Improvements in Apparatus for Promoting the Combustion in Steam-boiler and other Furnaces, Stoves, and Fire-places.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 26th July, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 24th May, 1894-Accepted, 26th July, 1804
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Promoting the Combustion in
Steam-boiler and other Furnaces, Stoves, and Fire-places.
I, CHARLES ALBERT COUCH, of Columbus, Ohio, United States of America,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
My invention relates to apparatus for promoting the combustion in steam-boiler
and other furnaces, stoves and fire-places by regulating or controlling the passage
of the products of combustion into or through the chimney or flue in such a manner
as to prevent the return of the heavier gases into the furnace when such gases
descend by reason of the equalization of temperature in the chimney or flue, and
at the same time to baffle or obstruct the radiation of heat to the cooler gases in
the chimney or flue. My improved apparatus has also the advantage that it
prevents the entrance of down-draughts into the furnace, stove or fire-place through
the chimney or flue.
In the Specification of former Letters Patent dated 21st February 1893,
No. 3827, there is described an apparatus for the purpose above mentioned, which
apparatus comprises one or more inverted cones or V-shaped plates combined with
a conical ring or a pyramidal frame in such a manner as to permit the passage of
the smoke and other products of combustion through the chimney or flue, whilst
operating in such a manner as to promote the combustion in the furnace, stove or
fire-place. I have found that the main function performed by the apparatus
described in the said former Specification consists in arresting the flow from the
chimney or flue into the furnace, stove or fire-place, of the carbonic acid gas which,
on the equalization of temperature of the gases in the chimney or flue, would
otherwise, by reason of its weight, descend into the combustion chamber or space
and impair the combustion of the gases liberated from the fuel. My present
improvements are designed to simplify and improve the construction and increase
the efficiency of such apparatus, and to adapt the same to locomotive, marine and
other boiler furnaces whether used with or without a blast.
:
According to one part of my said invention, I construct the apparatus in such a
manner that I am enabled to dispense with the aforesaid ring. For this purpose I
find it advantageous, in some cases, to employ a single cone of somewhat larger
diameter than the chimney or flue and to secure this cone with its base towards
the chimney or flue in such a position as to leave between the base of the said cone
and the casing or wall of the furnace or smoke-box, an annular space or passage of
sufficient area to permit the smoke or products of combustion to pass freely into
the chimney or flue. In locomotive, marine or similar boilers, I arrange an
inverted hollow cone beneath the lower end of the chimney or uptake, in which
case it serves also very effectively as a spark-arrester. In cases where a blast-pipe
is used, an inverted truncated hollow cone is secured to the upper end of the said
blast-pipe or is so arranged that its smaller end surrounds, or is situated a short
distance above the upper end of the blast-pipe, a space being left between it and
the blast-pipe or between its larger end or base and the casing or wall of the
furnace or smoke-box, or at both of these places, for the passage of the smoke or
products of combustion.
According to another part of my said invention, I employ two cones in
combination with a ring substantially as described in the said former Specification,
and I provide for the adjustment of one of the said cones relatively to the ring in
such a manner that the area of the annular passage between the said cone and the
ring may thus be varied, or the cone may be brought against the said ring so as to

page_text: close the said passage, for the purpose of regulating or controlling the flow of the
products of combustion through the chimney or flue.
I sometimes so construct and arrange the parts of the apparatus that the
aforesaid adjustment of the cone relatively to the ring may be effected by means
of the spindle employed for turning the entire apparatus in the chimney or flue
when a greater draught is desired. And, in some instances, it is advantageous to
connect this spindle with the lower cone in such a manner that, on turning the said
spindle, the said cone will be moved up to the ring before the entire apparatus will
be turned to increase the draught. By this means, I am enabled to make the
apparatus of greater length than heretofore and thus obtain an increased area of
the annular passage between the cone (when lowered) and the ring, without
increasing the diameter of the chimney or flue.
According to another part of my said invention, I employ an inverted hollow
cone or two such cones arranged one above another in the chimney or flue in such
a manner that I am enabled to dispense with the ring. In this case I make the
cones of larger diameter in proportion to the chimney or flue than those described
in the said former Specification.
My improvements above mentioned are also applicable when V-shaped plates
are used in place of the cones.
Dated this 26th day of July 1893.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Promoting the Combustion in
Steam-boiler and other Furnaces, Stoves, and Fire-places.
I, CHARLES ALBERT COUCH, of Columbus, Ohio, United States of America,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :--
My invention relates to apparatus for promoting the combustion in steam-boiler
and other furnaces, stoves and fire-places, by regulating or controlling the passage
of the products of combustion into or through the chimney or flue in such a
manner as to prevent the return of the heavier gases into the furnace (when such
gases descend by reason of the equalization of temperature in the chimney or flue)
and, at the same time, to baffle or obstruct the transmission of heat by radiation
or otherwise to the cooler gases in the chimney or flue.
My improved apparatus has also the advantage that it prevents the entrance of
down-draughts into the furnace, stove or fire-place through the chimney or flue.
In the Specification of former Letters Patent dated 21st February 1893,
No. 3827, there is described an apparatus for the purposes above mentioned, which
apparatus comprises one or more inverted cones or other suitably shaped pieces so
combined with a ring or frame as to permit the passage of the smoke or products
of combustion through the chimney or flue, whilst operating in such a manner as to
promote the combustion in the furnace, stove or fire-place. I have found that the
main function performed by the apparatus described in the said former Specification,
consists in arresting the flow, from the chimney or flue into the furnace, stove or
fire-place, of the carbonic acid gas which, on the equalization of temperature of
the gases in the chimney or flue, would otherwise, by reason of its weight, descend
into the combustion chamber and counteract or impair the combustion of the gases
liberated from the fuel, and also in effecting the radiation of heat into the said
chamber.
My present invention is designed to simplify and improve the construction and

page_text: increase the efficiency of such apparatus, and to adapt the same to locomotive,
marine and other boiler-furnaces whether used with or without a blast.
According to one part of my said invention, I construct the apparatus in such
a manner that I am enabled to dispense, if desired, with the ring or frame described
in the said former Specification and to otherwise simplify the construction of the
said apparatus.
I find it advantageous, in some cases, to employ a single cone or other suitably
shaped piece of somewhat larger diameter than the uptake, chimney or flue, and to
secure this cone or its equivalent beneath the uptake, chimney or flue with its base.
towards the same, in such a position as to leave between the base of the said cone
or its equivalent and the casing or wall of the furnace, combustion-chamber or
smoke-box, an annular space or passage or a series of apertures of sufficient area
to permit the smoke or products of combustion to pass freely into the uptake,
chimney or flue.
In applying my invention to locomotive, marine or similar boilers, I arrange an.
inverted hollow cone or other piece having suitable converging surfaces, beneath
the lower end of the chimney or funnel, in which case it serves also very effectively
as a spark-arrester. In cases where a blast-pipe is used, I secure an inverted
truncated hollow cone or its equivalent to the upper end of the said blast-pipe, or
I so arrange the said cone or its equivalent that its smaller end surrounds or is
situated a short distance above the upper end of the blast-pipe, a space being left
between it and the blast-pipe, or between its larger end or base and the casing or
wall of the furnace or smoke-box, or at both of these places, for the passage of the
smoke or products of combustion.
According to another part of my said invention, I arrange within a chimney or
flue, two cones or equivalent devices in combination with a ring or frame
substantially as described in the said former Specification, and I provide for the
ready adjustment of one of the said cones or equivalent devices relatively to the
said ring or frame in such a manner that the area of the annular passage between
the said cone or its equivalent and the ring or frame may thus be varied or the
cone or its equivalent may be brought against the said ring or frame so as to close
the said passage. The flow of the products of combustion through the chimney or
flue can, by this means, be easily and effectively regulated or controlled.
My invention, moreover, comprises other improvements hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a vertical section of the lower part of the chimney or uptake of
stationary boiler, showing the application of my invention thereto.
Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section of the smoke-box of a locomotive-boiler
with my improvements applied thereto.
Figure 3 is a similar view showing another form or modification of my apparatus.
Figure 4 is a side elevation, partly in vertical longitudinal central section, of a
locomotive-boiler with my improvements applied thereto.
Figure 5 is a vertical central section of a stove-pipe illustrating a further
modification of my invention.
Figure 6 is a section on the line xx, Figure 5, some of the parts being shown in
a different position.
Figure 7 is a vertical central section, and
Figure 8 a plan, partly in horizontal section, showing a cheaper form of the device
illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 9 is a vertical central section of a stove-pipe, showing a still further
modification of my invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the uptake, chimney or flue; B is the smoke-box; C is the cone.
In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the cone C is somewhat larger in diameter
than the uptake or chimney A, and the said cone is secured in the smoke-box B
by means of arms or brackets a (or other suitable devices) with its base towards

page_text: The
the said uptake or chimney, so that there are openings between the base of the said
cone and the casing or wall of the smoke-box B, of sufficient area to permit the smoke
or products of combustion to pass freely into the uptake or chimney A.
said cone may, if desired, be combined with another cone and with a deflecting ring.
In applying my improved apparatus to locomotive, marine or similar boilers,
sometimes arrange an inverted hollow cone beneath the lower end of the chimney
or uptake, as above described with reference to Figure 1.
In Figures 2, 3 and 4, I have illustrated the application of my invention to a
locomotive-boiler in which a blast-pipe D is used. In the arrangement shown in
Figure 2, an inverted truncated hollow cone C is secured to the upper end of the
blast-pipe D, so that the smaller end of the said cone closely surrounds the upper
end of the blast-pipe; a space being left between the larger end or base of the said
cone and the casing or wall of the smoke-box B, for the passage of the smoke or
products of combustion.
In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, an inverted truncated hollow cone C is
arranged at a short distance above the upper end of the blast-pipe D, so that the
products of combustion pass through an annular space between the lower edge of
the said cone and the upper end of the blast-pipe D into the chimney or funnel A.
Around this cone is placed an annular deflecting piece B2.
The locomotive-boiler shown in Figure 4 is provided with an inverted truncated
hollow cone C formed on or secured to the upper end of the blast-pipe D. I find
it advantageous to provide, in combination with the said cone on or surrounding the
upper end of the blast-pipe, a cone C³, with or without a ring E³, attached to the
door B₁ of the smoke-box B; and also, if desired, a cone C³ attached to the fire-
door G.
When the aforesaid inverted hollow cone is attached to the blast-pipe as above
described, it serves very efficiently as a spark-arrester in addition to fulfilling its
function of promoting the combustion in the furnace.
According to another modification of my invention, I construct the apparatus as
shown in Figures 5 and 6, or in Figures 7 and 8, with two cones C, C₁, and with a
deflecting ring E. The cone C, in the arrangement shown in Figures 5 and 6, is
secured to the cross-spindle F by means of a screw-threaded hollow rod or tube c
which is firmly attached to the said spindle, and which serves as a guide for a rod d
which carries the lower cone C¹. The ring E is preferably provided on one side
with a socket E¹ in which the spindle F is keyed or otherwise rigidly secured,
whilst the opposite side of the said ring E is provided with an aperture E³. One
end of the spindle F works in a suitable bearing e secured to the wall of the flue
or chimney A, while the other end thereof is freely movable in a sleeve ƒ extending
through the aperture E' in the ring E and working in a bearing e secured to the
wall of the flue or chimney A. On the inner end of the sleeve f is secured a
crank g connected by a link to the lower cone C', the other end of the said sleeve
being provided with a handle f¹. When it is desired to vary the area of the passage
between the cone C₁ and the ring E, the sleeve f is turned, by its handle f³,
relatively to the spindle F in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 6.
thereby raising the cone C' towards the said ring by means of the crank g and
link h. The sleeve is made with a slot f' through which projects a pin j fixed in
the spindle F, so that, when the cone C¹ has been moved up to the ring E, as shown
in Fig. 6, the continued movement of the handle f¹ in the same direction will cause
the turning of the entire device about the axis of the spindle F until the said
ring E is vertical or nearly vertical, thus increasing the draught through the flue
or chimney. By this means, I am enabled to make the device of greater length
from the top of the cone C to the lower end of the cone C¹ than heretofore, and
thus obtain an increased area of the annular passage between the cone C₁ (when
lowered) and the ring, without increasing the diameter of the chimney or flue.
It is obvious that, if desired, suitable means, such as pins passing through a hole
in the handle into a perforatell segment attached to the outside of the chimney A,
may be adopted for retaining the device in any position to which it may be adjustedą

page_text: In the arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lower cone C' is coupled by a
wire link to a crank g formed on a wire or spindle gl which is mounted in lugs g
formed on or attached to the spindle F, and is provided with a handle g³.
The said
spindle g' at the end next the handle 9 extends through the same hole in the flue
or chimney A as the spindle F.
The cones shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, may, if desired, be made adjustable.
towards and away from the uptake or chimney, to regulate or control the draught.
I sometimes employ a single inverted hollow cone, or two such cones arranged
one above another, in the chimney or flue in such a manner that I am enabled to
dispense with the aforesaid ring E. In this case, I make the cones of larger
diameter in proportion to the chimney or flue than those described in the said
former Specification.
I have shown an arrangement of this kind in Figure 9, in which the cones C, C
are firmly attached to the spindle F by means of a rod d. This device may, if
desired, be made adjustable substantially as described with reference to Figures 5.
and 6. In this case, I sometimes find it advantageous to mount the upper cone
with its apex at a short distance below the axis of the spindle F so as to permit.
the turning of the device in the chimney or flue.
In cases where the furnaces, fire-boxes, uptakes or flues are of special or irregular
shape, it may be advantageous to employ square, pyramidal or other suitably shaped
pieces having converging surfaces, in place of the cones, or to employ a combination
of pieces of different shape to effect the desired end. Or a series of the cones or
their equivalents may be employed placed side by side or otherwise so as to
approximately conform to the shape and size of the chimney, uptake or flue.
The devices illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 may be used in any part of the chimney
or flue of a furnace, stove or fire-place.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what.
I claim is :-
First. The combination, with the uptake, chimney or flue of a furnace, stove or
fire-place, of an inverted hollow cone or its equivalent secured beneath the uptake,.
chimney or flue, substantially as, and for the purposes, herein before described.
Second. The combination, with the blast-pipe of a locomotive or other furnace,
of a hollow truncated cone or its equivalent arranged between the said blast-pipe
and the lower end of the uptake or chimney, substantially as, and for the purposes,
hereinbefore described.
Third. The combination, with the cones or their equivalents, of suitable means
for raising and lowering one of the same to regulate or control the action of the
device, substantially as, and for the purposes, hereinbefore described.
Fourth. The employment, in combination with an inverted hollow cone arranged
beneath the uptake, chimney or flue, of a hollow cone (with or without a ring).
attached to the smoke-box door, with or without a hollow cone attached to the
fire-box door, substantially as described.
Fifth. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figure 1, or Figure 2, or Figure 3, or Figure 4, or Figures 5 and 6,.
or Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawing, and operating as, and for the-
purposes, above specified.
Sixth. The modification of my improved apparatus wherein I construct the same
with two inverted hollow cones so proportioned and arranged that I am enabled to.
dispense with a deflecting ring, substantially as herein before described.
Dated the 24th day of May 1894.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant..