US512735A - Furnace-grate - Google Patents

Description

(No Model. 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

T. H. MULLER. FURNACE GRATE.

No. 512,735. Patented Jan. 16, 1894.

Witnesses Inventor.

. I x M Attorney.

7 (N6 M0de1,) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

'T. H.- MULLER.

I FURNACE GR-ATEL No. 512,735. Patented an. 16, 1894.

, ipi fi yi I WWII/III Witnesses Attorney.

I UNIT D STAT S PATENT OFFICE.

TEILE H. MULLER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

FU RNACE-G RATE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 512,735, dated January 16, 1894.

Application filed August 1, 1 893- To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, TEILE HENRY M iiLLER, a citizen of the United States, residingin'the city and county of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Furnace-Grates, of which the following is'a true and exact description, reference being had to the 'accom-Y panying drawings, which form a part, of this specification.

My invention relates to furnace grates and has for its object the production of a grate which will be of such a construction that, among other advantages resulting therefrom, low grade fuels can be economically burned thereon, thatsmoke will be avoided,that the fuel and ashes can be automatically handled, that fuels which only burn from below and also such as will burn from above can be used, and that forced draft can be employed without the necessity of a closed ash pit.

To carry out these objects and also to improve the construction of devices of this class my invention consists mainly in the arrangement of an inclined series of shelves to support the fuel; that is, aseries of shelves Where each shelf is arranged below, and extends farther forward than the shelf next above it, some or all of the shelves beingpreferably hollow and having perforations therein to serve as air ducts so that they will serve as a support for the fuel and will at the same time serve as a conduit of air to the fire.

My invention further consists in the arrangement of plungers between some or all of the shelveswhereby the fuel can be automatically stoked, and further in various improvements which will be more specifically pointed out in the claims appended to and forming part of this specification.

My invention is best described in connection with the drawings, in which it is illustrated and in which- Figure 1 is a vertical section of a furnace grate on a line corresponding to the line .ra; of Fig. 4 showing one form of my improved grate; a portion of the boiler being shown above the grate in elevation. Fig. 2 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 1 showing a modified form of driving mechanism for the plungers arranged between the shelves. Fig. 3 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 1

$eria1No. 482,060. (No model.)

illustrating a modified arrangement. Fig. 4 is partly a plan view of the grate shown in Fig. 3,'a part being shown in section on the line y-y'of Fig. 3.

form of plunger. Fig. 6 is a similar View to Fig. 5. showing a modified mode of operating the plungers. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the deviceshown in Fig.

1. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a shelf removed from the furnace and having a corrugated front, and Fig. 9 is a further modified form of shelf.

A is a furnace provided with suitable side walls 'A' B a boiler, extending between these walls.

A is an inclined series of hollow shelves a, that is to say, each shelf extends farther forward than the shelf next above it; these shelves are preferably provided on,the furnace side with openings or perforations a which may obviouslybe of any desired form or size, and which are'adapted to serve as air ducts, air being forced into the hollow shelves at any suitable point from a blower or other air forcing apparatus.

In construction it has vbeen found convenient to introduce the air into the hollow shelves at their ends, either one or both ends serving Fig. 5 is a sectional view on the line z-z of Fig. 2 showing a modified.

as inlets and any suitable conduit is adapted to conduct airthereto. Where the boilers are built singly the ends of the shelves may extend through the furnace Walls as indicated in Fig. 8 and the air conduit may be connected to the various shelves outside the walls: preferably at one end of the shelf, the other end being covered by a handhole and serving to clean out the interior of the shelf when necessary. When a battery of boilers are built a very convenient arrangement is to 1 3 build a conduit E for airin the partition walls of the furnaces and provide openings as d from the conduit .to the several shelves as in- I dicated.

. To preheat the air I prefer to arrange part of the air conduit D in the lower part of the furnace Where the air therein is heated from the hot ashes, any suitable opening d admitting the heatedair to the conduit or conduits E; small air outlets d may be provided in the conduit'D as shown if desired.

It is obvious that the shelves may be of any shape that may be found advantageous, they. may be very advantageously made however with backwardly inclined faces as shown and, to strengthen the metal and prevent warping, the face may advantageously be made corrugated as shown in Fig. 9, or any other desirable contour may be given to the several shelves. The shelves are arranged at a suitable distance apart and in the spaces a between them are situated stoking plungers 0. These plungers may be rectangular boxes fitting in the spaces or or may be formed as shown in Figs. 5 or 6. In Fig. 6 the plunger is shown with a series of small holes 0 and in Fig. 5 the plunger 0 is shown with a similar series of small holes 0' and provided with a damper 0 having a series of holes 0 which when put in proper position are adapted to register with the holes 0', so that a slice bar can be put through the openings of c of the plunger and damper to stir up the fuel and prevent its forming clinkers. Any. suitable means can be arranged to reciprocate these plungers; it is obvious howeverthat it is most convenient, especially, where several boilers are arranged abreast, to operate all the plungers by means of a common shaftor from a common source of power.

In Fig. 1 S is a shaft having an eccentric s and adapted on rotation to reciprocate abar F by means of two lugs l l secured to the bar. Bell crank levers f are pivoted to the shelves and secured at one end to the rod F. To the other end of the bell crank levers are pivoted links f secured to the plungers c. The top plunger which is directly under a hopper H, is pivoted to an arm f on the upper bell crank level-and in order to adjust the throw of this plunger the connection between the plunger and the lever f is made adjustable. A convenient mode of doing this is shown in Fig. 7 where N is a link pivoted on'tbe lever f n a sleeve screwed on to said link and fitting through a hole n. in the plunger 0, a nutlock 'n securing it in position. The sleeve 1?. extends through the hole a and a sleeve 'nut a having a cut out portion 77. which fits over the sleeve n is screwed on the "outer end of the link N, a nutlock n being arranged to given a reciprocatory motion along with the plungers so that the ashes are constantly and automatically removed from the bottom of thegrate, causing a gradual settling of the fuel. a

In Figs. 2, 5 and 6 the plungers are shown actuated by vertical shafts S having eccentrics 8' arranged thereon; motion is communicated from the eccentrics on the shaft S to the plungers, either immediately by the links f as shown in Fig. 6 or by means of levers 7c pivoted at as shown in Fig. 5 a slot 70 is preferably arranged whereby the throw of the plunger-s may be adjusted by securing the head'of the link f neareror farther from the pivotal point of the lever 70; obviously however suitable shifting eccentrics may be used to adjust the throw of the plungers. Motion maybe given to shaft S by means ofsuitable bevel gear 8 or any other suitable means.

In Fig. 3 another system of links is shown which is oscillated by a crank F pivoted at F On various points of this crank as at f f are pivoted links which serve to actuate the plungers either directly or through the medium of the other bell crank levers and links.

In order to adjust the throw of the whole series of plungers the connection of the power shaft S to the crank F is made adjustable and consists of a pin as p,removablysecured in a slot in the crank by means of a hand wheel P, and to further adjust the motionof the two upper plungers a slot F is provided as shown, whereby the range of oscillation of the lever I? may be adjusted by adjusting the end of t 6 link f in the slotF. The leverp pivoted at 2 has secured thereto pins 10 and the links which serve toconnect the plungers to the lever 19' are provided with handles f and slotted heads f which fit over the pins 19 whereby by lifting up a link by means of its handles f the plunger connected therewith may be put out of operation and will not'be put in again until its link f has its head f dropped over its proper pin 19. This construction is obviously not limited to any particular plunger but may be provided wherever found advantageous. The link f pivoted to the crank F at f serves to reciprocate not only the lower setsof plungers but also by means of a link f and a bell crank lever g to reciprocate the grate bars G and slowly remove the ashes. The grate G whose grate bars fork into the grate bars G is adapted to be turned over or shaken by means of the rod g. The modes of actuating the plungers can be multiplied indefinitely, and I do not wish to be considered as limiting myself to any particular mode of so doing.

H is a hopper which may conveniently be arranged above the grate and I preferably provide it with a gate h having a handle 71/ whereby burning back may be prevented.

In the device shown in Fig. 3 I not only provide for pushing the fuel over the front of the transverse shelves, but also provide a passage 7L3 formed between the shelves aand walls a. The plungers reciprocate across this passage 72. between the shelves at and walls a and push the fuel forward through the passages a I do not find it advantageous to extend this passage it down to the bottom of the inclined grate since bythe time the fuel is near to the bottom of the grate it has become very nearly completely ignited "and'I arrange it in front ofthe shelves'wh'ere it may:

the ashes pushed from that grate on its recip-. rocation, a flange 9 being preferably arranged.

as shown on the lower part of the hot air conduit to prevent the ashes being pushed back 7 In Fig.' 2 a car K rolling on suitable tracks acx-Vis towardthe back part of theash pit.

shown situated underneath the'grate G which is adapted to be reciprocated by means combustion of fuel, a furnace grate consistof the link F and can be used undera whole battery of boilers. When abattery'of boilers is used the air can be conveniently pumped through a passage at D from whence it is led, by ducts (1' into the several conduits-D.

under theindividual boilers B. It is obvions of course that air may be introduced in any other way if desired.

The action of the grate iseasily understood. Fuelis poured into the hopperH, the gate h opened, and the automatic plungers set operating. The fuel .in thelhopper falling down through the opening 71 is pushed forward by the plungers over theinclined series of shelves and in being pushed by the plungers the fuel is continually turned over and thoroughly ig-,

nited so that when it is finally pushed to the lower shelves combustion is complete. 7

In the grate shown in Fig. 3, which is especially adapted for use with fuels which smoke badly, the fresh or green fuel is pushed underneath the heated mass of fuel and the I gases arising therefrom are compelled to pass through this heated mass, which results in the complete combustion of the gases and in.

the prevention of smoke.

While I have shown what I deem the best modes of arranging my grate and the best sys-- tems of driving mechanisms therefor, it is evident that many modifications both'in arrangement andedetails' can be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I believe I am the first to combine with an inclined grate having means forfeeding fuel to its upper end, a constantly acting device such as grates G G G as shown in. Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively for drawing the ash away from the base of the. grate with regulated speed and so facilitate the gradual settling of thefuel down the incline and therefore I do'.

not limit'myself as .to this feature of my apparatus-to the shelf form of grate.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new,-and desire to secure by Let.-

ing'of a series of hollow shelves extending across the furnace and constitutingair conduits as well as grate bars, said shelves bein g arranged so that each one of the series will lie below and extend farther. forward than;

the one above it and having air passages lead- In Fig. 1' a pan G2 standing under ing from its central cavity through its face intothe furnace.

2; In a'furnace for generating heat by the combustion'of fuel, a'furnace .grate consistacross the furnace and constituting air con-v arranged so that each one of the series will lie below andextend farther forward than the one above it, and having air passages face into the furnace in combination with an automatic feed hopperat the topof the grate.

3. In" a furnace for generating heatby the jing of a series of hollow shelves extending 'duits as well'asgratebars, saidshelves being leading from its central cavity through its ing of a series of shelves,.each shelf being arranged below and extending farther forward than theshelf above it, a stoking plun ger or. plungers arranged to operate in the space between the over lapping shelves but,

notconstituting an essential part of the fuel supporting grate and meansfor introducing air beneath the mass of fuel resting on the 'IOC grate bars to maintain the combustion ofsaid fuel. 5. In a,furnacefor generatingheat by the combustion of fuel, a furnace grate consisting of a series of hollow shelves extending across the furnace and constituting air con- ,duits as well as grate bars, said shelves being arranged so that each one of the series will lie below andextendfarther forward than the one above it and having air passages leadingfrorn its central cavity through its face into the furnace, and stoking plungers arranged in the spaces between the shelves. 6. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, a furnace grate consisting of a series of hollow'shelves extending across the furnace and constituting air conduits as well as grate bars, said shelves being arranged so. that each one of the series will lie below and extend farther forward than the one above it, outlet passages a leading from the central cavity in the shelves through its face into the furnace, openings 01 atthe end of each shelf for the admission of air into the central cavities of said shelves and a conduit for. conducting the air to the various shelves. t

7. A grate having a series of-shelves,each. shelf being arranged below and extending forward of the shelf above it plungers arranged i in the spaces between the shelves, means'for reciprocating the plungers and means for aajusting the throw of said plungers.

8. A grate having a series of hollowshelves, each shelf being arranged below and extending forward of the shelf above it and having an inclined corrugated front face and provided with air outlets substantially for the purpose specified.

9. A grate having an inclined series of shelves extending across the furnace and a passage 71 extending down behind one or more of the shelves substantially as described.

10. A grate having an inclined series of shelves extending across the furnace, a paswhich fuel is fed to afurnace, of a transverse sage 71 extending down behind one or more of the shelves and plungers arranged to reciprocate in the spaces between the shelves.

11. A grate having an inclined series of hollow shelves a extending across the furnace and having outlets for air in the faces of said shelves, a passage 7L3 extending down behind the perforated shelves a series of plungers arranged in the spaces between the shelves and means for reciprocating the plungers.

12. The combination in a grate of an inclined series of hollow shelves at extending across the furnace and having perforations a in the shelves for the passage of air, a passage 72. extending down from the top and behind the shelves for a portion of the length of the grate, plungers arranged to reciprocate across the passage h and plungers adapted to reciprocate in the spaces between the shelves below the passage ha.

13. The combination in a grate with a series of shelves as described, having spaces between the shelves, of a plunger or plungers arranged to operate between the shelves and having slots 0 substantially as specified and so that a slice bar can be introduced to stir the fire.

14. The combination in a grate with a series of shelves as described having spaces between the shelves, of a plungeror plungers arranged to operate between the shelves and having slots 0 and a sliding damper c with corresponding slots 0 substantially as and for the purpose specified.

15. A grate having an inclined series of shelves at extending across the furnace said shelves being provided with slots or perforations for the escape of air, openings (1 leading into the ends of the shelves, a passage or passages E leading to the shelves and serving to convey air thereto and a passage asD so arranged as to be heated by the hot ashes and the products of combustion all substantially as specified and so that hot air may be fed into the furnace.

16. The combination in a grate with an inclined series of shelves extending across the furnace and having spaces between the shelves and a series of plungers adapted on being reciprocated to stir the fuel and push it down the series of shelves,,of a grate at the bottom of the series of shelves and means for reciprocating or rocking said grate.

17. The combination in a grate with an inclined series of shelves as described, having spaces between the shelves, of a hopper adapted to deliver fuel to the series of shelves and a series of plungers operating between the shelves adapted to stir the fuel and push it down the inclined shelves.

18. The combination in a grate of a hopper, a gate independent of the stoking mechanism arranged to cut off the interior of the furnace from the fuel in the hopper whereby the burning back of the fire is prevented and an inclined series of horizontal shelves forming the grate surface.

19. The combination with a hopper from shelf extending below the mouth of the hopper a grate situated below said shelf, a stoking plunger operating to push forward and stir the fuel fed from the hopper and a gate separate from said plunger to prevent burning back substantially as and for the purpose spaces between the shelves, means for introducing air beneath the mass of fuel on the grate means for reciprocating said plungers and links adapted to secure the plungers to the means for reciprocating them, said links being so arranged as to be disconnected at will whereby any particular plunger may be put out of action if desired.

21. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, the combination with a furnace grate consisting of an inclined system of shelves as described, having spaces between the shelves, plungers arranged in the spaces between the shelves, a suitable motor, links secured to the plungers and having notches adapted to engage with the pins on the motor, all as specified and so that any plunger can be disconnected at will from its actuating motor.

22. In afurnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, the combination with an inclined grate, of means for feeding fuel at the top of said grate, means for introducing air beneath the mass of fuel 011 the grate to maintain combustion and automatic means for constantly withdrawing ashes from the bottom of the grate.

23. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel the combination with a furnace grate consisting of a series of shelves extending across the furnace, each shelf being arranged below and extending farther forward than the shelf above it, of means for introducing air beneath the fuel on the grate to maintain combustion, a stoking plunger or plungers arranged to operate in the spaces between the shelves and automatic means for constantly withdrawing ash from the bottom of the grate.

24. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, the combination with a grate consisting of a series of shelves extending across the furnaces, each shelf being ar: automatic means for constantly withdrawing ranged below and extending farther forward ash from the bottom of the grate.

than the shelf above it of means for feedin fuel at the top of said g rate a stoking plunge?- TEILE MULLER 5 or plungers arranged to operate inthe spaces Witnesses:

between the shelves means for introducing I ALF H. FABER,

air beneath the mass of fuel on the grate and EDW. F. AYREs.

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