IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES." PROAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James John Holden, of Mark Lane, in the City
of London, and of Bermondsey, in the County of Surrey, Engineer,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING AND
DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James John Holden at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 25th February 1870.
66
I, JAMES JOHN HOLDEN, of Mark Lane, in the City of London, and
of Bermondsey, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare
the-nature of the said Invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES," to
be as follows:
My apparatus for charging and discharging gas retorts comprises a
travelling frame carrying a set of scoops, feeders, or charging tools on
one side, and a set of rakes, clearers, or drawing or discharging tools on
the other side, and having to-and-fro motion on a traversing frame or
Price Sel.

page_text: carriage. The set of scoops or charging tools and the set of rakes or
discharging tools are mounted and arranged each set respectively on an
upright spindle or in a frame, so that each set is capable of being swung,
turned, or moved partially round in order that such set may be brought
either lengthwise of or at an angle to the frame as required.
One mode of effecting this action of the sets of tools is by mounting
each such set on a vertical spindle and actuating such spindle through
gearing by a transverse shaft turned by a central hand wheel.
An improved method of communicating motion to the frames consists
of a chain, band, or wire rope passing-over-pulleys-and-working-shafting
carrying reversing gear which can be engaged and disengaged as
required.
Another mode of transmitting motion to the frames is by pinions
thereon gearing into racks on the rails, trams, or ways on which the
frames travel.
Engaging and disengaging action may be effected by cone friction
arrangements, that is, by gearing a cone on the shaft with a hollow cone
on the gear wheels or pinions.
To prevent lateral tipping the travelling frame may carry rollers
working on a flange, tram rail, or way on the traversing frame.
An improved arrangement for turning the scoops first to receive
and convey their charges to the retorts and then to discharge them into
the retorts consists of a rack connected by a rope, chain, or the like with
a counterbalance weight and engaging with pinions on the scoops or
charging tools. The weight is raised in the back travel of the frame by
its passage over an incline, whereby it depresses the rack, which thereupon
turns the scoops so as bring their openings upward ready to receive their
charges and carry them to the retorts. The rack is retained in such
depressed position by a lever which engages it till the lever comes
against a stop and releases the rack, allowing it to rise and turn the
scoops so that they discharge their contents into the retorts. To case
motion the weight frame may travel upon and between rollers.
Instead of the rack and pinions chains may be used connecting the
weights and scoops for the above purpose, being combined with a lever
for controlling the action as above described.
An improved mode of mounting the scoops consists in fitting them by
hollow ends on arms on the upright spindle. Each scoop and cach rake

page_text: may be mounted separately on the upright spindle so as to be worked
separately.
Improved rakes or discharging tools consist of a set of bars or rods
having at their ends rakers, spoons, tines, or moveable tips acted on by
bars, plates, or rods sliding on the other bars or rods and worked by a
piece sliding to and fro, and thereby acting on the sliding bars or plates
and causing them to work the rake ends, spoons, tines, or tips. The
sliding piece may be actuated by a rack thereon engaging with a toothed
weight, wheel, lever, or cam controlled or not by a pawl, a bell crank
coming against an abutment causing or allowing the weight, wheel, lever,
or cam to fall or turn. I sometimes modify the apparatus by connecting
one or more scoops and one or more rakes by a cord, chain, or the like
passing over pulleys or by equivalent contrivances, so that when the
scoop rises the rake falls, and vice versa. Or they may be made to rise
and fall independently. Sometimes I add at the outer end or tip of the
rakes a scraper for scraping the upper portions of the retorts.
I also employ an improved feeder to charge the scoops, such feeder
consisting of a number of shoots one for each scoop, the shoots being
of different lengths to suit the heights of scoops, such shoots travelling
together on rails, trams, or ways on the floor or separate from the tool
frames or carriages. The shoots pass under a fixed platform or
receptacle whence they receive supplies of coal. Each shoot is opened
and closed by hinged or jointed traps or doors. Hinged or jointed plates
at bottom prevent spilling or escape of coal when charging the scoops.
The arrangements may be applied and adapted in like manner to
apparatus for purposes similar to the above object of charging and
discharging gas retorts.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said James John Holden in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 25th August 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
JOHN HOLDEN, of Mark Lane, in the City of London, and of Bermondsey,
in the County of Surrey, Engineer, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of February, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-
third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said James John Holden, Her special licence,
that I, the said James John Holden, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said James John Holden, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS RETORTS, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said James John
Holden, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed
in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE: that I, the said James John Holden, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement thereof, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say:
My apparatus for charging and discharging gas retorts comprises a
travelling frame (herein-after called "carrier") carrying a set of scoops,
feeders, or charging tools, or instruments on one side and a set of rakers,
rakes, clearers, or drawing or discharging tools or instruments on the
other side, and having a to-and-fro motion on a traversing frame or
carriage (herein-after called the "traveller "). The set of scoops or
charging tools or instruments and the set of rakes or discharging tools
or instruments are mounted and arranged each set respectively on an
upright spindle or on a framing on the carrier, so that each set is capable
of being swung, turned, or moved partially round in order that such set
may be brought either lengthwise of or at an angle to the general body
of the apparatus as required,

page_text: One mode of cffecting this action of the sets of tools is by mounting
cach such set on a vertical spindle, and actuating such spindle through
gearing by a transverse shaft turned by a central hand wheel.
"
An improved method of communicating motion to the travelling and
traversing frames (that is to say, to the carrier" and "traveller,")
consists in using a chain, band, or wire rope passing over pulleys and
working shafting carrying reversing gear which can be engaged and
disengaged as required.
Another mode of transmitting motion to the said frames is by pinions
thereon gearing into racks on the rails, trams, or ways on which the
said frames travel.
The engaging and disengaging actions may be effected by cone friction
arrangements, that is to say, by gearing a cone on the shaft with a
hollow cone on the gear wheels or pinions.
To prevent the lateral tipping of the "carrier it may carry rollers or
wheels working on a flange, tram rail, or way on the traveller or
traversing frame.
An improved arrangement for turning the scoops first to receive their
charges and convey them to the retorts and then to discharge them into
the retorts consists of a rack connected by a rope, chain, or the like with
a counterbalance weight and engaging with pinions on the scoops or
charging tools. The weight is raised in the back travel of the frame by
its passage over an incline or inclines, whereby the rack is depressed,
and it thereupon turns the scoops so as to bring their openings upward
ready to receive their charges and carry them to the retorts. The rack
is retained in such depressed position by a lever which engages it till it
(the lever) comes against a stop and releases the rack, allowing it to rise
and turn the scoops, so that they discharge their contents into the
retorts. To ease the motion the weight frame may travel upon and
between rollers.
Instead of the rack and pinions chains may be used connecting the
weights and scoop for the above purpose, the chains being combined
with a lever for controlling the action as above described.
An improved mode of mounting the scoops consists in fitting them by
hollow ends on arms on the upright spindle. Each scoop and each rake
may be mounted separately on the upright spindle so as to be worked
separately.

page_text: My improved rakers or discharging tools consist of a set of bars or
rods having at their ends rakes, spoons, tines, or moveable tips acted on
by bars, plates, or rods sliding on the other bars or rods and worked by a
piece sliding to and fro, and thereby acting on the sliding bars or plates
and causing them to work the rake ends, spoons, tines, or tips. The
sliding piece may be actuated by a rack thereon engaging with a toothed
weight, wheel, lever, or cam controlled or not by a pawl; a bell crank
coming against an abutment causes or allows the weight, wheel, lever,
or cam to fall or turn. I sometimes modify the apparatus by connecting
_together_and_suspending one or more scoops and one or more rakes by a
cord, chain, or the like passing over pulleys or by equivalent connecting
and suspending appliances, so that when the scoop rises the rake falls,
and vice versa. Or they may be made to rise and fall independently.
Sometimes I add at the outer end or tip of the rakes a scraper for
scraping the upper portions of the retorts.
I also employ an improved feeder (or tender) to charge the scoops,
such feeder (or tender) consisting of a number of shoots, one for each
scoop, the shoots being of different lengths to suit the heights of the
scoops and travelling together on rails, trams, or ways on the floor
separate from those of the carrier and traveller. The shoots pass under
a fixed platform or receptacle whence they receive supplies of coal.
Each shoot is opened and closed by hinged or jointed traps or doors.
Hinged or jointed plates at bottom prevent spilling or escape of coal
when the scoops are being charged.
The above arrangements may be applied and adapted in like manner
to apparatus for purposes similar to the above object of charging and
discharging gas retorts.
The accompanying Drawings exemplify apparatus constructed ac-
cording to my Invention and shewn as applied to the charging and
discharging of gas retorts.
Figure 1 is a plan shewing the general arrangement of apparatus
applied to a retort house; Figure 2 is an elevation, and Figure 3 a
transverse section (across the retort house) of the arrangement shown in
Figure 1.
A, A, are ordinary retorts arranged in benches with their rising pipes
or ascension tubes B leading from the retorts to the ordinary hydraulic
main C, D ordinary furnace, and E ordinary ground floor or coke floor
of retort house; F is the working floor or stage on which the "traveller”

page_text: with the
carrier" and also the feeder run or travel; G, platform or
stage holding coal to be supplied to the scoops (see Figure 3); H, supply
or drop floor of the coaling stage G with moveable skip or truck I for
dropping coals through openings in the floor H on to the stage G at any
desired spot or in particular near to where the feeder or tender K
herein-after mentioned may be stationed; L is my improved moveable
apparatus for carrying the instruments for charging and discharging
the retorts; it consists of the traversing frame or traveller" and of a
superimposed travelling frame carriage or carrier on which the charging
and discharging tools or instruments are mounted. The traveller runs
on rails L fixed on the floor F, and the carrier runs on the traveller
with a to-and-fro motion in a direction transverse or at right angles to
the direction of motion of the traveller; M are the walls, N columns
O roof of retort house, all of ordinary construction. In the retort house
is an ordinary stationary steam engine P which transmits motion to an
intermediate pulley Q which communicates motion to the machine L by
an endless wire rope R passing from the pulley round a driving
pulley c on the traveller of the apparatus L, and then to and round
another pulley c* thereon, and then round a pulley not shewn in the
Drawings) mounted at the end of the retort house; and the wire rope
next returns to and passes round the pulley Q. The apparatus L
can thus be brought opposite any desired retorts.
The feeder or tender
K, which is the moveable apparatus for supplying coal to the shoots,
may or may not be coupled with the apparatus L, and pushed or drawn
by and at a determined distance from this apparatus L.
Figure 4 is a section of the tender or feeder K drawn to double the
scale of Figure 3. This Figure 4 also shows the ends of the scoops s
carried by the apparatus L. This feeder K, which is intended to convey
coal from the coaling stage to the charging scoops, consists of a moving
frame carrying a number of inclined shoots or hoppers T one for each
scoop s. These shoots are of different lengths so as to open at different
levels and thus accommodate themselves to the scoops which they respec-
tively serve, and which as shown and described are mounted at different
levels. The feeder K is mounted on wheels K' which run on rails or
trams K on the working floor F. The frame of the tender K also
carries quantity meters or compartments U corresponding in number
with the shoots T and the scoops s, and placed above and leading into
the hoppers T. These compartments U have floor valves V each opening

page_text: into its respective hopper, as shewn by dotted arrows. The valves V
are simultaneously worked by a hand wheel W by means of a screw,
indicated by a dotted line, and by levers W*, one set being on each side
the back set is shewn dotted in Figure 4, and they are similar and
parallel to the front or opposite set seen in Figure 3. X are guard plates
hinged to the shoots T to prevent spilling of coal while the scoops are
being charged. They are worked by levers Z actuated by a handle Y.
I now proceed to describe Figures 5, 6, 7, and 5*, 6, 7*, which refer
to the apparatus L. Figure 5 is a plan, Figure 6 side elevation, and
Figure 7 end elevation of the traveller shown-without-the-superimposed
carrier; Figure 5* is a plan, Figure 6* side elevation, and Figure 7* end
elevation showing the traveller combined with the carrier, which is
saddled over or rests on the traveller. In Figure 7* the apparatus is
shown for distinctness without the pulley drivers c, c, and spur
wheels d, e, c², c", which are seen in Figure 7. Figs. 5 and 6 are on
Sheet 4, Figs. 7 and 7* on Sheet 6, and Figs. 5* and 6* on Sheet 5.
Figures 6 and 6* are elevations on the scoop side of the apparatus.
Figure 8 is an elevation of the apparatus as seen from the rake side
showing the principal parts of the traveller and carrier. Figure 8 is on
Sheet 6.
a are girders, and a under frame forming the principal framing of the
traveller; b, its wheels running on trams or rails L*; c, one of its
driving pulleys actuated by wire rope R; d, spur wheel driven by pulley c
and working a pinión e on a shaft on which are two friction concs or
clutches f, f, for bevil wheels g' and to be used respectively, that is,
accordingly as put into action by levers or clutch forks h³, h, Figure 5,
which are actuated by screw i driven by a pair of bevil pinions from a
hand wheel. The wheels g', g², gear with a bevil wheel m, but one
wheel only of the two wheels g', g, is in gear at one time with the
wheel m (the other running loose at that time). The wheel m is thus
driven in one or other direction as required, and on the shaft of m is a
spur wheel n which drives a spur wheel o on the axis of chain wheels 2,
which are thus operated. p* are loose pulleys over which the chains p²
of the chain wheels p run and give to-and-fro motion to the carrier, as
shewn by the arrows 1 and 2, that is to say, towards or from the retorts.
The chains are connected with the cross framing 7 of the carrier, as
seen in Figures 5* and 6. a² are a pair of inclines fixed to the framing
of the traveller; a³ is a foot plate for attendant to stand upon. The

page_text: second or other driving pulley c*, which is actuated by the wire rope R.,
drives a spur wheel c which works a pinion on the axis of one pair
of the wheels b, and thus gives motion to the traveller on the rails L
in a direction transversely to the arrows 1 and 2. This motion may be
reversed by reversing the steam engine, or by an ordinary clutch arrange-
ment, or by using a duplicate set of driving pulleys with bands or ropes
proceeding from the engine, those of one set running in an opposite
direction to those of the other set. q, q', are the two side frames,
and cross framing of the superimposed carrier, which is mounted on
wheels running on the girders a of the traveller. 7 is a vertical
spindle stepped in and supported by a bracket on the frame q. The
spindle carries brackets or arms to which the scoops s, s, are fitted
and thereby supported. Each scoop s is fitted by its end 2 (Figure 9)
which is tubular or forms a socket on to an arm 7³. When the spindle r
is made to perform a partial revolution the scoops turn or swing round
with it. The spindler is turned by a chain wheel or hand wheel t working
a shaft having a clutch t and driving a pair of bevil wheels t³, one of
which is on the shaft r, so that the shaft may be turned in the required
direction (carrying the scoops with it).
Each scoops is reversed or turned on its respective arm so as to
bring its opening uppermost or undermost as desired; one scoop s is shewn
in the upset position in Figure 9. (This Figure also shews full length
of a scoop, the length of the scoops in certain other Figures having
for convenience been broken off or shown as indefinite.) This motion.
is effected by pinions u, of which there is one on each scoop end 2.
These pinions when the scoops lie longitudinally of the body of the
carrier are in gear with a sliding and vertical weighted rack u*,
depending from a chain ², which passes over pulleys u³, u², u²,
to a counterbalance or overbalance weight suspended across the
carrier, and sliding vertically in guides on the side frames q, q'; v
are two bars or legs on the under side of the weight guided by rollers
2 on the cross framing q³, and carrying foot rollers v³ which rest on
inclines a² on the traveller. Consequently as the carrier is moved
forward the rack u* is worked and the pinions u are turned, and with
them the scoops s are turned partially round, that is to say, into the
upset position shewn in Figure 9. On one side of the rack u* is a
smaller rack w which moves with it, and is in gear with a pinion & on

page_text: the axis of a snail or cam xx formed with a notch or seat for one end
of a bell-crank lever y by which the rack u is held, and thus the
scoops when filled and with their openings uppermost are prevented
from turning or upsetting until the carrier has brought them fully into
the retorts, when the long arm of the lever y will strike against a stud
or projection (not seen in the Figure) on the frame of the traveller
and then the weight will effect the reversal of the scoops. The back-
ward movement of the carriage in the direction of the arrow 2, will
cause the weight to be lifted by the inclines a², and restore the parts
to their previous position, the short end of the lever y dropping into
its seat in the snail cam a*. On the side qof-the-carrier-is-a-vertical-
spindle a similar in general action and arrangement to the spindle »,
and swung or turned by similar gearing to that described for working
the shaft . On this shaft a³ are arms a carrying rakes 6. These
rakes consist of moveable tips hinged to the extremity of the arms a³,
which also carry sliding motion rods or bars 6º one to each, by which
the rake tips b₁ are moved and changed from the position shewn in
Figure 8 into the position shewn in Figure 10 by a connecting rod b.
c is a frame sliding to and fro (as per arrows 1 and 2 in Figure 8).
This frame carries studs c° over which the bars 6 (which have holes
for the purpose) overlap when the arms are swung or moved longitu-
dinally of or alongside of the body of the carrier. The sliding motion of
the frame c will thus work the rake tips. A hand lever or segment
rack do with weight d works the frame c³ by a rack c² thereon; e³ is
a bell crank, detent, or stop lever one arm of which falls into a notch
in the frame q', as shewn in Figure 11, and retains the rake tips in the
position shewn in Figure 10 while the rakes enter the retorts, and
when at full extent of its travel the long arm of the lever e will
strike against a stud or projection (not shewn on the framing of the
traveller,), and will place the parts as first described ready for the return
motion. q' is a pair of guard wheels on the carrier frame bearing
against the under side of the upper flanges of the girders a to prevent
the carrier from tipping. One such wheel q* is shewn in Figure 6*.
I proceed to describe the mode of employing the apparatus:-In
order that this explanation may be intelligible, I wish it to be understood
that when I use the expression longitudinal position in this explanation
and also in the claims annexed to this Specification I mean a position

page_text: of which are opened for the purpose. The rake tips or ends are worked
so that they may be brought into such position as to rake out or draw
the contents of the retort. When this is done the parts are restored
to their previous position. I sometimes use separate carriers for the
scoops and rakes, that is to say, I mount a set of scoops on one carrier
and a set of rakes on another and similarly actuated carrier, such carriers
being provided with the appliances above described and running on the
same or different travellers, whereby one set of retorts may be charged
while another set is being drawn. Sometimes instead of using a steam
engine I employ hydraulic, pneumatic, or other power for driving the
machinery.
I sometimes modify the arrangements for communicating motion to
the driving or propelling wheels of the traveller by mounting on the
framework of the traveller an upright shaft, carrying at top a horizontal
wheel, against which a hemp or other fibrous rope works and imparts
motion thereto by frictional contact, such rope receiving motion from the
engine P. At the lower end of the vertical shaft is a worm wheel in gear
with the driving wheels either directly or by intermediate appliances.
I occasionally employ a double set of scoops and a double set of rakes,
the scoops and the rakes being respectively two abreast and of the same
or of different lengths. In the latter case they serve retorts of various
lengths. Both sets of scoops may be on the same vertical spindle, or
each set may have its own spindle. So also for the rakes.
Figure 12 is an end elevation of a modified arrangement in which a
scoop on one side balances a rake on the other side of the carriage.
The scoop and rake are connected by a chain or cord ² passing over
pulleys so placed as to guide the chain free of obstructions. The scoop
and rake are not seen in the Figure, as they are hidden by their supports
which slide vertically on the respective spindles r and a³. When the
chain is moved in the direction of the arrows 3, 4, 5,
the scoop rises
and the rake descends, and vice versa when the chain is moved in the
opposite direction. The Figure corresponds generally in other respects

page_text: with Figure 7, and though for more distinctly showing the balanced
action several parts are omitted in Figure 12, it is to be understood that
the scoop may be turned and righted by arrangements such as herein-
before described, and the rake tips may in like manner be worked by
sliding rods or they may be actuated by hand. Also both scoop and
rake may be made to turn or swing round as described in reference to
the first described arrangement. Also more than one scoop and one rake
may be fitted on the spindles ",
απ.
Figure 13, Sheet 2, is a diagram elevation, and Figure 14, Sheet 2,
diagram plan of another modification of balanced scoop and rake
admitting of their adjustment to any height required. The top framing
of the carrier is (for distinctness) removed. In this modification instead
of using the spindles and their arms slides q° (Figure 14) are used work-
ing in grooves or seats q* (Figure 13) on the side frames q, q', permit-
ting the balanced vertical motion above referred to. To the slides q³ are
hinged the scoops s and the rake arms aº in such manner that they may
swing round. To the slides q are also hinged frames q for carrying the
counterpoises q³. is the overbalance weight for rack u* working as
before; v, frame (on the carrier) on which the weight rises and falls;
a², inclines, on which foot rollers v³, (one only seen in Figure 13) of the
weight run. Where single retorts are used (that is to say, short
retorts having an opening at both ends) the tips of the raking instru-
ments may be readily made of proper form to rake or push out the coke
at the back end of the retort instead of at the front end. This form is
well known.
Sometimes and especially when the apparatus is narrow I may use
instead of the above-described duplicate arrangement of chain wheels
with their chain pulleys and chains a single arrangement of this descrip-
tion, which I place midwise or at some intermediate convenient position
on the framing, and I mount one pair of the running wheels fast upon
a common axle extending across the carrier from wheel to wheel (the
second may be so treated also), and I place toothed wheels alongside and
moving with these running wheels, and I mount racks alongside the
tram rails into which the toothed wheels gear. And similarly with
regard to the traveller I use toothed wheels alongside of and moving
with a pair of its running wheels fast upon a common axle extending
lengthwise from wheel to wheel (or both pairs of wheels may be so
treated if desired). I sometimes substitute for the weight v springs

page_text: acting one on the side q and one on the side q', and pressing on a bar
which crosses the machine and works in grooves similarly to the
weight. The springs thus disposed act as mechanical equivalents
to the weight v, and in a mechanically equivalent manner. Also I
sometimes employ springs on the rack u instead of weights, such
springs acting as a mechanical equivalent to such weight or weighting
of the rack. Instead of using a rack for turning the scoops chains may
be used for connecting the weight or spring with the scoops, such chains
winding on the scoop ends and when actuated by the weight turning
"the scoops. I sometimes add scrapers to the end-of-the-rakes-formed-
either by extending or curling the rake tips further upwards than
shewn in Figure 10, or by adding a separate scraping tool to the rake
arms.
In order that some of the scoops may be used while others are not
used I sometimes adopt the following arrangement:-Instead of forming
the arms as fixtures to or in a' piece with the spindle I form them
of elbow shape; the vertical part of the elbow which is tubular embraces
or is threaded or fitted on the spindle ". The horizontal part of the
elbow receives the socket end z of the scoop s. I attach these arms to
the spindle by pins, set screws, jamb nuts, or other like removeable or
adjustable contrivances, so that when thus held they may turn with the
spindle, but when it is desired that some of the scoops shall not swing or
turn with the spindle I remove the pins or slack the nuts or screws of
those arms to which are fitted such scoops as are not to turn or swing.
Hence some of the scoops will remain stationary while the others turn
or swing round. I adopt a like arrangement with respect to the mount-
ing of the rakes.
The apparatus, though shewn in the Drawings and described in
reference thereto as applied to the charging and discharging of gas retorts,
may be arranged and applied in like manner for other similar purposes.
Figure 1 is on Sheet 1; Figures 2, 13, and 14 are on Sheet 2;
Figures 3 and 4 are on Sheet 3; Figures 5 and 6 are on Sheet 4;
Figures 5, 6, are on Sheet 5; Figures 7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, are on
Sheet 6; Figure 12 is on Sheet 7.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same may be performed, I declare that I claim as my
improvements in apparatus for charging and discharging gas retorts and
for other similar purposes,—

page_text: First. The employment of scoops or charging instruments and rakes
or discharging instruments so mounted, constructed, and arranged that
they are capable of being caused to turn or swing round in such manner
as to be brought into a longitudinal position and into a right-angled or
an angular position as required, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
Second. Combining and arranging a traveller having a traversing
motion with a carrier having a to-and-fro motion on such traveller, and
supporting, charging, and discharging instruments arranged and actuated
substantially as described.
Third. Mounting and working the charging and discharging instru-
ments on vertical spindles arranged and actuated substantially in the
manner and for the purpose herein-before described.
Fourth. The method of and combined arrangements for driving or
working the machinery by chain, band, or wire rope, or other rope
passing over pulleys, and working shafting, substantially as described.
Fifth. The arrangement and combination of parts for transmitting
motion to the traveller and carrier by pinions' gearing into racks on the
rails, trams, or ways, substantially as described.
Sixth. The employment of rollers or wheels working on flanged
trams or rails as described for preventing lateral tipping of the
carrier.
Seventh. The mode of and arrangement and combination of parts for
turning the scoops to receive and discharge their charges by means of
a rack, pinions, and counterbalance weight or by springs used as
mechanical equivalent for the weight; arranged and acting as
described.
Eighth. The combined arrangements in which the scoops are turned
by chains as described.
Ninth. The mode of mounting the scoops and rakes by hollow or
socket ends on arms on upright spindles, substantially as described.
Tenth. The arrangements herein-before described whereby certain
scoops or rakes of a set may be moved towards the retorts or recipients
while others of the said set are stationary.
Eleventh. The improved raking tools or instruments having moveable
tips or ends worked by sliding bars or pieces, substantially as described.

page_text: Twelfth. The arrangement and combination of rack, sliding frame,
and appurtenances for working the rake tips, as herein-before described.
Thirteenth. The arrangement and combination of parts constituting
the modification of apparatus herein-before described in which one or
more scoops on one side of the machine balance one or more rakes on
the other side for the purpose set forth.
Fourteenth. The improved feeder or tender herein-before described for
charging the scoops in which a number of inclined shoots or hoppers
terminating or opening at different heights or levels are arranged and
travel, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. The general arrangement and combination of parts con-
stituting the improved apparatus herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James John Holden, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of August, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
Witness,
EDGAR EDMONDS,
68, Fleet Street,
London.
3. J. HULDEN. (L.S.)