IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE BARS AND BEARING BARS FOR STEAM BOILERS AND OTHER FURNACES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Hopewell, of Topsham, near Exeter, in the County
of Devon, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE BARS AND
BEARING BARS FOR STEAM BOILERS AND OTHER FURNACES."
Sealed the 24th July 1877, and dated the 16th March 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Hopewell at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th March 1877.
GEORGE HOPEWELL, of Topsham, near Exeter, in the County of Devon, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE BARS AND BEARING BARS FOR STEAM BOILERS AND OTHER
FURNACES."
This Invention relates to an improved construction of reversable bar for furnaces
and an improved construction of bearing bars to be used in connection therewith.
Furnace bars according to this my Invention I construct of wrought iron; each
end of the bars is provided with a projecting or wider part, so that on the bar being
placed in position the projections thereon ensure the proper space or airways
between the bars. When one surface of the bars is burnt, and no longer servicable,
the bars are removed, straightened, and replaced other side or surface upwards so as
to utilise both surfaces of the bars.
The bearing bars consist of three cross bars (by preference of cast iron) secured
together by bolts, and spaced or retained at proper relative distance from each other
by short lengths of tubing or other stop pieces, the surface of the central bar being
level with the other or fire-bars.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Hopewell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 25th
August 1877.
GEORGE HOPEWELL, of Topsham, near Exeter, in the County of Devon, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE BARS AND BEARING BARS FOR STEAM BOILERS AND OTHER
FURNACES."
This Invention relates to an improved construction of reversible bar for furnaces,
and in improved construction of bearing bars to be used in connection therewith.
Furnace bars according to this my Invention I construct of wrought iron; each
end of the bars is provided with a projecting or wider part, so that on the bars
being placed in position the projections thereon insure the proper space or airways
between the bars. When one surface of the bars is burnt, and no longer serviceable
IPavice Al

page_text: the bars are removed, straightened, and replaced other side or surface upwards, so
as to utilise both surfaces of the bars.
The bearing bars consist of three or more cross bars of wrought iron secured
together by bolts or rivets, and spaced or retained at proper relative distance from
cach other by short lengths of tubing or other stop pieces, the surface of the central
bar being level with the other or fire-bars.
Such being the nature and object of this my said Invention I will now proceed
to describe the same in detail, and in order that the Invention may be fully
understood I have hereunto annexed two Sheets of Drawings, and have marked the
same with figures and letters of reference, the same letter denoting the same part in
the several views.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section; Figure 2, a plan view of Figure 1; Figure 3,
end elevation in section.
Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 are details enlarged.
Figures 8 and 9 shew a modification of the Invention where alternate plain bars
and bars having the projections referred to are employed.
The furnace bars A, A, A, I construct of wrought iron, and each bar has projec-
tions B, B, thereon. The projections B, B, are formed by welding strips or pieces
to the bars, or when the projections are made at the ends of the bars the latter are
cut so much longer than the length of the furnace as to admit of the ends being
folded or turned back upon and welded to the side of the bar, or the projections B
may be formed during the operation of rolling the bars, and may be circular discs,
as shewn at Figures 8 and 9. The projections are, as stated, for the purpose of
spacing and securing the requisite air passages or airways C, C, between the bars.
At Figures 10 and 11 the projections B, B, are applied at each side of every
alternate bar, the intervening bars A, A, being plain.
The bars herein described are made of wrought iron, and the edges are parallel, so
that on one face being worn or burnt away on the bars being turned over a new
surface is presented, and both surfaces are utilized. When from the action of the
heat or other cause the bars are at all bent or put out of form they may be straight-
ened and replaced.
The bearing bars D, D, D, consist of three or more or less cross bars, by
preference of wrought iron, secured together by bolts or rivets E, and spaced or
retained at proper distance from each other by short lengths of tubing or other stop
pieces F, F.
Having thus fully described the nature and particulars of this my said Invention,
together with the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried
into practical effect, I would have it understood that I do not claim per se wrought
iron reversible bars, but what I do claim is,—
Firstly. Wrought-iron bars constructed and reversable, as herein described and
illustrated by Drawings.
Secondly. The bearing bars constructed as described and shown by
Drawings.
Lastly. The combination of grate bars and bearing bars in the manner and for
the
purpose herein fully described and illustrated.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Hopewell, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Sixteenth day of August, One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-seven.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the said
George Hopewell, in the presence of
CROFT W. CAW,
Engineer,
Ivy Bridge,
GEORGE HOPEWELL. (L.S.)
Devonº.