20,810. Dehn, F. B., [Iserman, H.]. Oct. 10. Grates; mechanical stoking. - In a chain grate, the fire-bars are arranged transversely and formed in sections having slots at each end, which permits of the bar sections being attached to either the side or intermediate conveyer chains and also. permits of the bars being built up to any desired length to suit the width of the furnace. Means are provided for preventing distortion of the shafts carrying the sprocket-wheels, for transmitting the weight of intermediate portions of the grate to the floor, for agitating the bars during their motion, and for preventing the passage of air between the sides of the grate and furnace walls. As shown in Fig. 6, the links 15 of the conveyer chains are provided with hooks 16 and eyes 17, and transverse sockets 18 to receive the ends of the fire-bars as shown in Fig. 8. The fire-bars are provided with two vertical slots at each end. The outer bars are secured to the outer conveyer chains by cotter bolts passed through the slots in the bars and through the holes 19 in the link. In attaching the bars to the intermediate conveyer chains, each bar is passed half-way across the link socket and secured by a cotter bolt passing through the outer slot in the bar. To prevent distortion of the shafts 11, 12, Fig. 1, carrying the sprocket - wheels, adjustable spanners, each comprising a pair of plates and provided with half-bearings at the ends, are arranged between the shafts 11, 12. To lighten the load supported on the side frames of the grate, and to transmit a portion of the load to the floor, idlers 37 mounted on shafts 13 are arranged between the upper and lower runs of the grate. The shafts 13 are retained in position by U- shaped bearings on the side frames. The weight of the upper run of the grate is transmitted through the idlers 37, which in turn are supported on the lower run of the grate. Rollers 39 supported in bearings 41 mounted on pedestals 40 support the lower run of the grate. Auxiliary rollers 42 supported on the grate frame may he employed. Between the idlers, the conveyer chains run on tracks 43 supported on the idler shafts 13. In order to agitate the grate bars and break up clinker, idlers 55 of round or preferably hexagonal form mounted on the shafts 14 engage with the webs of the bars during their motion and raise and lower them, such movement being permitted by the slots in the ends of the bars. Air is prevented from passing between the sides of the grate and the furnace walls by closure blocks 44 supported on the side frames 5. A stripper 45 held in close proximity to, but out of contact with, the grate by a spring 46 and stop 47 is arranged at the rear of the grate. The fuel in the hopper is kept cool by a watercooled pipe 61.