New or Improved Construction of Mechanical Stoker, and Means for Controlling same, and certain Air Supplying Apparatus used therewith.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Sept., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 29th June, 1899-Accepted, 2nd Sept., 1899
New or Improved Construction of Mechanical Stoker, and Means
for Controlling same, and certain Air Supplying Apparatus
used therewith.
I, WILLIAM GRIMSHAW STONES of 183 Preston New Road, Blackburn, in the
County of Lancaster, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention
to be as follows:-
It consists of a novel construction of inechanical stoker for supplying fuel to.
furnaces, characterised by its several parts being capable of ready adjustment, easy
of repair, under complete control, and comprising means whereby its action is, or may
be, controlled by steam pressure, so that, after 'once starting, the supply of fuel is
automatically diminished, or increased, according to the fluctuations in the pressure
of steam, or, when a certain- pressure is exceeded the supply is completely shut off,
and when such pressure is reduced the supply is automatically restarted.
The improved stoker in its application to a Lancashire' boiler (which may
conveniently serve for indicating its general characteristics) comprises a set of fan
boxes, one for each furnace, enclosing a set of, by preference, 3 armed fans, mounted
upon an axis (by preference) common to both boxes. Each of such fan boxes is, by
preference, mounted: upon an independent bed or base-plate, to allow of expansion
and contraction, and each is divided into compartments, one for each fan. Above each
fan-box is a set of fuel -slide-boxes, adapted to move backwards and forwards in a
direction at or about, right-angles with the boiler front. Above each set of slide
boxes is a fuel feed hopper, with independent outlet for each slide and fan, and
passing transversely through the throats of each hopper is a shaft (common to both
hoppers) carrying a set of agitators for use in. maintaining a constant flow of fuel into
the slide boxes below.
The said hoppers deliver the fuel into the rear parts of the slide-boxes, where it
falls upon a plate immediately above the fans, and in which are openings, one for
each fan, or one opening common to both fans, and through which, as the slides move
as aforesaid, the fuel is precipitated or fed into the fan box, from whence it is
thrown into the furnace by the fans. Ti.e mation of the fuel slide-boxes is obtained
(by preference) through a worm and worm-wheel, receiving motion from any suitable
source, and a variable lever motion' operated by said worm gearing. Such lever
motion comprises a bar, plate or lever, with a single continuous slot, or two slots,
suspended froin a cross-pin carried by a cross-bar capable of endwise movement.
(or otherwise suitably sustained), an adjustable eccentric or crank pin upon the face
of the said worm wheel engaging with the upper slot in said bar, plate or lever, and

page_text: a block or pin adjustably mounted upon a bracket near the lower end of the lever,
and engaging with the lower slot. This last named block or pin forms the fulcrum
of the bar, plate or lever, and when the worm and worm-whee! are in motion the said.
lever is given an oscillating, or to-and-fro movement, and by its connection with the
cross-bar, imparts a to-and-fro traverse to such cross-bar.
Upon the cross-bar aforesaid are two sets of brackets, and each bracket carries a
rod which extends through the wall of casing immediately in front of one of the
slide-boxes, and upon each of such rods is a pin or snug adapted to lie between the
arins of a fork or link projecting horizontally from a vertical axis in close proximity,―
hence when the worm-wheel imparts motion to the slotted lever, and such lever
imparts reciprocating motion to the cross-bar, which in turn moves the rods on the
brackets to-and-fro, the snugs thereon engage with the forks aforesaid, and rotate the
vertical axes for about an eighth of a revolution.
Upon each vertical axis is a further arm or finger, and upon each slide-box is a set
of snugs, between, or in which, a screw is mounted, and upon such screw is a nut with
n slotted extension or projection, through which the said finger or arm on each
vertical axis passes, hence when each axis is rotated as aforesaid, and the
arm thereon in consequence is given a radial movement, its engagement with the
slotted extension of the nut, causes a to-and-fro movement of the slide-box as
aforesaid.
To vary or regulate the degree of movement for each slide, or to bring each slide
to a standstill independently of the other slides, the screw on its front end is rotated
by a small hand-wheel, with, or without, index, detent and pointer, and the slotted
extension of the nut is thereby caused to gradually move to a point at which the
finger of the vertical axes (although continuing to move) has no further effect upon it,
or the box. The reverse movement of the hand-wheel will obviously restart the slide
box at a gradually increasing rate of movement until the nut again reaches its further-
most point from the axis and the maximum stroke is obtained. Whilst thus
allowing of the independent regulation of each slide-box, I provide for the simul-
taneous and complete regulation of all the slide-boxes by altering the value of the
slotted lever aforesaid, i,e, altering the position of the fulcrum in its slot higher or
lower, which has the effect of increasing or lessening the radial movement of the
lever and therefore increasing or diminishing the to-and-fro movements of the cross-
bar. Such adjustment of the fulcrum is effected by a screw, mounted in a bracket
behind the lever, and with which screw the block carrying the fulcrum piu engages.
A further adjustment of the slide-boxes may be effected by altering the position of
the eccentric pin on the worm wheel.
To effect the automatic regulation of the slide boxes as aforesaid, either.to diminish.
or increase the feed, or shut it off entirely, and start it again, according to the
pressure of the steam, I employ a chain, wire or cord and set of palleys, and to one end
of such chain, wire or cord I connect a weight and to the other end a spiral spring
connected in turn to a further cord or chain passing under, and gearing with, a toothed
wheel and leading to, and controlled by, a steam regulator.
The wheel under which the cord connected with the regulator passes is provided
with a stud or pin on its side, periphery, or axis, and in front of such wheel is a bell-
crank lever with weighted arm, and such lever is connected to means for starting and
stopping the motion of the shaft giving motion to the worm wheel. The block which
carries the fulcrum of the slotted lever, is sustained in slides formed in the bracket
aforesaid and is capable of rising and falling by the motion of the chain, wire or cord
passing over the pulleys due to a connection thereon engaging with a projecting
arm on the aforesaid fulcrum block, hence it will be seen that as the steam gradually
increases, its effect upon the regulator is (or may be) such as to gradually put tension
on the chains and, by pulling such chains, gradually lower the fulcrum block and
consequently the fulcrum, and thus alter the throw of the lever and diminish the
supply of fuel until the steam has reached, or almost reached, its highest pressure,
when, if the pressure attained is constant, or does not further increase, the supply of
fuel is continued at the reduced quantity, but if the pressure should increase the

page_text: regulator puts additional tension on the chains, which then rotate the gear wheel
aforesaid, bring the stud on such wheel against the bell-crank lever, and pushing it
at one side, cause such lever to throw the mechanism for driving the worm shaft
out of gear, and so stop the entire apparatus. As soon however, as the pressure
of steam decreases and falls below the pressure at which the apparatus stops, the
regulator relaxes the tension on the chains, which moving back under the-pull of
the weight aforesaid, rotate the gear wheel, remove the stud out of contact with
the bell-crank lever, and the latter, by its weighted arm, immediately reengages
the mechanism for driving the worm shaft. Any further decrease of pressure causes
further relaxation of the chains, which in turn causes the fulcrum block to rise and
gradually increase the feed until the pressure, rises again, when the operation of
diminishing and shutting off the feed is repeated, and so on continuously..
.
Although I prefer the automatic regulation I may use the apparatus without it,
and rely on hand regulation only.
To impart movement to the agitators in the hoppers, I prefer to utilise the move-
ments of the cross-bar, and to employ a disc with ratchet teeth on its opposite faces,
with which a set of pawls on the cross-bar may engage, and cause periodic or con-
tinuous rotation, or, by the throwing back of such pawls the agitators may cease
to rotate.
To provide against the fan boxes choking, the front of each box may be fitted
with a hinged door, held in position by weight or spring.
Although more. particularly described in reference to the furnaces of a 'Lancashire'
boiler, my invention is applicable to other types of boiler furnaces, and may either be
arranged and operated singly, or in series, and although I prefer two slide boxes and
two fans for each furnace, I may employ one slide-box and one fan only, or three or
more slide boxes, and three or more fans, with feed hoppers having a corresponding
number of throats or outlets to suit, and in the latter connection my invention is.
specially adapted for use with water-tube or similar boilers.
In combination with my said stoker, I may employ the 'distributing plates
described in my previous Application for Letters Patent No. 9375/98, and the 'air
supplying apparatus' described in my previous Application for Letters Patent
No. 26983/97, and I may utilise the automatic regulating apparatus herein described
for controlling the same.
Whilst I prefer a slotted lever or bar, I may arrange the crank-pin block and
fulcrum block to slide upon a solid rod or bar, and whilst I prefer the centre motion,
I may operate the cross-bar direct, or substitute other devices for giving motion to
the sliding boxes, or operate the sliding boxes by links or rods coupled direct to the
lever, and for the proper fixing or mounting of the parts, or for obtaining like move-
ments and effects, the details of my invention may in many respects be varied
without departing from the principle thereof.
Dated this 28th day of September 1898.
WILLIAM GRIMSHAW STONES
By John G. Wilson & Co.
Agents. 55 Market Street, Manchester.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED). .
New or Improved Construction of Mechanical Stoker and Means
for Controlling same, and certain Air Supplying Apparatus
used therewith.
I WILLIAM GRIMSHAW STONES of 183 Preston New Road Blackburn in the County
of Lancaster 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:---
It consists of a novel construction of mechanical stoker for supplying fuel to

page_text: furnaces, characterised by its several parts being capable of ready adjustment, easy
of repair, and under complete control,-and-comprising-means-whereby-its-action-is,
er-may-be-controlled-by-steam-pressure, so-that-after onee-starting-the-supply-of
fuel is automatically diminished, or increased--nccording to the fluctuations-in-the
pressure-of-steam, or-when-e-certain-pressure-is-exceeded the supply is completely
shut-off,-and-when-such-pressure-is-redneed-the-supply-is-automatically-restarted:
The improved stoker in its application to a Lancashire' boiler (which may
conveniently serve for indicating its general characteristics) comprises a set of fan
boxes, one fan box for each furnace, enclosing a set of, by preference, 3 armed fans
mounted upon an axis common to both boxes. Each of such fan boxes is, by
preference, mounted upon an independent bed or base-plate to allow of expansion
and contraction and each is divided into compartments, one for each fan. Above
each fan-box is a set of fuel slide-boxes, adapted to move backwards and forwards in a
direction at, or about at, right-angles with the boiler front. Above each set of slide
boxes is a fuel feed hopper with a by preference independent outlet for each slide and
fan, and passing transversely through the throats of each hopper is a shaft (common
to both hoppers) carrying a set of agitators for use in maintaining a constant flow of
fuel into the slide boxes below.
The said hoppers deliver the fuel into the rear parts of the slide-boxes; where it
falls upon a plate immediately above the fans, and in which are openings, one for
each fan, or one opening common to both fans, through which, as the slides move
as aforesaid, the fuel is precipitated or fed in to the fan box and from whence it is
thrown into the furnace by the fans. The motion of the fuel slide-boxes is obtained
(by preference) through a worm and worm-wheel receiving motion from any suitable
source, and a variable lever motion operated by said worm gearing. Such lever
motion comprises a bar, plate or lever with a single continuous slot, or two slots and
suspended from a cross-pin carried by a cross-bar capable of endwise movement (or
otherwise suitably sustained) an adjustable eccentric or crank pin upon the face of the
said worm wheel engaging with the upper slot in said bar, plate or lever, and a block
and pin adjustably mounted upon a bracket near the lower end of the lever and
engaging with the lower slot. This last named block or pin forms the fulcrum of
the bar, plate or lever, and when the worm and worm-wheel are in motion the said
lever is given an oscillating, or to-and-fro' movement, and by its connection with the
cross-bar imparts a to-and-fro traverse to such cross-bar.
Upon the cross-bar aforesaid are two sets of brackets, and each bracket carries a rod
which extends through the wall of casing immediately in front of one of the slide-
boxes, and upon each of such rods is a pin or snug adapted to lie between the arms
of a fork or link projecting horizontally from a vertical axis in close proximity, hence
when the worn wheel imparts motion to the slotted lever, and such lever imparts
reciprocating motion to the cross-bar, which in turn moves the rods on the brackets
to-and-fro, the snugs thereon engage with the forks aforesaid, and rotate the vertical
axes for about an eighth of a revolution.
Upon each vertical axis is a further arm or finger, and upon each slide-box is a set
of snugs between, or in which a screw is mounted, and upon such screw is a nut with
a slotted extension or projection, through which the said finger or arm on each
vertical axis passes, hence when each axis is rotated as aforesaid, and the arm thereon
in consequence is given a radial movement, its engagement with the slotted extension
of the nut, causes a to-and-fro movement of the slide-box as aforesaid.
To vary or regulate the degree of movement for each slide, or to bring each slide
to a standstill independently of the other slides, the screw on its front end is rotated
by a small hand-wheel, with, or without, index, detent and pointer, and the slotted
extension of the nut is thereby caused to gradually move to a point at which the
finger of the vertical axis (although continuing to move) has no further effect upon
it, or the box. The reverse movement of the hand-wheel will obviously restart the
slide box at a gradually increasing rate of movement until the nut again reaches its
furthest point from the axis, and the maximum stroke is obtained.
Whilst thus allowing of the independent regulation of each slide-box I provide for

page_text: the simultaneous and complete regulation of all the slide-boxes by altering the value
of the slotted lever aforesaid, ie, altering the position of the fulcrum in its slot
higher or lower, which has the effect of increasing or lessening the radial movement
of the lever and therefore of increasing or diminishing the to-and-fro movements of
the cross-bar. Such adjustment of the fulerum is effected by a screw, mounted in a
bracket behind the lever and with which screw the block carrying the fulcrum pin
engages. A further adjustment of the slide-boxes may be effected by altering the
position of the eccentric pin on the worm wheel.
with-e-toothed-wheel-and-leading-to,-and-controlled-by-n-steam-regulator.
either--to
Te-effect-the-automatic--regulation-of-the-slide-boxes--as-aforesaid,
diminish-or-increase-the-feed,-or-shut it-off entirely, and start-it-again, according
to-the-pressure-of-the-steam, I-employ-a-chain, wire-or-cord-and-set-of--pulleys and
to-one-end-of-such chain,-wire or cord-1-connect-a--weight and to the--other--end--a
spiral spring-connected-in-turn-to-a-further-cord-or-chain passing under, and-gearing
The-wheel-under which the-cord connected-with-the-regulator-passes,-is-provided
with-a-stud-or-pin-on-its-side, periphery-or-axis,-and-in-front-of-such-wheel-is-a
bell-erank lever-with-weighted--arin,--and--such-lever--is--connected--to-means-for
starting and stopping the motion of the shaft giving-motion-to-the-worm-wheel.
The bracket supporting-the-block-which-earries-the-fulcrum-pin-of-the-slotted-lever,
is-sustained-in-slides formed-in-the-bracket-aforesaid-and-is-capable-of-rising-and
falling by the-motion-of-the-chain, wire-or-cord-passing-over-the-pulleys-due-to-n
connection-thereon-engaging-with-a-projecting-arm-on-the-aforesaid fulerum-block
or--otherwise,--henee--it--will--be--seen--that--ns-the--steam-gradually increases-its
effect upon-the-regulator-is--(or-may be)-such-as-to-gradually-put-tension-on-the
ehains--and,-by-pulling-such-chains, gradually lower-the-fulerum-bracket,--and
consequently the fuleram,-and-thus alter-the-throw-of the-lever and-diminish the
supply of fuel-until-the-steam-has-renched, or almost reached,-its-highest-pressure,
when-if-the-pressure attained-is-constant, or does-not-further-increase-the supply of
fuel-is-continued-at-the--reduced--quantity,-but-if-the-pressure-should--increase-the
regulator-puts-additional-tension--on-the-chains-which-then-rotate--the-gear-wheel
aferesaid, bring-the-stud-on such wheel against-the-bell-crank-lever-and-pushing-it
to-one side, cause-such-lever-to-throw-the-mechanism-for-driving-the worm-shaft-out
of-gear, and so stop the entire-apparatus: As-soon,
however-as--the-pressure-of
steam--deereases-and-falls--below-the-pressure-at-which-the--apparatus stops; the
regulator-relaxes the tension on-the-chains, which moving-back-under-the-pull-of
the weight aforesaid-rotate-the-gear-wheel-remove--the-stud--out--of-contact-with
the bell-erank lever,-and-the-latter, -by-its-weighted arm,-immediately-re-engages
the mechanism-for-driving-the-worm-shaft.
Any further-decrease of ☐ pressure-causes-further relaxation-of-the-chains,-and-the
fulerum-block-to-rise, and gradually increase the feed-until-the-
e-pressure-rises-again,
when-the-operation-of-diminishing-and-shutting-off the feed-is-repented,-and-so-on
Although-I-prefer-the-automatic-regulation-I-may-use the apparatus-without-it,
continuously.
and-rely-on-hand-regulation-only.
To impart movement to the agitators in the hoppers I prefer to utilise the move-
ments of the cross-bar, and to employ a disc with ratchet teeth on its opposite faces,
with which a set of pawls on the cross-bar may engage, and cause periodic or
continuous rotation. By the throwing back of such pawls the agitators may cease
to rotate.
And in order that my said invention may be more readily understood and carried
into practical effect I have hereunto annexed 3 sheets of drawings and will now.
proceed to describe the same with the aid of the various figures and reference
numerals shewn thereon..
On Sheet One,
Fig. 1 illustrates a front elevation (partly broken away) of a two flued or
Lancashire' boiler with my improved stoker applied thereto, which shews (in
combination) the arrangement--of--nir-supplying--and fuel distributing appara tus.

page_text: forming the subjects of Letters Patent No.--20033--A.D.-1907, and No. 9375
A.D. 1898. Those parts of the stoker fittings for the left-hand flue are in elevation,
and those parts of the stoker fittings for the right hand flue are in section, with
certain detail parts reinoved to shew my invention inore clearly.
Such-view-also-shows-the-mechanism for controlling the action of-the-stoker
necording-to-the-steam-pressure.
: On Sheet Two,
Fig. 2 represents a longitudinal section through one of the furnaces, the stoker
fittings of such furnace, and in side elevation, the said air-supplying and fuel
distributing apparatus. Fig. 3 represents a sectional plan of the stoker through one
set of slide, or fuel-feed boxes, and through a portion of the fan casing below the
other set.
Fig. 4 represents (to an enlarged scale and as seen from the furnace) the arrange-
ment of fuel distributing apparatus aforesaid.
On Sheet Three,
Fig. 5 represents a vertical section through the variable lever mechanism for giving
motion to the fuel feed-boxes, and controlling their action.
Fig. 6 represents a horizontal section through the variable lever mechanism on
line a-b.
Fig. 7 represents another sectional plan of the fuel feed-boxes and their operating
mechanism, but in a different position from that shewn in Fig. 3.
Fig. 8 represents a vertical section of the fuel-feed box casing and
exposing a front view of the operating mechanism of the fuel feed-boxes, also the
mechanism (hand wheel and screw) for raising and lowering the fuel distributing
apparatus shewn in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.
Figs. 9 and 10 represent detached parts of the fuel feed-box operating mechanism.
Figs. 11 and 12 represent respectively a front elevation and longitudinal section (to
an enlarged scale) of the adjusting and registering device for the angular setting of
the fuel distributing apparatus shewn in Figs. 4 and fully set forth in my said Letters
Patent No. 9375 A.D. 1898.
Figs. 13 and 14 represent respectively an elevation and section (to an enlarged
scale) of adjusting and registering devices for setting and indicating the impulses
of the fuel feed-boxes.
Figs. 15 and 16 represent in diagram, two positions (under the same degree of
impulse) of the aforesaid variable lever mechanism and-control-devices,-i.e.,-when-the
stoker-is fully-on-(Fig. 1a)-and-when-the-stoker-is-completely stopped-(Fig.-16)
In describing my invention as shewn in the drawings and in relation to a two flued
boiler, (1) is the boiler front and (2) the furnaces. At the front of such furnaces
and upon the boiler shell I mount the base plates (3). Upon each plate I mount a
fan-box (4) divided by vertical plate (5) into two compartments (6) and (7)
In such compartments are the, by preference, three armed fans (8) keyed upon the
driving shaft (9) which passes through the box (4) and is carried by bearings (10)
and (11) retained by collars (12). Above and resting upon the top of each fan-
box (4) are the feed-boxes (13) composed of four walls or sides open top and bottom,
enclosed by frame or casing (14) and capable of working in a to-and-fro direction
at right angles to the boiler front under the impulses of the mechanism hereinafter
more fully described.
Above each frame (14) is a fuel supply hopper (15) with outlet throats (16). In
each throat of said hopper is a rotary agitator (17) driven, as hereinafter described for
the purpose of causing the fuel to descend uniformly into the feed boxes (13) and
prevent choking.
Upon the base-plate (18) I mount a stud or axle (19) and upon such stud I mount
the worm-wheel (20), see Figs. 1, 3 and 5. In proximity with the said wheel is
the driving shaft (9) which passes through the fan-boxes as aforesaid, and
is fitted at one end with friction clutch (21) and pulley (22) and at the other end
with fly-wheel (23). Such shaft, at a point immediately above the worm-wheel (20)
I

page_text: is also fitted with the worm (24) which gears with the said worm-wheel, and when
the shaft is rotated imparts motion to the worm-wheel.
Above the worin and worm-wheel and supported at each end in sockets (24)
formed in, or on the sides of the frame (14) is the bar or rod (25) capable of a
to-and-fro endwise traverse. Fron such rod or bar I suspend the bracket or
fork (26) and from a pin on such fork I suspend the lever (27) which I thereby cause
to lie immediately in front of the worm-wheel (20). Such lever is provided with
slots (28) and (29).
Passing through a bracket (30) (and a collar (30*) (shewn-dotted) above said bracket
when operated by hand) is the screw (31) working in a threaded sliding
block (32) carrying a pin (33) which forms the fulcrum or approximate centre upon
which the lever (27) moves as hereinafter described.
Upon the face of the worm-wheel (20) is the adjustable block (34) (see Figs. 3
and 5) carrying, or formed with stud (35) which projects through the slot (28) of
lever (27) and carries the oscillatory slide block (36) which works in the upper
slot (28).
When the worm-wheel is in motion the eccentricity of the stud (35) to the centre
of such wheel imparts a rocking movement to the lever. (27) which thereby imparts
a to-and-fro motion to the bar or rod (25).
Upon the bar or rod (25) are the brackets (37) and carried at the extremity of each
of such brackets are the rods (38) and (39) one above the other, and both passing
through the wall or frame (14). Upon each rod (38) and (39) within the frame (14)
is a snug or projection (40) which engages with forks (41) on the vertically
mounted crank or swivel (42) (see Figs 2, 3, 7 8, 9 and 10) carrying a finger (43)
which engages with the slotted extension (44) of nut (44) on screw (45) operated by
hand wheel (46) and mounted upon the end of feed-box (13).
The movement of rod (25) under the impulses of lever (27) received from
shaft (9) through worn wheel (20) causes rods (38), (39) to move to-and-fro, which
then by snugs (40) operating upon the forks (41) impart a reciprocating motion
to the swivels (42) and cause the fingers (43) to move the feed-boxes (13) towards, and
away from the boiler front.
By the rotation of screws (45) the movements of each feed-box can be independently
adjusted to a nicety, or stopped entirely by the traverse of the nut (44) towards the
centre of the swivels, which is allowed for by the peculiar cranking of the swivels
at (41) (see Figs. 9 and 10). To enable the adjustment of the screw (45) to be
intelligently determined I provide an index (47) on each hand-wheel (46) and a
pointer (19) carriei by a block (50) sliding in slot (51) in the frame (14) along with
the feed-boxes (13). Said pointer carries a detent (52) held into indents in the
periphery of wheel (46) by spring (53).
I will now described the manner in which the fuel is fed to the fans (8) and
by them. to the furnace. The two throats of the hopper (15) lie over
the space surrounded by the rear parts of the feed-boxes (13), and over the
plate (4x) as shewn in Figs. 2, 3 and 7 consequently the fuel from the
hopper falls on to such plate. The feel-boxes (13) consist of frames of metal
open top and bottom as aforesaid, and the end nearest the boiler lies at all
times beyond the throat of the hopper. In the front part of plate (4x) is the
opening (4xx) the edge of which nearest the boiler lies directly over the front part of
the fan below, hence as the fuel falls on to the plate (4*) it also falls within the walls
of the feed-box which when set in notion as aforesaid moves the fuel forward inter-
mittently, or step-by-step, and precipitates it through the opening (4xx) into the
fan box, where it is caught by the arms of the fan and projected into the
furnace.
To allow for the efficient or easy working of the feed-boxes (13) I provide each box
with a strip.of felt (13*) (see Figs. 2 and 3) adapted to absorb a supply of oil or
grease, and at each stroke lubricate the box. Such felt is also useful in keeping
coal dust away from the feed-box operating mechanism. The floor of the part con-

page_text: taining the swivels (42) forms a well, in which oil or other suitable lubricant may lie;
and serve to lubricate the swivels.
The agitators (17) are operated by means of a face ratchet wheel (54) upon
shaft (55) and a set of pawls (56) carried by bar (25) engaging respectively with the
opposite faces of the wheel (54) and at each stroke of the bar (25) imparting a fraction
of turn to said wheel, its shaft and the agitators (17). To get a very fine movement
I may employ a disc without teeth and arrange the pawls to advance the disc by
frictional abutment.
Each fan-box (4) being as aforesaid divided by vertical division plate (5) the streams
of fuel have separate outlets. In Figs. 2, 3 and 4 I shew the arrangement of plates
I prefer to employ for distributing the fuel to the various parts of the furnace and the
details of construction and mode of operation are clearly set forth in the Specification
of Letters Patent No. 9375 A.D. 1898 aforesaid.
Figs. 11 and 12 shew the means I employ for adjusting and indicating the position
of such plates. For adjusting the plates en bloc I employ the lever (57) and form the
fan casing with cavity (58) in which the lever may be snugly disposed and to a large
extent protected from coal dust.
The details of-the-air-supplying apparatus-are-set-forth--in-the-Specification--of
Letters Patent No. 26083-A.D.-1397.
I will now-proceed-to-describe-the-arrangement of -apparatus I-employ-for-auto-
matically diminishing, stopping-and-restarting-the-stoker-according to the-pressure
of-steam-in-which-ense-the-collar (30*)-is-removed-and-the-serew-(31)-passes-loosely
through-the-bracket-(30)
From-any-suitable-form-of-steam-regulater-fitted-to-the-boiler, or--a-special-con-
trivance for the purpose-such-as-a-weighted-piston-or-ram-within-a-cylinder--and
steam-neting-against-sach-piston,
I-lead-a-cord-or-ehnin--(50)--and-pass-ench-cord
under-n pulley-or-chain-wheel-(60)-axially-mounted-on-one-of-the-base-plates (3), or
like part. The end of such chuin-is-connected-to--one--end--of-n-rod--(61)-which-in
turn is connected-to-a-spring-(622); eennected-in-its-ture-to-a-further-chain-or-cord (63);
which-letter-passes-under-pule (64)-pwards, and-over-pulleys-(65)-and (66), and
downwards-to-weight-(67)-suspended-from-its-extremity. The said chain-(63) also
Fasses-through-a-set-in-eranked-rod-(68)-and-on either-side-of-the-cranked-portion
ofsueh-rod-is-provided with a boss-or-enlargement-(60)--(see-Fig. 1). The said rod
is-conneeted-nt-its-lewer-end-to-slide-block-(32) and at its upper end passes through a
guide:-(0)-In--frent--of--the---wheel--(60)-is-the-pendant-arm-of-a-lever-(71)
Fiveted-at-(72)-and-the-upper-end-of-such-lever-engages-with-a-groove--in-the-boss
eertain-relation-to-the-pendant-arm-of-lever-(71)-the-movement--of-wheel-(60)--and
of-friction-eluteh-(2+)-On-the-free-of-pulley-(60)-is-n-stud-(73) which-is--set--in-e
the-operations-of-the-stoker, or-positions-of-fulerum-(33)-in-relation-to-lever-(27).
In-starting-the-apparatus-the-clutch-(21)-is-eansed--to--engage--with--pulley--(22)
which is constantly-driven-from-any-convenient-source-of-power, electric-or--other-
wise.
The-slide-block (32)-is-then-(or previously)-adjusted-in-slot-(20)-until-the-desired
Peeking movement--is-obtained-which--may vary according--to-the--supply--of--fuel
desired-or-rate-of-feed,-or-in-relation to the-point-at-which-it-is-to-be--automatically
stopped. The-serews-(45)-are-then-(or-previously)--rotated--to--give-the---required
stroke of the fuel-feed-boxes-(13).
As-soon-as-the-pressure-of-steam-approaches-its-maximam limit,-which-has-been
previously set to take-place-sooner-or--later--necording--to--the-adjustment--of--the
bleek-(32)-by-serew (31) as-aforesaid, or by the load of the steam regulator,-the-said
regulator-then-begins-to-pull-the-chains-(59)-and-(63)-and-by-drawing-them-round
wheel, and pulleys-(60),-(64), (65);-and-(66)-causes-them-to-draw--down-the-slide
block (32)-(through-the-medium-of-rod-(63)-and-fulerum-(33)--of--lever (27))-and-to
alter-(deerense)-the-throw-of-the-upper-end of-the--lever (27). Slightly before the
maximum pressure-of steam is reached-the-chains-have-pulled-the-block (32)-to-the
bottom-of-its-slides-(3x)-(see-Fig-16)-and-as-soon as the maximum pressure--of
steam-is-reached, the-pin-(73) projecting-from-wheel-(60)-has--reached-the-edge-of

page_text: lever-arm-(71), which, with the further-movement-of-the-chains, it strikes, and, push-
ing it to one-side, tilts the lever, and thereby throws-the-eluteh (21)-out-of--gear-
with-driving pulley (22)-and stops-the-stoker (see Fig. 22) until such time as the
pressure-decreases when the chains relax (under the pull-of-weight-(67)) and-rotating
the-wheel (60)-allow-the-weight--(71)--to-put--eluteh-(21)--into-gear-again with
pulley (22)-and-thus restart the fuel-boxes, and by further relaxation raise-the-slide
bleek (32)-through-the-medium-of-rod (62)-and-fulerum-(33)--in-the-slot (20) of
lever (27), and thus automatically increase the supply.
When the maximum pressure is again approached-and-exceeded-the-operations
are repeated-and-so-continuously.
To-allow-for-the-full-operation-of-the-chain-(50)-in-stopping-the-stoker-and-the
supply-of-fuel-1-provide
the-spring-(62)-which-prevents-pin-(73)-from-pushing-aside
the-lever-arm-(71)-until-block-(32)-has-been-moved--down--to--the-bottom--of--its
guides-(32) The-variations of lever (27) in Figs.-15-and-16-are-for-the-same-eeeen-
tricity of throw-of-stud-(35)-on worm-wheel-(20).
Simultaneously-with-the-stopping-and-starting--of-the-stoker-I-may-diminish-or
imerence the steam-supplied-to-the-air-supplying--apparatus;-and-for that--purpose
employ-the-arrangement of quadrant-shown in Fig. 1-fixed upon-the-plug-of-the
steam-cock-and-operated-by-the-chain-(50)-to-an-extent-which-either-almost-closes
the valve,-or-opens it-to-the-full-extent.
Whilst I have described my invention as applied for simultaneously feeding two
furnaces I may utilise separate apparatus for each furnace, and although I describe'
two fuel boxes and two fans for each furnace, there may be one fuel box only, or one-
fan to two feed-boxes, or more fans or more feed-boxes.
To prevent the fan boxes getting choked I provide the hinged door (74) held in
position in ordinary working. by spring (75) supported by bracket (76), or by a
weight.
An advantage arising from the construction shewn in the drawings of that part of
the casing containing the fuel feed boxes is that its permits of an opening being
formed at (77) for the inspection of the boxes, or for giving access thereto for removal
of an obstruction. Such opening is provided with lid (78). For inspection of the
firing the furnace door (2x) is provided with opening or inspection 'eye' (79).
provide for the better distribution of the fuel the sides of the fan box outlets may be
sloped and the parts of the casing beneath the boxes may also be sloped as shewn in
Figs. 1 and 3.
To
Whilst I prefer a slotted lever or bar I may arrange the oscillatory block and small
fulcrum slide block in the slot (29) to slide upon a solid rod or bar, and for the proper
fixing or mounting of the parts, or for obtaining like movements and effects, the
details may be varied without departing from my invention.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1: In mechanical stoking apparatus, one or more slides or fuel-feed boxes working
at right angles to the furnace front, a feed hopper with an outlet throat above the
rear of said feed box, or boxes, a casing below said box or boxes containing one or
more fans mounted upon a horizontal shaft, a cross-bar capable of endwise move-
ments, a lever suspended from said cross-bar and capable of oscillating about a
fulcrum in a plane parallel with the furnace front, an adjustable block carrying said
fulcrum, and rods, swivels nuts and screws (or like devices)-mounted and operating
substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and illustrated on the accom-
panying drawings.
2: In mechanical stoking apparatus, a lever pivotally suspended and capable of
Oscillating about a fulcrum in a plane parallel with the fornace front, an adjustable
nd threaded block carrying said fulcrum, a bracket adjacent to said lever, a screw
(with, or without collar) passing through said bracket and block, and guides adjacent
B

page_text: to said block, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and illustrated on
the accompanying drawings.
3: In mechanical stoking apparatus, a cross-bar capable of endwise movements,.
rods connected with said cross-bar, vertical swivels, a fork and finger on each of said
swivels engaging respectively. with pins on the said rods, and extensions on adjustable.
nuts carried by screws upon the fuel feed-boxes, substantially as and for the purposes
herein set forth and illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
4 In-mechanical stoking apparatus, a-lever--capable--of-oscillating about a
fulerum-in-plane-parallel with the furnace--front, an-adjustable-fulerum-bloek
earrying-the-fulerum-of-said-lever,-chains, rods-and-spring connecting--said block
regulator-or-the-like-a-weight-attached-to-the-end-of-said-chains-a-set
of-earrier pulleys, a-chain wheel, a-stud-on said-chain-wheel, a lever adjacent to
said-wheel-adapted to start-and-stop-the stoker-driving pulley-when-neted-upon-br
the-said-stud-substantially-as-and-for-the-purposes-herein set-forth-and-illustrated
to-a-steam
en-the-accompanying-drawings,
4. In mechanical stoking apparatus, a cross-bar capable of end-wise movements,
a pawl or pawls on said bar, a shaft above the cross-bar fitted with a disc or face
ratchet wheel, and provided with fuel agitators situated in the throat or throats of a
fuel feed hopper, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and illustrated.
on the accompanying drawings.
5. 6-In mechanical stoking apparatus, one or more fuel feed-boxes, a screw upon
each box, a nut upon the screw, and a hand-wheel with indents and divisions, and a
spring detent and pointer carried by a sliding bearing, substantially as herein set
forth and illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
6.7-In mechanical stoking apparatus, a vertical swivel with fork and finger and
of the form described, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and
illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
7. In mechanical stoking apparatus, a fan casing and framing or housing
formed, arranged and mounted, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth,
and illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
8: In mechanical stoking apparatus, the combination and arrangements of parts
for supplying fuel and-controlling-such-supply-or-supplying fuel-and-air-or-gaseous
matter to steam boiler furnaces and controlling such supplies, supply substantially
as herein set forth and illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 28th day of June 1899.
:
WILLIAM GRIMSHAW. STONES
By John G. Wilson and Co., Fels. I.P.A.
Patent Agents to the Applicant, 55 Market St. Manchester.