IMPROVEMENTS IN SPARK ARRESTERS
Year: 1883

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to Alfred Julius Boult of the Agency for Foreign Patent
Solicitors 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex Engineer for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SPARK ARRESTERS A communication from
Joseph Allen Sterling, a Banker, of the city, county and state of New York in
the United States of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alfred Julius Boult at tho
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th January 1883.
ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of the Agency for Foreign Patent Solicitors 323 High
Holborn in the County of Middlesex Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN SPARK
ARRESTERS" [a communication from Joseph Allen Sterling, a Banker, of the city,
county and state of New York in the United States of America]
This invention relates to that class of spark arresters more especially for
locomotive engines in which the smoke arch is constructed with a downwardly
extending deflector or descending flue extending out from the tube sheet, over the
boiler tubes and opening over or into a mass of water in the base of the smoke
arch whereby the draft is directed downward upon the water into which the
sparks are projected and thus extinguished while the draft is thence deflected
towards the stack.
In a locomotive embodying this invention there is the usual shell of the boiler
and the smoke arch is affixed to the front end of the boiler as usual and rests on a
saddle the cylinders of the engine project from each end of the saddle while the
centre of the saddle rests on a swivel of a four-wheeled truck which supports the
front end of the engine-the wrought iron frame of the engine is solid and there is
a bumper beam all of which parts may be of the ordinary construction. There is a
flue sheet of the boiler and tubes or flues which discharge, as usual, into the
smoke arch. The exhaust nozzles rise as usual, from the exhaust ports in the
saddle through the bottom of the smoke arch, and discharge under the centre of
tho stack.

page_text: Now the smoke arch which usually ends at a ring is extended forward by an
addition or extension shell which projects over the bumper beam and a inovable
door or head of the smoke arch is affixed on the front end of this extension which
thus nearly doubles the internal capacity of the smoko arch. In the base of this
extension is formed an extinguishing chamber or water tank alapted to contain a
Iarge mass of water, say 100 gallons in which the sparks may be caught and
extinguished. This tank projects down behind the bumper beam and between the
forward wheels of the truck, its front wall being curved or inclined backward to
avoid the forward axle of the truck while the rear wall is preferably straight.
The interior of the smoke arch is divided diagonally by an inclined downwardly
turned spark deflecting partition or apron which extends out from the flue sheet
above the flues and terminates or discharges over and into the middle of the water
tank or chamber. The lower diagonal half of the smoke arch below the deflector
thus forms a forwardly descending flue discharging into the water tank while the
upper diagonal half above the deflector forms an ascending and returning flue
leading to the stack and forming a free passage for the clear products of combustion
from which the sparks or cinders have been separated by their projection into and
extinguishment by the water as will be understood.
The upper and inclined part of the deflector is fixed and flat while the outer end
is preferably of a curved form similar to the segment of a cylinder and is preferably
movable or adjustable as will hereafter appear. The upper inclined and fixed part
of the deflector consists of three plates suitably bolted to angle irons on the tubo
sheet and on the sides of the smoke arch, and secured to each other at their over-
lapping sides so as to properly surround the steain pipe and form a tight partition
across that portion of the smoke arch. The steam pipes pass through the sido
plates which extend along the sides of the smoke arch from the tube sheet, to a
ring and from the end of the side plates small end plates extend down vertically to
the base of the smoke arch while triangular wings or plates rise vertically from the
edges of the side plates and extend backward on a diminishing taper as far as the
edge of the deflecting partition thus forming a contracted throat between the said
wings and the end plates in which the movable or adjustable portion of the
deflector works and through which the draft issues. Now on each side of the
curved or downwardly turned part of the deflector which may be termed the hood,
angle irons are fixed and engage with vertical guides affixed at the edge of the
wings and end plates thus forming ways which hold the hood in firm regular
position and permit of its sliding up or down to any desired adjustment. The hood
is hinged at its upper edge to a large flat plate which closoly fits the space between
the wings and closely overlies a similar plate which is hinged to the front edge of
the fixed plate of the deflecting partition and these two overlaying plates are
connected by headed screws which bear upon and pass through slots in the upper
plate this hinged or over-sliding connection of the plates permits the necessary
movement or articulation as the hood is adjusted up or down without allowing any
breakage of draft through the spaces covered by said plates. In order to permit
the hood to be adjusted as required from the exterior of the engine a forked rod is
connected therewith and is threaded at its upper part, it rises through the sheet at
the top of the smoke-arch and engages with a hand-nut which bears upon the top
of the smoke-arch just in front of the stack so that by turning this nut or hand
wheel one way or the other the hood will be raised or lowered to any desired
adjustment within the smoke box.
The rear wall of the water box rises some little distance above the shell of the
smoke arch and the guides for the hood end at the top of the said wall which is
the lowest position to which the hood may be set. Now from this point the base
of the smoke.box is filled with brick cement or other material so as to form an
inclined floor descending toward the flue sheet at about an opposite inclination to
that of the top of the deflector. The enclosed space in the smoke-box below the
deflector thus converges both at top and bottom towards the mouth of the hood
and it is also made to converge similarly on the sides by means of plates extending

page_text: at an inclination from the flue sheet to the mouth of the hood so that the smoke
passage or space below the hood is thus of hopper shape with all four sides
inclining and converging toward the mouth of the hood.
In order to allow a direct draft from the flues to the stack when the fire is first
started, the fixed plate on the deflector is formed with an opening at its upper end
near where it joins the tube sheet in which opening is pivoted a nicely fitting
damper from the cranked axis of which a suitable operating bar extends to the cab,
so that it may be opened when the fire is first started and closed when it is under
Eufficient headway or when the exhaust is discharging. The damper is so arranged
that when fully shut it has an inclination similar to the partition plate or down-
wards and forwards, so that even when opened or partially opened it will always
present such an angle to the draft as will tend to deflect the sparks downwards in
the same manner as the deflector.
The exhaust nozzles rise from the steam chests of the cylinders through the base
of the smoke-arch in the usual way and extend up through the deflector plate
terminating just above the same in front of the damper and at a point under the
centro of the stack and remote from the discharging end of the deflector. The
hood is provided with an adjustable pendant lip or edge, in the form of a flat plate
with slots through which clamp screws pass by means of which the lip may be set
to project more or less from the edge of the hood. When the hood is adjusted to
its proper position this lip should be so adjusted that its lower edge will always
be either on a level with the top of the wall of the water tank or somewhat below
the same so that any sparks moving along the base of the smoke box will be sure
to be intercepted and deflected down into the water by the pendant lip. On each
side of the water box and at some distance above the water level, there are over
hanging guards or hoods which effectually arrest the surging of the water up the
sides of the box and cut off the draft from the sides while the whole mass and
surface of the wator is left free and unobstructed to catch the sparks. The said
water guards are preferably made of wrought iron plates like the rest of the fittings
and suitably affixed by bolts and angle irons to the sides of the water box and
these plates are preferably bent at right angles with the pendant sides longer than
the horizontal sides but this special shape is not essential, for any other form of
overhanging plate or guard may be used. The guards preferably extend out
sufficiently far from the sides of the water box so as to closely approach the ends
of the bood which thus fits closely between said guards so that the draft and
sparks are projected into the water-box directly down between the guards.
The bottom or mouth of the water-box terminates on an inclined plane which is
lowest on the front end and is provided with an inclined door or lid hinged at its
back edge so as to swing downward and backward when it is desired to dump the
contents of the box which is found to be a very convenient and efficient arrange-
ment. This dumping door is preferably made of cast iron of substantial thickness
and around its margin dovetailed grooves are planed in which thick strips of
rubber are firmly socketed against which the edges of the iron box seat when the
door is closed thus forming a firm watertight joint in a simple and efficient
inanner. It is preferable to bevel the iron edges of the box to a right angle edgo
which will embed itself readily in the rubber and prevent the possibility of any
cinders lodging between the two when the door is closed for such cinders would
either be forced out of the way by the beveled edge or cut in two thus ensuring
under all circumstances a uniform contact or embedment of the edge of the box in
the rubber and thus rendering the joint perfectly watertight. This door is not
hinged directly to the water box but it is pivoted on a central longitudinal axis
to two hanging arms or levers which extend between transverse ribs cast on the
underside of the door and are engaged therewith by pivot pins. The back end of
these levers is bent at right angles to project past the edge of the door and engago
binging lugs affixed to the back wall of the water box whereby the levers and
their pivoted door are thus hinged to the back edge of the box.
The operating

page_text: device for opening and and closing the dumping door is connected with the ninging
levers.
The operating device for opening and closing the dumping door in the present
invention is not actuated by manual power as heretofore but is operated by steam
power in a much more energetic and certain manner under the control of a steam
valve from the cab. The hinging levers on the dumping door are coupled by
connecting rods with pendant levers projecting from and fixed to a rock shaft
which is journalled in bearings on the frame bars at a point a little forward of the
rear axle of the truck that a third lever arm projects upward from this rock-shaft
and is engaged by the rod of a piston which works in a small steam cylinder
affixed to and projecting backward from the saddles of the engine. This steam
cylinder is connected at each end by pipes with a steam chest mounted on the side
rail or running board of the engine and provided with an ordinary form of slide-
valve and an ordinary ported scat, the steam ports of which connect with the
steam pipes going to each end of the cylinder, while the exhaust port connects to
an exhaust pipe which runs into the smoke arch and discharges up between the
exhaust nozzles. The valve stem of this slide valve extends back to the cab and
is there terminated with or connected to a suitable manipulating device whereby
it may be readily moved back or forth or held in fixed position as required. The
steam pipe admitting the steam to the steam chest also extends back to the cab
and from them connects to the boiler the pipe being provided with a valve in the
cab whereby it may be opened or closed to shut off or let on the steam as desired.
Now when the engine is in action the valve in the steam pipe is of course opened
permitting the steam to flow into the steam chest and the slide valve is set so as
to admit the steam to the front side of the piston thus pressing it forcibly backward
and thereby keeping the dumping door to which the piston is operatively connected,
tightly closed and in a much more effective manner than could be accomplished by
any catch or fastening as the pressure of the steam is exerted constantly upon the
door to hold it with positive firmness to its sent. It will be seen however that
when it is desired to open or dump the door it is only necessary to shift the slide-
valve when the action of the steam on the piston will be reversed and the door
instantly swung open.
One of the connecting rods for operating the door is adjustable by means of a
turnbuckle whereby the pressure may be exerted evenly on each end of the door.
Instead of operating the dumping mechanism by steam from boiler it may be
operated by compressed air from the air brake apparatus if desired.
According to another feature of this improvement the dumping or opening
motion of the dumping door will operate a poking or raking device in the water
box so as to break up and with-draw any compacted or caked mass of cinders
which may form in the water box. This is effected by affixing to the upper sido of
the dumping door near its front edge a curved bar or horn which projects upward
within the water-box and is jointed to a vertical poking or raking bar which is
free to slide at its upper end through a fixed guiding arm projecting from the front
of the smoke box and from this poking bar two horizontal raking arms extend
laterally just at or below the water line
As soon as the contents of the extinguishing box are discharged a fresh charge
of water is forced into the box which is admitted just before the door is closed so
as to wash off the sides of the box and is continued after the door is closed until
the box is filled to the proper level. This water is admitted through a pipe
connected at its rear end with the water supply tanks in the tender, thence passes
forward along the frame of the engine and extends into the extinguishing box just
over the saddles and below the curved shell and is continued around three sides of
the box and across the front end. The end of the pipe within the box is closed
but from its underside a series of jet pipes depend at intervals and dis-charge
below the waterline of the tank and close to the sides of the same when an
energetic discharge of the water in the box is desired a steam jet or injector may
be used to impel it. The water pipe may also be connected with the boiler below

page_text: its water line under the control of a suitable valve so that in winter weather hot
water may be forced into the extinguishing box to thaw out any ice that may form
therein.
In order to enable the engineer in the cab to ascertain at any time the height of
water or depth of cinders in the extinguishing box so as to enable him to readily
know when to dump the contents and renew the charge of water a float is provided
and connected with a manipulating device which extends to the cab so that the
advanced or receded position of the manipulating device in the cab by the rise or
fall of the float will at once indicate the height of water while if the manipulating
device is seized and moved so as to depress the float in the water until it is resisted
by contact with the cinders the amount of cinders will be readily shown by the
space through which the device has been moved thus providing a ready means
whereby the engineer can always know when to renew the charge of water or
dump the contents
The float is preferably made of a strong hollow cylinder of sheet iron brazed at
the joints. It is made with a tube extending through its centre which is slipped
into the turned part of a lever arm and there fastened by nuts so that the cylinder
can be readily removed or attached as may be necessary. The pivotal arm or
floating lever is clamped to a pivotal or rock-shaft journalled at one end in the
extinguishing box above the water level and projecting at the other end through
the side of the box and there provided with a crank arm which is connected by
means of a rod and elbow lever with a manipulating rod which extends to the cab
through one of the hand rails. A stop arm projects at right angles from the float
lever to contact with the side of the water box when the float is depressed to its
lowest point so as to prevent the striking of the float cylinder against the side of
the box.
It is not absolutely necessary that the device be a float but it may be simply a
movable bar so pivoted or mounted as to be free to move up or down in the water
box with a spring extending constantly to. hold it at the water level but the Hoat
is preferable
The water level in the extinguishing box is placed at a good distance below the
level of the lowest of the boiler tubes and the rear wall of the water box rises well
above the water level and above the lowest tubes forming an efficient dam to
prevent the probability of any water splashing over the same into the tubes. In
order to prevent the rise of the water beyond its normal level an over-flow outlet
or tube projects from the side of the water-box a little above the normal water
level and this tube terminates with an inclined mouth over which is placed a freely
swinging hinged cover whose natural gravitation will close the outlet against
pressure from without, but forms a free outwardly opening valve which readily
yields and opens to pressure from within.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alfred Julius Boult in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th July 1883.
ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of the Agency for Foreign Patent Solicitors of 323 High
Holborn in the county of Middlesex Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN SPARK
ARRESTERS A communication from Joseph Allen Sterling a Banker of the city,
county and state of New York, in the United States of America
"
This invention relates to that class of spark arresters, more especially for locomo-
tive engines, in which the smoke arch is constructed with a downwardly extending
deflector or descending flue- extending out from the tube sheet over the boiler
tubes, and opening over or into a mass of water in the base of, the smoke arch,
whereby the draft is directed downward upon the water into which the sparks are
projected and thus extinguished while the draft is thence deflected towards the
stack
It is well known that many attempts have been heretofore made to produce an
efficient spark arrester, and previous to this invention several instances could of
course be given of the use of extinguishing masses of water over or into which the
draft was directed. In the earlier instances of this plan the water seems to have
been placed on the top of the smoke arch, and the draft led up to and over the
same, which seems to have been an impracticable or objectionablo arrangement.
In later instances, however, the water has been placed in the base of the smoke-
box, and the draft directed downward over the same, and thence up to the stack.
This latter arrangement seems, however, to have been applied to agricultural
engines in which the conditions of operation are considerably different from that
existing in locomotive engines, and we are not aware that this plan has ever been
embodied previous to this invention in a locomotive engine in such a manner as to
be adapted to the several conditions and requirements of locomotive work. In
locomotives it is quite important that if the sparks be arrested, the draft or steaming
qualities of the engine be not reduced, that the spark deflector should be capablo
of adjustment so that the draft or suction of the exhaust jet can be regulated to
draw evenly on the different tubes of the boiler, that means be provided for casily
renewing the water in the extinguishing tank, and that the height of the water
and the accumulated depth of the cinders be readily indicated to the engineer, that
the contents of the extinguishing tank may be readily dumped, when accumulated
by a manipulation from the cab, and the tank washed out and again tightly closed
to receive a fresh charge of water. Means for preventing the overflow of the
water, or its rise into the hot boiler tubes, are also necessary, and, what is very
important, the splashing and ejection of this water by the rocking motion of the
engine, and by the powerful eductive action of the exhaust jet, must be positively
prevented. This invention, therefore, consists in means to fulfil the several require-
ments aforesaid, and to this end embodies a number of novel features, as hereinafter
fully set forth.
In the drawings annexed
Figure 1 presents a central vertical section through the front end of a
locomotive engine provided with the several features of this improved spark
arrester.
Figure 2 is a sectional plan thereof on line xx of Figure 1 and
Figure 3 is a transverse section on line o o.
Figure 4 is plan view of the "saddle" portion of the engine, with the boiler
Sze removed showing the mechanism for onerating the dumping door of the tank.

page_text: Figure 8 is a side elevation of the cab end of the locomotive partly in section,
and
Figure 9 is an end elevation thereof.
In the drawing a a indicate tho shell of the boiler, and b' the smoke arch affixed
to the front end of the boiler, as usual and resting on the saddle c c. d d indicate
the cylinders of the engine, which project from each end of the saddle, while the
centre of the saddle rests on the swivel e of the four-wheeled truck e which
supports the front end of the engine. indicates the solid wrought iron frame of
the engine and f" the bumper beam, all of which parts are presumed to be of the
ordinary construction. a' indicates the flue sheet of the boiler, and a" the tubes
or flues which discharge as usual, into the smoke arch b. g indicates the exhaust
nozzles which rise, as usual, from the exhaust ports in the saddle through the
bottom of the smoke arch, and discharge under the contre of the stack 6" as best
shown in Figures 1 and 3.
Now the smoke arch which usually ends at the ring j (see Figure 1) is
extended forwardly by an addition or extension shell 61 which projects over the
bumper beam, and the movable door or head 6¹¹¹ of the smoke arch is, of course,
affixed on the front end of this extension, as shown in Figure 1 which extension
thus nearly doubles the internal capacity of the smoke-arch. In the base of this
extension 611 is formed an extinguishing chamber or water tank k adapted to
contain a large mass of water, say 100 gallons in which the sparks may be caught
and extinguished. This tank projects down behind the bumper boam and between
the forward wheel of the truck, its front wall boing curved or inclined backwardly
to avoid the forward axle of the truck as fully shown in Figure 1 while the rear
wall is preferably straight.
Now the interior of the smoke arch is divided diagonally by an inclined
downwardly turned spark deflecting partition or apron i pr which extends out
from the Blue sheet above the flues and terminates or discharges over and into the
middle of the water tank or chamber as well shown in Figure 1. The lower
diagonal half of the smoke-arch below the deflector thus forms a forwardly
lescending flue discharging into the water tank, as indicated by the arrows, while
the upper diagonal half above the deflector forms an ascending and returning flue
leading to the stack, and forming a free passage for the clear products of com-
bustion from which the sparks or cinders have been separated by their projection
into and extinguishment by the water, as will be understood.
The upper and inclined part of the deflector is fixed and flat, while the outer
and downwardly turned end is preferably of a curved form similar to the segment
of a cylinder, and is preferably movable or adjustable, as will hereafter appear,
The upper inclined and fixed part of the deflector consists of three platos ikk
suitably bolted to angle irons on the tubo sheet and on the sides of the smoke-arch,
and secured to each other at their overlapping edges, as will be understood from
Figures 1, 2 and 3 so as to properly surround the steam pipe 8 8 and form a tight
partition across that portion of the smoke-arch. The steam pipes & 8 pass through
the sido plates which extend along the sides of the smoke-arch from the tube
sheet a' to the ring j and froin the end of the side plates & small plates k¹¹ extend.
down vertically to the base of the smoke-arch while triangular wings or plates o o
rise vertically from the edges of the side plates and extend backward on a
diminishing taper as far as the edge of the plate i thus forming a contracted throat
between said wings o and end plates in which the movable or adjustable portion
of the deflector works, and through which the draft issues as seen best in Figures
3 and 1. Now on each side of the curved or downwardly turned part of the
deflector which may be termed the hood, angle irons ?" are fixed and engage with
vertical guides affixed at the edge of the wings o and end plates as well
shown in Figures 23 and 1 thus forming ways which hold the hood in firm
regular position, and permit of its sliding up or down to any desired adjustment,
as will be understood. Now the hood is hinged at its upper edgo to a largo flat
plate p which closely fits the space between the wings o see Figures 1 and 2 and

page_text: closely overlie a similar plate p' which is hinged to the front edge of the fixed
plate i and these two overlying plates are connected by headed screws which bear
upon, and pass through, slots in the upper plate, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2.
It will thereforo bee seen that this hingod and oversliding connection of the plates
pp with each other, and with the plate i and hood permits the necessary
movement or articulation of the plates as the hood is adjusted up or down, without
allowing any leakage of draft through the spaces covered by said plates. Now in
order to permit the hood to be adjusted as required from the exterior of the engine,
a forked rod a¹ is connected with the hood, as seen best in Figures 3 and 1 which
rod is threaded at its upper part, and rises through the sheet at the top of the
smoke-arch, and engages with a hand-nut 8 which bear upon the top of the
smoke-arch just in front of the stack, as seen best in Figure 1 so that by turning
this nut or hand-wheel one way or the other the hood will be raised or lowered to
any desired adjustment within the smoke box. This adjustment is required in
order to regulate the draft in the flues according to the individual peculiarities of
each engine, for if the mouth of the deflector should open too far down, it would
cause the draft to become too strong through the lower tubes, and vice versa, so
that by providing the described adjustment a medium position may be found in
which the draft will be uniform on all the tubes, or nearly so, thus producing a
more regular fire, a better distribution of the heat in the flues, and a more even
and regular stream of draft through the smoke-box.
The rear wall h' of the water box rises some little distance above the shell of
the smoke-arch, as seen in Figure 1 and the guides for the hood r end at the top
of said wall, which is the lowest position to which the hood may be set. Now
from this point the base of tho smoke-box is filled with brick, cement or other
material, so as to form an inclined floor descending toward the flue sheet at about
an opposite inclination to that of the top of the deflector, as best shown in Figure 1.
The enclosed space in the smoke box below the deflector thus converges both at
top and bottom towards the mouth of the hood, and it is also made to converge
similarly on the sides, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 2 by means of plates
extending at an inclination from the flue sheet to the mouth of the hood, so that
the smoke passage or space below the hood is thus of hopper shape, with all four
sides inclining and converging towards the mouth of the hood. Hence the draft
from the flues will be concentrated evenly toward the mouth of the hood, and the
sparks carried by the draft will be guided along the smooth inclined sides of the
deflector, and striking the downwardly curved face of the hood will be thence
projected straight down into the water in the extinguishing box / where they will
bo immediately extinguished, and thence sink to and collect in the bottom of the
tank, as illustrated in Figure 1. The area at the contracted end of the deflector or
mouth of the hood should be equal to the combined area of the boiler tubes, or
nearly so and the ascending space between the deflector and the front of the smoko-
box should be of equal or greater area, so that hence the draft is not obstructed
appreciably by the deflector, but merely changed in its direction when it is projected
into the water box.
In order to allow a direct draft from the flues to the stack when the fire is first
started, the plate i is formed with an opening at its upper end near where it joins
the tube sheet, in which opening is pivoted a nicely fitting damper / from the
cranked axis of which a suitable operating bar 15 extends to the cab, so that it may
be opened when the fire is first started and closed when it is under sufficicut
headway, or when the exhaust is discharging. It will be noted that the damper is
so arranged that when fully shut it has an inclination similar to the partition
plate i or downwards and forwards, so that even when opened or partially opened
it will always present such an angle to the draft as will tend to deflect the sparks
downwards in the same manner as the deflector ip r.
The exhaust nozzle g as seen in Figures 1 and 4 rise from the steam chests of
the cylinders through the base of the smoke-arch in the usual way, and extend up
through the deflector plate i terminating just above the same, as scan best in

page_text: Figure 1 in front of the damper land at a point under the centre of the stack 6"
and remote from the discharging end of the deflector.
It will therefore be seen that by this construction the exhaust jets are discharged
entirely above the deflector i pr and at a point remote from where the sparks and
cinders are arrested and accumulated, and hence there is no liability of cinders
being drawn into the steam sheets through the exhaust nozzles as sometimes occurs
in present engines with great injury to the valve surfaces.
It may be also noted that by the construction shown the water tank depends
from the base of the smoke arch at the front end, and hangs down between the
cylinders and truck wheels of the engine, so that the tank does not obstruct the
smoke-box or reduce its internal capacity at all, and its position is quite conve-
nient and admits of using a tank of large capacity without occupying valuable space
or interfering with any of the other parts of the engine, which is quite an important
practical point.
It will be also seen that the water level in the tank is placed well below the
base of the smoke-box and below the discharging end of the deflector. This not
only prevents the water from being easily splashed into the smoke-arch, but it
allows the discharging end of the delector to make a considerable downward turn
over the surface of the water, which causes the sparks to be projected straight
down into the water and thereby arrested and extinguished with certainty. At
the same time the draft is hardly obstructed at all owing to the large free space
between the mouth of the deflector and the surface of the water, and between the
deflector and the front end of the smoke-box, so that the area of the draft passage
is nowhere less than the combined area of the flues, and this passage is entirely
free or open without any screens whatever. By the same means there is little or
no chance of carrying out any sparks with the draft over the surface of the water
for the reason that the sparks are deflected straight down in the water with the
full velocity of the draft, while the draft as soon as it strikes the water suddenly
decreases in speed relatively to the sparks owing to the large free space between
the deflector and the water into which it spreads, and thus has little or no tendency
to carry out sparks, even though small, as would occur if the deflector discharged
close to the water as more commonly arranged heretofore. It is therefore found
that the spark arresting and extinguishing function of this construction is very
effective without interfering with the draft and steaming power of the engine,
which is in fact appreciably increased, and the working of the engine is thereby
greatly improved and fuel economised.
By reference to Figures 1 and 3 it will be noted that the hood is provided with
an adjustable pendant lip or edge m in the form of a flat plate perforated with
slots through which clamp screws pass by means of which the lip may be set to
project more or less from the edge of the hood, as will be readily understood.
When the hood is adjusted to its proper position this lip m should be so adjusted
that its lower edge will always be either on a level with the top of the wall h¹ or
somewhat below the same, so that any sparks moving along the base of the smoke-
box will be sure to be interrupted and deflected down into the water by the
pendant lip.
According to the present invention the surface of the water in the extinguishing
chamber is not obstructed by any splash preventing guards, screens, or partitions
heretofore used-for it is found much more desirable to leave the mass of the water
free and its surface entirely unobstructed, as it is found that this renders the
draft more free and catches the sparks very effectively. It is found however, that
some means is necessary to limit the surge of the water in the box and prevent
its being whirled or sucked up and ejected from the stack by the effect of the
exhaust jet and by the powerful draft which sweeps through the smoke-box. In
the practical action of locomotives it is found that the tenacity of the water is to
surge up each side of the box, caused by the rocking motion of the engine, and
that the tendency of the uprising draft is to travel close up the sides of the box
and thus catch the surging water and eject it from the stack, and without some-

page_text: preventive the contents of the water-box would be rapidly ejected from the top of
the stack and the box soon emptied in this way. On each side of the water-box,
and at some distance above the water level, there are overhanging guards or
hoods uu which effectually arrest the surging of the water up the sides of the box
and cut off the draft from the sides, as will be readily understood, while the whole
mass and surface of the water is left free and unobstructed to catch the sparks.
The water guards u u are preferably made of wrought iron plates like the rest of
the fittings, and suitably affixed by bolts and angle irons to the sides of the water-
box, and these plates are preferably bent at right angles, as shown, with the
pendant sides longer than the horizontal sides, but this special shape is not essential,
for any other form of overhanging plate, or guard may be used. The guards
preferably extend out sufficiently far from the sides of the water-box so as to
closely approach the ends of the hood which thus fits closely between said guards
so that the draft and sparks are projected into the water-box directly down
between the guards, and the guards thus prevent the possibility of any sparks
escaping laterally and compel them to pass directly down into the water, while the
strong current thus passing down the pendant sides of the guard prevent the
splashing up of any water that may surge under the guards.
Now in the present improvement the bottom or mouth of the water-box
terminates on an inclined plane which is lowest on the front end, and is provided
with an inclined door or lid v hinged at its back edge so as to swing downwardly
and backwardly when it is desired to dump the contents of the box, which is found
to be a very convenient and efficient arrangement. This dumping door is preferably
made of cast iron of substantial thickness, and around its margin dovetailed
grooves are planed, as shown well in Figures 1 and 4 in which thick strips of
rubber v are firmly socketed, as illustrated, against which the edges of the iron
box seat when the door is closed, as seen in Figures 1 and 3 and in the fragmentary
view in Figure 4 thus forming a firm water-tight joint in a simple and efficient
manner. We prefer to bevel the iron edges of the box to a right angled edge, as
seen best in Figure 4 which will embed itself readily in the rubber and prevent
the possibility of any cinders lodging between the two when the door is closed, for
such cinders would either be forced out of the way by the bevelled edge or cut in
two, thus ensuring under all circumstances a uniform contact or embedment of the
edge of the box in the rubber and thus rendering the joint perfectly water-tight.
This door is not hinged directly to the water-box, but it is pivoted on a central
longitudinal axis to the two hinging arms or levers which extend between
transverse ribs cast on the under side of the door, as seen in Figures 1 and 4 and
are engaged therewith by the pivot pins "The back end of these levers is bent
at right angles to project past the edge of the door and engage with hinging
lugs affixed to the back wall of the water-box, whereby the levers and their
pivoted door are thus hinged to the back edge of the box. The operating device
for opening and closing the dumping door connects to the hinging levers vill as
seen best in Figure 1 and it will therefore be seen that when the lid is closed and
forced to its seat the pivotal connection of the lid with the hinging levers will
allow the lid to centre itself upon the seat and adapt its packing face to the exact
plane of the mouth of the water-box, thus ensuring an even close contact all around
the edge of the same, which will render a water-tight joint certain. On the other
hand it may be noted that when the lid is opened to dump the accumulated
cinders and dirty water, the lid will swing backwardly on a downward incline, as
shown by dotted lines in Figure 1 and will thus discharge the contents quickly
and carries and spread the cinders evenly on the track between the rails.
The operating device for opening and closing the dumping door in the present
invention is not actuated by manual power as heretofore, but is operated by steam
power in a much more energetic and certain manner under the control of a steam
valve from the cab. Thus referring to Figures 1 and 4 it will be seen that, the
hinging levers on the dumping door are coupled by connecting rods w with
pendant levers w³ projecting from and fixed to a rock shaft w which is journalled

page_text: in bearings on the frame bar fat a point a little, forward of the rear axle of the
truck that a third lever arm will projects upwardly from this rock shaft and is
engaged by the rod of a piston which works in a small steam cylinder will affixed
to and projecting backwardly from the saddle c of the engine, as well shown in
Figures 1 and 4. This steam cylinder, which is shown in enlarged section in
Figure 5 is connected at each end by pipes with a steam chest y shown in enlarged
section in Figure 6 and by dotted lines in Figure 1. This steam chest is mounted
on the side rail or running board of the engine (see Figures 1 and 6) and is
provided with an ordinary form of D slide-valve and an ordinary ported seat, the
steam ports of which connect with the steam pipes going to each end of the
cylinder, while the exhaust port connects to an exhaust pipe y' which runs into
the smoke arch and discharges up between the exhaust nozzles, as seen in Figures 1
and 2. The valve stem 12 of this shoe-valve extends back to the cab, sce
Figures 8 and 9 and is then terminated with or connected to, a suitable
manipulating device 13 whereby it may bo readily moved back or forth or held in
fixed position as required. The steam pipe y" admitting the steam to the steam
chest also extends back to the cab, and from thence connects to the boiler, the
pipe being provided with a valve in the cab whereby it may be opened or closed
to shut off or let on the steam as desired. Now when the engine is in action the
valve in the steam pipe y' is of course opened, permitting the steam to flow into
the steam chest and the slide-valve is set, as seen in Figures 6 and 5 so as to
adimit the steam to the front side of the piston, thus pressing it forcibly
backward and thereby keeping the dumping door, to which the piston is
operatively connected, tightly closed, and in a much more effective manner than
could be accomplished by any catch or fastening as the pressure of the steam is
exerted constantly upon the door to hold it with positive firmness to its sent. It
will be seen however that when it is desired to open or dump the door it is only
necessary to shift the slide-valve when the action of the steam on the piston will
be reversed and the door instantly swung open, as indicated by dotted lines in
Figure 1 thus dumping the contents of the tank and theroby accomplishing a
laborious action in a very quick and certain manner, without requiring any
exertion on the part of the engineer.
One of the connecting rods w for operating the door is adjustable by means of a
turnbuckle, as seen in Figure 1 whereby the pressure may be exerted evenly on
cach end of the door.
Instead of operating the dumping mechanism by steam from the boiler it may bo
operated by compressed air from the air brake apparatus if desired.
According to another feature of this improvement the dumping or opening
motion of the dumping door will operate a poking or raking device in the water-
box so as to break up and withdraw any compact or coked mass of cinders which
may form in the water box. This is effected by affixing to the upper side of the
dumping door, near its front edge, a curved bar or horn x (sec Figures 1 and 3)
which projects upwardly within the water-box and is jointed to a vertical poking
or raking bar which is free to slide at its upper end through a fixed guiding
arm projecting from the front of the smoke-box, and from this poking bar a¹
two horizontal raking arms extend laterally just at or below the water line, as
fully shown in Figures 1 3 2 and 4 It will therefore be readily seen that when
the dumping door is swung open that this raking device will sweep forcibly down
through the middle of the water box and thus break up any coked or con-
glomerated masses of cinders, and thereby ensure their discharge with the spent
water from the box, for we find that with certain kinds of soft coal the
extinguished sparks or cinders are very liable to compact into a firm mass in the
water-box, and it is found that the raking device forms a most desirable feature
to render the dumping of the accumulated contents of the water-box certain under
all circumstances.
As soon as the contents of the extinguishing box are discharged as just described,
Cakahata in fanand into the
LL

page_text: door is closed so as to wash off the sides of the box, and is continued after the door
is closed until the box is filled to the proper level as will be understood. This
water is admitted through the pipe 3 see Figures 1 2 and 3 which is connected at
its rear end with the water supply tanks in the tender, thence passes forwardly
along the frame of the engine and extends into the extinguishing box just over
the saddles c and below the curved shell of the smoke arch, (see Figures 2 and 1)
and is continued around three sides of the box, as seen best in Figure 2 passing
under the guards uu on the opposite sides of the box and across the front end, as
seen also in Figures 1 and 3 The terminal end of the pipe within the box is closed,
but from its under side a series of jet pipes 4 depend at intervals and discharge
below the water line of the tank and close to the sides of the same, as seen best in
Figures 1 and 3. Hence when the water is admitted it will be discharged in a
series of jets around and down the sides of the box, thus washing off the same
while the dumping door is open preparatory to filling the box as soon as the door
is closed, as will be understood. The water may be allowed to flow into the box
simply by gravity from the tanks in the tender, but when an energetic discharge
of the water in the box is desired a steam jet or injector may be used to impel it,
as shown in Figure 8. The water pipe 3 may also be connected with the boiler
below its water line under the control of a suitable valve, so that in winter weather
hot water may be forced into the extinguishing box to thaw out any ice that may
form therein.
In order to enable the engineer to ascertain at any time the height of the water
or depth of cinders in the extinguishing box, so as to enable him to readily know
when to dump the contents and renew the charge of water, a float 5 is provided,
and is operatively connected with a manipulating device which extends to the cab
so that the advanced or receded position of the manipulating device in the cab by
the rise or fall of the float will at once indicate the height of water, while if the
manipulating device bo seized and moved so as to depress the float in the water
until it is resisted by contact with the cinders (see Figure 1) the amount of cinders
will be readily shown by the space through which the device has been moved, thus
providing a ready means whereby the engineer can always know when to renew
the charge of water or dump the contents, as will be readily understood, and which
is a very important feature in spark arresters of this class.
The Boat 5 as shown by an enlarged detail in Figure 7 is preferably made of a
strong hollow cylinder of sheet iron, brazed at the joints so that it can safely
withstand the rain of sparks upon it when within the extinguishing box without
injury. It may also be seen that the float cylinder is made with a tube extending
through its centre, which is slipped into the turned part of the lever arm 6 and
there fastened by nuts, as shewn, so that the cylinder can thus be readily removed
or attached as may be necessary. The pivotal arm or floating lever 6 is clamped
to the pivotal or rock-shaft 7 journalled at one end in the extinguishing box above
the water level as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and projecting at the other end
through the side of the box and there provided with a crank arm which is con-
nected by means of the rod 8 and elbow lever 8' with the manipulating rod 9
which extends to the cab through one of the hand rails, as fully shown by full and
dotted lines in Figures 3 2 and 1 also in Figures 8 and 9. A stop arm 6' projects
at right angles from the float lever 6 to contact with the side of the water-box
when the float is pressed to its lowest point, so as to prevent the striking of the
float cylinder against the side of the box, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 1.
It will be seen that the float not only acts as a buoy to indicato by its quiescent
position the level of the water, but it also acts as a feeler or sounder when it is
forcibly depressed to shew the level of the cinders, and for this latter function it is
not necessary that the device be a float, but simply a movable bar so pivoted or
mounted as to be free to move up or down in the water-box with a spring
tending constantly to hold it at the water level, but the float is of course preferable
as it serves both purposes.
It may be observed by reference to Figures 1 and 3 that the water level in the

page_text: extinguishing box is placed at a good distance below the level of the lowest of the
boiler tubes, and that the rear wall of the water box rises well above the water
level and above the lowest tubes, forming an efficient dam to prevent the pro-
bability of any water splashing over the same into the tubes, and thus causing
sudden puffs or explosions in the smoke-arch by the contact of the water with the
highly heated flues. In order to prevent the rise of the water beyond its normal
level, or its overflow of the dam into the boiler tubes in case the water supply
should be continued too long, an overflow outlet or tub 2 see Figure 3 projects
from the side of the water box a little above the normal water level, and this tube
terininates with an inclined mouth over which is placed a freely swinging hinged
cover whose natural gravitation will close the outlet against pressure from
without, but forms a free outwardly opening valve which readily yields and opens
to pressure from within. It will therefore be seen that should the water level rise
inadvertently beyond the normal line, the excess will readily escape through this
overflow valve and thus prevent the possibility of the water level rising beyond
this valve. Instead of this valve however, a syphon pipe might be used in the
same position and with the same effect.
Having thus described the construction and operation of this invention, it may
therefore be now observed that it embodies a number of novel features adapted to
meet the several conditions and to fulfil the several requirements which has been
found to exist in the practical action of locomotives, and which do not seem to
have been heretofore appreciated or satisfied. There is thus provided a very
efficient spark arrester, which is not only reliable in extinguishing and arresting
all the sparks, but also in the performance of the various sub-functions of dumping,
recharging with water indicating the conditions in the extinguishing box, and
preventing morbid conditions therein, and it is found, further, that a locomotivo
thus equipped actually has its draft improved and its steaming qualities and
driving power appreciably increased, for all the screens or obstructions heretoforo
used in smoke arch or funnel are dispensed with. There is thus presented an
important improvement in this class of inventions, to which much attention has
been heretofore given, and by efficiently arresting the sparks it not only prevents
the occurrence of fires, from that cause along the line of the railways, but it also
prevents the fall of cinders and other matter from the stack about or into the
train, which has been a serious annoyance to passengers in railway travelling, and
by the same means it also greatly reduces the discharge of foul smelling gases
which are chiefly produced by the contact of exhaust steam on the sparks or
incandescent cinders, but which does not occur in this case. What I claim is.
First: The combination with a smoke-box of an inclined downwardly turned.
park conductor or deflector projecting out from the flue sheet inclining the flues,
and discharging downwardly in the lower and front corner of the smoke-box, in
combination with a water box depending from the base of the smoke-box below
the discharging ond of said deflector, with a free or open space between the
deflector and the water level and between the deflector and the front of the smoke-
box equal to the area of the flues or thereabout, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
Second: In a locomotive boiler the combination with a smoke-box extended
forwardly beyond the stack, of a water tank arranged in the base and front end of
the smoke-box and a spark deflector extending out from the tube sheet over the
flues and discharging downwardly into said tank over the middle thereof, or nearly
so and remote from the stack with an exhaust or steam jet discharging abovo tho
said deflector directly under the stack and remote from the discharging ond of the
deflector, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Third-The combination with the smoke box of a locomotive engine provided
with a downwardly turned spark deflector, of a water tank affixed to its front end
below said deflector and depending from the base of the smoke arch down between
the cylinders and truck-wheels of the engine, substantially as herein set forth.
Fourth-The combination with the smoke-box of a locomotive boiler of a

page_text: water tank affixed to the front end thereof and depending from the base of the
same, with its water level arranged below the base of the smoke-arch 'in combi-
nation with a spark deflecting partition in said smoke-box extending forward and
downwardly from the tube sheet, and discharging above the water level in said tank
and at or near the base of the smoke-arch substantially as herein shown and
described.
Fifth-The combination with a deflecting or spark arresting partition in a
smoke-box forming an indirect passage to the stack, of an opening through said
partition and a damper in said opening forming a direct passage to the stack
capable of being opened or closed as required, substantially as and for the purpose
herein set forth.
Sixth The combination of a smoke-box or chamber with an inclined deflecting
or spark arresting partition forming an indirect passage for the draft, and a
damper mounted in an opening in said partition forming a direct passage for draft
to the stack, said damper being so hung that when opened or partly opened it
assumes an inclination similar to the deflecting partition and acts also as a
deflector to sparks which may issue from the flues, substantially as herein shown
and described.
Seventh-The combination of an inclined deflecting or spark arresting partition
arranged diagonally in the box and terminating at right angles, or nearly so, to
the water in a tank below it, and forming an indirect passage for the draft through
the same, with a steam or exhaust jet or nozzle rising through said partition and
discharging above the same into the stack, substantially as herein shown and
described
:
Eighth The combination with the smoke box of a locomotive boiler, of the
spark deflecting partition p extending out from the flue sheet over the flues and
over the floor of the smoke-box with the water tank depending below the floor
of the smoke box in front of said partition, and the downwardly turned hood or
end of said partition discharging over the water of said tank and made adjust-
able vertically to or from the water level, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
7'
Ninth The combination with the smoko box of a locomotive boiler, and with
a vertically adjustable deflector or conductor therein of the screw-rod s connecting
to said partition and extending through the smoke-box with the external adjusting
nut & substantially as and for the purpose set forth
Tenth-The combination with the smoke-box of a locomotive boiler and with a
water chamber in its front portion, of a converging spark conductor converging
or inclining on all sides, extending out from the tube sheet over the tubes, and
discharging downwardly at its narrow or converging end into said water chamber,
its discharging end or mouth having an area equal to the combined area of the
tubes, or nearly so, and placed at a distance above the water level equal to the
said area, and at a similar distance from the front end of tho sinoke-box,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Eleventh-The combination with tho smoke-box in a locomotive boiler of a
pendant or depressed water tank in the front portion thereof and a spark deflector
or conductor discharging into the same from the flues, with a dam at or near the
wall of said tank rising above the base of the smoke-arch and above the lower
flues, substantially as herein shown and described.
Twelfth-The combination in a spark arrester with a spark extinguishing
chamber or water-box, and a spark conductor or deflector discharging into the
same, of overhanging splash guards projecting from the sides of the water-box
above the water level, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Thirteenth The combination in a spark arrester with a water-box or
extinguishing chamber, and a spark conductor discharging into the same, of over-
hanging splash guards projecting from the sides of the water-box above the water,
and with the mouth of the spark conductor directly down between said guards,
substantially as hercin shown and described;

page_text: Fourteenth-The combination in a spark arrester for locomotive boilers, of an
extinguishing chamber or water-box depending from the front of the smoke-arch,
and provided at its base with a discharging mouth and a movable dumping door
arranged to cover or uncover the same, and hinged at or near the back edge of the
mouth and arranged to swing downwardly and backwardly therefrom, with a
motive device for operating the same, substantially as herein set forth.
Fifteenth-The combination in a spark arrester substantially such as set forth,
with a water-chamber provided with a discharging orifice at its base and a movable
dumping door arranged to cover and uncover the same, and pivotally connected at
or near its middle to its hinging or operating supports substantially as herein
shown and described.
Sixteenth-The combination in a spark arrester with an extinguishing chamber
or water-box open at the base and terminating with narrow edges, of a dumping
door arranged to cover and uncover said open base and provided with elastic
margins to seat directly against the narrow edges of said open base, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventeenth-The combination in a spark arrester of an extinguishing chamber
or water-box open at the base, and a movable dumping door arranged to cover and
uncover said base, with the perimeter or margins of said open base bevelled to a
cutting edge to seat against the face of the dumping door, substantially as and for
the purpose set forth.
Eighteenth-The combination in a spark arrester with a spark receiving and
extinguishing water-box having a dumping door at the base, of a water supply
pipe extending into said box around the sides thereof, and provided with a series
of jets discharging downwardly around the sides of the box, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
Nineteenth-The combination with a locomotive engine or boiler of a spark
arrester provided with a spark extinguishing water-box having a dumping door at
the base, a steam motor operatively connected with said door, and valves and
connections controlling a supply of steam from the boiler to suid motor whereby
the said dumping door can be opened or closed by manipulating the steam valve of
said motor, substantially as herein set forth.
Twentieth-The combination with a locomotive boiler or engine, of a spark
arrester provided with an extinguishing water chamber having a dumping door at
the base, a cylinder having a movable piston operatively connected with said.
dumping door, and connections from each end of said cylinder to a supply of
motive fluid and a valve for controlling the flow of the same whereby the manipu-
lation of said valve will admit the pressure of the motive fluid on either side of
said piston and thus forcibly close or open the dumping door, substantially as
herein set forth.
Twenty first:-The combination in a locomotive engine with a spark arrestor on
the front end provided with a spark extinguishing water-box of a movable arm
er sound movable from the water line down in the water of the box, with a
manipulating device extending therefrom to the cab, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
Twenty second-The combination in a locomotive engine with a spark extin-
guishing water chamber, of a float movable up or down in said water chamber and
a manipulating devico extending therefrom to the cab, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
Twenty third-The combination in a spark arrester with a spark receiving
water chamber and a dumping door at the base of the same, of a raking or poking
device attached to said door and rising through the water box whereby the
dumping motion of the door will move said raking device and break up and
discharge compacted coals or cinders, substantially as herein set forth.
Twenty fourth-In a spark arrester the combination with a spark extinguishing
water box and means to recharge the same with water, of an overflow valvo
opening from the interior of the box at or somewhat above its normal water line,

page_text: and arranged to yield and open freely to procure from within but to close to
pressure from without whereby the outflow of excessive water is permitted but
inflow of air prevented, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I the said Alfred Julius Boult have hereunto set my
hand and seal this ninth day of July in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three