending the comb-side bars in any case beyond the front of
the grate, I fix two bearings upwards on top of one of the lifting-grooves over each end
and not so high as to come into contact with the cover-plate in any case, and I make
two holes in such bearings wherein a rod may turn and be supported at each end. I
fix collars or pins to prevent that rod falling out of its bearings, and cause the front
end to project if necessary a little in front of its bearing, and have a square thereon to
receive a key whereby that rod may be revolved in those bearings. I cause a spiral
thread to be upon a part of that rod and to gear with one of the two wheels seen in
Fig. 8, so that when the spiral or worm revolves in one plane the wheel gearing there-
with revolves in a plane at right angles to it, and equal motion is simultaneously
imparted to the comb's side-bars by the pinion axis and wheels Fig. 8 gearing or
operating rack teeth as in Fig. 9.
In practice I prefer to arrange the leverage of the link-work or other lifting device
to be used on one side of the firegrate, and the extension of the comb's side-bar, or
other sliding device to be used on the other side thereof.
The lever used to actuate the link-work may be, in the domestic grate, an ordinary
poker. The hole into which it enters may be about four inches deep and have small
holes laterally at the bottom to prevent dust or ashes accumulating therein.
On the right hand side of Fig. 7 (ie. above the number 35 therein) a view of the
top edge of a link-plate is seen as used on the left side of the front of the firegrate.
That is the horizontal edge when the link-work is closed, and therefore as we regard
it from above that edge we look as it were into the hole and the poker or other lever
used is inserted vertically downwards into that hole. At that time the lifting grooves
are both down and the link-work of the left side is shown accordingly in Fig. 14. If
that link-plate be then looked at from the front of the grate the hole aforesaid is not
seen and that link-plate appears as seen in Fig. 14 which agrees with the view
thereof seen on the left side of Fig. 7 (i.e. below the number 35 therein).
When the poker or other lever is inserted and pulled over outwards from the grate
front until it (the lever) has become horizontal we may look into the hole of the link-
plate as we look at the grate front.
This is illustrated by Figs. 12 and 13, where the result of such quadrantal motion
of the poker or other lever is seen as having caused the link-work to open and raise
the lifting-groove.
In this modification the cross-bars K, L, M, N have their projecting ends (seen
partly in Fig. 2) cut off and those bars are fixed to the stationary guard-plates. Also
the sliding door of the gap is made to suit the distance between those stationary
guard-plates, and these latter are both cut away below M as indicated by a right line
joining 20 to 21 in Fig. 12 to allow of the thickened portions of the front link-plates
having necessary space to work in.
The dotted line 35 in Fig. 7 is introduced only to show the centres of two views of
the same left side link-plate, one being a top view and the other a front view.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. The inanufacture of firegrates having each a comb or combs whereby burning
fuel may be displaced therein, so that raw fuel may be supplied into the space below
that burning fuel so displaced, through a gap in the grate front which is
simultaneously with such displacement opened by that comb; and having controlling
mechanism out of contact with either fire or fuel whereby that comb may be used to
lift, retain, and subsequently to release, such burning fuel, and close the gap, so that
the raw fuel supplied may be ignited and the products of its combustion have
necessarily to pass through or by the ignited fuel, substantially as, and for the
purposes or objects hereinbefore described.
2. The manufacture of apparatus or attachments consisting of the improved
combination of firebars, cross-bars, grooves, lugs, comb, gap, and sliding door, for use
with the lifting, sliding, and protecting rack and pinion or linkwork and lever device

page_text: described herein or otherwise, and to be applied to, with, or below existing firegrates
or parts thereof, substantially as and for the purposes or objects herein before
described.
3. The method of, and apparatus or arrangements for, using, protecting, and
controlling a comb, in connection with a firegrate having a gap
without sliding
and
or
and
or
gaps, with or
other door or doors, so as to cause that comb as and when
required to occupy in succession a series or cycle of positions, substantially as, and for
the purposes or objects hereinbefore described.
1007
WILLIAM HENRY SHARP.