December 24, 1915.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

1307

ABSTRACTS OF PATENT SPECIFICATIONS
RECENTLY ACCEPTED.

14224 (1914). Improvements in Electric Blasting Fuses
or the like. V. F. Feeny, of 60, Queen Victoria-street,
London, E.C. (from Fabrik Elektrischer Ziinder, G.m.b.H.,
of Nesselrodestrasse 20, Kbln-Niehl, Germany).—Relates to
a blasting fuse of the type which, comprises a flat insulating
body or base, with pole carriers attached to said body, which
poles are connected by a wire designed to become incandescent.
The flat insulating body is embraced by the co-acting, separ-
able portions of a collar device, which serves to fasten said

insulator in its tube. These halves of the collar piece engage
the insulator on opposite sides or ends; the halves may be
superposed and slotted, or they may be connected together by
a projection from one passing through the insulator and into
the other. The fuse tube may also be closed at one end by
the complementary portions of the collar device, and at the

other end by a plug consisting of a brightly burning explo-
sive. The collar piece separable in halves facilitates the
putting together of the fuse, and also affords an inexpensive
seat for the insulator in the fuse tube. These portions or
halves of the collar device need extend around only a portion
of the length of the flat or strip insulator. Fig. 1 shows a
vertical section through one construction of the fuse; fig. 2
represents the portions of the collar piece used to seat and
secure in the sleeve the insulating body carrying the poles;
figs. 3 and 4 show further constructions of the device for
holding the insulator. The

flat or strip-like insulator a
has a conducting layer b c
on each side or surround-
ing each edge, and is cut
out at the top so as to pre-
sent a forked shape, the
prongs d e of said fork
being bridged by the wire
/, which is in contact with
the conductive layer b of the
prong d and with the
conductive layer c of the





prong e. The electric current is led to the layers b and
c by wires or the like so that the wire f can be rendered
incandescent. The insulator a is secured in the tube i by the
portions of the collar k k1, which embrace the insulator a

from opposite sides, and thus form an easily applied fastening
means for the insulator. The wire f is surrounded by a com-
bustive substance n of slowly burning and weakly igniting
property, for example, finely ground gun-cutton, with or
without additions of chlorate of potassium, barium , or tri-
sulphide of antimony. The top of the tube i is closed by the
plug o, which consists of an explosive or combustive substance
of brightly and rapidly burning property, such as a specially
slow burning gunpowder containing considerable carbon,
which may, for example, be inserted and secured in the tube i
in the form of a wad or plug of any suitable diameter and
shape. This tube i is afterwards forced inside a sheathing or
outer tube, which contains an explosive charge. Figs. 3 and
4 show two views, at right angles one to the other, of an
insulator which is provided with a hole, through which a
tongue v provided on the collar piece k of semi-circular section
passes, said tongue fitting into a hole w of a second semi-
circular collar piece k1. By this means both portions of the
collar k k1 are united together, and hold the insulator between
them. (Three claims.)

15892 (1914). Improvements in or relating to the Low
Temperature Distillation of Coal, and Apparatus therefor.
F. Lamplough, of 53a, Pall Mall, London, S.W. — This
invention is for improvements in or relating to the low
temperature distillation of coal and apparatus therefor, the
objects being to subject the coal to partial distillation in such
a way that the coal does not reach the coking stage, so as
to remove only the light oils and hydrocarbons, and to leave
a smokeless fuel. As in previous processes, the coal is passed
continuously throughout the whole apparatus, and a measuring
hopper of the type provided with an air lock is used. The
coal is introduced into the system of retorts by a measuring
hopper, so as to deliver definite measured quantities of coal,

their operating cranks. The coal is brought to the measuring
hopper A through a trough B containing a worm conveyor C,
which may be continuously operated by any suitable source
of power. The trough B has an orifice B1 above the measuring
hopper A. The hopper has a vertical cylindrical inlet A1 lead-
ing to a measuring chamber A, which is a horizontal
cylinder, and which discharges into a vertical cylindrical
outlet A2 in the bottom leading to the retort system. The
hopper A has two central concentric shafts D, D1, passing
through into the operating gear, one of said shafts being cut
away, as at D2. These shafts D, D1, carry two segmental
blocks E, E1, which extend axially the whole width of the
hopper, and each of which extends circumferentially about
120 degs. These blocks E, E1, are caused to rotate, but at
varying speeds, in such a way that at one stage the space
between the blocks comes below the inlet A1 so as to take in a
quantity of coal, and at another stage that coal is discharged
at the outlet A2, and the blocks are so moved as to prevent
any gas or vapour from being carried out into the atmo-
sphere and lost; and to prevent air entering with the coal a
steam pipe F is fitted to the hopper casing through which
steam at a low pressure is passed sufficient to keep the air
out of the hopper neck. This steam also passes through
the retort, and is instrumental in carrying the rich hydro-
carbons out of the hot zone as fast as they are generated,
and it also assists in the production of ammonia. The blocks
E, E1 in the measuring hopper A are operated by a special
gear, so that the rate of feed through the hopper can be
regulated, but in each case the blocks in the measuring hopper
are operated in the sense above described. From the
measuring hopper the coal drops into an extension M1 of the
uppermost retort M. The retorts M are arranged one above
the other in the flue or setting N of the furnace, and the
retorts consist of horizontal cylinders, each of which is fitted
with a rotatable worm conveyor M2. These conveyors M2
are operated by external toothed gearing O, and the actual
bearings of the conveyors are water-cooled, at shown at P.
The coal is thus gradually conveyed through one retort M,
and falls out of the end M3, into the next retort, through
which it is conveyed in the opposite direction, and so on,
through as many retorts as is necessary, and then the coal
which has been partially distilled is discharged into a recep-
tacle Q in the bottom of the apparatus, into which is also
passed the vapours from the retorts. The vapours are con-
veyed away to the scrubbers and condensers through an outlet
R, and the residual coal, which contains a fair percentage of
heavy oil and tarry matter, is conveyed by a screw conveyor 8
into a suitable die or press S1 to form the coal into fuel blocks.
The retort tubes are raised to a suitable temperature, say,
400 to 600degs. Cent., according to the nature of the coal to
be treated. The train of toothed gearing O operating the
retort worms M2 keeps these rotating at a speed suitable for
the reaction required. (Three claims.)

20457 (1914). Improvements relating to the Destructive
Distillation of Coal and other Carbonaceous Substances.

8. N. Wellington, of 39, Mincing-lane, E.C.—Relates to the
destructive distillation of coal and other carbonaceous sub-
stances, and has for its object to provide a furnace setting
in which vertical retorts are used whereby the heating of
the retorts is effected with -a view to economy and efficiency,
and also to the uniform application of heat and the precise
adjustment of temperature according to the temperature con-
ditions of distillation required. Fig. 1 is a horizontal
section; fig. 2 is a compound vertical section; fig. 3 is a
horizontal section on the line 8 T of fig. 2. A series of
retorts are provided of oblong section gradually flaring out-
wardly towards the bottom. The retorts are narrow, so

of heating chambers on each side of the retort may receive
air through the first flue, and may discharge the waste gas
into the second flue, or vice vers A. When air is admitted
to the first chamber of each set, gas will be also admitted,
while the gas will be cut off from admission to the second
heating chamber of each set until the order of working is
reversed. In each case the gas in combustion will pass to
and fro along the face of the retort in different planes before
it passes into the waste gas flue. Each alternate heating
chamber at the end of the series of retorts may communicate
by a single port with a vertical flue, which conveniently may
be provided of half the sectional area of the other vertical
flues. Gas may be supplied from a service pipe g extending
the length of the setting and adjacent to the gas cocks, and
each alternate gas cock may be connected to a common
operating rod or chain, etc., so that the gas cocks of each
alternate series may be separately operable for reverse work-
ing. .The retorts may be in sections, and may be made of
cast iron, fire clay, or other suitable material. When of
fire clay, the retorts are built from bricks or blocks having
each alternate gas cock may be connected to a common

H

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without permitting the escape of gases on the one hand, or
the ingress of air on the other hand. By means of a speed
gear, the rate of supply through the measuring hopper can be
easily regulated. A number of retorts in series fitted inter-
nally with worm conveyors are employed, and the coal which
has been subjected to partial distillation is finally discharged
into a receptacle, from which, while still hot, it can be
removed and forced through a die or press, so as to form
blocks suitable for fuel. In this arrangement the gaseous
products of distillation are also discharged into the same
receptacle as the partially distilled coal, and are removed from
scrubbing or other treatment. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal
section; fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the
apparatus on a larger scale; fig. 3 is a vertical transverse
section of the feed hopper, showing the hopper blocks and

that the heat applied on the broad faces may quickly
penetrate the charge. Each series of retorts is mounted
between transverse walls b, b1, and between adjacent retorts
and between the end retorts and the enclosing wall of the
setting a number of horizontal partitions a1 are mounted,
which form separated heating chambers extending across
the lateral faces of the retorts. Each heating chamber is
supplied with pre-heated gas from a conduit c, which extends
to the face of the outer wall of the setting, where gas
cocks c1 'are provided. The heating chambers are adapted
to operate in pairs, and those of each pair on each side of the
retorts communicate at the end opposite to that at which
the gas supply is admitted. The port a2, through which
communication is made, is adapted to be partially closed, or
varied in area by a damper a3. At one side of the setting a
series of vertical flues is provided, alternate flues d, d1 being
used alternatively for the supply of air to the heating
chambers, or for the passage of waste gas therefrom. These
flues are advantageously arranged respectively in parallel
with the retorts, and communication is made between the
flues and the heating chambers on each side by means of
ports e f in the separating wall of the setting. These parts
are provided in sets of two in the same plane at such
relative angle that communication is made between a vertical
flue and the heating chambers on each side of the corre-
sponding retort. Tne ports e f are in alternate series, so
that in the plane of the uppermost heating chamber of each
set on each side of a retort, the ports e communicate with
one vertical flue d, while the second heating chamber on each
side of the retort communicates with an adjacent flue d1 by
the ports /; the first heating chamber of the next set on
each side of the retort communicating with the first flue
referred to, and the correspnoding second heating chamber
communicating on each side with the second flue, and so
on; so that thus the second heating chamber of each set

to adjacent retorts, and may serve to form the horizontal
partitions between the retorts. Those blocks immediately
below such partition blocks may project outwardly from the
exterior face of the retort to form shoulders below the
partitions. The gas conduits c are provided in the parti-
tion walls i serving to form the several vertical flues d, dl.
By such an arrangement the gas supply is pre-heated, before
it reaches the heating chambers, by the absorption of heat
from the waste gases passing down the flues d or d1. The
regenerator h is conveniently formed below and to the side
of the retort setting. It is divided by partition walls, which
may be extensions of the partition walls i, into compart-
ments h\ h2, corresponding in number with the vertical
flues, aech compartment being filled with a mass of material
capable of absorbing heat from the waste gases. Suitable
dampers are provided to control the communication between
the regenerator compartments and the vertical flues. Below
the regenerator are provided two parallel flues k, k1, opening
at one end to the atmosphere or to a source of air supply,
and connected at the other end to a chimney or other waste
gas exhaust. Passages k2 are provided between the flue k
and the compartments h1 of the regenerator, while similar
passages k3 effect communication between the flue kl and the
compartments h2. Each passage is regulated by a damper or
valve k4. At each end of each flue k, k1 there is provided
a valve or damper, as at I I1, I2, I3, by which the operation
of one of the flues as an air supply and the other as a waste
gas outlet is controlled and reversed. The operation of the
valves or dampers I, I1, I2, I3 may be effected periodically
and automatically by time controlling gear, etc., and the
same means may be employed to control the gas supply
cocks. (Three claims.)

20647 (1914). Improvements in and connected with
Signal Indicating Means for Colliery Winding Engines.
J. G. Barclay, of Barclay and Company, John Finnie-street;
and A. D. Wallace, 13, King-street, Kilmarnock.—Relates to
colliery winding engines and to the signal indicating
mechanism thereof, in order to provide means whereby the
signal remains visible until the engine has been operated* and
whereby the correct signal is given even in the event of the
signal being repeated before the operation of the engine;
whilst the recognised cautionary signal for the raising or
lowering of men is adapted to remain in view during the
display of the next or active signal, and until such time as
the engine has been operated. For this purpose the indicator
mechanism is provided with a weighted or spring loaded
member or lever, which is fitted in connection with a fan or
spinning member or the like; and the operation of the lever
or member is retarded by the fan or equivalent, so that the
indicator may be operated step by step to the required active
signal, and on such signal having been given, the said lever
or member is brought into engagement, and remains in readi-
ness to first cancel the active signal in the event of the signal
being repeated before the operation of the engine; and the
mechanism is also provided with a cautionary indirafing or
signal device adapted to come into operation on the mechanism
having been operated to indicate that men are to be raised or
lowered; and such is the arrangement that on any further or
active signal being given, the cautionary “ men ” signal is
displayed by the said device at the same time as such further
or active signal. Fig. 1 is a view of the front or face of the
indicator; fig. 2 is a back view of the indicator with the back
cover plate removed so as to show the mechanism. The indi-
cator has a dial 1, with suitable numbers and signals, and a
radial pointer 2 adapted to be operated by the usual pull rope,
etc., and to be returned to zero (“ 0 ”) automatically each time
the engine is operated in obedience to the signal given. The
dial 1 is also provided with an opening 3, through which the
indication “ men ” (or other equivalent sign) may be shown
as required. The pointer 2 is secured on the front end of a
pin 4, having a coil spring 5 (fig. 2), and a ratchet wheel
6, which latter is adapted to be operated step by step by
means of a swinging pawl or catch 7 pivoted on a cam piece 8
mounted on a pin 9. The ratchet wheel 6 is also provided
with a retaining pawl in the form of a pin 10, projecting later-
ally from a lever 11, mounted on the pin 12. Adapted to
co-operate with the lever 11 and the lever 20 is a weighted
(or spring loaded) swinging arm 13, operated by means of
the said cam 8 on the pin 9. The arm 13. when operated
by the cam 8, engages the lever 11, withdrawing it from the
ratchet wheel 6, and then passes still further to the right, so
as to release the lever 11. and allow it to return into engage-
ment with the ratchet wheel. Pivotally mounted on this arm