Apparatus Employed in Connection therewith
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Apr, 1887
Complete Left, 21st Jan., 1888
Complete Accepted, 29th Mar., 1888
in Apparatus Employed in Connection therewith,
I, THOMAS HESKETH LODGE of 35 Percy Street, Tynemouth in the county of
Northumberland, Analytical Chemist do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object the manufacture of Portland Cement and relates to
an improved method of burning and charging (or "loading") the kiln with the dried
slip or slurry from which such cement is produced.
For this purpose I employ a constantly hot kiln of an improved form which is
charged (or "loaded") with the dried slip or slurry built up in a stacked form, by
means of a kind of "travelling crane" (or similar means) by which the stack of dried
slip or slurry can be lowered into its position within the kiln, and there fired or.
burnt; the kiln having an arched lid or cover, (with wheels attached to it) by which
the mouth of the kiln can be uncovered to admit the stack of dried slip or slurry, and
then closed again; the waste gases being taken away through a flue in the upper part
of the kiln.
Heretofore in the burning of a charge of dried slip or slurry to make Portland
Cement of the best quality it has been the usual practice for the men to descend into
the kiln to "load" it, therefore the kiln must in that case be allowed to cool to such
an extent that the men can enter it.
By my Invention the necessity of the men going into the kiln to "load" it is.
avoided, and the advantage of having the dried slip or slurry prepared for burning
(or "loading the kiln") by hand is retained together with the advantage of a
constantly hot kiln.
Also, heretofore it having been the practice to allow the kiln to cool and then to.
heat it every time it is charged, the lining of the kiln becomes loosened by the
alternate expansion and contraction, thereby causing heavy expense in repairs.
Whereas according to my Invention I am enabled to ensure a constantly hot kiln,
and I thus avoid the heavy expense caused by contraction and expansion.

page_text: The improved form of kiln I employ differs from those commonly used in having a
firing or stoke-hole in its lower part, for the purpose of admitting fuel to the furnace;
which furnace being placed in the lower part of the stack of dried slip or slurry, is
put in connection with the stoke-bole, and is in the right position for firing when the
stack of dried slip or slurry rests on the ledge and "permanent bearing-bars" at the
lower part of the kiln.
The stoke-holo is also utilised as the position from which the men withdraw
the bars which I call "draw bars," thereby allowing the burnt clinker to fall into the
receiving chamber to cool. I prefer to build the lining of the kiln parallel sided
vertically, though same may be slightly wider at the bottom than at the top.
The kiln in horizontal section may be round, square, elliptical, or by preference an
oblong with curved sides, in the form of two pairs of horizontal arches, the greatest
distance across the kiln being at the middle of the horizontal arches.
A ledge (faced with rolled iron) is built into and protrudes from the lower part of
the lining of the kiln at a level of about two to three feet above the floor of the stoke-
hole.
At the same level as this ledge are fixed three or four bearing bars, called
permanent bearing bars" across the kiln, which bars together with the ledge support
the stack of dried slip or slurry whilst being burnt.
At the upper part of the kiln are two openings, one a flue to take away the wasto
gases, the other closed by a door having a sight hole in it covered by a plate of mica,
to view the interior of the kiln; through this door trial pieces of the clinker are
withdrawn to ascertain when it is sufficiently burnt, and also to throw or place in the
kiln dried slip or slurry to check the draught when too great in certain parts.
The lid of the kiln is an arch (or pair of arches when it is desired to form the lid in
two parts) built of fire-bricks or fire-brick "lumps" made to suit the curve of the
arch, the weight and thrust of the arch being received by a framework of rolled iron
(by preference the rolled beam or joist description); this framework is connected to
the arch by means of rods, plates and cast connecting pieces (with the necessary
rivets, bolts and nuts) fastened to rolled abutment pieces, preferably of channel iron.
The whole structure of the lid and its appurtenances (consisting of arch, frame,
abutment and connections) has four or more wheels attached to it by which it can be
moved to and fro so as to cover and uncover the mouth of the kiln.
The wheels of the lid run upon rolled channel iron rails (or other rolled iron or
steel used as rails) secured to the pillars supporting the crane rail-beams and at right
angles to such crane rail-beams and raised as high as practicable; of course the
rolled iron rails may be placed low down, but I prefer them placed as high as
possible.
The clearance space between the lid and the top of the kiln (left for the easy working
of the lid backwards and forwards) is made draught-tight by means of semi-liquid
slip or slurry (or similar material) used by preference in pairs of troughs or trough-
like forms of rolled iron, one of each pair on the lid, the other on the kiln top, tho
space between the two troughs or trough like forms being bridged over by rolled iron,
preferably channel iron. When the lid has to be made draught-tight, the trough liko
forms are filled with semi-liquid slip or slurry poured out of a spouted can, the channel
iron is then placed between them bridging over the intervening space and dipping
into each trough or trough-like form containing slip or slurry; of course the semi-
liquid slip or slurry will harden, leaving small cracks, but this is of no practical
importance.
The lid is moved to and fro (thereby covering and uncovering the mouth of the
kin) by means of a rack and pinion or with a winch and chain or other suitable
means preferably by a winch and chain; the chain being "reeved" through a block
or pulley when it is desirel to move the lid in a direction away from the winch.
Four pillars (by preference made of cast iron) are erected on top of each kiln for
the purpose of supporting the "crane rail-beams" and lid rails, which pillars are of
such a height that the wheels and frame of the lid can pass easily to and fro under
the "
crane rail-beams." These pillars are fixed at such a distance from the centre of

page_text: tho kiln that the crane legs and chains can pass by each stack of dried slip or slurry
without touching them. Upon the pillars is securely bolted a pair of "crane rail-
beams" (having a bridgo-rail rivetted or bolted on them) on which the wheels of the
crane can be run to and fro from end to end of the range of kilns.
The stack of dried slip or slurry is built up outside of the kiln, and immediately
over samo, the centre of the dried slip or slurry being vertically over the centre of
the kiln and supported by what I call "temporary stack beams" which rest on and
are secured to the before mentioned "crano rail beams" by set screws or similar
means. The "temporary stack beams" when not supporting the stack can be moved
aside on the crane rail beams so as to permit of the stack being lowered into
the kiln.
Resting on the "temporary stack beams" (whilst the stack is being built) are the
temporary bearing bars" which support the "draw bars" and a platform upon
which the dried slip or slurry is built. At the bottom of the stack of dried slip or
slurry, resting on the "temporary draw bars" is placed a furnace or fuel burning
chamber made of burnt fire-clay of the shape of an inverted in which can be burnt
solid, liquid or gaseous fuel, provided with furnace-bars for solid fuel such as coal or
coke, or if for liquid or gaseous fuel provided with the necessary bars, plates pipes
and other accessories. When solid fuel is used I prefer putting the fuel in the
furnace by means of a scoop which is semi-circular in section, capable of reaching the
full length of the furnace; and, to facilitate the entering of the scoop, a roller is
placed in front of the furnace on which the scoop can roll.
An ash-pan is fixed under the furnace having sides of sheet iron to keep the ashes
from mingling with the burnt clinker in the receiving chamber. The sides of the
furnace, ash-pan and receiving chamber are provided with doors opening into the
stoko-hole.
The furnace is provided with four or more "port holes" to allow the hot gases to
get into the vertical stack flues, horizontal flues, and smaller divisions and spaces
which are built throughout the stack of dried slip or slurry. These smaller flues or
divisions can be filled by coke or "breeze" which upon burning to ashes leaves spaces
by which the heat can penetrate the mass, and by their combustion assist in the
burning of dried slip or slurry. The stack is built (by men standing upon planks
placed upon trestles) the height requireil in the following manner :-Upon the before
mentioned platform and withdrawing bars, the dried slip or slurry is built around four
vertical pipes containing the suspension chains, rods or metallic ropes by which the
stack is suspended, so that when the pipes are are withdrawen four vertical flues aro
left reaching from the furnace to the top of the stack penetrating it from top to
bottom and are in communication with the smaller horizontal flues and spaces before
mentioned throughout the stack; of course the pipes themselves can be used (if made
strong enough) to suspend the stack, but I prefer using thin pipes merely to facilitate
the withdrawal of the chains, rods or metallic ropes.
Each chain, rod, rope or pipe used for suspending the stack is fastened at the
bottom to the temporary bearing bars by means of a long link and a cotter, or any
fastening capable of being easily disconnected; the cotter is knocked out when the
stack is in its position in the kiln for firing, that is when supported by the "permanent
bearing bars" and ledge. The chains, rods, metallic ropes or pipes have shackles, or
similar contrivances, to couple them to the hooks of the "levelling cross " mentioned
below. A shield of sheet iron fastened to the suspending arrangement of pipes and
chains (rods or ropes) is used on the outside of the stack to keep the pieces of dried
slip or slurry in position until the stack is lowered into the kiln. The "levelling
cross" aforesaid is an iron structure between the stack chains and the beam or beams
of the crane, fitted with four, by preference, screws passed through it, and bearing"
on it; each screw having a hinged hook attached to its lower part. Each screw has
a female screw or nut on it by which the screw can be raised or lowered, each nut
may have "fly handles" on it or a worm-wheel and screw by which it can be move:I
round, thereby raising or lowering the screw.
In the centre of the "levelling-cross" and protruding above its upper part is a

page_text: strong eye-bolt having a bolt or bar (or similar arrangement) to which is attached
the crane chain or chains.
"
The crane is mounted upon double flanged travelling wheels, running upon
bridge-rails" moved in the ordinary way by wheel and pinion.
The crane consists of one or more beams supported upon two pairs of legs mounted
upon two pairs of travelling wheels capable of running upon the rails of the crane-
rail beams from end to end of the range of kilns; the crane being made so high that
the books of the levelling cross" shall just be clear of the top of the stacks of dried
slip or slurry when passing over them. Of course the travelling wheels may be
attached to the crane (running upon rails also in an elevated position) in an elevated
position at about the level of the crane beam, but I prefer obtaining the necessary
height by having a crane with high legs.
The centre line of that part of the crane-chain (or chains) which hangs downward
over the kiln is so placed on the beam of the crane, that when the crane is travelled
or moved from end to end of the range of kilns it will pass over all the centres of
those kilns, and of course vertically over all the centres of the dried slip stacks.
Although I prefer to lower into the kiln the stack of dried slip or slurry that has
been built over it, still if it should be desired to move a built stack of dried slip or
slurry from its position over any kila to another kiln, the parts sustaining the weight
are made strong enough for the purpose.
After the crane has been moved or
"travelled" along the rails to the correct position required over any kiln (and its
stack of dried slip or slurry), it is bolted or anchored to the crane rail beams, and
is thus kept stationary.
"
The means by which the descent of the stack of dried slip or slurry is controlled
may be by the ordinary block and chain with winch or differential block or by
friction through the intervention of any suitable mechanism such as break-wheel and
band or preferably by releasing the pressure of water by means of an outlet valve
connected to a hydraulic cylinder which may be placed in any suitable position on the
crane, by preference fixed vertically at the side of the crano in an inverted position
between the tops of one of the pairs of legs; the plunger working in and out below
the cylinder. The water can be stored and used again and again by allowing it to go
into a cistern on the crane, placed above the hydraulic cylinder.
On the pipe between the cistern and cylinder are placed two valves, one the lowering
valve which is placed next to the cistern, the other valve is placed between the
lowering valve and the cylinder and has a union to connect it to a hydraulic force
pump, which pump is used to assist the screws to raise the stack of dried slip or
slurry when necessary.
The chain or chains communicate the strain to the plunger in the following
manner the chain or chains is or are fixed to the cylinder or by preference to a
continuation of the crane beams projecting outwards, by nuts and eye bolts, or similar
means; the chain or chains is or are then taken downwards and reeved through or
around the pulley or pullies on the end of the plunger, then upwards to the pullies on
the crane beam or beams and downwards and fastened to the levelling cross"; tho
four hooks of the cross being booked to the suspension chains of the stack, that is
when preparing to lower the stack into the kiln.
65
One of the pullies (or a pair of pullies when there is a pair of chains) on the beani
having recesses cast into it, or them, to receive the links of the chain. If it is found
that upon the stack having been raised off the "temporary stack beams" by means of
the screws of the levelling cross (assisted or not by the hydraulic force pump) that it
is not "plumb" or not hanging vertically in such a manner that it (the stack) can be
lowered into the kiln, it is altered to the correct position by the adjusting screws of
the "levelling cross."
25
The stack having been made so much smaller both in height and thickness than the
interior of the kiln, slight inaccuracies in its form and position are of no consequence.
When the stack has been lowered into its position within the kiln a brake is applied
to the pullies on the crane beam (or beams) until the cotters are knocked out of
the suspension chains. The knocking out of the cotters being facilitated by the

page_text: slackening of the screws of the "levelling cross." The weight of the plunger
aforesaid, its pullies and pulley frames should be made to exceed the weight of
"levelling cross," stack chains and pipes, shield and also that part of the crane chain
(or chains) hanging over the kiln, so that by slackening the brake, the suspension
chains and pipes (with the shield) are drawn up out of the stack, leaving the stack in
the kiln; or, I may if necessary, employ any suitable mechanical contrivance to effect
the same end.
By closing the lid and making it draught-tight, placing a short piece of furnace
arch to reach from the stoke hole to the furnace and opening the damper leading to
the chimney, the kiln is ready for firing and is fired.
After the vertical flues inside the stack are hot, caps of dried slurry are placed over
them (through the trial door) to divert the draught, thereby forcing the hot gases to
spread throughout the mass of dried slip. Also through the trial door, dried slip can
be thrown on to parts where the draught is too great and thereby checking it. If the
trial pieces, taken out through the trial door, prove to be burnt, the damper is shut,
the "draw bars" are withdrawn by the men in the stoke-hole, thus allowing the burnt
clinker to fall into the receiving chamber to cool, and by removing the furnace, bars
and other accessories, the kiln is ready to receive a fresh charge; of course, (to
prevent the cooling of the kiln) the lid is not moved until the stack is ready to bo
lowered.
Dated this Nimateenth love at : 1007
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: in Apparatus Employed in Connection therewith.
I, THOMAS HESKETH LODGE of 35 Percy Street Tynemouth in the County of
Northumberland, Analytical Chemist, 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:-
This invention has for its object the manufacture of Portland Cement and relates to
an improved method of burning and charging (or "loading") the kiln with the dried
slip or slurry from which such cement is produced.
In order that my invention may be the better understood I have appended the
accompanying sheet of drawings in which Figure 1 is an end elevational viow partly
in section of the improved kiln according to my invention and Figure 2 is a longitu-
dinal sectional elevation of the san
same.
In carrying out my Invention the kiln A in horizontal section may be round,
square, elliptical or by preference an oblong with curved sides, in the form of two
pairs of horizontal arches, the greatest diameter being at the middle of the horizontal_
arches. A ledge a faced with rolled iron is built into and extends from the lower
part of the lining of the kiln at a level of about two to three feet above the floor of
the stoke-hole. At the same level as this ledge, are fixed three or moro bearing bars b
called "Permanent bearing bars across the kiln, which bars together with the ledge
support the stack B of dried slip or slurry whilst being burnt.
33
At the upper part of the kiln are two openings, one of which C is a flue to convey
away the waste gases, the other opening being closed by a door having a sight
hole in it covered by a plate of mica, to view the interior of the kiln.
Through the door D trial pieces of the clinker are withdrawn to ascertain when it
is sufficiently burnt, and also to throw or place in the kiln dried slip or slurry to
check excessive draught.
"
The lid E of the kiln is an arch (or pair of arches when it is desired to form the
lid in two parts) built of fire-bricks or fire-brick "lumps" made to suit the curvo of
the arch; the weight and thrust of the arch being received by a frame work c of
rolled iron preferably of the rolled beam or joist type; this framework c is rigidly
connected to the arch by means of rods, or bolts and nuts d and cast connecting
pieces or plates e fastened to rolled abutment pieces f preferably of channel iron or
may connect the framework to the arch by rods or in any suitable manner. The
wholo structure of the lid E and its appurtenances (consisting of arch, frame, abutment
and connections) is provided with wheels F or equivalents by which the same can be
moved to and fro so as to completely cover and uncover the mouth G or upper open
part of the kiln.

page_text: The wheels F of the lid run upon rolled channel iron rails H (or other rolled iron
or steel used as rails) secured to the pillars I supporting the crane rail-beams J and
at right-angles thereto and raised as high as practicable; of course the rolled iron
rails H may be placed low down, but I prefer them placed as high as possible from
the heat rising from the kilns and lids.
The clearance space between the lid and the top of the kiln (left for the easy
working of the lid backwards and forwards) is made draught-tight by means of slip
or slurry in a plastic or semifluid state or similar suitable material as for instance
sand, mortar and the like used by preference in pairs of troughs or trough-like
appliances of rolled iron, one of each pair on the lid, the other on the kiln top, the
space between the two troughs or trough like forms being bridged over by rolled iron
preferably of channel-like section made sufficiently thin to give or spring to the
expansion and contraction of the arched lid E aforesaid. When it is desired to make
the lid draught-tight, the trough-like appliances are filled with semi-fluid slip or
slurry poured out of a spouted can, the channel iron is then placed between them
bridging over the intervening space and dipping into each trough or trough-like,
appliance containing slip or slurry; the semi-fluid slip or slurry will harden, leaving
small cracks, which however are of no practical importance.
The lid E is moved to and fro by a winch and chain, by a rack and pinion or by
other suitable means; the chain of the winch being "rove" through a block or
pulley when it is desired to move the lid in a direction away from the winch.
The four pillars I (preferably of cast-iron) are erected on top of each kiln for the
purpose of supporting the "crane rail-beams" J and lid rails H which pillars I are of
such a height that the wheels and frame of the lid E can pass easily to and fro
under the crane rail-beams" J aforesaid.
These pillars I are fixed at such a distance from the centre of the kiln that the
crane legs K and chains g can pass by each stack of dried slip or slurry without
touching them. Upon the pillars I is securely bolted a pair of "crane rail-beams"
having a bridge or like rail riveted or bolted thereon upon which latter the wheels
of the crane can be run to and fro from end to end of the range of kilns.
The stack of dried slip or slurry B is built up outside of the kiln and immediately
over same, the centre of the dried slip or slurry being vertically over the centre of the
kiln and supported by what I call Temporary stack beams" X which rest on and
are secured to the beforementioned "crane rail-beams" J by set screws or similar
means.
เ
The Temporary stack-beams" X above mentioned when not supporting the
stack B can be moved aside on the crane rail-beams so as to permit of the stack being
lowered into the kiln. Resting on the Temporary stack-beams (whilst the stack is
being built) are the "Temporary bearing bars" which support the withdrawing bars
and a platform L upon which the dried slip or slurry is built. At the bottom of the
stack 1 of dried slip or slurry resting on the Temporary drawing bars is placed a
furnace or fuel burning chamber Y made preferably of burnt fire-clay of the shape of
an inverted (n) in which can be burnt solid, liquid or gaseous fuel, provided with
furnace-bars for solid fuel such as coke or coal, or with the necessary bars, plates,
pipes and other accessories if for liquid or gaseous fuel.
When solid fuel is used, I prefer feeding the same to the furnace by means of a
scoop of semi-circular form in cross section, capable of reaching the full length of the
furnace and in order to facilitate the entering of the scoop, a roller is placed in front
of the furnace on which the scoop can roll.
An ash-pan Z, is fixed under the furnace having sides of sheet iron to keep the
ashes from mingling with the burnt clinker in the receiving chamber. The end of
the furnace, ash-pan, and upper part of receiving chamber are provided with doors
opening into the stoke-hole.
to
The furnace is provided with four or more "port-holes" u to allow the hot gases
get into the vertical stack flues, horizontal flues, and smaller divisions and spaces
which are built or otherwise formed throughout the stack of slip or slurry B. These

page_text: smaller flues or divisions can be filled with coke or "breeze" or other suitable
substance or substances of organic origin which, upon being consumed leave spaces
to allow of the penetration of the heat through the mass; the combustion of the
aforesaid materials thus assisting the burning of the dried slip or slurry. In cases
where the stack is built with sufficient and suitable spaces between the pieces of
dried slurry (to enable the heat to reach all parts of the stack) I do not limit myself
to the employment of coke, or breeze.
In building up the stack B to the required height the men stand upon trestles and
planks or upon a frame answering the same purpose which frame can be fitted with
any suitable appliance to assist the men in building the stack.
In the usual manner of burning Portland cement the alternate layers of dried
slurry and coke are placed on top of "bavins" or brushwood thus proventing any
further addition of "bavins" if sufficient has not been used to start the burning of
said dried slip or slurry, but by the employment of my improved furnace (and by
feeding it at suitable intervals) a practically unlimited quantity can be used for the
above purpose.
Upon the herein before-mentioned platform L and withdrawing bars, the dried slip
or slurry is built around four vertical pipes M containing the suspension chains, rods
or metallic ropes ; by which the stack B is suspended, so that when the pipes M are
withdrawn four vertical flues & remain, extending throughout the height of the stack
from top to bottom, and are in communication with the smaller horizontal flues and
spaces before mentioned throughout the stack the pipes M above may be used if of
sufficient strength to suspend the stack, but I prefer employing thin pipes in order to
facilitate the withdrawal of the chains, rods or metallic ropes above mentioned.
Each chain, rod rope or pipe M used for suspending the stack B is fastened at the
bottom to the temporary bearing bars by means of a long link and a cotter 1, or any
fastening capable of being easily disconnected; the cotter being knocked out when
the stack is in its position in the kiln for firing, that is when supported by the
permanent bearing bars" and ledge.
The chains, rods, or metallic ropes ; are provided with shackles or similar con-
trivances in order to couple them to the hooks of the levelling cross N hereinafter
described.
A shield of sheet iron fastened to the suspending arrangement of pipes, and chains,
rods, or ropes is used on the exterior of the stack when required to keep the pieces of
dried slip or slurry in position until the stack is lowered into the kiln.
The levelling cross N above referred to, is an appliance formed preferably of iron
and introduced between the stack chains and the beam or beams of the crane,
provided with by preference four screws or equivalents passed therethrough,
and bearing on it, each screw or equivalent having a pivoted hook n attached to its
lower part.
Each screw has a female screw or nut o provided with a "fly handle" o¹ or a
worm-wheel and screw, by which it can be moved round, thereby raising or lowering
the screw. In the centre of the levelling-cross N and projecting above its upper part,
is a strong eye bolt O or equivalent, provided with a compensating bar to which is
attached the crane chain or chains 9.
22
The crane is mounted upon wheels p preferably double flanged travelling wheels,
running upon "bridge or like rails moved in the ordinary way by wheel and
pinion or other suitable means.
The crane consists of one or more beams P supported upon two pairs of legs K
mounted upon two pairs of travelling wheels as above described capable of running
upon the rails of the crane rail-beams J from end to end of the range of kilns, the
crane being made so high that the hooks n of the levelling cross N shall be just clear
of the tops of the stacks of dried slip or slurry when passing over them.
The crane may however be so arranged as to travel upon elevated rails but I prefer
obtaining the necessary height by having a crane with high legs.
The centre line of that part of the crane-chain (or chains) y which hangs downwards

page_text: over the kiln B is so placed on the beam of the crane, that when the crane travels or
is moved from end to end of the range of kilns it will pass over all the centres of said
kilns, and vertically over all the centres of the dried slip stacks.
If it should be found desirable to move the stack laterally or at right angles to
the crane rail beams" I provide a centreing screw secured to the beam, working
in a nut bearing upon or fixed to the frame of the pulleys, said frame sliding
securely along the crane rail beams.
Although I prefer to lower into the kiln the stack of dried slip or slurry that
has been built over it, still if it should be desired to move a built stack of dried
slip or slurry from its position over any one kiln to another the parts sustaining
the weight are strengthened for that purpose. After the crane with its load has
travelled or been moved along the rails to the position required over any one kiln
it is bolted or "anchored" to the crane rail beams, and is thus kept stationary.
The means by which the descent of the stack of dried slip or slurry is controlled
may be by the ordinary block and chain with winch or differential block, or by
friction through the intervention of any suitable mechanism such as brake-wheel and
band or preferably by releasing the pressure of water by means of an outlet valve
connected to a hydraulic cylinder which may be placed in any suitable position on
the crane, by preference fixed vertically at the side of the crane in an inverted
position between the tops of one of the pairs of legs; the plunger T working in and
out below the cylinder.
The water or other liquid employed can be stored and used again and again by
allowing it to pass into a cistern R, placed above the hydraulic cylinder Q. On the
pipe between the cistern and cylinder are placed two valves one of which the
4
lowering valve is placed next to the cistern, the other valve fitted to a pendant
tee piece being placed between the lowering valve and the cylinder and is
provided with unions to connect it to a hydraulic force pump, which latter is or
may be used to assist the screws in raising the stack of dried slip or slurry when
necessary.
The chain or chains g communicate the strain to the plunger T in the following
manner
The chain or chains is or are fixed to the cylinder, or by preference to a continuation
of the crane beams projecting outwards, by nuts and eye bolts or similar suitable
means; the chain or chains is or are then taken downwards and "rove" around the
pulley or pullies S on the end of the plunger T, then upwards to the pullies on the
crane beam or beams, and downwards and fastened to the levelling cross N; the four
looks of the cross being hooked to the suspension chains of the stack B when
preparing to lower the stack into the kiln. One of the pullies (or pair of pullies when
there are two chains) on the beam having recesses cast into it (or them) to receive
the links of the chain, so as to prevent the latter slipping.
If it is found upon the stack being raised from off the "Temporary stack beams"
by means of the screws of the levelling cross. (assisted or not by the hydraulic force
pump) that it is not "plumb" or hanging vertically in such a manner as to allow of
the stack being lowered into the kiln, it is altered to the correct position by the
adjusting screws of the levelling cross, assisted or not by the before mentioned
centering screw. The stack having been made so much smaller both in height and
diameter or thickness than the interior of the kiln, slighi inaccuracies in its form
and position are of no importance.
When the stack B has been lowered into its position within the kiln A a brake is
applied to the pullies on the crane beam (or beams) until the coilers or other
suitable fastenings are disconnected from the suspension chains j; the disconnection
being facilitated by the slackening of the screws of the " levelling cross N." The
weight of the plunger T aforesaid its pullies S and pully-frames should be made to
exceed the weight of levelling cross N stack chains and pipes M. and shield and also
that part of the crane chain or chains g hanging over the kiln, so that by slackening
the brake the suspension chains and pipes M with the shield are withdrawn from
B

page_text: out of the stack B leaving the stack in the kiln. Or I may if necessary employ any
other suitable mechanical contrivance to effect the same end.
By closing the lid and making it draught-tight, placing a short piece of furnace
arch to reach from the stoke hole to the furnace and opening the damper leading to
the chimney, the kiln is ready for firing and is fired.
After the vertical flues inside the stack are hot, caps of dried slurry or any suitable
covering to stop the draught are placed over them through the trial door so as to
divert the draught, thereby forcing the hot gases to spread throughout the mass of
dried slip. Also through the trial door, dried slip can be thrown on to parts where
the draught is too great and thereby checking it, or the draught can be taken through
the vertical flues at any suitable stage of the burning.
If the trial pieces taken out through the trial door prove to be burnt, the damper is
shut, the “drawing bars" are withdrawn by the men in the stoke-hole, which allows
the burnt clinker to fall into the receiving chamber to cool, and by removing the
furnace bars and other accessories, the kiln is ready to receive a fresh charge, the lid
being kept closed upon the mouth of the kiln in order to retain the heat therein until
the next stack is ready to be lowered.
Although I have referred to four screws upon the levelling cross beforementioned
with their respective chains, pipes and fastenings stilt I do not confine myself to the
employment of that number.
I am aware that constantly hot kilns have been employed before, generally known
as "running" kilns, but in no instance (so far as I can ascertain) has any cement
kiln heretofore been charged with dried slip or slurry in a stacked form and lowered
bodily from the exterior into the kiln as a stack, said stack being of such dimensions
that it will completely (or nearly) fill the kiln.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what
I claim is :-
:-
First The improvements relating to the manufacture of Portland Cement and in
apparatus connected therewith substantially as herein described and set forth.
Second The improved kiln substantially as herein described and shewn in the
accompanying drawings.
Third The mode of and means employed for preventing the too rapid disintegra-
tion of the lining of the kiln herein described by the maintenance of a constant
temperature substantially as herein set forth.
Fourth-The method of and means which I employ for controlling the firing of
the charge of dried slip or slurry substantially as herein set forth.
Fifth In combination with cement kilns, the adaptation thereto of an arched lid
provided with wheels, rollers or equivalents for facilitating the covering and
uncovering of the kiln mouth substantially as herein set forth.
Sixth-In combination with a movable lid the employment of trough like moulds
charged with semi-fluid "slip" or "slurry" to serve as a luting into which dip the
limbs of a bridge piece or equivalent for bridging over the intervening spaces between
the movable lid and kiln substantially as herein set forth.
Seventh The method which I adopt for rapidly charging cement kilns having
movable lids by the employment of a travelling crane fitted with the necessary gearing
substantially as herein set forth and shewn in the accompanying drawings.
Eighth In combination with the travelling crane herein described the adaptation
thereto of the appliance herein referred to as the levelling cross substantially as and
for the purposes herein set forth.
Ninth The employment, during the building of the stack of slip or slurry, of four
metal tubes through which suspension chains or equivalents pass substantially as and
for the purposes herein set forth and shown.

page_text: Tenth The use of the "temporary bearing beams" ✗ for supporting the weight
of the stack of slip or slurry during the building thereof substantially as herein set
forth.
Eleventh The mode of and means employed for disconnecting the chains when
the stack of slurry has been lowered into the kiln substantially as herein set forth.
Dated this Twenty first day of January One thousand eight hundred and
ht
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.