352

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

August 16, 1918.

ABSTRACTS OF PATENT SPECIFICATIONS
RECENTLY ACCEPTED.

102146. Method for the Production of Ammonium
Chloride during the Working of Blast Furnaces. A. Riedel,
of Koessern, Saxony.—Relates to the production of ammo-
nium chloride, during the working of blast furnaces, by
the introduction of the required water by means of hydrate-
forming chlorides in that zone, which has a temperature
of from 500 to 900 degs. Cent., at which temperature
the formation of ammonium chloride can take place. By
introducing water in the form of a hydrate into these
highly heated zones it becomes possible., without in any
way interfering with the working of the blast furnace
itself, to prevent, or at least to restrict, the conversion of
the fixed nitrogen into free nitrogen as well as the forma-
tion of cyanogen, and to facilitate the formation of
ammonium chloride. Of the chlorides available, the use
of calcium chloride offers special advantages, as after it
has given off its water of hydration and the chlor-ion,
the lime will remain in a very finely divided condition,
thus effecting a diminution of the normal quantity of
lime which’ otherwise would have to be added to the charge.
The addition of chlorides has the further advantage of
enabling the ammonium chloride to be obtained in a par-
ticularly suitable form in an aqueous solution by lixivia-
tion. As the blast furnace gases will in any case have
to be cleansed by a wet process, the ammonium chloride
will be found in the water employed for cleansing, so that
there is no need for any special apparatus for its pro-
duction. (One claim.)

117087. Improvements in the Treatment of Liquid
Hydrocarbons. C. E. Cassal and N. C. Cassal, both of
56, Oxford-gardens, Kensington, W., and B. H. Gerrans,
of 57, Cricklade-avenue, Streatham-hill S.W.—Relates to
processes of the .kind in which hydrocarbons are passed
over a heated mass in order to produce therefrom hydro-
carbons ; for instance, aromatic hydrocarbons such as ben-
zene, toluene and the like. The petroleum hydrocarbons,
in the absence of added water or air, are passed in a finely
divided state through a body of heated catalyst, namely,
carbon in the graphitic form, or alumina, or through both,
and leading away the gaseous and vaporous products as
a whole in order that the more valuable hydrocarbons thus
produced may be recovered. If ordinary commercial
petroleum oil be treated in this way, benzene hydrocarbons,
as benzene and toluene, are formed, as well as bodies
adaptable for use in internal combustion engines. By way
of example, the liquid hydrocarbon, previously heated or
not, is introduced as a stream into a suitable vessel such
as a nearly horizontal retort, of about 4 ft. in length and
4 in. in diameter, charged with graphite in fragments like
large peas and heated to a temperature of 700 degs. Cent.
The oil vaporises on contact with the heated vessel and
the catalyst, and thus passes through the mass of catalyst
as vapour. The supply of material is regulated so that
about 500 c.c. per hour of condensate is obtained when
employing a vessel of the proportions referred to. In
some cases a vertical cylinder or retort may be employed
and enclosed within an annular chamber heated from both
sides. (Four claims.)

117152. Improvements in Locomotive and other Steam
Generating Boilers. G. Gillies, 44, Buckingham-place,
Brighton;—Relates to an improved construction of fire-box
and the stays thereof. The fire-box is of the ordinary
locomotive type, and is arranged so that it will increase
the steam-raising capacity by constructing a mid-feather
with flues to an increased heating surface and increased
water circulation by utilising the heat from the fire and
thus effecting economy in fuel consumption. The fire-box
has an improved mid-feather of the kind mentioned above,
the plates being flanged at their connections so that the
joints are in the water space and not exposed to the
destructive action of the fire; the plates of the fire-box
are also dished for the reception of stays of known kind
wTith conical screwed end. The fire-box is provided with
a transverse diagonal water space or mid-feather, having
flues throughout its surface. It is open at the Sides and
ends to the water space around the fire-box, and connected
at the front in a position below the boiler tubes, at the
sides diagonally, and at the back in a position above the
fire-door, thus dividing the fire-box into two compart-
ments, the lower being the furnace, and the upper the
combustion chamber. The mid-feather is fully exposed
to the heated gases generated from the fire, and which
must pass through its flues on the way to the boiler tube-
flues, and from thence to the chimney and escaping to
the atmosphere. The stays that connect the fire-box plates
to the boiler plates each have a conical end screwed steam-
tight into the fire-box plates, and a parallel end screwed
into the boiler plates, provision being made at their ends
for expanding and keeping them steam tight, or they may
be riveted over at end as in the present practice. The
pitch of the thread on conical end will be proportionally
increased from that on the parallel end so that the travel
of the stay will be equal at each end. (Two claims.)

117166. Improvements in Electric Transforming and
Converting Apparatus. •— The British Thomson-Houston
Company Limited, 83, Cannon-street, London, E.C. (a
communication from the General 'Electric Company of
Schenectady, New .York, U.S.A.).—Relates to electric
transforming and converting apparatus, and more speci-
fically to electrical apparatus for receiving high pressure
polyphase alternating current electricity from a supply
system and delivering relatively low pressure direct current
electricity to a distribution system. The apparatus con-
sists of a step-down transformer carried on the shaft
of a synchronous converter. Suitable laminations are
assembled on the spider of the synchronous converter to
form a single magnetic core, and are provided at their
surface with suitable slots for the armature winding of
the converter, and with other slots arranged on circles of
smaller diameter for the transformer windings. These slots
are so positioned that the working transformer flux does
not deleteriously affect the working flux to which the
armature winding is normally subjected, and vice versa,
although since certain portions of the laminations provide
a magnetic path common to both systems, such portions
will carry the resultant flux, which will sometimes be
less and sometimes greater than the component fluxes.
(Four claims.)

117046. Turbine Compressors, Blowers, or Pumps.
J. E. Greenawalt, 30, East 42nd Street, New York City.—
The present invention is directed to turbine compressors,
blowers, or pumps of the centrifugal type, and having
a peripheral collecting scroll in the plane of rotation of
the impeller for compressing or moving fluids such as air
and gases, the special object sought being the conversion
of the velocity energy of such fluid into pressure by means
operating to discharge the rapidly moving fluid from the
impeller into the collecting or receiving scroll of the com-
pressor without the formation of eddies or the production
of shocks to the currents of the fluid in motion. As

well • understood in the art, the fluid, as it leaves the
impeller of such a centrifugal machine, is under the in-
fluence of two sources of energy, to wit, (a) the centri-
fugal force acquired by the fluid in its movement along
the impeller blades, and (5) the kinetic energy contained
in the fluid due to its velocity upon leaving the periphery
of the impeller. The efficiency of such a machine is in
a large measure dependent on the extent of conversion of
this kinetic or velocity energy into potential energy in
the form of static pressure, and in the present embodiment
of the invention special means are provided to effect the
necessary conversion of said velocity energy into a pres-
sure head, such means taking the form of ducts or
channels which remove the fluid from the influence of
the impeller, and conduct the same into the receiving or
collecting scroll without shock or loss of energy caused
by re-acting eddies in the fluid discharged from the im-
peller wheel, the ducts or channels being so disposed as
to cause an even diffusion of the fluid by a lateral move-
ment thereof after leaving the impeller, the fluid being
finally discharged from the sides of the diffusion member
on which the ducts are formed into the receiving scroll. In
the present improvement the diffusion vanes (or their
equivalents) are disposed at a comparatively slight angle to
the direction of flow of the fluid while under influence of
direction of flow of the fluid while under influence of
the impeller, said vanes forming spiral channels or con-
duits, which receive the fluid immediately as it leaves the
impeller, and guide and turn it in a gradual and definite
manner laterally into the collecting scroll without material --
impact or shock, or the formation of reacting eddies, so
that the full momentum and velocity of the rapidly moving
fluid is availed of and utilised in the production of pres-
sure in the collecting scroll. (Six claims.)

117049. Apparatus for Spraying Stone Dust. H. Hulley,
Heydon House, Conisborough, near Rotherham.—This in-
vention relates to a new or improved apparatus for the
purpose of spreading or spraying stone dust over the
interior, or part of the interior, of a coal mine by the
application of the power or force of compressed air. The
importance of this object is well known to colliery under-
ground officials. The apparatus may be stationary or port-
able and self-contained. When the apparatus is in action,
the ejector is connected by a tubing or hose-pipe to a
compressed air main. The compressed air passes through
the ejector inlet nozzle, and draws the dust from the
receptacle into the discharge pipe, propelling it into the
air and workings of the mine where required. (Two
claims.)

117051. Chain-driven Conveyor. Waygood-Otis Limited,
Falmouth-road, Great Dover-street, London, S.E. 1 (a com-
munication from Otis Elevator Company, of 11th Avenue
and 26th Street, New York).—This invention relates to
safeguarding apparatus for that class of conveyor used
to transport passengers and freight from one point to
another by means of a continuously moving support on
which the load rests, such support being a series of sections
connected and propelled by means of a driving chain. The
object of the invention is the provision in an apparatus
of the class described of means, preferably gravity
operated, for immediately halting the movement of the
conveyor in the event of a break in the driving chain,
and so preventing any further damage to the apparatus,
or accident to the load, which might otherwise result
from a continued operation after the occurrence of such
a break. In the usual types' of sectional continuously
moving conveyors, or moving stairways, the only connec-
tions between the successive sections are the links of the
driving chain upon which wall the strain of drawing and
supporting the load in its ascent, as well as that strain
due to engagement with a driving sprocket. Consequently
links frequently break under their severe duty, and with
a continued operation of the driving mechanism the con-
veyor is in danger of becoming jammed, while if the
broken link is permitted to come into engagement with
the driving sprocket or idler sprockets, serious wreckage
may result to the sprockets, driving chain and other parts
of the conveyor, with the added danger of an accident
to the load. This condition is met by providing an elec-
trical device which is operatively actuated by means of
a link of the driving member of the conveyor, which link,
by reason of its fracture, departs from its normal position
and thereby automatically acts as a circuit maker.
Preferably this broken link operates to stop the actuating
mechanism by the action of gravity on such broken link.
(Four claims.)

117239. Improvements in Float-operated Valves for
Boiler-feed Apparatus. A. H. Anthony, Capel House,
Colchester, Essex—Relates to float-operated valves in
automatic boiler-feed apparatus of the type wherein a
float-operated valve is employed to control the escape of
fluid that has leaked past a balancing or controlling piston
for the boiler-feed check valve. Heretofore the arrange-
ment employed in such apparatus has been one in which
the float has been called upon to operate its valve against
the full pressure of the leakage fluid. The object of the
invention is to relieve the float of the work thus hereto-
fore imposed upon it of operating against such pressure
and so to secure sensitive operation of the float valve with-
out having recourse to means involving the use of parts
which are of delicate construction, small, and readily liable
to damage. It therefore provides a float-operated valve
that is balanced as to the pressure of the fluid which it
controls. In the preferred construction the valve is pro-
vided with a balancing piston, and it is also preferred to
connect the valve mechanically to the float in such a manner
that it is positively operated by the float in both the
opening and closing directions. (Three claims.)

Coal Controller and Mr. Runciman.—Sir A. Stanley,
in reply to questions by Mr. Runciman, has answered
questions in connection with the rationing of coal
and light. “ What disability is the householder to suffer
who exhausts, by, say, Christmas his quota of coal
and light? Is he to spend the rest or some portion of
the winter fireless and lightless? Is that to be a penalty
in addition to the penalty described in the Order ? ” was
a question put by Mr. Runciman. “ Perhaps it is not
clearly understood,” answers Sir Albert, “ that the Order
did not come into force as to the check on the consump-
tion of coal until August 11. Some-consideration may
have, to be given in relation to gas and electricity con-
sumption during the current quarter, at any rate in so
far as minor excesses are concerned.” As to treating
cottagers and workers more rigorously than miners, Sir
A. Stanley says: “I am not aware that in any other
class of the community fuel is given as part payment- of
services rendered. To ration miners’ coal would be to
re-open a wages agreement, which might be very impolitic.
An appeal has been made to miners to use not more coal
than is absolutely essential for their needs, and I feel sure
that we may look for a response to this appeal.”

NEW PATENTS CONNECTED WITH THE
COAL AND IRON TRADES.

Applications for Patents.

August Sth to 1064 (inclusive).

[Note.—Applications arranged alphabetically under the
names of the applicants (communicators in parentheses).
A new number will be given on acceptance, which will
replace the application number.]

Adamson, J. G. High-tension boiler furnace. (12999)
Aldridge, J. G. W. Stoking machines for gas retorts.

(12977)

Barrow, L., and Cadbury Bros. Suction gas producers.

(12759)

British Thomson-Houston Company (General Electric
Company). Electric power systems. (12877)

British Thomson-Houston Company (General Electric
Company). Automatic regulators for dynamo-electric
machines. (12963)

Brooke, F. H., and Twynam, T. Refraction bricks or
blocks. (12811)

Cammell, Laird and Company, Carter, Sir G. J., and
McFarlane, L. G. Internal combustion engines.
(12849, 12850).

Chadwick G. C. Means for unloading coal, etc., from
vessels. (12762)

Clark, W., and Evershed and Vignoles. Dynamos for pro-
duction of uniform continuous current. (12765)

(Cokayne, J.) Fire bars. (12740)

Dixton, J. T., and Harvey, J. Fire bars or furnace grates.
(12722)

Everett, S. Apparatus for treating carbonaceous mate-
rials. (12875)

Garred, U. A. Smelting ores, etc. (12969)

Geer, H. E. Steam superheaters for marine locomotive,
etc., boilers. (12961)

Hailwood, P. R. Highly refractory compositions for use
in the building and repairs of acid-lined metallurgical
furnaces, etc. (12744)

Halstead, B. H. Steam generators. (12994)

Hardaker, J. T. Lifting and transporting apparatus.
(12991)

Heise, O. A. L. Gas purifiers. (13017)

Heise, O. A. L. Fire-place for generators. (13018)

Heise, O. A. L. Pre-heater for gas generators. (13019)

Heise, O. A. L. Gas generators. (13020)

Hislop, G. R. Gas manufacture. (12955)

Ingram, W. Steam generators. (12994)

Mawdsley, J. H. St. H. Dynamo-electric machinery.

(12959)

Mercer, A. V. Rotary pump. (12786)

Morison, D. B. Steam-condensing and water-heating
plant. (12925)

Phillips, T. Tubular condensers. (12845)

Phillips, T. Mechanical retorts or heating chambers.
(12846)

Prat, L. Regulating temperature of gases in fans for
induced draught. (12816)

Rogers C. Transporting apparatus of the gravity roller
type. (12954)

Rondelli, T. Electric furnaces. (13024)

Scott, S. M. Suction gas producers. (12759)

Simpson, R. M. Gas manufacture. (12955)

Soc. Anon. Astra. Pumps. (13029)

Soc. Anon, des Produits Refractaires de 1’Ouest. Manufac-
ture of silica bricks. (12788)

South Durham Steel and Iron Company and Williams, T.
Chequer bricks for regenerator chambers of furnaces,
etc. (12978)

Takuma, T. Steam generator. (12880)

Tescari, G. Violati-. Fire boxes for steam engines. (12982)
Wale, W. F. Read-. Tinning and coating iron, etc.

(13007)

Walker, A. Internal combustion engines. (12841)

Yates, R. Mine signalling apparatus. (12801)

Complete Specifications Accepted.

(To be published on August 29).

[Note.—The number following the application is that
which the specification will finally bear.]

1917.

4768. Tiberti, G. O. Rotary gas engines. (105339)

9349. McHarry, W. Internal combustion engines and the
like. (117831)

11039. Wilton, N., and Chemical Engineering and Wilton’s
Patent Furnace Company. Apparatus for treat-
ing gases with liquids. (117843)

11159. Phillips, E. B., and Parkin, T. C. Steam and air
engines. (117846)

11289. Midgley, A. H., and Vandervell and Company,
C. A. Self-regulating dynamos. (117849)

11912. Herbert, A., and Ridley, J. Rotary pumps.
(117858)

17370. Soc. J. Munier et Cie. Blast furnace skips.
(111674)

1918.

1324. Babcock and Wilcox (Babcock and Wilcox Com-
pany). Atomisers or spraying devices. (117884)

Restoration of Lapsed Patents.

An Order has been made restoring the Letters Patent
granted to Hubert Rudman, Harry Thomas Lancey and
John Ernest Holdsworth Craven for “ Improvements in
and relating to foundry moulding boxes,” No. 15101 of
1913, and for “ Improvements in and relating to hand-
operated moulding machines for foundry use,” No. 15102
of 1913.

Coal Economy Campaign.—Owing to the large number
of miners called to the Colours, and the great need of
coal for our Allies, the various Government Departments
and industrial undertakings, the Controller of Coal Mines
has instituted a coal economy campaign with the object
of reducing fuel consumption in every direction possible.
The Controller is being assisted by a technical staff
attached to the head office, and arrangements have now
been made for a large number of engineers in the provinces
to attach themselves to the Coal Control Department for
this special purpose. Some 400 skilled engineers will
shortly be at work in various parts of . the British Isles,
and these gentlemen are giving their services to the
Government without salary. So imperative is the need to
reduce coal consumption to a minimum that a rationing
scheme for all industrial undertakings will be introduced
shortly.