Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 28th May, 1887.
Complete Left, 13th July, 1887.
Complete Accepted, 6th Sept., 1887.
I, JOHN EYRE RUSSELL, of the firm of Robert Russell & Sons, Peel Foundry,
Derby, in the County of Derby, Stove Grate & Kitchen Range Manufacturers, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object, the economising of fuel in close, or open, fire
ranges, by constructing a simple form of lifting, or rising, bottom grate, so
constructed that there are no important, or vital, working parts, in the fire, and of
great ease, & lightness, in working. Secondly, of a valve, or door, placed either
under the back strap of a cooking range, or on the oven top, used in connection with
a metal, or Brick, cheek, or otherwise, and placed at the side of the oven, or boiler.
In constructing my lifting bottom grate, I provide the front bars of Grate, either
with upright, or horizontal bars, and at each side, or on one side, or at any portion of
the front bars, a flange, or projection, to act as a guide to the bottom grate, and on
the bottom grate, at, or near, the front portion of same, I provide two studs, or
projections. The bottom grate rests, at its back portion, upon studs, or flanges, there
is also a projection in the centre of the bottom grate, with a hole therein; also
underneath this projection a pawl or catch is attached. The action of the bottom grate
is then as follows, upon inserting a bar within the hole in front of the bottom grate
projection, the grate is raised, the Studs, or projections, at the end, working against
the flanges on front of the front bars, thus keeping the grate from coming forward,
and keeping it in its proper position, at the back, without the necessity of having
pivots at the back, or any other contrivance in the back of grate, to keep it working
in a radial position-Instead of the studs on grate, there may be a groove, or recess,
& the flange on front bars, may work in the same, & will answer the same purpose;
but my invention is, simply providing guides in front, to keep the grate at work in a
radial position, and the back portion, merely resting upon flanges, or projections, at
the back, underneath the fire. It will thus be seen that a bottom grate, so constructed,
will not be so liable to get out of order, as those at present constructed, and will work
with greater ease and simplicity.

page_text: My second improvement, is really an improvement on my patent No. 5384, dated
March 25th 1884, and consists, in constructing a valve, or door, to close up the
opening left at the side of an oven cheek. In my patent, before mentioned, I
constructed a valve at the top of oven cheek, so that when the range was being
used as an open fire, the aperture usually left at the top of an oven cheek, might
be closed. In my present invention, I construct an oven cheek, having the top
portion solid, without any opening, and with an opening, or openings, in the
centre, or any position lower down. I then place a valve, or door, at the side
beyond the oven cheek, under the back strap, or on the oven top, or in any other
position which will effect the same object. This valve is to take the surplus smoke,
or products of combustion, from the top of fire, when being used as a close fire,
and its action is as follows:-When the range is being used as an open fire, the
valve is closed, the heat; and flame, from the lower portion of the fire, passing
through an opening in the centre of oven cheek, and over the oven top. There is
an opening at the bottom of oven cheek, to more effectually heat the bottom of
oven. Now when the range is being used with a close fire, (the cover being on the
top of fire) a certain portion of the gasses, on the top of fire, are unable to pass
through the centre opening of oven cheek; it is then that the valve before mentioned
is opened, this allows the hot gasses to pass under the back strap, or back, hot plate,
and over the oven top. The advantage of this plan, over my previous invention, is,
that I am able to get a stronger oven cheek, and the valve is not so liable to get out of
order, as previously; being further away from the direct action of the fire. This
valve is also, an improvement upon the similar flue, associated with the back strap,
(or corresponding part), described and drawn, in Patent 13,149, dated November 2,
1885.
Dated this 96th day of May 1887
JOSEPH LOCKWOOD,
Langside, Glasgow,
Agent for the Inventor.

page_text: Decond; for more fully utilising, and thereby economising, fuel in Cooking Ranges.
Third; for controlling and regulating the currents of heat which pass over the top
of each oven or boiler.
Fourth; for affording an escapement for the smoke and flame, which accumulate
beneath the fire cover, and which frequently exude through the apertures thereof.
In describing these improvements, reference is made to the accompanying drawings,
in which,
Fig. 1, is a front elevation of the fire breast, or range fire bars, shewing one
aperture, (A), for the insertion of a rod to operate the smoke valve; the guides, (B),
are curved paths for controlling the front part of the radially elevating fire grate
bottom, and the open sockets, (C), in the centre member of the bottom grate, and
(U), in the pawl which is suspended therefrom, also a duplicate toothed rack, (D)), are
for use when elevating and depressing the radial fire grate.
Fig. 2, is a sectional elevation, (through E, E, Fig. 1.), shewing the radial fire grate
bottom (F), in its nominal position, resting upon a bearer, or flange, F2, the pawl, (G),
suspended by a pivot (H), from the front end of the bottom grate, the curved
guide, B, and toothed rack (D), the smoke valve, or damper, (J), and the handle K,
(at the front of the range), for operating the latter.
Fig. 3, is a sectional elevation, resembing Fig. 2, but with the radial bottom
grate, (F), elevated and sustained in its position by the pawl, (G), the rack, (D), and
the curved guide (B).
Fig. 4, is an elevation of the fire cheek shewn in the other illustrations. R is a flue
aperture, at the lower edge of the solid lintel P, through which, heat passes to the
front portion of oven top, and S is a flue aperture through which heat passes direct
from the fire to the under side of oven.
Fig. 5, is a section of the fire cheek and smoke valve, (L), in their relative
positions, the latter being shewn open and resting upon the roof of the oven; P, a
solid lintel to prevent cold air obtaining access to the flue, T, over oven top, Q, a
division flange, R a flue opening, leading to front part of oven top, S a flue opening
leading to the under side of oven.
Fig. 6, is a plan and sectional view of the fire bottom grate and breast, shewing
certain side pins, (M), for bearing against the curved guides (B or B2).
Fig. 7, represents the mode of suspending the pawl upon the protruding
member, N, of the fire bottom grate F.
Fig. 8, shews a front elevation and a side section, of one kind of pawl for sustaining
the fire bottom in its elevated position.
Fig. 9 is the valve seat, (J), and Fig. 10 a stopper or damper, (J2) therfor.
Fig. 11, is a plan of the fire bottom grate detached from its surrounding members
and shewing the side pins (M) for bearing against the curved guides B or B², also the
projecting nose, N, containing therein the socket or hole C.
Fig. 12, is a perspective illustration, shewing parts of a cooking range: P, is the
solid metal lintel of the fire cheek-T, the space, or flue, over front part of oven
top-U, a plate dividing the flue spaces, T and W, beneath the hot plate of the
range (which latter plate is, presumably, removed): R, is the flue aperture leading
to the front flue T, J, is a similar flue aperture, or valve seat leading to the flue W,
and J2 is a valve, or shutter, for the aperture J; A, indicates another point at which
the rod for operating J. protrudes through the front plate of range.
Similar letters of reference are used throughout the illustrations to indicate
corresponding parts.
In carrying out my invention 1 make the fire bottom grate of the range loose &
easily removeable from the inside of the fire space. It has very little, if any, room
to move from right to left, but may (if required have some liberty to move from
front to back. It is designed chiefly to rest upon one or more back or side bearers
at the underside thereof and upon one or more parts at the front which will be
hereafter described. The back or side bearers (each, either or both) are associated
with, or attached to, the members which constitute the wall (or walls) beneath the
fire grate.

page_text: The member or members upon which the fire bottom grate (F) is supported may
be considerably varied, they may consist of one or more upright or horizontal shelves
at the part of the range adjacent to, and beneath the back or sides (one, each or all)
of the fire grate; or they may consist also of one or more brackets projecting
forward from the back or side walls of the ash pit space beneath the grate.
The bearer, shewn in Figs. 2 & 3, consists of a curved flange F on either side of
the ash pit frame or space, and a curved range of brackets F³.
Various means for supporting the fire grate are commonly known and practiced.
These curved side flanges and curved series of brackets just referred to excepted.
In constructing the radially elevating fire bottom grate, I provide a curved guide
or path on each (or either) side of my fire bar frame, (or, if required, upon each or
either fire cheek) and adjust my radial bottom grate thereto, so that a portion thereof
(at each or either side whether right or left or both right and left) may bear against
or be restrained in its motion by such curved path or guide. I am thus enabled to
retain the ordinary, straight and perpendicular form of fire breast (in preference to a
projecting rounded breast) whether the ribs thereof are vertical, horizontal or a
combination of both forms.
By using the curved flanges F2 fig. 3 at the sides of the radial fire grate (F) and
leaving a slight provision for the grate to slide or travel upon the face thereof I am
enabled (when occasion requires) to do without the curved guides on the fire bar
frame or cheek and substitute these sloping curved flanges at the sides in lieu thereof.
I also use them in combination according as the exigencies of each case require: I
sometimes use a series of detached brackets, F³, in lieu of the curved flanges F2. In
constructing this radial, elevating bottom grate I make a portion (N) of the bottom
grate front edge longer than the grate itself so that such projecting member may
protrude through one of the interstices of the fire breast and rest upon it for support
and I furnish this member (N, Fig. 6) with a socket or hole (C) or other suitable
means for being engaged with a tool of any convenient kind (by inserting it within
such socket, hole, hook or other similar member. I also suspend (by pivot or other
means) to this protruding member (N) a pawl (G) which works upon and engages
with a toothed rack D Fig. 2 and retains the bottom grate at any required elevation.
In the process of lowering or operating such elevating fire grates the pawl which
has hitherto been employed required to be moved by the hand or, (if not by the hand)
as a separate motion from that employed to lower the fire grate and I have sought
to remedy this objection by providing a socket (C2) within the pawl itself (or other
convenient means) for the purpose, when lowering the bottom grate, of engaging
the pawl with the tool employed instead of, as well as, and simultaneously with, the
fire bottom grate, when the latter required to be lowered. I have thus been enabled
to simplify the operation of this lowering process to a movement which may be
effected with one hand only.
The bottom grate is not pivotted at any part but is perfectly loose resting upon
brackets, studs, or flanges, at the back or sides of the fire, and can be readily lifted
out whenever required. Having no working parts such as pins, pivots or sockets in
the fire to influence its working in a radial position, this radial bottom grate cannot
easily get out of order, its working parts will not be injuriously affected, either by
the ashes jamming them or the fire burning them. The relative position of the guides,
in, upon, or adjacent to, the front bars, the particular shape of the bottom grate or the
guides upon it may be varied as occasion requires and can be put in several positions
to obtain the same result or object; the essential feature of this part of my invention
being the plan of constructing a rising bottom grate which has not any of its
working parts fixed immediately within the fire space but resting perfectly loose
therein, and having immoveable guides at the front portion of the fire, to keep the
bottom grate always in its proper position.
The utility of a cooking range fire space is thus increased, by the provisions above
described for raising or depressing the range bottom grate, F, and retaining it in any
required position, the fire space being varied thereby in its dimensions as required.
Economy in the use of fuel is realized by the ability, thus obtained, to elevate, to

page_text: the upper part of the fire basket, for cooking purposes, the lingering embers of an
almost extinct fire, in lieu of replenishing the fire in order to raise it to a suitable
level for late or exceptional cooking operations. My invention consists further in
dividing the flue space over the top of each oven into two separate channels, T
and W, Fig. 12, one behind the other, and providing a valve, or door, J³, at the
back part of oven top, in preference to the front part thereof, which door inay be
opened or closed as required. In carrying out this part of my invention I provide a
strong fire cheek, of brick or metal, at the side of oven or boiler, which has one or
more openings, R and S, therein, for allowing the heat suitable passages to the top
and underside of oven; in continuation of the check and at the back, part of oven top
(under the back part of hot plate or on any suitable part of the oven top), I provide a
valve, or door, J, which may be worked from the front or other suitable part of the
range. The action of this valve is as follows; when the range is required to be
used with an open fire, the hot plate covers, over the fire, are removed, and the above
named valve is closed, the heat passes through the perforated fire cheek, at R, &
thence over the front part, T, of oven top, and under the oven. When the range is
used with a close fire the valve, J', is opened and whilst part of the heat passes
through the openings, R and S, in the side cheek, that from the top of the fire passes
under the back hot plate behind the fire and through the valved flue, W, over the
top of oven. The purposes to be attained by the use of this valved flue being, first,
to allow the top part, P, of oven check to be made without any perforation and so
prevent cold air obtaining access to the flue, T, on the top of oven and, second, to
allow the heat, or smoke from the top part of fire to pass under the back hot plate,
and obtain escapement thereby, when the range is used with a close fire. This plan
is an improvement on my previous patent No. 5384 dated March 25th 1884, in which
I place the valve on the top of my fire cheek, and which was designed to effect the
same purpose as my present improvement, but the door, or valve, in my former plan,
being liable to get out of order, through its direct contact with the fire, I propose
herein to place the valve, or door, further away from the action of the fire, either in
the place shewn by A, fig. 1, or A2, fig. 12, or in any convenient part of the flue,
marked W, fig. 12. This valved flue is also an improvement on the side flue leading
to the back part of oven top, constructed by, or adjacent to, the "back strap" as
described, drawn and claimed in Patent No. 13,149, dated November 2d 1885 : in
which patent there are no means shewn for closing the said flue opening, at the side
of the back strap, or corresponding part, when the range is used with an open fire.
This valved flue, W, may also be used to the ordinary close fire range wherein the
top part of oven cheek is open as it will allow the surplus heat and smoke, from the
top of the fire, to pass over the oven top instead of being partly wasted, as at present,
by passing, directly from the fire, to the chimney.
I wish to state, distinctly, that in carrying out my invention, I purpose to vary
the forms and positions of the radial grate, F, and valve J' together with and in
relation to, their constituent and allied members, without, in any way, departing from
the scope, or basis, of my invention, which is not necessarily circumscribed by the
particulars shewn herein although it is fairly illustrated thereby. The division
plate U is only required and used when the valve, J, is fixed outside, and upon the
roof of oven, and its length may be short or long (and not necessarily, across the
whole of oven top) according to the position of the valve J, which terminates the
flue W.
I am aware that, prior to my invention, Stoves and Ranges have been made with
radially elevating fire bottom grates, having one or more projecting members,
attached thereto, containing one or more sockets therein for the insertion of an
implement wherewith to elevate and depress them, and have had toothed, or notched
racks, for engaging pivotted and suspended pawls, as retaining and disengaging
members, also having pivots, brackets and flanges of various kinds upon which to
suspend or rest them, I am also aware that various methods are, presently, employed
for controlling the heat which passes over the oven top including one method only for

page_text: "
opening or closing the whole of the flue space above the top of oven, back and front,
separately, by means provided at the side thereof which is furthest away from the
fire, and this plan is altogether without any flue access from the underside of the
"back strap
or from the top of Back boiler or their corresponding parts. I do not
therefore claim such methods broadly as my invention, but having now particularly
described and ascertained the nature of my invention and in what manner the same
is performed, I declare that what I claim is :
First, in a Stove or Range, the combination therewith of one or more curved paths,
or guides, B, adjacent to the fire breast, substantially as, and for the purposes, herein
described and shewn.
Second, in a Stove or Range the combination therewith of a radially elevating and
removeable fire bottom grate, (F), containing upon one or more of its front, or side,
margins, members for acting in conjunction with the curved paths or guides,
marked B, for the purpose of controlling and regulating its radial movement, all
substantially as herein described and shewn.
Third, in a Stove or Range, the combination therewith of a swinging pawl which
may be engaged by the instrument which is employed to lower the fire bottom grate,
all substantially as herein shewn and described, and for purposes specified.
Fourth, in a stove or Range the combination therewith of a valved (duplicate) flue
beneath the hot plate, or hob, of the range, and extending across the back part of oven
or boiler top (from the right to left thereof) substantially as herein described and
shewn and for the purposes specified.
Fifth, in a Stove or Range the combination therewith of a valved flue beneath
the hot plate or hob of the range, and beyond the back of the fire, whether the same
be upon the oven top or merely adjacent and leading thereto, all substantially as
herein described and shewn.
Sixth, in a Stove or Range, the combined improvements herein described and
shewn, and for purposes specified.
Seventh, in a Stove or Range the combination therewith of a swinging pawl
attached to the fire bottom grate which may be engaged by the instrument which is
employed to lower the fire bottom grate, whether the same be engaged by means of
the socket hole C, as an agent or other convenient means, all substantially as herein
described, and for the purposes specified.
Dated this TAL 1