IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS OR OTHER SIMILAR RETORTS, AND FOR MEASURING THE COAL WHICH IS TO BE DEPOSITED IN SUCH RETORTS, AND IN ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPERATING THESE CONTRIVANCES.
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sydney Pitt, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING
GAS OR OTHER SIMILAR RETORTS, AND FOR MEASURING THE COAL WHICH IS
TO BE DEPOSITED IN SUCH RETORTS, AND IN ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPERATING
THESE CONTRIVANCES.' A communication from abroad by Thomas Fitch
Rowland, of Greenpoint, City of Brooklyn, in the United States of America.
Sealed the 3rd August 1877, and dated the 12th June 1877.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Sydney Pitt at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th June 1877.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey.
MACHINES FOR CHARGING AND DISCHARGING GAS OR OTHER SIMILAR RETORTS,
AND FOR MEASURING THE COAL WHICH IS TO BE DEPOSITED IN SUCH RETORTS,
AND IN ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPERATING THESE CONTRIVANCES." A communi-
cation from abroad by Thomas Fitch Rowland, of Greenpoint, City of Brooklyn, in
the United States of America.
My Invention relates to an improved machine for charging and discharging gas
or other similar retorts, and for measuring the coal which is to be deposited in such
retorts, and to the arrangement of the mechanical power for operating these con-
trivances. I shall call the apparatus for measuring the coal the first part of my
Invention, the apparatus for charging the retort the second part, and the apparatus
for discharging the third part. And I propose later to give a detailed description
of each of them, but I shall first describe their arrangement upon the carrying or
travelling frame and the manner of their connection with the engine supplying the
motive power and some of the devices connected therewith, and then I shall proceed
to describe the different parts of my Invention separately.
The retorts in a gas-house are usually arranged in rows. In front of these rows I
lay a pair of rails upon which my mechanism travels. These rails may be either
upon the ground or suspended upon framework, depending upon the arrange-
ment of the retort-house. If there is no cellar under the floor of the retort-house, I
prefer to suspend my rails and allow the machine to hang from them rather than to
cumber the floor with tracks laid in it. Upon those rails, and travelling upon

page_text: wheels, I hang a frame upon which the different parts of my machine are mounted,
consisting principally of what I call my meter or measuring apparatus, my scoop or
charging apparatus, and any rake or discharging apparatus, and also the engine or
motive power for actuating these various devices, and also for propelling the whole
frame along its track, and thereby bringing it opposite the retort to be charged or
discharged. It is necessary that the different functions of this machine can be per-
formed either simultaneously or at different times, and that any two or more of
them can go on at the same time with the exception that the travelling movement
and the contrivances for applying the power of the engine need have no immediate
reference to this object.
It is important in machines of this character that the operations of retort charging
and discharging go on simultaneously, and it is convenient to charge one retort
while the one next in advance is being discharged so that no retort is kept open for
a longer period than is absolutely necessary.
My present Invention therefore consists of a combination of an engine supplying
the motive power to operate the several parts with a retort charging, a retort dis-
charging, and a coal measuring apparatus, to each of which the power is applied
from the same engine, and is so applied that it is unnecessary in passing down the
retort-house to reverse the engine which is kept continually in operation in one
direction, while the different parts of the machine are caused either to revolve, to
advance or retire, or are allowed to remain at rest. The entire mechanism is
carried on bearing wheels which are supported on rails parallel to the face of the
retorts, whereby the machine is brought successively opposite the different series of
retorts to be charged or discharged. Sufficient coal may be carried in this machine
to charge a number of retorts, or a continual supply of coal might be deposited in
the hopper by means of apparatus not shown or described in this Specification, but
which have been previously patented.
Figures 1 and 2 represent a general view of my entiro apparatus, showing the
meter M with its hopper X, the scoop D, and the rake H.
Figure 3 is a rear elevation showing very plainly the engine, the revolving shafts
whereby motion is communicated, and the connections for operating the different
parts of my machine.
Figure 4 is a top view or plan of my apparatus showing in detail the connection
between the engine and the various parts of the apparatus and the means for
operating the same.
The meter M, it will be observed, is mounted directly over the scoop D, so that
the coal passes immediately from it into the scoop through the guiding apparatus
hereafter to be described. The engine which supplies the power is shown at N,
Figures 3 and 4, and its movement is controlled by means of the lever f, shown in
Figure 2, whereby it is put in operation in either direction. This engine causes two
shafts hand to revolve. The shaft h which is the main shaft of the engine, is
revolved directly by means of the reciprocating motion of the engine, while the
shaft is caused to revolve correspondingly by means of the gearing ³, ?, shown
clearly in Figures 3 and 4. These shafts are caused to revolve continuously in the
same direction during the operation of the machine, and the engine is only reversed
when the direction of travel of the entire apparatus is to be reversed, and the
inachine brought back to its place of starting. On the shaft is a worm gear ', which
worm gear is caused to revolve with this shaft by means of a pin, clutch, or other
suitable connection, marked, and operated by means of a lever g. Whenever this
clutch is closed, the worm is caused to rotate in either direction with the shaft h4, but
otherwise it is free from it and remains at rest. This worm gear causes the
revolution of the wheel n, which wheel revolves the shaft w to which the bearing
wheels w, w', are attached, and the revolution of these wheels causes the machine
to advance or retire on its rails, which are parallel with the face of the retorts. It
is evident therefore that by reversing the direction of the engine, and by closing or
opening the clutch, the entire apparatus may be caused to travel forward or back-
ward on the rails or remain at rest.

page_text: The connections necessary to operate the meter M will now be described. The
upper shaft v has connected to it a ratchet clutch, which clutch causes the mitre
gears to revolve. These revolve the mitre gear 21, and thereby revolve the
meter M by means of the connections hereafter to be described. This clutch i* is
only occasionally thrown into gear, according as it is desired to revolve the meter or
to allow it to remain at rest.
The rake H is caused to advance or retire by means of the friction clutches or
equivalent mechanism, shown at p, p,p. The clutch p³ may be be brought in contact
either with the revolving clutch p rotated by the shaft v, or in contact with the
clutch p rotated by the shaft h4, and thereby the rake is caused to advance or retire on
its frame by means of the chain or cord which passes over the clutch p and is drawn
by it in either direction, as will be hereafter described. The scoop D is caused to
advance or retire by means of similar mechanism, shown at the opposite end of the
drawing at y yo, y. The friction clutch y' is rotated by the shaft ; y, by the
shaft ; and y may be brought in contact with either of these clutches, which are
revolving in opposite directions, by which means the scoop is caused to advance
into the retorts or retire, as will be hereafter shown. It is also necessary to revolve
the shaft d³, which shaft causes the withdrawal of the bottom of the scoop and the
deposit thereby of the coal carried by the scoop in the retort. The withdrawal of
this bottom is caused by the revolution of the mitre gears , and it becomes
necessary to revolve the shaft d³. This revolution is accomplished by means of
mitre gears fo, f5, Figure 3, which are revolved when a clutch o on the shaft v* is
thrown into action, thereby revolving the mitre gear fo. This clutch is brought
into operation by means of the lever . The elevation or depression of the
handle d causes the scoop to advance or retire, while the elevation or depression of
the handle 6 causes the rake to advance or retire, which movements are accom-
plished by means of the friction clutches y and p³.
It will be observed that all these movements can go on simultaneously without
interfering with each other. The power to drive the engine N may either be
derived from a steam boiler carried on the machine, or compressed air may be used
compressed in a separate compressor and carried to the machine by means of flexible
pipes, which latter I find to be the more advantageous way. The operation of the
machine is as follows:-
-
The hopper being filled with coal, the engine N is put in operation in the
proper direction by means of the handle f4, then the clutch is put into operation
by means of the handle g, the wheel n is revolved, and thereby the shaft W%, and
the wheels W¹, WI, and the machine is thereby brought opposite the first retorts;
then the ratchet clutch I4 is closed by means of a lever, not shown in the Drawing,
whereby the meter M is revolved, which deposits a definite quantity of coal in the
scoop D, as will be hereafter described; then the scoop D is caused to advance into
the open retort by means of the lever 65; when in its advanced condition the
bottom is withdrawn by means of the lever ³, which cause the mitre gears fo, ƒ³,
and j, j, to revolve, thereby depositing the coal in the retort; then by the reverse
movement of the lever be the scoop is withdrawn. During this last series of opera-
tions, another operator may have caused the rake H to advance into the retort by
means of the lever 15, and by means of the alternate movements of this lever tho
retort is discharged of the deposited coke.
What I claim as my Invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-
First. The combination of my improved measuring apparatus, charging apparatus,
and discharging apparatus, substantially as described.
Second. The combination of a revolving meter and a coal charging apparatus,
having an automatically removeable bottom when carried upon the same frame and
adapted to be operated together, substantially as described.
Third. The combination of a revolving meter, a coal charging apparatus having
an automatically removeable bottom, and a coal discharging apparatus when carried
upon the same frame and adapted to be brought opposite the retort to be discharged,
substantially as described.

page_text: Fourth. The combination of a meter, a coal charging apparatus having an auto
matically removeable bottom, a coal discharging apparatus, and an engine, when
carried upon the same frame and adapted to be brought opposite the retorts to be
charged or discharged, substantially as described.
Fifth. A coal charging apparatus having an automatically removeable bottom and
a discharging apparatus combined with an engine carried upon the same frame
with them, and so constructed and combined with intermediate mechanism that the
power derived from the engine causes the frame to be brought opposite the retort
to be charged or discharged, and also operates the charging and discharging
mechanism, substantially as described..
Sixth. The combination of an engine, a coal measuring, a coal discharging, and a
coal charging apparatus having an automatically removeable bottom, and a frame
carrying them, with apparatus whereby the power of the engine can be utilized
either in moving the entire apparatus upon the supporting rails into a position to
charge or discharge the retorts, or in operating the charging or discharging apparatus
or either of them without interfering with the operation of the others, substantially
as described.
I will now describe more in detail the first part of my Invention which relates
to improvement in revolving coal meters, and to the telescopic coal shute or
guiding apparatus connected therewith. It is very important in charging gas
retorts and similar apparatus, that the same quantity of coal be introduced in each
charge, and therefore it has always been customary to employ some sort of a
measure to determine the amount of coal to be placed in the retort. Usually the
only meter used was the charger or scoop itself; I prefer, however, to use a separate
meter.
My present apparatus relates to an improvement in this class of machines.
I have found it unadvisable to charge more than one scoop at once, and therefore
content myself with charging one at a time, though some of the parts of my present
apparatus might be applied to a charging apparatus intended to charge several
scoops simultaneously. In the first place it is necessary that exactly the same
amount of coal be measured or metered on each revolution or action of the machine.
In the second place it is necessary that this amount be variable owing to the fact
that different sized retorts may be used, or that some of the retorts may become
partially filled with deposited carbon. In the third place it is necessary that the
coal thus metered should be guided or carried into the scoop or charging apparatus,
and that it should pass into this charging apparatus as much as possible through a
confined space for the reason that the fine coal used in gas manufacturing very
readily escapes into the air, and becomes very disagreable as well as injurious to
men and machinery. These three results I have obtained by my present Invention.
I have also obtained another very desirable result, namely, the automatic lifting or
elevation of the coal shute or conductor from the scoop or coal carrier after the
discharge of the coal into the scoop.
In my Drawings Figure 5 shows a general sectional view of my apparatus
supported on its frame directly over the scoop which is shown beneath, and some
parts of the scoop or coal charging apparatus are also shown. The coal deposited
in the hopper X is also clearly shown.
Figure 6 is a general view of the rear of my apparatus showing the revolving
mechanism and the telescope raising mechanism in detail.
Figures 7 and 8 show my revolving meter in position for receiving and discharging
a measure of coal.
Figure 9 represents my meter receiving a charge of coal, the partitions being
arranged to receive a less charge of coal than in Figures 7 and 8.
Figure 10 represents a detailed view of the telescope raising mechanism.
Figure 11 represents the same mechanism showing the telescope in a raised
position.
Figure 12 represents the quantity varying mechanism of the coal meter.
Figure 13 represents a longitudinal section view of my apparatus, showing the

page_text: scoop and the telescope in the position of having just discharged a measure of coal
into the scoop.
Figure 14 represents a cross section of my apparatus, showing the detail of the
telescope and the detail of the moving partition of the meter.
Similar letters of reference indicate similar parts in all my Drawings.
The apparatus as has been previously described is carried parallel to the face of
the retorts on the rails J, J, by means of wheels W, WI, W, W2 The meter is
arranged directly over the scoop or coal carrier, and is so placed that the coal
guide Y enters directly into it upon the top of the scoop. The scoop and guido
being carried on the same frame at whatever elevation the scoop D may be, the
telescopic shute Y when lowered would pass into it as will presently be described;
X is a reservoir or hopper into which the coal is dropped from a travelling bucket,
or is placed by any other suitable means; directly beneath this hopper or
reservoir X is a revolving cylindrical meter which I shall call generally M; this
meter consists of a cylinder revolving between two cylindrical surfaces, 5, which
have openings at the top and bottom. The revolving cylinder is not entirely
closed, but has a longitudinal cut or passage for the purpose of receiving and
discharging the coal.
The construction of this part of the apparatus is clearly shown in Figures 5, 7,
8 and 9. The forward end of the cylindrical meter M is carried and held firmly in
position by four antifrictional wheels x1, x¹, x1, x¹. The cylinder is supported at the
end nearest the retort by a journal ¹; through the centre of this cylinder there
passes the shaft g³ carried in bearings at the end of the cylinder, which shaft
revolves in a half bearing supported by a partition m within the cylinder. This
shaft 3 has attached to it an adjustable partition d' which is swung around the
cylinder on the revolution of the shaft g³. The amount of coal which the meter
can receive and discharge is determined by the cubic space contained between m⭑
and d, the greater the angle the greater the amount of coal.
In Figure 9, the adjustable partition is shown at a right angle to the fixed
partition m in Figures 7 and 8. It is swung around three-quarters of a revolution,
so that the meter in Figures 7 and 8 discharges about three times as much as it does
in Figure 9. The position of this variable partition is shown by the position of
the pointer n³, Figure 12. The shaft g³ which carries this alterable partition passes
through the end of the cylinder and frame, and terminates in a segmental gear v1 ;
this segmental gear is moved by the revolution of the worm screws which may
be turned by a crank or other suitable means. Owing to the friction or resistance
of this worm screw the shaft will remain in any position at which it may be set,
and the vibration of the pointer to the right or to the left will indicate the amount
of coal which the meter will hold.
The revolution of the entire cylindrical meter is accomplished by the revolution
of the gear wheel y' acted on by the worm screw 63; this worm screw is revolved
by means of two mitre gears and 15, which are themselves moved by the
revolution of the shaft m³, and by the engine as has been detailed and is shown in
Figure 4. This worm screw gives a great leverage in revolving the meter and
renders it possible to break or cut any obstructing pieces of coal which may be
caught between the edges of the hopper and receiver and the edge of the cylinder.
These two edges are armed with cutting steel knives a as has been described in a
previous Patent, but it is also obvious that if some substance such as a bolt or
piece of iron should be caught between the revolving meter and these cutting edges,
and the power continued to be applied by the engine, that part of the apparatus
would be destroyed and great injury might result. To avoid this difficulty I have
devised the slipping clutch which is shown in detail in Figure 34.
This gear is
represented at 96 in Figure 4, and is placed on the revolving shaft m³, the purpose
of it being that if a great resistance is offered to the revolution of the worm gear
that this clutch will slip, and thereby prevent the destruction of the apparatus.
The clutch is shown in position in Figure 34, and is shown divided in Figure 35,
which gives a clear view of its different parts. Power is applied by means of the

page_text: revolution of the shaft h which is a continuation of the shaft m³, shown in Figure 4.
This shaft revolves inside of the sleeve f³, which has connected to it the larger
sleeve or cup q³. The shaft 5 revolves freely within this sleeve f³ and g³, excepting
when it is connected to it by means of the friction of against q³ ³ consists of
a cylinder of metal, having a wedged-shaped slit in one side. Sliding freely upon the
shaft h5, and supported on a feathered sleeve a", is the wedge wo, which is arranged to
enter the wedge-shaped slit in 5. This wedge is caused to enter the slit cylinder by
means of the revolution of the lock nuts upon the thread, cut on the shaft so
that it is obvious that as us is forced into that I will be expanded, and if it be
within g its expansion will cause it to bite against the inside of go, and will make
a friction connection which will be more or less firm, according to the distance
which is forced into 15. is held within g by means of the guard ring v³,
which is held against the face of g³ by means of the screws 15. It then becomes
obvious that a certain resistance will slip within g, and this slipping will prevent
the destruction of the meter or connecting gear as has previously been described.
It is now evident that on each complete revolution of the cylindrical meter it will
necessarily receive and discharge an equal amount of coal, which amount is
determined by the position of the adjustable partition d
The next object to accomplish is the guiding of the coal which has been measured
and discharged by the meter into the coal carrier or scoop beneath. This is done
by what I call my telescope shoot, which I mark y. This telescope consists of a
series of rectangular slides, a section of which is shown at Figure 13, marked y, y²,
and y. These slides pass freely one over the other, and in their extended position
are long enough to reach the scoop when at the elevation of the lowest retort. This
scoop is raised or lowered by mechanism. The lower end or foot of the telescope
is conical or narrower than the upper portion, and is arranged to enter the top of
the scoop and to fill it closely, and is raised by the elevation of the scoop. This
lower section y has attached to it a cord or chain 6, shown clearly in Figures 10
and 11, which prevents the dropping of the lower section y upon the withdrawal
or lowering of the scoop. This chain b passes over a wheel marked 3 which is
connected by a shaft to a wheel at the other end of the apparatus, so that the more
distant end of the long telescope is also raised and lowered by a similar chain
passing around a similar wheel at that end. The revolution of this wheel evidently
would raise or lower the telescope. This wheel has upon its surface a ratchet
acted upon by the pawl r¹, which pawl is carried by a concentric wheel marked do.
This pawl prevents the lowering of the telescope y.
I sometimes employ a separate steam or air cylinder to revolve this wheel dº,
but I find it very convenient to raise the telescope by the upward movement of the
scoop D.
As the section y rests in the scoop D the elevation of D slacks the
cord b, when the wheel 3 is readily revolved beneath the pawl which takes into
the ratchet as soon as the revolution begins in the contrary direction, consequently
the telescope is firmly held by means of this pawl at any elevation to which it may
be raised by the scoop D. The telescope y, as has been described, enters the mouth
of the scoop D; and I sometimes employ an apron passing outside of the line of
junction to prevent the escape of any dust or particles of coal which may readily
arise from the falling of the coal from the meter m. Now it is evident that the
scoop D cannot be advanced into the retort until the telescope y has been raised
so as to clear it, and I have devised an apparatus for automatically accomplishing
this result. It is evident that if the pawl be moved outward from its position,
shewn in Figure 10, to its position shewn in Figure 11 that it will revolve the
ratchet wheel, and will wind up the chain upon the wheel. This movement I
accomplish by means of a cam s, Figure 10, attached to the revolving meter
cylinder m, as will now be described.
The pawl is attached to a wheel 6 which is concentric with the ratchet
wheel. This wheel has attached to it a link 2, which link is pivoted at ja to a
right angle lever which is pivoted at c¹. The pawl
the link without the intervention of the wheel d.
might be directly attached to
This right angled lever or arm

page_text: carries upon its upper extremity a roller w³, which rolls upon the surface of the
cam 3. Now it is evident that as the roller w³ is thrown to the left the pawl r¹
will be depressed and the wheel de will be revolved, thereby revolving the wheel 1³
and the telescope will be raised, and that this will be true whenever the raised
point of the cam strikes the wheel w. The cam c³ is so arranged with reference
to the revolving meter that in its position of rest, or when it is receiving the coal
from the hopper, the raised point of the cam bears against the roller w³ and holds
the telescope in its raised position, as is clearly shown in Figure 11. Now when
this cylindrical meter revolves, as has been previously described, the cam 8³ passes
from beneath the roller w³, which allows it to fall back from the centre of tho
machine and allows the telescope y to drop into the mouth of the scoop D, as is
shown in Figure 10. While in this position the revolving meter discharges into
the telescope and the coal is admitted into the scoop through a closed channel or
guide, then the continued revolution of 8 again brings the raised point in contact
with the roller w³, throws down the pawl 1, winds up the chain, and raises the
telescope y clear of the mouth of the scoop; then other parts of the machine not
here shown are put into operation and the scoop is forced into the retort. Tho
point of the cam is in the position shewn in Figure 11 when the meter is in the
position shown in Figure 9, and the cam is in the position shown in Figure 10 when
the meter is in the position shown in Figure 8. This plan of automatically lowering
the telescope into the scoop during or just previous to the passage of the coal, and
automatically freeing it therefrom after the coal has been guided in the scoop, I
consider one of the very important features of my Invention.
What I claim in this part of my Invention is,-
First. The combination of a revolving coal meter with an adjustable partition
or diaphragm mounted on a central spindle or axis, and turning with said axis,
whereby the capacity of the meter may be varied, substantially as described.
Second. The combination of a revolving coal meter with a partition or diaphragm
mounted on a central spindle, and turning with said spindle, and mechanism sub-
stantially as described, whereby the partition is firmly set in different positions.
Third. A revolving coal meter having an adjustable partition or diaphragm
mounted on a central spindle combined with a cog wheel, whereby the meter is
revolved, and a worm wheel or gear, whereby the cog wheel is revolved substantially
as described.
Fourth. The combination of a revolving coal meter having a radially adjustable
partition with a cog wheel attached to it, and by which it is revolved, substantially
as described.
Fifth. The combination of a coal meter with an adjustable shoot or coal
guide, which shoot serves to conduct the coal to the scoop, and is variable in
length to correspond with the variable position of the scoop, substantially as
described.
Sixth. The combination of a coal meter with an adjustable shoot, which consists
of a series of boxes or guides, sliding telescopically over each other, substantially as
described.
Seventh. The combination of a coal meter and an adjustable shoot with
mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the shoot is automatically lowered
into the scoop beneath during the passage of the coal, and is automatically raised
after it is charged, whereby the scoop is enabled to advance into the retort free of
tho shoot.
Eighth. The combination of a revolving coal meter having a cam attached to it
with mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the shoot or coal guide is
elevated or lowered at different points in the revolution of the meter.
Ninth. The combination of a revolving coal meter supported on friction rollers
with an adjustable coal guide or shoot, substantially as described.
Tenth. My improved revolving meter, substantially as described.
I will now describe my retort charging apparatus which I call the second part of
my Invention.

page_text: It has been proved to be inexpedient to charge more than one retort at a time, and
this has been found to be so for several reasons, namely, that a machine for charging
several retorts was necessarily cumbrous and expensive, and involved the necessity
of a great cooling of the bench of retorts by the simultaneous opening of several
retorts. In the present apparatus therefore I employ but one scoop which is
adjustable to the different heights of the retorts.
This Invention has also an improved automatic method of withdrawing the
bottom of the scoop, and an improved method of putting the same into and out of
the retorts, and of returning the bottom into its original position in the scoop.
The description of my Drawings is as follows:-
Figure 15 represents a general view of my apparatus shewing clearly the method
of applying the power to it, and the lever for controlling the same, also the manner
of applying the power in the withdrawal of the bottom.
Figure 16 is a top perspective view of my scoop; Figure 17 a side view of the
same; Figure 18, a longitudinal cross section of the same, showing the bottom with
withdrawing apparatus; Figure 19, a lateral cross section through the shaft 82, and
pinion k².
Figures 21 and 22 represent two views of the scoop and of the swinging plates.
Figure 20 shows a view of one of the swinging plates.
Figure 23 shows the bottom withdrawn, and the apparatus for guiding the same
in its withdrawn position.
Figure 24 is a general view of the apparatus in the position in which Figure 23
is a cross section.
Figures 25, 26, 27, and 28, show detailed views of the automatic bottom with-
drawing apparatus and the bottom supporting mechanism.
The retort charging machine or scoop which I call D is carried on a travelling
frame e². This frame has two movements one parallel to the face of the retorts on
the wheels n³, n¹, n, n², as has been previously described, and the other at right
angles to this, and into the retorts on the wheels m², m², m³, m³, which wheels are
supported or guided by the rails y², y³. The lower wheels m³, serve to keep the
scoop constantly horizontal and prevent the tipping or upsetting of the traveller l².
Motion is communicated to this travelling frame by means of a chain or rope j¹,
which is carried by two pulleys L, L¹; power is communicated to this rope by.
means of the sheave or pulley L. The revolution of this wheel in either direction
is determined by the contact of y³ with y or y, which are revolving in contrary
directions as has been previously described; thus the pulley L can be revolved in
either direction. The chain j is firmly connected to the travelling frame e², and its
motion, either in the direction of withdraw or enter, as is indicated by the arrows,
will cause the scoop D to retire from or enter the retort. The scoop D slides in the
vertical guides in the frame e², and its elevation is regulated and determined by
means of a screw h¹, shown clearly in Figures 15 and 17, which may be revolved by
any suitable means. This scoop D has a removeable bottom g², having a rack upon
its lower surface into which the rack wheel engages, as is shown in Figures 18,
19, 23, 27, and 28. The revolution of the ruck wheel or pinion in the direction
of the hands of a watch will withdraw the sliding bottom, which is supported in
guides in the sides of the scoop. This bottom may be corrugated for extra strength
(Figures 16 and 19). The scoop is also provided with a number of swinging
plates p, p, &c., one of which is shown in Figures 20, 21, 22, the bottoms of
these plates being shaped to correspond with the longitudinal grooves in the
bottom g. It is evident that this bottom must have something to support it in its
withdrawn position. This supporting mechanism consists of two rods usually made
tubular, marked d. The removable bottom has attached to it two pipes or tubular
guides, Figure 19, corresponding with these guide rods d, into which these
guide rods enter. When therefore the sliding bottom is withdrawn it slides upon
the guides d, and is supported by them as is shown in Figures 23 and 24. Now
it is evident that this guide d² must be adjustable in height since the scoop D is
adjustable.

page_text: •
The vertical adjustment of D is of course only accomplished by the revolution of
the screw h¹ when it is in its retired position and withdrawn from the retort, and
my Invention enables me to alter the height of the scoop D when in its retired
position, while when in its forward position the guide rods d are firmly locked.
The back end of the guide rod de rests against a stake y, forming part of the
stationary frane of the machine, which frame has upon it a roughened or grooved
surfaco inarked u. This surface or strip of roughened metal extends far enough
vertically to allow for any of the elevations of which the scoop D is capable, and
these indentations or grooves serve to support the ends of the rods d³ which carry a
locking apparatus w¹. This locking apparatus is so arranged that its weight causes
the surface u, roughened, to correspond with the indentations in the surface u to
engage with these indentations, and to hold the rod & firmly in whatever position
of elevation it may have been left by the advancing scoop. On the horizontal
vibrating arm of this locking piece there is a wheel wl, which wheel may be raised
on an inclined plane v carried on the rear end of the scoop D, as is clearly shown in
Figures 23, 24, 25, and 27. The raising of the wheel 201 disengages w and w, and
renders it possible to elevate or depress the scoop while the rods d are disconnected
from the supporting surface w. As soon however as the scoop begins to advance
the wedge passes from beneath the roller ul, the locking piece drops, u² engages
with u, and the rear end of d² is held firmly in position. Thus the forward move-
ment of the scoop D locks the guide rods d, while its backward movement unlocks
them, frees them from the supporting surface w, and renders it possible to elevate
or depress D by means of the screws ¹.
While the scoop D is in its retired position it is filled with coal from the meter,
as has been previously described, then the advancing motion of the traveller e¹
carries it into the retort. It then becomes necessary in order to deposit the coal in
the retort to withdraw the bottom, which withdrawal is accomplished by means of
the rack wheel, as has been described. This rack wheel is carried on a hori-
zontal shaft c³, Figure 19, which horizontal shaft is actuated by means of mitre
gears, a². Through the centre of the mitre gear a² there passes a vertical shaft v².
The mitre gear a² is supported by a collar connected to the scoop D, and is part
of the ratchet clutch p which rests upon the collar j². The mitre gear a² and
ratchet clutch 2 turn freely in the collar j. Motion is communicated to the mitre
gear by means of the ratchet clutch p². The power which turns the mitre gear
is applied by means of the shaft v, which shaft actuates the ratchet clutch p². This
ratchet clutch p² slides vertically along the shaft ², and rotation is communicated to
it from the shaft 2 by means of a feather travelling in a groove ou the shaft v².
The ratchet clutches p² and p³ are so arranged as only to communicate power in
one direction, as will be clearly seen in Figure 19. The ratchet clutch p³, Figures
16 and 19, is carried in a collar n², supported by a horizontal vibrating arm ².
The arm is raised or lowered by the vibration of a shaft which passes through
the scoop, as is shown in Figure 19. This shaft is vibrated by means of the vibra-
tion of the vertical lever b'. The vibration of b¹ to the right or to the left, Figures
25 and 26, of course vibrates the shaft l, and its vibration raises or lowers the
horizontal arm, as is shown in Figures 27 and 28. As b' is thrown to the right.
the horizontal arm raises the collar n² and the ratchet clutch p2, and disengages p
from the lower ratchet clutch p³, and consequently the ratchet clutch p³ does not.
communicate its revolution to the mitre gear. The arm b' is held in its position to
the right, and the ratchet clutch p is held in its clevated position by means of the.
locking apparatus a. This locking apparatus is pivoted at m³, and has on its lower
surface a tooth or corner 8', Figures 25 and 26, which engages with a pin d' on the
lever bl. This locking piece has attached to its upper arm a wheel above its
centre of support, so that if pressure be applied to from the left the locking
apparatus a' will be raised, and its elevation will free the pin d' from the corner 8¹
of the locking apparatus a As soon as has been freed from a¹ the weight of
the horizontal arm and of the ratchet clutch p² will cause the latter to drop into
the lower clutch p³ and to engage with it. The revolution of v² will then be com

page_text: municated to the mitre gears, and the bottom g will be withdrawn. This unlocking
of the lever b¹ and engagement of the ratchet clutch is accomplished automatically
by the movement of my machine.
:
As the scoop D is carried forward into the retort the wheel is so arranged that
it comes in contact with a vertical arm or stake e, Figure 26. The continued for-
ward motion of D necessarily forces the wheel and the upper part of the lock a¹
to the right, and raises the corner s¹ free from the pin d, then the mitre gears
withdraw the bottom 92, which withdrawal continues until the ratchet clutches
are again disengaged. This disengagement is automatically accomplished in the
following manner :-The vertical lever b¹ has upon its lower extremity a pin h²,
Figures 19 and 26, which passes through a slot g' in the side of the scoop, and pro-
jects into the scoop immediately below the removable bottom; this removable
bottom carries upon its forward end a lug c¹, Figures 19 and 28, which is so arranged
that it will engage with the pin 2 on the withdrawal of the bottom. The lug c¹,
carried backwards by the bottom g², strikes the pin 2, swings the vertical lever b¹
to the right, raises the horizontal arm 2, and disengages the ratchet clutch p², from
the ratchet clutch p³, when the withdrawal of the bottom g² necessarily ceases.
i
As bis vibrated to the right the pin d passes by the corner s¹, and allows the
locking apparatus a¹ to fall, so that the arm is kept in its elevated position until
a¹ is again disengaged by its contact with e. This withdrawal of g² of course
deposits the coal in the retort, then the travelling frame e is withdrawn by the
reverse movement of the pulley L, and the scoop is withdrawn with it. The with-
drawal of the scoop D slides the bottom g² still further back on the guide rods d²
until the rear end of g² brings up against a stop on the guide rod ; then the
continued withdrawal of D forces the bottom gf to enter again into the guides in
the bottom of the scoop D. As it enters D it is supported by the guide rod d2 and
by the guiding channels or tubes f under the bottom g², and the scoop as it passes
back over the bottom 92 carries with it the rack wheel 2; this wheel as it is geared
in the rack of g² is necessarily revolved by its passage over the rack, and commu-
nicates its revolution to the mitre gears a³ and a² and to the ratchet clutch p³,
which, as it is now disengaged from p2, revolves freely in its supporting collar ²,
Figure 19.
The operation of the machine is as follows:-The whole apparatus is first moved
opposite the retort to be charged; the scoop D is then brought to the proper height
to correspond with the retort to be charged by means of the screw ; it is then
filled with coals by means of the meter and coal guides previously described. Power
is then applied by means of the lever b5 to the pulley L in the direction of enter,
which forces the scoop into the retort. The forward and backward movement of
the frame is limited by means of buffers a³, shown in Figure 15, which may be
either air cylinders or rubber or other springs. Power meanwhile has been applied
to the grooved shaft d³, Figures 4 and 15; this shaft actuates the mitre gear js,
which is carried in a collar ³, travels with the travelling frame e², and is turned by
a feather sliding in the groove in d³. The revolution of the mitre gear j' actuates'
the mitre gear j³, and thereby the mitre gears a², a³, are revolved. The shaft v
may be kept continuously revolving by the revolution of the shaft d³, or it may
only be revolved when it is necessary to withdraw the bottom. The forward motion
of the scoop at a certain point automatically causes the clutches p² and p³ to engage,
and the bottom is thereby withdrawn, depositing the coal in the retort.
clutches are then automatically disengaged, and power is then applied to the
pulley Lin the direction of withdraw, and the travelling frame e² and scoop D are
withdrawn; this withdrawal again places the bottom in the scoop, and the apparatus
is ready to be moved on to the next retort.
What I claim under this part of my Invention is,-
First. My improved automatic scoop, substantially as described.
The
Second. The combination of a scoop having a removable bottom with a screw
elevator, whereby the elevation of the scoop is altered to correspond with that of the

page_text: Third. The combination of a scoop having a removable bottom and apparatus,
substantially as described, whereby the bottom is automatically withdrawn when
the scoop is in position to deposit the coal in the retort.
Fourth. The combination of a scoop having a removeable bottom with apparatus
for withdrawing the bottom and a stop or tripping device, which throws the bottom
withdrawing mechanism into operation at the right position of the scoop, substan-
tially as described.
Fifth. The combination of a scoop having a removable bottom with apparatus
for withdrawing the bottom and a latch or locking apparatus, which prevents the
operation of the bottom withdrawing apparatus until the latch is tripped, substan-
tially as described.
Sixth. The combination of a scoop having an automatically removable bottom
with apparatus for causing the withdrawal of the said bottom, and a lug or equi-
valent device connected with the bottom, and acting at the proper time upon the
bottom withdrawing mechanism to prevent the further removal of the bottom, sub-
stantially as described.
Seventh. The combination of a scoop having a removable bottom with a bottom
supporting guide or guides and a supporting locking piece for the purpose of
sustaining the ends of said guide, substantially as described.
Eighth. The combination of a scoop bottom supporting guide with a locking
apparatus, substantially as described, whereby the bottom is supported at different
elevations.
Ninth. The combination of a scoop having a bottom withdrawing mechanism with
a locking piece which supports the bottom when in its withdrawn position, and is
freed by the return of the scoop, substantially as described.
Tenth. A scoop having a removable bottom, and arranged to be altered in
heighth to correspond with that of the retort to be charged, substantially as
described.
Eleventh. A scoop having a removable bottom and a bottom supporting guide
and locking apparatus, whereby the withdrawn bottom is supported at different
elevations, in combination with mechanism whereby the scoop bottom and guides
are elevated or depressed when the scoop is in its withdrawn position, substantially
as described.
Twelfth. The combination of a scoop having a removable bottom with a sup-
porting travelling frame which carries said scoop and is itself supported upon two
sets of runners or rollers, one set of which travel upon the upper surface of a rail,
and the other set of which travel upon the under side of a rail, substantially as
described.
Thirteenth. The combination of a scoop supporting frame with spring buffers,
whereby the backward and forward movement of the frame is limited, substantially
us described.
Fourteenth. The combination of a scoop and its bottom supporting mechanism
with a roughened surface, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. A scoop and automatically removable scoop bottom combined with
mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the withdrawn bottom is forced into
its original position by the return movement of the scoop.
Sixteenth. The combination of a scoop having a removable bottom with a bottom
supporting guide, which is automatically locked against the supporting frame by
the advance of the scoop, and is automatically detached by the return of the scoop,
substantially as described.
I will now describe the third part of my Invention, which is my retort discharging
apparatus.
Many attempts have before now been made to discharge or draw automatically
by mechanical means the coke left in the gas retorts after the hydrocarbon has been
driven off, but none of the numerous Inventions have proved successful, principally
for the reason that some of the moving parts of the apparatus were introduced into
the retort, and were consequently destroyed in a very short time. In my apparatus,'

page_text: as will be seen, only the hoe and hoe handle are introduced into the retorts, while
all the moving parts of the apparatus are kept outside and away from the intense
heat of the retort.
An apparatus has previously been patented designed to accomplish this result.
In that apparatus there were three hoes introduced into three retorts standing one
over the other. These hoes are entered and withdrawn simultaneously, consequently
three of the retorts in the bench were open at the same time, which was found
to be a disadvantage, owing to the great cooling of the entire bench necessarily
resulting from the exposure of so large a surface to the cooling effect of the
atmosphere.
My present apparatus employs but one hoe, which is adjustable to the different
heights of the retorts. In the old apparatus likewise the entire frame or support
of the hoe was raised and lowered, making that machine very cumbrous and
expensive, and increasing the liability to fracture from sudden jar. These diffi-
culties have to a great extent been overcome in my present machine, which is very
light, comparitively inexpensive, and easy to make.
It is obviously necessary that the hoe should have a certain amount of lateral
motion or adjustment, independent of the motion of the entire apparatus, so that all
the coke in a retort can be withdrawn by dropping the hoe in different positions on
to the bottom of the retort, for it is obviously impossible to enter a hoe into a
retort which shall be as wide as the bottom of the shaped retort, owing to the
presence of the coke in the bottom of such retort; therefore on entering a hoe it
is necessary to adjust it to the desired position on the bottom of the retort. It is
also obviously necessary that when the hoe enters the D shaped retort it must
enter at the centre in order to enter the highest point, and so to pass free of the
coke lying in such retort, for if it were owing to either side of the central position
when the hoe was forced forward it would bring up against the side of the D retort,
which is lower than the central position or vertical axis, and the machine would
be destroyed or injured. This I consider to be a very important part of my present
Invention.
In my Drawings Figure 29 represents a general view of my apparatus in two
positions, advanced and retired.
Figure 30 represents a rear elevation of my discharging apparatus, showing part
of the detail.
Figure 31 shows part of the supporting frame and guiding apparatus of my
mechanism, showing the hoc in its raised and depressed condition; the nearer side
of the framework is cut away.
Figure 32 represents an external view of part of my apparatus, showing the hoe
depressed, and showing clearly the apparatus outside of the framework, which was
cut away in Figure 31.
Figure 33 represents a rear elevation of the discharging part of my Invention,
showing clearly the detail of the hoe guiding apparatus.
In the Drawings R represents a tier of retorts; H represents a hoe or apparatus
for drawing such retorts; and S, a hoe handle. This hoe handle and hoe are
attached to a traveller A which travels upon a rail or pair of rails M² and N², and
the advance and retreat of the traveller A necessarily carries the hoe forward and
backward with it. This traveller A is carried or guided by four wheels B, B,
and B, B; B, B, travel upon the upper rail; B¹, B₁, upon the lower rail. The
purpose of B1, B¹, is to prevent the upsetting or raising of either of the wheels B
from the road bed during any of the movements of the machine. This framework
is brought opposite the proper retort, as has been previously described, by means
of wheels W, W¹, and rails J.
Power to move the traveller A forward and backward is applied by means of an
endless chain 6º, 6², show clearly in Figures 29 and 31. This chain passes over
two pulleys, To one of them the driving power is attached. The ends of
the chain b² unite at a wheel F, having two channels cut in its circumference, as is
clearly shown in Figure 30. Each of the chains is fastened in one of the parallel

page_text: channels of the wheel F, and is carried so far around the wheel that in whatever
position the wheel may be, this chain will be always tangential to the lower
extremity of the vertical axis of the wheel. It will be seen that this will be the
case when the chains are fastened at the same point of the circumference, though
other suitable positions might be selected. This wheel F is capable of a half
revolution. Now it is evident that if the lower chain be drawn to the right in
the direction of the arrow, marked "draw" in Figure 31, that the wheel F will be
revolved in the direction opposite to that of the hands of a clock for a semi-revo-
lution, when it will bring up against a stop, as will be hereafter shown. The
continued movement of the chain in the direction of "draw" will now cause the
traveller A to which the wheel F is attached to move backward, and with it the
hoe H is withdrawn. Upon the reversal of the pulley it is evident that the
wheel F will be revolved in the contrary direction as far as the stop will permit,
and after that the entire traveller will begin to move forward on its rails and into
the retort. The movement of this wheel F determines the position either of eleva-
tion or depression of the hoe H.
The traveller A consists of a double frame, upon which the several parts are
carried. The hoe handle S is not directly attached to the frame of the machine,.
but is fastened to a vertically pivoted rod E pivoted at fand f1, Figuro 31. These
pivots are not fastened directly to the frame of the traveller, but are connected to
two short vibrating levers and . The distance from the pivot X of the upper
lever to the pivot a is the same as the distance from the pivot p of the lower
lever to the pivot b, consequently the carrier E moves constantly parallel to itself,
which is likewise true of the hoe handle S. Now it is evident that if the upper
end of the lever be swung to the left the rod E and the hoe H will be depressed;
the hoe H in dropping travels in a short arc of a circle, as shown in Figure 31.
The weight of the hoe H is counterbalanced by means of the weight W, and like-
wise by means of a cylinder c. This cylinder is an air cylinder, and is pivoted
at C so as to allow the piston rod m to vibrate in a small are as the lever / vibrates
around the pivot X. Now it is evident that as the hoe H is thrown down into its
depressed position, as shown by the dotted lines, Figure 31, the piston and piston
rod are drawn upward by the motion of the lever l, and consequently the air
which is contained in the upper part of the cylinder c will be compressed, and the
amount of resistance which it will offer to the downward throw of the arm will
depend upon the amount of air contained in it. This amount of air is regulated
by means of a stop-cock 3, therefore the hoe H can be exactly counterbalanced by
means of the weight W and the cylinder c, and all jar which may be occasioned
by the sudden drop of H will be taken off by reason of the compression of the air
in the cylinder c.
l
The shaft X of the lever is connected to the crank h, to the pin of which the
link g is connected, which link is pivoted to a crank connected with the wheel F
at d, Figures 32 and 33. Now it is obvious that the movement of the wheel F
will alter the position of the lever by moving the crank h through its arc of
vibration, as is clearly shown in Figure 32. The wheel F is, as herein-before
shown, capable of a semi-revolution. In its lower position the crank h, lever l,
carrier E, and hoe H are all thrown down, which is the case upon the return of the
traveller A. Upon the forward motion of the traveller A the wheel F being
revolved in the direction of the hands of a watch the link g is drawn up. The
vibrating arm h and the lever l are thrown up, thereby raising the hoe H into such
a position that it can enter the retort above the coke.
As has been shown the carrier E is pivoted at f, f, and could therefore move
freely around its centre of rotation and support, were it not for the controlling arm O.
This controlling arm O (Figures 32 and 33) being firmly fastened to the carrier E
on the opposite side from the hoe handle S rests in a slot in the guide v. This guide
(Figure 33) can vibrate around a centre, which is at the upper end of a slot; its two
sides are cut in the arcs of a circle, and these arcs are embraced in corresponding

page_text: arcs, as shown at f7 in Figure 33, which allow the guide channel to vibrate around
the centre of the circle of which f" and fix are arcs. This vibration is limited by
two stops, which bring up against the ends of corresponding slots in the vibrating
guide channel V, as is shown in detail at Figure 33. This mode of construction
allows the swinging of this guide channel around its centre of support, so that the
upper end of the channel maintains a constant position, while its lower end may be
swung to any desired extent either to the right or left. The position of this guide
channel V is determined by the worin screw j, which acts in a segmental gear n.
The revolution of j evidently throws n to the right or to the left, and V to the left
or to the right. The screw jis turned by means of a mitre or bevel gear Z³. This
bevel gear gears into another bevel gear X³, as is shown in Figures 32 and 33. The
bevel gear X travels with the traveller along a grooved rod G₁, which is rotated
by means of the wheel G, Figure 29. The bevel gear X2 has a pin or feather, which
slides on a groove in G; consequently the revolution of the wheel G revolves the
mitre gears X and Z³, turns the worm j', and throws the guide V to the right or
to the left.
The object of this movement of the guide will now be explained. The end of
the controlling arm O rests in the guide V. Now let us suppose that the guide be
vertical, as shown in Figure 33. The carrier E and the controlling arm are, as
we have seen, raised and lowered by the forward and backward movement of the
machine through a certain distance, which distance is nearly equal to the length of
the slot in V. Now when the slot is vertical the position of the hoe will be in the
same vertical line, whether in its upper or lower position; but if the channel is
thrown to the right, then it is obvious that the upper position of the hoe will bo
the same as it was when V was vertical, but the controlling arm will be swung to
the right as it descends in the guide channel V, and the hoe will be swung to the
left, and will rest on the bottom of the retort in the position shown at H2, Figure 33,
while if V was swung to the left the hoe would fall into the position shown at H¹.
This accomplishes a very important result, for the hoe is automatically forced to take
a central position with reference to the vertical axis of the D shaped retort when
entering that retort, because the controlling arm O is obliged to take a central
position in the guide channel V, while when the hoe H drops, its position in the
retort is determined by the position of the lower end of the slot in V, and conse-
quently either side of the retort can be cleared, or the hoe can be drawn out through
the centre of the retort as may be desired. If it were not for the automatic deter-
mination of tho central entering position of the hoe it might be possible for an
unskillful or careless man to force the hoe H against the side of the D shaped retort
in its upward or advancing position. The elevation of the hoe handle S in the
carrier E is determined by means of the vertical screw n', Figure 29, which acts in
a thread cut in the end of the hoc handle S, and the elevation of the hoe can thus
be adjusted to the elevation of any retort of the series. The hoe handle S slides
vertically in the guides in the carrier E.
The operation of my machine is as follows:-The hoe H is first adjusted by means
of the adjusting screw n¹, so that its heighth when depressed is equal to the heighth
of the bottom of the D shaped retort to be discharged. Power is then communi-
cated by means of the pulley 7 to the chain b³ in the direction of enter. This
automatically raises the rake above the surface of the coke, and it passes into the
retort by means of the forward motion of the traveller; as far as may be desired;
then the reversal of the movement of the pulley drops the hoe into the retort,
and then by means of the returning of the traveller drops it back on to the bottom
of the retort, and by this movement clears the the retort of the coke therein. The
forward and backward movement of the travelling frame A is limited by means of
buffers s, Figure 32, which bring up against the fixed frame of the apparatus.
These buffers may be either air cylinders or rubber, or other springs, and inay bo
attached to either the travelling frame or to the fixed part of the machine. Several
rakes may be attached to this frame instead of only one, and if the time required

page_text: for the charging apparatus to operate is less than the time taken to discharge a
retort it is an advantage to have two or more rakes so arranged.
What I claim under this part of my Invention is,-.
First. My improved automatic rake, substantially as described.
Second. A rake and rake handle combined with mechanism, substantially as
described, whereby the rake is swung laterally upon a pivot, so as to rest upon any
portion of the bottom of a retort, and thereby entirely clear the retort of the
deposit of coke.
Third. A rake and rake handle combined with mechanism, substantially as
described, whereby the rake is automatically adjusted and compelled to enter the
retort at its centre, and whereby it is shifted over any portion of the bottom of the
retort at the will of the operator.
Fourth. A rake and rake handle combined with mechanism, substantially as
described, whereby the downward position of the rake upon the bottom of the
retort is regulated or altered, while the rake and rake-supporting mechanism
advance and return on the same line, as distinguished from a rake which is laterally
adjustablo by the lateral movement of its entire supporting mechanism, substantially
as described.
Fifth. A rake and rake handle carried upon a travelling frame, and supported
upon two sets of pivots, one of which allows the rake to be moved in a vertical
direction, while the other allows it to be moved in a lateral or horizontal direction,
substantially as described.
Sixth. The combination of a rake, a vertical screw supporting it, and an
advancing and retiring traveller, whereby the vertical position of the rake is
altered to correspond with the retort to be discharged, substantially as described.
Seventh. A rake carrier and a power chain combined with mechanism, substan-
tially as described, whereby the power is first applied to elevating the rake, and is
then employed in advancing the carrier.
Eighth. The combination of a rake, a rake carrier, and an 'air cylinder, whereby
the jar arising from the sudden stop of the vertical movement of the rake is avoided,
substantially as described.
Ninth. The combination of a rake and rake carrier with spring buffers, whereby
the motion of the carrier may be arrested, substantially as described.
Tenth. The combination of a rake, a rake handle, a vertically pivoted rake carrier,
and a controlling arm, whereby the lateral position of the rake can be altered and
controlled, substantially as described.
Eleventh. The combination of a rake, rake handle, and vertically pivoted rake
carrier, controlling arm and guide, substantially as described.
Twelfth. A rake and rake handle firmly attached to each other, and combined
and connected with mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the rake on its
withdrawal from the retort is forced downward by a positive automatic motion
through the coke and against the bottom of the retort, whereby the retort is effec-
tually clear of the deposited coke, as distinguished from a rake which is allowed to
drop by its own weight.
Thirteenth. A rake carrier supported upon two pivoted links of equal length,
whereby the carrier is maintained constantly parallel with itself, substantially as
described.
Fourteenth. The combination of the channelled rod G¹, the mitre gears X2, and
Z3, the worm gear j³, and the guide V, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sydney Pitt, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand