Grain or Granular Materials.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Jan., 1886.
Complete Left, 25th Nov., 1886.
Complete Accepted, 25th Jan., 1887.
Grain or Granular Materials.
We, ANDREW BARCLAY of Argyle House, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Engineer, and
JAMES WALKER, of 37 Cranston Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Contractor, do hereby
declare the nature of our invention to be as follows:-
Our said invention has reference to the use of forced currents of air through
close conduits, and specially to improved arrangements and combinations of the
conduits and other parts of the apparatus, for lifting, elevating, transmitting and
depositing loose grain, such as corn, wheat, barley, rice, or other seeds, or such like
granular materials, (generally transported in bulk), with the object of discharging
these from ships, into wharfs, or stores, or raising and transmitting grain in granaries,
or otherwise transmitting grain and other granular substances from one place to
another where required; which improvements will be much more convenient and
efficient in their action, and more generally applicable than the modes and means
heretofore employed for removing and elevating grains and such like materials. The
nature and novelty of our improvements consist as follows:-In special improved
constructions and arrangements of induction nozzle apparatus with hose pipes, for
conveying the grain to the close conduits, pipes or other ducts, for transmitting and
elevating the grain. And further in improved arrangements of nozzles and valves
in these ducts or pipes, and in combinations of these with the induction nozzle
arrangement.
By our improvements we would use air compressing or blowing engines which
would give a much higher pressure of blast than has heretofore been used for such
purposes, as from 5 to 40 pounds on the square inch; and to give a steady and uniform
blast we would use an air forcing vessel or accumulator, such as is used for the
pneumatic despatch apparatus for the transmission of letters and parcels by the post
office. We would convey the high pressure current of air from this vessel by small
pipes or hose to the various parts of the grain transmitting conduits where an air jet
nozzle is to be fitted to draw and force the grain through these. The improved

page_text: An
construction and arrangement of the grain feeding-in or induction apparatus would
consist of a hopper or wide trumpet scoop shape open above and in front for the
grain to fall into it, and preferably made of sheet metal on the end of a rigid pipe
sufficiently long for an attendant to carry or move about under the grain.
annular or central jet nozzle would be fitted at the contracted throat of this feeder ;
with a branch attachment secured to the small air pressure hose pipe before referred
to, fitted with a regulating cock or valve near the hand of the attendant working the
apparatus. The wider end of this metal pipe, beyond the throat and handles, would
be secured to a large hose or other pipe smooth inside leading the grain drawn in and
.forced through it into the lower end of the elevating conduit proper; which would
preferably be formed with a large curved bend upwards into the long main vertical or
preferably angled air-current grain-forcing column of the conduit. Another branch
and jet nozzle with controlling tap or valve would also be fitted at this lower bend,
with a branch from the air forcing pipe, so as to induce or draw the grain through it
(carried forward from the feeding-in mouthpiece and its air jet or jets) and also draw
and force the same along with the full pressure of this jet of air right up the main
forcing trunk conduit to any height desired. This main grain lifting and forcing
conduit might be made straight and cylindrical of sheet metal; or it might be made
of wood, and be lined inside with sheet metal to protect the wood from wearing by the
constant friction of the grain on its sides. At every flat or height of this main
conduit where the grain had to be delivered, a sliding or other moving discharge door
would be formed on its one side, and have an angular: or curved shoot or branch pipe
inserted at this door, so that all the grain blown and forced up to this bend would be
discharged through it at this height. When it was desired to force or convey the
grain delivered at this bend along at this level to other parts of the flat, then pipes or
hose kept or fitted along the ceiling or supports for the purpose, would be coupled to
the knee, and a pressure air jet nozzle and branch would be here fitted for use when
required to suck and force the grain along this level pipe from the knee. In addition
to fitting these service air pressure branches, valves, and nozzles at each delivery bend
where the grain has to be conveyed a considerable distance from this, we would for
very high lifts, have auxiliary branches and nozzles fitted at other intervals apart to
assist in keeping up the suction force and speed of the current of grain through the
conduits where this was found necessary. Although for all ordinary heights and
length of conduits, we would prefer to use such a pressure of air, in the air pressing
apparatus and pipes as that the branches and nozzles fitted at the induction or
feeding-in apparatus and the other lower parts or bends would be sufficient to keep up
the suction force and speed of the combined air and grain current, to deliver the
grain at any height desired. In this way the high pressure air pipe and its induction
annular or central jet nozzle may be fitted near the vertical elevating pipe, producing
such a vacuum and suction in the hose behind this as to draw in the grain at the
induction trumpet end of the hose as will save the necessity of leading the air forcing
pipes back along this induction conduit. But when low pressures of air are used
there would require to be more nozzle jets used throughout the length of the grain
conduits. The conduits at the entrance, and delivery level parts (which have to be
moved and lengthened and shortened as the work of raising and delivering proceeds)
would require to be made of good flexible or elastic hose pipes which would keep their
shape and form and be strong and smooth within to give little friction to the current
of air and grain passing through them, and be able to stand the wear of the grain on
the sides. Thus when spiral wire is used in the body of the hose to strengthen and
maintain their shape, these would require an inner covering, preferably of sheet steel
jointed as armour. But to save the necessity for long lengths of hose, short lengths of
pipes made of sheet iron or other material might be used with simple couplings (such
as are used for water hose) which could be quickly connected or disconnected as
required; and these pipes could be made with swivelling steel bends or short cased
hose where motion is required as near the rising main or the induction pipe and its
fittings which would have to be moved about under the face of bing of grain to be
elevated. The air pressure pipes would preferably be made of light malleable iron, in

page_text: lengths corresponding to the grain conducting pipes, and be attached to and carried
on these, and have corresponding simple couplings so that when an additional length
of the grain conduit is to be added and coupled a corresponding length of the air
pressure pipe would be conveniently coupled also; Where motion had to be given to
both pipes (namely as to the induction nozzle end) they would both require to be
coupled or connected by elastic hose or other equivalent movable or flexible joints as
stated, preferably with as few knees or bends as possible, and always with a good
round curve in the bends to prevent the deposit of grain at these parts. Both the air
pipes, and grain conduits would be made of any desired convenient sizes for the
amount of grain to be raised in a given time, but generally speaking it would be
better to have these pipes of moderate size, and when a greater amount of work had to
be done rather to add to the number of conduits, and their corresponding air pressure
pipes. Each conduit having an induction feeding-in nozzle apparatus which could be
managed by one man, and it might have wheels below so as to be more easily moved
on the floor surface in front of the heap of grain to be removed. For economy in
motive power also, the air blowing cylinders, or other blowers employed, would be
proportioned in size or blowing power to the size of each set of grain conduits and the
air pressure pipes; so that one blower could be added for each set or arrangement of
our said improved grain elevating apparatus set to work; and this would be done
either where the apparatus is fitted in numbers together as a stationary plant; or as
in smaller arrangements of a portable character. These improved arrangements or
combinations of blowing engines and their air force pipes and induction and grain
conduits, are also suitable for being erected on board a floating barge, for being used
in harbours, and there taken along-side of the grain barges, for raising and forcing
the grain from these into the sea-going ships for loading them; or otherwise for
discharging the grain cargoes from these ships into barges for taking the grain to the
docks, or granaries to be discharged there by stationary plant of a like improved
construction.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Modes of and Apparatus for Raising and Transmitting
Grain or Granular Materials.
We, ANDREW BARCLAY, of Argyle House, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Engineer, and
JAMES WALKER, of 37 Cranston Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Contractor, do hereby
declare the nature of our invention and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement in
writing, reference being had to the accompanying Five sheets of Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:
Our said invention has reference to the use of forced currents of air through close
conduits, and specially to improved arrangements and combinations of the conduits,
forcing and suction actuating nozzles, and other parts of the apparatus for lifting,
elevating, transmitting and depositing loose grain, such as corn, wheat, barley, rice or
other seeds or such like granular materials, generally transported in bulk, all with the
object of discharging these from ships onto wharf sheds or into stores, or raising and
transmitting grain in granaries, or otherwise transmitting grain and other granular
substances from one place to another where required, as for loading and discharging
vessels or railway grain freight vehicles or trucks; which improvements will be much
more convenient and effecient in their action, and more generally applicable than the
modes and means heretofore employed for removing and elevating grain and such like
materials.
And in order that the nature and novelty of our said Invention, and the manner of
performing or carrying the same into effect or practice may be properly understood,
we have hereunto appended Five sheets of explanatory Drawings, in which the same
reference letters are used to indicate corresponding parts in all the figures where
shown. Figure 1 on Sheet 1 shows a transverse sectional elevation of a granary or
grain store & adjacent to a wharf W, for unloading the grain from ships and other
vessels and a transverse section of the hull S of a grain ship at wharf W, shown as in
the act of being unloaded and discharged into the grain store G, all fitted with one
construction or general arrangement of our improvements of grain elevating and
transmitting mechanism as arranged and suitable for this purpose in granaries. And
Figure 2 on sheet 1, is a partial plan of the under part of the granary &, corresponding
to Figure 1 showing a stationary or permanent arrangement of air forcing mechanism,
and grain conducting and transmitting pipes or conduits therein. Figure 3, Sheet 2
shows a transverse section of a harbour wharf W₁ and grain shed G₁ with grain
ship S¹, as in the act of having the grain discharged from it into the shed G₁, by a
portable arrangement of our improved air forcing apparatus and grain elevating and
transmitting appliances, all arranged and shown as suitable for this purpose, showing
the air forcing engines and machinery as erected and carried in a float steamboat or
ship T for the purpose. Figure 4 sheet 3 shows a transverse section of a grain ship S
as floating and at anchor in a harbour or channel in the act of being loaded with grain,

page_text: from a grain barge S³ by an arrangement of our improvements as applied thereto, the
air forcing engines and machinery being carried on a floating tender or steamboat T
as shown in the former arrangement Figure 3, both moored to the ship S³, all arranged
in accordance with and illustrative of one modification of our invention or improve-
ments as suitable therefor. And Figure 5, sheet 3 is a corresponding plan to Figure 4.
The arrows in all these Figures indicate the direction of the motion of the grain in the
grain transmitting pipes or conduits B, B¹, B, C, C, C3, while the darts indicate the
direction and motion of the air in the air forcing pipes d, d¹, da, d³, leading to the
actuating forcing and suction nozzle apparatus A to A
Figures 6 and 7 on sheet 4, show a sectional elevation and plan respectively of one
modification A of the improved pressure nozzle apparatus, shown also at A in the
general views on sheets 2 and 3, specially adapted for the higher pressures of air.
This arrangement consists of an annular hollow jet nozzle I, I', fitted at the entering
end and contracted throat J of this whole feeding and forcing apparatus A, with dis-
charge trumpet J, J', secured at its wide end to the first length of pipe of the main
grain conduits C at c. The inner nozzle I of this arrangement is preferably screwed
into a deep socket b at the extreme end of the air chamber a of the annular nozzle I,. I',
and fitted with a jam nut at 6' for regulating the opening of the annular jet of air
issuing at the contracted throat i J from the branch formed or secured on this
chamber a, I, and led from the air pressure pipes d', as is indicated by the darts and
arrows in sheets 1 to 3 and in Figure 6. The entering end of the hollow nozzle I is
shown as formed with a short trumpet H at its entering end, for leading in the grain Z
to this nozzle apparatus, which may be placed or hung into the grain to be raised
either vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, but when preferred this trumpet end H
might be made larger and of various shapes and be attached by flanges
as at Hin
Figures 8, 9 and 10 of sheet. 4. This arrangement of air nozzle and grain inducing and
forcing apparatus shown in Figures 6 and 7 sheet 4, and at A in the general arrange-
ments, Figures 3, 4, and 5, on sheets 2 and 3 with one annular air nozzle I, I', only,
is more particularly applicable for the use of the higher pressures of air, as from 10 to
40 pounds pressure, per square inch for inducing and raising the grain Z by pro-
ducing a partial vacuum in the entering nozzle I, as for raising the grain or producing
a suction in the pipes or hose below or beyond this nozzle apparatus when these are
fitted to the entering end of the nozzle I instead of the trumpet H.
Figures 8 and 9 sheet 4, show a vertical section and plan respectively, of another
modification of nozzle apparatus, as indicated at A' in the general arrangement.
Figure 1 sheet 1, more particularly suitable for the lower pressures of air, by the use
of two, three or more annular sets of air pressure nozzles I, I, I, I³ and I, I, in which
the grain Z in a great measure falls into the apparatus by gravitation, and requires
less pressure of air to produce the suction and force necessary to give the velocity and
force to the grain to rise through the pipes B, C, by the use of a greater number of
annular jets of air at i,,, at a lower pressure. In this arrangement the feeding or
leading-in trumpet H' is bolted by flanges H to the rear end of the first nozzle I,
and between this nozzle and the throat J of the discharge trumpet J¹ two other annular
nozzles 12, 13, 14, 15, are fitted with two other extra air chambers a', a³, leading from
the first air chamber a, which is fitted with the pressure air branch d³, and all these
nozzles are screwed into each other with jam nuts at b, b', as in Figures 6 and 7, for
the regulation of the annular air jet issuing at i, i, 2, and a controlling tap at d' would
be fitted to each of these branches d³ to regulate the admission of air and control the
working of the apparatus. This arrangement of nozzle apparatus shown in Figures 8
and is more particularly applicable for being attached to a horizontal range of pipes
B, C, as seen in Figure 1 Sheet 1, for working on a level floor as at z for receiving
the grain or other granular substance Z to be elevated from the bulk in ship's holds,
or it might be from bings in sheds falling into the trumpet H', and in this way this
apparatus is preferably mounted on small bogie or other wheels h either to move
longitudinally or laterally for the convenience of being moved about up to the grain,
and might have handles attached to it as at L for that purpose.
0

page_text: Figure 10 on sheet 4, shows a vertical elevation of the nozzle apparatus shown
generally at A' in Figure 8, except that it has a trumpet H2 analogous to H¹ in that
Figure but inverted, so that its mouth takes down near to the level of the floor z, so as
to draw up the grain off the floor to clean up the whole automatically.
Figure 11 on sheet 5 is a sectional elevation of another construction of inducing
nozzle apparatus A² as suitable for the grain Z or other granular material falling into
it by gravitation, to be elevated direct up through a knee pipe or trumpet J' close to
the apparatus, and when desired with a supplementary air jet nozzle e and regulating
tap e¹ connected to the branch d³ supplying the air to the nozzles I, I of this apparatus
to assist in elevating the grain up the rising main pipes B, C, at the bend of the
trumpet J, J. In this arrangement A² the induction air annular nozzle I, I, is
somewhat of an analogous construction to that shown in Figures 6 and 7 on sheet 4,
but inverted with a lateral air branch d³ conducting the pressure air to the chamber a
of the outer nozzle I, to give the annular jet of air at i into the throat J of the kneed
trumpet J³, to force the grain Z up the main elevating pipes B, C, as shown in the
general arrangements sheets 1 to 3. The grain in this arrangement is led into the
induction tube I from a large hopper H³ mounted on it, into which the grain would
be led by spouts from a higher level, or it might be from elevators. This hopper is
shown with a screwed air tube f carried in the eye of cross arms at fl over the
entrance of the hopper H³ to the induction tube I, with a regulating disc f on its
lower end, for being screwed down to regulate the quantity of grain which shall fall
into the nozzle apparatus to be raised, by the annular jet of air issuing at i, i ; and the
air pipe might have a tap on it for regulating the admission of the outer atmospheric
air above the grain to assist its induction into the apparatus.
Figure 12, sheet 5, shows a sectional elevation and Figure 13 a corresponding plan,
of an induction nozzle apparatus A³ somewhat different from Figure 11, in which the
hopper H2 conducts the grain to fall by its gravitation at right angles into and in
front of the air nozzles I, I, which by an annular jet the forced air at i from an air
chamber a and I forces the grain out through the trumpet J, J' up the bent pipe B
into the rising main pipes above at C³, otherwise substantially as in the other modifi-
cations. In this arrangement however the nozzle I is used as an air conducting
nozzle for assisting the forcing effect of the grain through the throat J of the trampet
as at in the former arrangement Figure 11, but the grain or granular substances
might also be admitted with this air when the nozzle is made as large as shown in
this Figure. This arrangement also admits of various sized nozzles I, I', being
screwed into the air chamber a I", as indicated in section in Figure 14, and fitted
with screws at 62, 63, so as to regulate the size of opening for the annular jet of
pressure air at i to pass through the nozzles I, II, from the chamber a. Although this
arrangement is shown with a knee at B for raising the grain through vertical pipes at
C, it might be fitted to straight pipes C, to force the air straight along in the direction
of the trumpet J, J', when this was required before raising or elevating the grain.
Or otherwise in this arrangement A, Figures 12 and 13, in which grain falls into
the apparatus more by gravitation than suction, instead of making the forced air
nozzles in two parts I, I, with an annular jet as at i, a central nozzle only may be
used, as shown at I' in Figure 14 A, and be so lengthened towards the throat J of the
apparatus and have the air forced in through it direct from the air chamber a, as to
induce the grain through the throat I from the hopper H in an annular stream and
force it through the trumpet J, J', and up the close raising and conducting pipes B, C,
as described in reference to all the other annular induction apparatus shown in detail
at A to A in Figures 6 to 16 on Sheets 4 and 5.
Figures 15 and 16 Sheet 5, show a sectional elevation and plan respectively of a
nozzle apparatus A' and range of pipes, somewhat analogous to that shown at A
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 and Figure 8 on Sheet 4, but with one nozzle I, I¹, and air
chamber A as suitable for transmitting the grain with one annular jet of high pressure
air at i, i, with a shovel-shaped scoop H* for raising and feeding the grain from any
level floor z or that a ship's hold, showing an auxiliary jet of air which may be used

page_text: as dotted in at e, e¹, from the branch d³ of the air pipes d' for feeding forward the grain
through the induction nozzle I to the annular jet at the throat J of the induction
trumpet J, J, for forcing the grain into the first length of horizontal pipe C. These
pipes C might be made of any desired length by adding a new length of pipe as the
nozzle apparatus A* is required to be fed forward to the grain Z in the hold of the
ship. And this range of pipes C, C, C, would be fitted with a wheeled bogie h in front
ath, and small wheel trucks as indicated at h³ Figure 17, for being put under the
flanges c of the pipes C, to enable the apparatus and pipes to be traversed longitu-
dinally and transversely on the wheels h, along the floor of the ship, up to the face
of the grain Z to be elevated and discharged from the ship. To assist in this
longitudinal and transverse motion of the grain pipes C, the rising bend or knee
pipe B, leading to the vertical rising main pipe C¹, would be formed with a swivel
joint at g to give the lateral motion, and for giving the longitudinal motion, the first
horizontal pipe at C" next the rising knee bend B, would preferably be formed slightly.
larger than the pipes C, with a simple stuffing box g' at its outer end, so as to allow
one end of this pipe C to move telescopically to and fro in the pipe C¹¹, so that as the
nozzle apparatus A* and pipe C were carried forward to the extent of one length of
piping C, a new length of piping could be quickly inserted, and the internal telescopic
pipe at C carried back again, for working the apparatus forward longitudinally as for
the first length of pipe C. This arrangement of moving the large metal grain con-
ducting pipes Cat the bends B is preferred to having hose at these bends which are
not easily made large and flexible with smooth internal surfaces, but when these could
be obtained they might be employed instead of the rigid swivelling bends and telescopic
jointed pipes B, 9, and C, C. However for the small air forcing pipes d', at these
movable parts, hose d' might be employed as shown in Figure 15, and a new length of
metallic air piping d¹ would be added and coupled as at do for every length of grain
pipes C added, and these pipes d' might be carried by straps at g² attached to the
Hanges c of the pipes C, either over or along the sides of these pipes C as found most
convenient. A stop or regulating valve d is shown for regulating or turning on or
off the pressure air from these pipes d', to the branch d³ of the nozzle apparatus A*,
Figures 15 and 16.
Figure 18, sheet 5, shows a sectional elevation of knee grain pipe B¹, as fitted with
an auxiliary air jet nozzle e e¹ with lateral branche, leading the air from the air
pressure pipes to it, and fitted with a screw spindle and hand wheel e¹, e, for
regulating and shutting off or on this jet of air to assist the velocity of the current of
grain and air through the pipes at these bends B¹ either to the rising main pipes C¹ or
to horizontal ranges of these pipes C, as indicated at the bends B1, B2, B3, in the
general arrangement Figure 1 sheet 1.
Figure 19 sheet 5 shows a vertical section of an auxiliary annular forced air jet
nozzle apparatus A for surrounding and leading into the full size main grain pipes C₁,
and being fitted in between the flanges c of these, at any part of the rising main as
indicated at A' in the general arrangement Figure 1, or it might be in the long ranges
of horizontal pipes C where auxiliary jets are required in these to increase the velocity
of the grain and air current passing through them. The apparatus consists in this
arrangement of a short outer case I with air chamber a, and lateral air forcing
branch d, fitted with a flange c' at its one end for joining to the flange c of the large
pipes C¹ leading from the apparatus A', and formed with a screw socket at the other
end b, fitted with an internal nozzle I, I, sliding on a short internal branch pipe J11
with flange for bolting to the flange c of the pipe C' leading to the apparatus A'.
The nozzle I is screwed on its outer circumference at 6 to fit the socket b, and
with holes at its outer extremity for turning this nozzle I within the chamber a and
outer case I', so as to adjust and give a greater or less annular jet of forced air at i
leading into the pipes C to assist and increase the current of grain and air through
them as found necessary. The air pressure pipe leading to the lateral branch d
would be fitted with a screw closing or regulating tap d', as seen in the general
arrangements A* in Figures 15 and 16,

page_text: Figures 20 and 21 sheet 5, show a longitudinal elevation and sectional plan
respectively of one arrangement of the horizontal grain conducting pipes Cas
suitable for discharging the grain Z at any parts by horizontal branches as indicated
at m, along the pipes into the divisions of the flats of a granary, or it might be by
equivalent vertical branches n in the pipes C³, in the flat G₁ of the granery G, as
indicated in Figure 1 sheet 1. This arrangement shown in Figures 20 and 21 consists
of a short sliding sleeve branch M, with lateral branch m capable of sliding along the
pipe C³, so as to either open or close an opening at m' cut away in the pipe C³ to the
branch m; and allow the grain to escape from the pipe C by the branch m into
the granary at the part desired, the branch m being fitted with a sliding shutter m²
for inserting through the opening m¹ to prevent the grain passing this division and
be deflected out laterally as indicated by the arrows in Figure 21.
Figures 22 and 23 show transverse and horizontal sections respectively, through the
pipe Cat the branch m, m, corresponding to Figures 20 and 21, but showing
the sleeve branch M as shifted to close the aperture m' in the pipe C³, and with the
shutter M² as drawn out, showing the grain as being forced on past the branch m;
checks m³ being formed on the sleeve M at either end, for taking on to stops m on
the outside of the pipe C³, on either side of the opening m, for securing the branch m
in its respective open and shut positions, as shown in Figures 21 and 23 respectively.
Referring to the Three Sheets of Drawings, Figures 1 to 5, which show the general
arrangements, and to the detailed Drawings Sheets 4 and 5 particularly:-The nature
and novelty of our improvements and mode of putting the same into practice, consist
all as follows:-In special improved constructions and arrangements of induction and
forcing nozzle apparatus shown at A to A³, in the general views on Sheets 1 to 3, and
shown more particularly in detail on Sheets 4 and 5, with hose or equivalent movable
knee pipes or branches at B, B1, B2, B3, B4, which convey the grain immediately to or
from the induction nozzle apparatus A, A1, A2, A3, through the regular main close
conduits, pipes, or other ducts C, C, C2, C3, C4, C5, for transmitting and elevating the
grain Z. And further in improved arrangements of the nozzles and valves comprised
in the induction and forcing apparatus A to A, and grain ducts or pipes B to B₁, and
C to C and air forcing pipes d to d; and in combinations of these with the particular
constructions of the induction nozzle arrangements, all as more particularly seen in
the detailed sectional views in Sheets 4 and 5.
Referring to the general arrangements Sheets 1 to 3 of the Drawings:-By our
improvements we use air compressing or blowing engines E E¹, either erected
stationary on land, as shown on Sheet 1, or as in a floating steam tender T, T, as shown
on Sheets 2 and 3, with steam boilers E, and preferably with double steam cylinders E',
and corresponding air cylinders D, D, for giving a much higher pressure of blast than
has heretofore been used for such purposes, as from 5 to 40 pounds on the square inch.
To give a steady and uniform blast, we use an air-forcing loaded vessel or accumulator D³,
loaded to the desired pressure for the time being by a safety valve D2, (such as is used
for pneumatic despatch apparatus for the transmission of letters and parcels by the
Post Office), and regulating pressure gauge and into which the cylinders D would
force the air through the pipes d, and from which the forced air would be led by the
pipes d', to the various improved actuating air induction and forcing apparatus or
appliances A to A', controlled by a stop valve D at the accumulator D₁, and by con-
trolling valves d* at the branch d³ of the air induction and forcing appliances A to A
We convey the high pressure current of air from this vessel D, by small pipes and
hose d', d (the pipes d¹ being preferably made of malleable-iron, and the hose being
made of rubber and canvas as is usual for high pressure steam and water pressure
hose or pipes where movement is required in these air-forcing pipes d') to the various
parts of the grain transmitting conduits B and C, where air jet nozzles A to A³ are to
be fitted to draw and force the grain through these grain conducting conduits B, C, as
at d³ in the various Figures, fitted with suitable lateral branches and a regulating
valve or tap d⭑.
As shown at A' on Sheet 1 and in detail in Figures 8 and 9 on Sheet 4, one

page_text: improved construction and arrangement of the grain feeding-in or induction apparatus
for so transmitting grain through the said main conducting pipes B and C, consists of
a hopper or wide trumpet-shaped scoop H', open above and in front of the grain Z, to
fall into it, and preferably made of sheet metal secured on the end of a rigid induction
nozzle or pipe I, and actuating air suction and forcing apparatus A to A', and
sufficiently long for an attendant or attendants to carry or move about on wheels or
otherwise and be pushed or immersed under or within the grain Z, so that this will
flow freely into the said hopper H¹ and nozzles I I¹ of the apparatus A to Aª. The
wide discharge end J₁ of the metal pipe or nozzle arrangement I, I¹, beyond the
throat J and handles L, on the apparatus, when these are applied for moving it, is
secured to the first length of grain piping of the main pipes C, or it might be a hose
pipe smooth inside where free motion is required all to lead the grain Z down in and
be forced through into the near end of the elevating main conduits C, C, C³, proper,
which would preferably be formed with a large curved bend or knee upwards at B
into the long main vertical or preferably angled air-current grain-forcing column at C¹
of the conduits.
Other branches and jet nozzles e el, with controlling taps or valves e³ may be fitted
also at the lower and upper bends B1, B2, B3, of the grain pipes C, C¹, C³, C³, to give
an auxiliary jet of air in these pipes so as to induce or draw the grain Z through
them (carried forward from the feeding-in mouthpieces A to A4, and their air jet or
jets) and also draw and force the same along with the full pressure of this jet of air
right up the main forcing trunk conduits C¹ C¹, to any height desired and as shown
in detail in Figure 18. These main grain lifting and forcing conduits C¹, C³, C³, are
preferably made straight and cylindrical of sheet metal, as shown in the detailed
Drawings; but they might be made of other sections, as square in wood, and be lined
inside with sheet metal to protect the wood from wearing by the constant friction of
the grain Z on its sides. At any or every flat or height G G G of these main rising
conduits CC, where the grain Z had to be delivered horizontally along the flats;
knees B³ may be fitted, or sliding or other equivalent discharge branches, such as
shown at M m, in Figures 20 to 23 on Sheet 5, may be formed on their one side to
direct the grain along the horizontal pipes C C³, and fitted with delivery or annular
or curved shoots or branch pipes m or n, with closing door m² or n³, so that the
grain Z, blown and forced up to these pipes C or C³, would be discharged through
the bends n, n, n, and as indicated in the flat G¹ in Figure 1, either with spreading
plates n or not as desired. When it is desired to force or convey the grain delivered
at these bends B along at this height or level to the other parts of any one flat G¹, G³, G³,
then pipes CCC or hose C, kept or fitted along the ceiling or on supports for the
purpose would be coupled to the knees B³ B³ or M m when these are employed, and a
pressure air jet nozzle arrangement and branch e eles, might be here fitted for use
when required and force the grain along these level pipes CC from the rising knee,
as indicated at B³ flat G' in Figure 1. In addition to fitting these knees B¹, B², B³
with service air pressure branches e² e and nozzles e e¹ and valves or screw spindles es
at these delivery bends B¹, B³, B³, where the grain has to be conveyed a considerable
distance from these, we would for very high lifts, have auxiliary annular nozzles A
branches and valves d' fitted at other intervals apart to assist in keeping up the
suction, and force and speed of the current of grain Z through the main pipes or
conduits C to C when this was found necessary, as indicated at A in Figure 1 Sheet 1,
and in detail in Figure 19 Sheet 5. Although for all ordinary heights and length of
conduits we would prefer to use such a pressure of air in the air pressure accumulator D¹
and pipes d', d, as thatt he nozzle branches d³ d', fitted at the induction or feeding-in
apparatus A to A, and the other lower parts, knees or bends B1, B2, B3, would be
sufficient to keep up the suction, and force and speed of the combined air and grain
current Z in the rest of the pipes, to deliver the grain at any ordinary height and
distance required, as shown in Figure 3 on Sheet 2, and Figures 4 and 5 on Sheet 3.
In this way, in some cases, as with a very high pressure of air, the pipes and valves d'
and dad with the induction annular jet nozzle arrangements A to A* may be fitted

page_text: near the vertical elevating pipes C³, C1, to produce such a vacuum and suction in the pipes
or hose C² behind the nozzles as to draw in the grain at the induction trumpet end filler H
of the hose C, as will save the necessity of leading the air forcing pipes back along
this induction conduit to the grain. But when low pressures of air are used there
would require to be more nozzle jets as i used in the air inducing and forcing
apparatus A shown in Figures 8 to 10, and also through the length of the grain
conduits at A and B B B in Figure 1. The grain conduits C C C C, as at the
entrance and delivery level parts Figures 1 and 15 (which have to be moved and
lengthened and shortened as the work of raising and delivering proceeds) would either
require to be made of good flexible or elastic hose pipes, which would keep their shape
and form and be strong and smooth within to give little friction to the current of
air and grain passing through them, and be able to stand the wear of the grain. on
their sides. Thus when spiral wire is used in the body of the hose to strengthen and
maintain their shape, the wire would require an inner covering, preferably of sheet
steel, or other hard metal jointed as armour. To save the necessity of long lengths of
such hose, however, short lengths of pipes made of sheet iron or other material might
be used with simple couplings (such as are used for water hose) which could be
quickly connected or disconnected as required; and these sheet metal pipes could also,
by these improvements, be made with swivelling jointed steel bends or knees, as shown
at B, g, in Figure 15, or of equivalent short cased hose where turns or bends and
motion is required, as at the bends B near the rising main pipes at C', or at 'the
induction trumpet filling pipes H and fittings A to A*, which would have to be moved
about under the face or bing of grain at Z to be elevated. The air pressure pipes d¹
would preferably be made of light malleable-iron or steel, in lengths corresponding to
the grain conducting pipes C, and be attached to and carried on these at 9, and have
corresponding simple screw or other couplings d³, so that when an additional length
of the grain pipe conduits C is to be added and coupled, a corresponding length of the
air pressure pipes d' would be conveniently coupled also, as indicated at Figure 15.
Where motion had to be given to both pipes (namely as to the bends or knees B
or at the induction nozzle ends A to A) they would both require to be coupled or
connected by elastic hose or other equivalent movable telescopic and swivelling
jointed pipes C, C, and B, 9, Figure 15 as stated, all preferably with as few knees or
bends B, B1, B2, B3, as possible, and where these are used they should have a good
round curve in the bends to prevent the deposit of the grain at these parts, which
would where required have auxiliary nozzles and jets e e¹ of pressure air supplied
at B B B and A°, as shown in Figure 1, Both the air pipes d' and grain conduits C
would be made of any desired convenient sizes for the amount of grain to be raised in
a given time, but generally speaking it would be better to have these pipes of moderate
size and when a greater amount of work had to be done rather to add to the number
of the sets of these conduits B, C, and their corresponding air pressure pipes d¹, and
their actuating nozzle apparatus A to A. Each set or range of conduits has an
induction feeding-in nozzle apparatus A to A, which could be managed by one or two
men, and for this purpose it might have wheels h below so as to be more easily moved
on the floor surface in front of the heap or bing of grain Z to be removed or raised.
For economy in motive power also, the motive engines E, E', and the air blowing
cylinders D, D, (or other blowers employed) would in like manner be approximately
proportioned in size or blowing power, to the size of each complete set of grain
conduits, B, C, and their nozzle apparatus A to A+ and air pressure pipes d' as shown
on sheets 1 to 3; so that one arrangement of blowing engine E, E', D could be added
for each complete set or arrangement of our said improved grain elevating apparatus
set to work; and this would be done either where this improved arrangement of
apparatus is fitted in numbers together as a stationary plant as on sheet 1; or as in
smaller arrangements of a portable character, as for the loading and discharging of
grain cargoes as on sheets 2 and 3. These improved arrangements or combinations
of blowing engines E, D, and their air forcing pipes d d' and induction and grain
conduits B and C are also suitable for being erected on board a floating barge steam

page_text: lighter T for being used in harbours, and there taken alongside of grain barges S³, for
raising and forcing the grain from these, into the sea going grain ships S', for
loading them, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 sheet 3. Or otherwise for discharging the
grain cargoes from such grain ships S and S¹ into granaries, stores or sheds G, G, at
quays or docks W, W' as shown respectively on sheets 1 and 2, or it might be into
barges as S³, to be conveyed to such quays or docks, and there elevated and discharged
into granaries or sheds by stationary motive power engines and air compressing plant
of a like improved construction, or by floating motive power barges and machinery T
as shown in Figure 3 on sheet 2. and in Figures 4 and 5 on sheet 3.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, on sheet 2, it will be observed that the horizontal
grain conducting pipes C with the induction apparatus A¹ and filler H³, are shown as
swivelling transversely on a joint at y at the first bend B connected with the upright
pipes C, passed up through the hatch doors X of the ship S to the level of the quay W.
But it will be understood that these might also be disposed and arranged to swivel in
the longitudinal line of the ship, and lengthened all as particularly explained in
reference to Figures 15 to 17 of the detail views on sheet 5. The air pressure pipes d
are led from the accumulator D₁ of the engine E, E', right along these grain
pipes C¹, C, and carried on them by attachments g' to their flanges c, and jointed to
pressure hose at the bends where bending or yielding is required in the swivelling
of the pipes C below. Air pressure pipes d' are also led up the side of the vertical
pipes C within the granary G to the auxiliary nozzles A and e, e' at the bends B³
where required.
Referring to Figure 3 on sheet 2, a steam barge T is shown, carrying all the air
forcing engines and machinery brought alongside the ship 81 to discharge the grain
from it. This steam barge T might also carry the grain conducting pipes and nozzle
apparatus for being fitted up within the ship S' and across the quay to be delivered
into the shed G; the pipes being carried on trestle stay legs or other equivalent at K,
and on iron or other attachments at K' to the roof of the shed G; and a swivel
branch joint or piece of hose would preferably be fitted as at k in the length of pipes C
leading to the shed, to allow of sufficient motion in these pipes for the rising and
falling of the ship S¹ with the tide. In this arrangement a nozzle apparatus A is
employed such as shown in Figures 6 and 7 on sheet 4, which can draw and force the
grain from the ship through the pipes CC into the shed, without the necessity of
auxiliary jets, as shown on Figure 1 sheet 1, so that in this case high pressure air is
led direct from the accumulator D¹ through the pipes d' and hose to the branch d³
on the nozzle apparatus A which makes a simple arrangement.
Referring to the arrangement shown on sheet 3, this is very similar to that shown
and described in reference to sheets 1 and 2 and the parts lettered to correspond except that
the grain Z is shown as being discharged from a grain barge S³ into a ship S³ floating in
harbour for loading it, the horizontal grain pipe C however passing over the deck of
the vessel S' from the barge S and conducted along horizontal pipes C² fitted under
the decks within the ship S and let down into the several parts or divisions of the ship
desired, from lateral branches and doors as shown at n, n in the flat G¹ of the granary
Figure 1, or it might be branches and doors such as shown at m, m³, m³ in Figures 20
to 23. sheet 5, fitted with hose or other equivalents as indicated at 1 in the ship S
Figure 4. When the grain had to be led forward instead of aft from the cross
pipes C the branch bend B' at the junction would be reversed as dotted in at the
hatchway X. These pipes C, C might however be led direct down any one of the
several hatches X when preferred, by merely moving the steamboat T and grain
barge S alongside the ship S being loaded to the different positions for lowering the
pipes. The steam lighter T, as will be seen from Figure 5 on sheet 3, besides carrying
the air pumping double cylinder steam engines E E' for actuating the grain trans-
mitting and raising apparatus, has the engine crank shaft Es fitted with reversing
clutch gearing at O, so as to actuate a screw propeller shaft O' for propelling the
vessel in either direction as desired, when the engines are not used for forcing air;
the air cylinders D might be fitted with opening closing stop valves for allowing the
engines to be worked in this way instead of uncoupling the air cylinders.

page_text: Referring to the enlarged detail views of the nozzle and pipe apparatus shown on
sheets 4 and 5, it will be understood that the annular induction nozzles I, I, of the
several apparatus A to A', may be considerably modified, without departing from the
essentials of the invention, that is to say, nearly any one of the forms of nozzles I, I¹,
may be fitted either in duplicate or triplicate, to give either one, two or three annular
jets of pressure air, increasing in number as the pressure of air is reduced. And
that although the three nozzles are shown very close together in Figure 8 sheet 4,
they might be fitted at much longer intervals apart, in the same apparatus, or even
fitted in different lengths of pipes, so as to allow of the speed of the current of air and
grain in the conduits to increase to nearly its full velocity from the effect of one
annular jet before the second or third annular jets of air acted respectively on the
grain current, the reducing nozzles gradually increasing in area from the front
nozzle to the full diameter of the pipes. And in some cases, additional grain supply
hoppers and lateral ducts may be formed to allow additional grain to be supplied in
front of the additional nozzles, analogous to the arrangements shown in Figures 12
and 13, where more grain could be carried in the current of forced air through the
pipes than was originally admitted by the induction ond nozzle I of the nozzle
apparatus shown in the various arrangements A to A* on sheets 4 and 5. The grain
feeding-in trumpets H, H1, H2, H3, H' may be made of any of the various shapes
shown and fitted to the induction nozzle I of any of the various arrangements of
nozzles shown in the Drawings. When very high pressures are used in these
induction annular nozzle apparatus, the induction funnels H might be attached to
the end of a hose or other pipe let into the grain, while the other end of the hose was
attached to the rear or induction end of the first nozzle I, as with high pressures it is
found the grain can be lifted or drawn into the nozzles from a véry considerable
distance below them as from 4 to 10 feet when this is found necessary, although
generally speaking it is found best not to lift the grain to the apparatus from any
considerable depth. In all the Figures the arrows represent the direction of the
current of air and grain through the apparatus and conduits, while the darts indicate
the direction of the actuating pressure air currents through the air pressure pipes
and nozzles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
First. The mode of and means or special construction and arrangement of apparatus
or appliances for transmitting and raising grain or other granular material through
close pipes or conduits by the suction and force of annular jets of high pressure air,
either with or without other annular or central auxiliary jets of said air at the bends
or other parts along said conduits, all substantially as, and for the several and
equivalent purposes, herein described in reference to and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings.
Second. The construction and arrangement of the parts of single or multiple
annular nozzle induction apparatus, and of additional auxiliary nozzle devices, for
transmitting and raising grain, or other granular material, through close pipes or
conduits, by the suction and force of annular jets of high pressure air, all substantially
as and for the purposes, herein described in reference to and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings.
Third. The arrangement and combination of annular or central air jet inducing
nozzle apparatus to or within pipes or conduits for the transmitting and raising of
grain, or other granular material through said nozzles and conduits, all substantially
as and for the purposes, herein described in reference to and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings.'"
Fourth. The arrangement and combination of stationary air compressing engines
and regulating pressure accumulator and air conducting pipes, with bends and hose
for supplying high pressure air to the annular induction and auxiliary nozzle
appliances of larger light close sheet metal or other pipes or conduits for the

page_text: transmitting and raising of grain, or other granular material through these from
ships or barges into granaries, stores, or sheds, substantially as herein described in
reference to and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Fifth. The arrangement and combination of air compressing engines and regulating
pressure accumulator and air conducting pipes, hose, and valves, on board of a
Honting lighter, steamboat, or barge, for supplying high-pressure air therefrom to
the annular induction and auxiliary nozzle appliances of larger light close sheet-metal
or other pipes or conduits for the transmitting and raising of grain, or other granular
material through said pipes for the loading or unloading of ships, barges, or other
vessels in harbours, or at quay sheds or stores, substantially as herein described in
reference to and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The arrangement and combination of grain transmitting pipes or conduits
and their air actuating nozzles and pressure air supply pipes and hose, all so fitted
together as to be moved portably on wheels laterally or longitudinally and lengthened
as required for receiving, transporting, and raising grain or granular materials in
the operation of loading and discharging the same into and from ships or vessels,
substantially as herein described in reference to and illustrated in the accompanying
W. R. M. THOMSON & Co.,
Agents.