Apparatus for Charging and Drawing Retorts Mechanically.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Nov., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 10th Sept., 1890-Accepted, 13th Nov., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Charging and Drawing Retorts Mechanically.
JOHN RUSCOE Engineer Albion Works Hyde Cheshire do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention consists of an arrangement employed for charging gas retorts
mechanically.
The principal object of the said invention is to charge the gas retorts in such a
manner, that however big lumps of coal may be inserted into the retorts, yet the
shock on the body of the retort-by dropping or throwing of coal will be reduced to
a minimum.
:
For that purpose I construct the scoop in two parts viz. the top part and the
bottom part. The top part which consists of two sides deep enough to hold the
required quantity of coal to charge the retort at one operation, these two sides are
connected together by means of hows or cross plates to form divisions of any shape
or section of material in iron or steel, and which sides are also brought together at
the end and attached to a carriage constructed for that purpose.
The carriage itself consists of a frame of convenient material, provided with four or
any convenient number of carrier rollers or pullies, and consequently work easy
backward and forward in a suitable frame provided for that purpose, which frame I
will call "scoop frame." The scoop frame is constructed of convenient sections of
iron or steel in one or more pieces braced together; in my present arrangement the
said frame is constructed of angle iron and braced together on each side, thus forming
on each side of the scoop a channel iron in which the top part of the scoop works by
means of its carriage.
Just below the so constructed scoop frame and connected to it is provided a
necessary number of rollers or pullies to support and servo as guides for the bottom
part of the scoop.
The bottom part of the said scoop consists of channel iron-in one piece-or built
from plates and angle iron, or any other convenient sections or class of iron or steel.
When the scoop is at rest and ready to be loaded, it is in the shape of a channel ;
for emptying which, the bottom requires to be withdrawn, and its contents will then
drop. To perform this operation I have constructed the following additional parts.
The principal or main frame is huilt of convenient material and in the shape of a
rectangular tower, and is supported on four wheels fixed on rails. On the top of this
frame I put together the driving mechanism which may he set in motion by steam,
hydraulic, or any other power. In this prosent case by a hemp, flax, or steel or wire
rope or ropes arranged to run overhead longitudinally and parallel to the mouthpiecos
of the retorts in the retort house.
The first motion shaft is provided with a grooved pulley to receive the said rope,
and has on each side in the direction of the rope, two carrier rope pullies conveniently
arranged so as to keep the driving rope wound up on the said driving rope pulley
sufficiently to produce friction and consequently to remit the power to the other parts
of the machine. The said first motion shaft is provided with a bevel wheel by means
of which is transmitted the power to the second inotion shaft. On the second motion
shaft I place two loose running bevel wheels in connection with the said one bevel
wheel. Between these two bevel wheels is placed the coupling by means of which
the said second motion shaft may be set to run in either direction or to keep still
whilst the first motion shaft is continually running.
The second motion shaft serves to distribute the power for the following pur-
poses, viz.:
For raising and lowering the scoon: by one cross shaft and another vertical shaft

page_text: to work the scoop forward and backward into the retorts: by the same cross shaft
and vertical shaft and another cross shaft at the bottom of the machine-io work the
whole mechanism longitudinally from one place to another in the retort house.
I. For raising and lowering the scoop the following details are applied: I put a
loose running worm on said second motion shaft, which worm will drive by means of
a coupling the worm wheel placed above it, on the same shaft with the worm wheel
are also fixed two barrels, for winding up wire or steel or other ropes. These wire
ropes-which are four in number-two on each barrel,-are to work in the following
manner; two ends are attached to each barrel and the other ends-two from each
barrel and on each side, to the scoop frame. Two ends i.c. one from each barrel
descends vertically and directly to the scoop frame at the farthest end of it from the
retort mouth's where they are attached, whilst the other two ends of the ropes one
from each barrel, goes first almost horizontally toward the end of the machine nearest
to the retort mouth's-passes here over rope pullies provided for that purpose on the
top of the frame and descends to the scoop frame to which they are attached one on
each side. From this arrangement it follows, and as above stated, that if the second
motion shaft is set in motion, and with it the worm to run one way, it will lift up,
and if the motion is reversed it will lower down the scoop with its frame.
II. Concerning the driving motion of scoop forward and backward into retort, I
have adopted the following method: On second motion shaft is placed a bevel wheel,
which in connection with another bevel wheel on cross shaft, will give motion to that
cross shaft, from the cross shaft by means of a pair of hevel wheels is driven the
vertical shaft. I provide the vertical shaft through its whole length with a groove or
keyway for the key to work in. The key is fixed in the worm which works on the
vertical shaft and serves to drive the worm wheel which is placed on the scoop shaft.
The scoop shaft is fixed horizontally, by means of bearings attached to the scoop
frame underneath, and on the furthest end from the retort mouth's. Underneath the
front end of the scoop frame or nearest to the retorts is fixed a carrier shaft to the
framo. On both theso said-carrier and driving-shafts are placed chain wheels, over
which is stretched a chain which in one point is attached to the scoop just above the
driving shaft when the scoop is in its normal position and out of the retort. When
the top side of chain is set on to run toward retort, it will push then also the scoop
into retort, and whilst the scoop reaches the required distance in the retort, the point
of attachment of chain to the scoop will be above the carrier chain wheel shaft, by
reversing the motion as above stated on driving shaft the chain is made to run from
retort and consequently also to pull the scoop from retort, and bring it to its primitive
position.
As has been stated the motion comes through vertical shaft and worm which works
on the worm wheel and consequently on the scoop driving shaft and chain wheel on it,
the scoop will work, and the direction as to forward and backward motion of the scoop
will be regulated by means of coupling as above stated in connection with the main or
first motion shaft.
III. To move the machine from one place to another in the retort house, the
following arrangements have been adopted: On the bottom end of the said vertical
shaft is permanently keyed another worm which drives by means of a worm wheel a
cross shaft at the bottom of the machine, and this cross shaft by means of a pair of
bevel wheels gives a motion to a shaft which connects horizontally two opposite
wheels on the ground rails, on which wheels as above stated rest the whole machine.
Here again, the direction of the machine-as to right or left hand motion-will be
controlled by the above said coupling.
Now from the foregoing description it is well understood that, on the vertical shaft
are two worms, each of them in connection with its own worm wheel, serves different
purposes, viz. one to drive the scoop, and the other to work the machine from one
retort to another.
Under ordinary circumstances this would not do, as the said two motions cannot
and must not be worked at the same time. To make it right in this matter I have
invented the following mechanism: I let the worm wheels to run loose on their

page_text: respective shafts, and I provide each of these wheels with clutches in such a manner
that the operator has only to pull either way, and he-whilst one motion through the
coupling engages the other disengages; or even he may bring both motions to a
standstill, for instance in such case when the scoop requires to be lifted up or
lowered.
As above stated, the scoop is made in two parts and is driven forward and backward
by a chain which is attached at a certain point to the botton part of the scoop. But
the bottom part of scoop is also provided with a projection in such a manner, that,
when the scoop is charged with coals and going into retort the said projection keeps
both parts of scoop together, but in the moment of delivery of the charge of coal, the
top part of scoop by means of frame provided for that purpose stops firm, whilst the
bottom part withdrawing from the retort leaves in it the charge of coal; but as soon
as the contents of the scoop is emptied and before the bottom part returns to its
neutral position, it is overtaken again by the top part of the scoop, and by means of
special arrangement of purchase in mechanism, on end of the stroke, both top and
bottom parts of the scoop, will be in their original position forming one body, and
ready to be filled up again with coals.
The self acting mechanism just stated consists of pullies forming a purchase, they
are arranged to work horizontally underneath the scoop and are attached to the scoop
frame. One set of these said pulleys is revolving on the shaft which is permanently
fixed in its position, whilst the other set of pullies is revolving on the shaft which
slides in guides provided for that purpose. The rope which is the main working
factor in this motion, passes over these pullies, one end of this rope is attached under-
neath the scoop frame and close to the pullies, whilst the other end passes over a
pulley provided for that purpose on the scoop frame, on the farthest end from the
retort, and it is attached to the top part of scoop. By a pull or push the required
work will be performed wiz.: going into the retort the bottom part of the scoop with
its projection described above taketh with it the top part of the scoop, and consequently
pulls the rope with it, whilst coming backward after delivery of charge of coal as
above stated, overtakes the sliding set of pullies and by pushing it withdraws the top
part of scoop from the retort and brings it by means of the said rope, to its normal
position.
As to convenience for charging the scoop with coals, I fix an hopper on the top of
frame and in such a manner, that the operator by means of hand wheel or lever will
be able to fill the scoop with coals from the said hopper. The hopper may be filled
up with coals, either by the overhead conveyor or from a fixed hopper or hoppers
which may be fixed in one or several parts of the house convenient for keeping the
machine hopper charged with coal without the necessity of running the machine to
and fro to one given place.
Concerning the drawing machine or apparatus. My invention consists of similar
arrangements in principal details and mode of driving as in charging machine. The
main frame is so constructed as to be supported on four wheels. This frame consists
of four uprights braced together at the top and bottom, and the driving mechanism
is placed on the top of this frame. With similar arrangemont as the charging
machine.
The uprights answer two purposes viz.: in the first place they support the arrange-
ment of driving motion. Secondly they serve as guides for the rake frame in moving
up and down. The rake frame consists of channel iron, one on each side of rake
carriage, each of these channels may be in one piece or constructed from convenient
sections the same as in the charging machine.
The rake consists of a rod, of convenient section of steel or iron and of a removable
head, which may be made to hinge whilst passing over the coke in the retort, and
also may be made to suit the shape of the retort.
This rake is attached to the said rake carriage which works in the said rake frame.
At a convenient distance below the rake frame is suspended another horizontal frame
which I call a subsidiary frame, in similar manner as the scoop frame in charging
machine by means of wire or steel ropes, barrels &c. &c. This frame being suspended

page_text: at four points may be easily set in horizontal position. In the middle of the subsidiary
frame is affixed brackets one on each side to receive sliding blocks. These sliding
blocks are bored to receive the brackets which are secured on each side to the rake
frame, and by means of these brackets and described arrangements the rake swings or
balances to suit the requirements of the operator.
To facilitate the operation I have provided at the extreme end of the frame-from
the mouthpiece of the retort-a lever by means of which the rake frame with rake
carriage and its driving motion may be set easily and in any height or position to
balance either way i.e. up and down.
Cencerning the driving motion to work, the rake by means of its carriage into
retort and backwards, I have made the following arrangement.
As above stated the sliding blocks on subsidiary frame are bored to receive the
brackets which are secured to the rake frame, consequently the rake frame being
supported only by these brackets will also easily swivel in the sliding blocks as
described. The sliding blocks are provided with tension screws for adjustment and
also for tightening the driving chain.
The bosses of the brackets on the rake frame which in the tension blocks, are bored
to receive the driving shaft, which shaft derives its motion from the vertical shaft
through intermedium of the worm and worn wheel as described in connection with
the charging machine. On the said driving shaft is keyed the chain wheel, further-
more on each end, and underneath the rake frame, is secured-by means of brackets―
carrier shafts with chain wheels. The chain is passed over these two carrier wheels
and also over the said driving chain wheels. When the rake is in its neutral position
i.e. out of the retort, the chain being secured to the rake carriage at the farthest end
from the retort and above the carrier shaft, and if the driving shaft is then set in
motion, say tho top side of chain is pulled toward the retort, the rake is inserted in
the retort, and when the rake is at its extreme end in the retort, the point of attach-
ment will be above the carrier wheel on the end nearest to the retorts mouth's.
When the motion is reversed and consequently pull the top part of the chain from
the retort the rake will be withdrawn from the retort.
On the top of the main frame, and on the end nearest to the retorts, I affix the
water tank from which by means of a pipe may be used to cool the head of the rake.
The driving shaft of the rake is provided with a special safety motion so as to
prevent any excess of power on the rake, or any liability of breakage through being
carelessly jammed or forced against the mouthpiece or brickwork.
The different reversing motions are in this withdrawing machine similarly provided
as in the charging machine.
Dated this 12th day of November One thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Charging and Drawing Retorts Mechanically.
I, JOHN RUSCOE, of Albion Works, Hyde, in the County of Chester, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to he
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in the apparatus employed in mechanically
charging and drawing gas retorts and it is designed with the object of simplifying the
working parts of constructing the scoop so that the delivery of the coal from it, even in
large lumps will be performed so as to reduce to a minimum the shock to the body of
the retort; and of arranging the driving so that the several movements of the charging
scoop and of the drawing rake may be easily performed and be under the complete
control of the attendant.
The invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1. Side elevation of gas retort charging apparatus.

page_text: Fig. 4. Tan.
Fig. 5. Enlarged transverse sectional elevation of scoop on line 1, 1 Fig. 1, looking
from the retorts.
Fig. 6. Side elevation of drawing apparatus.
Fig. 7. Side elevation of rake and carriage in section.
Fig. 8. End elevation of drawing apparatus.
Fig. 9. Plan.
Fig. 10. Sectional plan above rake and carriage.
The principal or main frame A is built up in the usual way preferably in the form
of a rectangular tower from iron of angle Tor channel shape riveted or bolted together.
It is open in the centre to allow for the upward and downward movements of the
charging scoop C or drawing rake D and is as customary supported on four wheels E
running on rails F which are laid in front of the gas retorts in connection with which
the apparatus has to work.
Referring to Figures 1-5 which relate more particularly to the apparatus when
designed and arranged for charging the retorts :-
The principal improvements lie in the scoop C and in the arrangements for driving
it forward into the retorts and discharging and withdrawing it.
The scoop C is constructed in two separate parts placed one above the other capable
of independent movement the bottom part e forming the bottom of the scoop and the
top part the two sides. The top part consists of two longitudinal side pieces c¹ deep
enough to hold the required quantity of coal to charge the retort at one operation
braced or connected together by bows or cross pieces c". The cross piecus
divide the scoop in divisions or chambers which receive the coal with which the
retort is to be charged.
also
To the rear end (the end furthest away from the retort) of the upper part cl of the
scoop is attached a carriage G which supports the scoop C as it is projected forward
into the retort. This carriage G is constructed of two side pieces g of flat or angle
iron braced together which carry two or more pairs of rollers or runners g¹. The side
pieces may form a continuation of the sides c¹ of the scoop or may be constructed
separately and attached thereto. A frame H which I will call a scoop frame is
constructed of angle or channel iron h--one at either side of the scoop (1-extending
the entire length of the frame A in which the rollers g₁ run to and fro. The scoop
frame H thus serves to support the scoop carriage G and with it the upper part c¹ of
the scoop in any position as it moves to and fro into or out of the gas retort.
C
Below the scoop frame H and attached to it or carried by it on stationary axes or
studs are a number of rollers or runners g¹ which support the bottom part, c of the
scoop or on which it rests. The bottom of the scoop is constructed of channel iron
in one piece or built up into channel section from plates or angles or other convenient
sections of iron or steel. The two sides of the bottom part e stand up beside and
embrace the side pieces c' which are free to move inside and independently thereof.
When the scoop C is at rest and ready to be loaded or filled with coal it is in the
form of a channel and the two parts of it c and care together projected forward into
the retort to charge it. To empty the scoop and deposit the coal in the retort the
bottom part e is first withdrawn and as it moves backwards the contents of the several
divisions Care dropped into the retort the several cross pieces c" of the upper part
preventing the coal being carried back again, after which the upper part c¹ of the
scoop withdrawn back to its original position.
During the operation of charging the retort motion is given direct to the bottom
part c of the scoop and from it is conveyed to the upper part c¹ so that the movement
of the upper part is made to be dependent upon the lower part. As the lower part o
is cause.l to advance (by mechanisui hereinafter fully described) an upward projection I
of T or other suitable section affixed thereto comes in contact with or engages with a
similar downward projecting piece affixed to the scoop carriage G and the two
parts forming the scoop (are carried forward together the full distance required to

page_text: extend to the back of the gas retort. When this position has been reached a small
tumbler or pawl i drops into a recess ¿¹ or behind a projection formed on the side and
front end of the scoop frame H.
Under the scoop C and attached to the scoop frame H is a small frame J upon
bearings in which rotate two pairs of cbain pulleys j. j. The bearings of the chain
pulleys are stationary while the bearings which carry the chain pulleys j¹ are movable
to and fro in a slide J¹ formed in the frame J.
When the withdrawing movement is conveved through the chain S to the bottom c
of the scoop the top part e¹ is retained by the pawls or tumblers i until the bottom c
has been withdrawn a given distance. The tumblers or pawls i are then released by
the chain Tat the same time the projecting piece 11 affixed to the bottom of the
bottom part c comes in contact with a lug or horn on each sliding bearing of the
chain pulleys. By means of the chain T pissing around the pulleys ; as soon as
the backward movement of the pulleys takes place the top part c¹ of the scoop C is
drawn back at a quicker speed than the bottom part c and the two come to rest in
their original position at the same time.
The scoop frame H is held suspended in the frame A and is raised and lowered by
the chains or ropes 0, 01.
The main driving mechanism for giving the required motion to the several parts of
the apparatus is placed on the top of the frame A and is actuated by a continually
moving main driving band K-preferably a cotton rope-which runs overhead across
the entire apparatus in a line parallel to the face of the retort mouthpieces in the
retort house. The main driving band K. is driven at a quick speed and communicates
motion to the pulley K' against which it is held by the two guide pulleys k. As the
driving hand K passes over a drum or pulley at each end of the retort house it is
always taut irrespective of the position of or any movement of the frame A or of any
of the mechanism supported thereby.
The first motion shaft to which the rope pulley K' is keyed or otherwise attached
is preferably vertical and transmits movement to the second motion shaft L by means
of a bevel wheel " keyed thereon and two bevel wheels placed facing each other
and loose on the shaft L. The two bevel wheels on the second motion shaft L are
always in gear with the bevel wheel " on the first motion shaft &. Between the two
hevel wheels on the second motion shaft L is a sliding friction clutch L' which
engages with a clutch box formed in the face of each of the bevel wheels. The
clutch L' is provided with a key or feather on the shaft L so that if brought into
contact with the bovel wheel Z the shaft is rotated in one direction and if brought into
contact with the bevel wheel the shaft L is rotated in the opposite direction or by
being kept in a central position the second motion shaft may be kept still while the
first motion shaft is continually running.
The second motion shaft L has attached to it other mechanism which serves to
distribute the power for the following purposes i.:-To raise and lower the scoop in
the frame A; to propel the scoop into and withdraw it from the retorts; and to move
the entire mechanisin on the rails F from one place to another in the retort house.
For this purpose on the shaft L are placed loose a worm M and bevel wheel M¹ each
provided with a clutch box face, and moving on a key or feather in the same shaft
is a friction clutch m which can be thrown into gear or connection with either the
worm M or the bevel wheel M¹.
For raising or lowering the scoop Ca worm wheel N is geared with the worm M
on the second motion shaft L. The worm wheel N is keyed to a cross shaft n upon
which are fixed two rope or chain barrels N' upon which wire ropes or chains may
be wound. Attached to each barrel are two wire ropes 0 0¹ and the ropes one
from each barrel pass horizontally forward to the front of the machine over guide
pulleys and the ropes O¹ one from each barrel descend vertically therefrom.
four ropes or chains are connected respectively to the four corners of the scoop frame H
by means of the adjusting screws o.
The
For projecting the scoop C forward into the retorts and drawing it back again
notion is conveyed from the second motion shaft L by the bevel wheel M¹ thereon to

page_text: the cross shaft p through the double bevel wheel P. The double bevel wheel P also
gears with another bovel wheel P¹ affixed to the upper end of a vertical shaft p'. The
function of the vertical shaft pl is twofold but at present it will only be described
with reference to the forward and backward movement of the scoop C. The vertical
shaft pl is throughout its length slotted with a groove or keyway. Journalled or
supported in a bracket r of the scoop frame H is a worm R with a key fixed therein
through which the vertical shaft pl passes and to which it conveys its inotion. The
worin R gears with a worm whoel R affixed to a shaft carried in the brackets + on
the scoop-frame H which I shall call the scoop-shaft and on it is placed a chain-
wheel which drives a chain S. Both ends of the chain S are connected to a
brackets affixed to the bottom part c of the scoop and then pass in opposite directions
over the chain wheel 11 on the scoop-shaft and over the carrier chain-pulley s² on
the shaft supported in brackets at the front end of the scoop frame H. A move-
ment of the chain in either direction carries with it the bottom parte of the scoop.
A second chain T is attached to a counterbalanced or weighted lever T' on the spindle
of the tumblers i and passes backward over a chain carrier pulley t and thence under
the scoop-carriage and scoop frame to the chain pulleys previously described and
after passing round each of these pulloys the end is affixed to the frame J at some
convenient point.
To move the machine from one place to another in the retort house the vertical
shaft p communicates through a worm U affixed to it at its lower end with and gives
motion to the shaft e of one pair of the wheels E which run on the rails F. The
worm U gears into the worm wheel U¹ which is connected with the shaft u, on which
is a bevel u by means of the clutch u'. The vertical shaft p¹ thus serves to move the
scoop backwards and forwards and also to move the apparatus from one retort to
another. The two movements are applied by the clutches and u² in connection
with the worms R and U and worm wheels and U' which can be thrown into and
out of gear. To prevent the two clutches being thrown into gear at the same time
they are connected together by levers and rods e¹ connected to the foot of a vertical
rod V to the top of which is attached the connecting lever ".
บ
The hand levers V W and X serve to throw into and out of gear the several parts
of the mechanism which perform the different operations.
The land lever W through the levers and connecting rods to throws the
clutch L on the second motion shaft L into contact with either of the bevel wheels Zľ¹
whereby the motion in either direction is obtained for any part of the mechanism and
by this hand lever the direction of motion is reversed. The hand lever X through
the connecting levers and rods a moves the clutch m into contact with either the
worm M or bevel wheel M' to lift or lower the scoop, or through the vertical
shaft pl to move the scoop into or out of the retort or the apparatus from one retort
to another and the handle V controls the clutches in connection therewith and its
movement determines which of these movements shall take place but prevents both
being carried out at the same time.
In order to make the reversing movement of the scoop for withdrawing it from the
retort automatic the chain Y is connected to a lever Y which by a connecting rod y
is coupled to a horizontal rod y' supported by one of the angles h. This rod has a
projecting finger y against which a moving part of the scoop C projecting at y
comes in contact when the scoop has passed the required length into the retort. The
movement of the chain 1 raises the rod and reverses the clutch L' in the bevel
wheels. Another projection y attached to the scoop comes in contact with the
end of the rod y' and pushing it again reverses the clutch L' or moves it into a central
position.
The coal may be supplied to the scoop C by means of a hopper (not shown) affixed
to the top of the frame A in the usual way and the hopper may be kept filled by a
travelling conveyor as the scoop charges the retorts.
Referring to Figs. 6 to 10 which relate more particularly to the apparatus when
designed and arranged for drawing the spent charge from the retorts the same letters
of reference will as far as practicable refer to similar parts of the apparatus or

page_text: to parts having similar functions to those already described with reference to the
charging scoop.
The framework A is constructed in a very similar manner supported on wheels E
running on rails F and the driving mechanism for raising and lowering the rake D
for moving it into and out of the retorts and for moving the apparatus along the rails
differs only from that shown and described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 in
being a modified arrangement of the several parts which I prefer for the drawing
apparatus.
It will be understood that this modified arrangement may be applied to the driving
or operating of the charging scoop C while the arrangement of driving mechanism
shown in Figs. 1 to 5 may be applied to operate the drawing rako D.
The drawing rake D is constructed of a rod d preferably rectangular in cross section
of either steel or iron with a removable head d' pivoted thereto so as to swivel towards
the machine when passing into the retort over the coke.
The rod of the rake is attached or carried by a carriage G the runners g' of which
move to and fro in the channel irons which form the sides of the rake frame H very
similar to that already described with reference to the charging scoop. The rake is
mounted so that it may swivel or oscillate either vertically or horizontally to suit the
requirements of the operator.
Below the rake frame and attached to it is a subsidiary or second frame J. The
frame J is supported at the four corners by the ropes 0 0¹ from the barrels N¹ and
the rake frame H is connected to it by the trunnions ¹ on either side of the cradle
bracket firmly attached to the longitudinal members of the rake frame H by
rivets bolts or screws. The blocks which form the journals for the trunnions
slide along the frame J and may be attached thereto in any desired position. The
rake D and rake frame H can be oscillated on the trunnions to suit the require-
ments of the operator. The sido members of tho frame H are braced together at
intervals by the other cradle brackets H" similar to the bracket H' without the
trunnions.
The rod d at the end where it connects with the ruke carriage is pivoted on an
upright pivot d upon which it can oscillate horizontally to allow the head of the rake
to be moved from one side of the retort to the other. This oscillating movement is
effected by the hand lever D' through the shaft boss lever D₁ thereon and con-
necting rod d. The shaft d is cut with a groove or keyway in which a feather
in the boss lever D" slides, the sliding movement being obtained from the rake
carriago G as it moves along by a stud projecting therefrom into the annular groove
of the lever D". By the double oscillating movement on the horizontal trunnion h³,
and on the upright pivot d", the rake may be caused to swivel in any direction.
The handle Z and rod Z' passing through the bracket z attached to the rake frame
and clamping screw al serve for the attendant to oscillate the rake on the trunnions /¹
in the sliding blocks h¹¹.
The rake D is moved backwards and forwards by the chain S both ends of which
are attached to the rake carriage G. It passes over the carrier chain pulleys s¹ on
the shafts s¹¹ journalled in the brackets H" and is actuated by the chain wheel 11 on
the rake shaft r¹. The rake shaft is actuated by the sliding worm R on the
vertical shaft from the bevel wheels M' on the second motion shaft L through the
bevel wheels P P¹.
Instead of using the vertical shaft p' to perform the double function of drawing the
rake in and out and of moving the apparatus along the rails 1 employ a second
vertical shaft p which at its upper end connects with the bevel wheel " on the
second motion shaft L by means of the bevel wheels P1 and P. At its lower end
it connects with the shaft e of the wheels E by means of the worm U and worm
wheel U and bevel wheels u". By this arrangement the advantage is gained of
having all the change motions placed at the top of the framing.
As already described with reference to the charging scoop the hand lever W with 5
its connections 20 20¹ serves to operate the clutch L' to reverse the direction of motion
of the shaft L. The hand lever V serves to move the clutch m to set the worm M in

page_text: motion to raise and lower the rako and the handle X through the levers and rods at
throws a clutch m¹ into either of the hevol wheels PM" to move the rake into or out
of the retorts or to move the frame on the rails F.
In any suitable position on top of the frame A or elsewhere in the retort house is
placed a water cistern from which water may be by means of a pipe or hose run on to
the rake to cool it.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An apparatus for charging gas retorts having a charging scoop constructed of
two separately moving parts which are projected into and travel the full length of the
retorts together the bottom part being first withdrawn to deposit the charge of coal
substantially as described.
2. An apparatus for charging gas retorts having a sliding charging scoop C,
purchase pulleys for withdrawing one part at a quicker speed than the other, a scoop
carriage G, and a scoop frame H constructed and operated substantially as
described.
3. In an apparatus for withdrawing the charge from gas retorts a rake having a
double oscillating movement so that it may be caused to swivel in any direction
substantially as described.
4. An apparatus for drawing the chargo from gas retorts having a longitudinally
sliding drawing rake D rake carriage G and rake frame H oscillating on trunnions h
constructed and arranged substantially as described.
5. An apparatus for charging gas retorts or for drawing the charge therefrom
having the several parts driven or operated substantially as described and shown either
with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 or Figs. 6 to 10.
Dated this 9th day of September 1800.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
6, Bank Street, Manchester, Patent Agents.