5796 5800.output

* GB786204 (A)

Description: GB786204 (A) ? 1957-11-13

Improvements in or relating to reinforced concrete beams

Description of GB786204 (A)

PATENT SPECIFICATION Date of filing Complete Specification: Jan 27, 1956. Application Date: Nov 1, 1954 No 31504/54. Complete Specification Published: Nov 13, 1957. Index at Acceptance -Class 20 ( 4), D 2, F 1, G( 1:3 14), N 10. International Classification:-E 04 b, c, f. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. Improvements in or relating to Reinforced Concrete Beams. I, HAROLD DESMOND ROBERT RIDGEON, of Gloucester Street, Cambridge, a British Subject, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to reinforced concrete beams, and is particularly concerned with an improved construction of beam for use in flooring, ceiling or roof constructions embodying slabs supported by and extending bteween parallel beams and a filling of concrete applied in spaces between the slabs and beams to form a unitary structure on which a floor surfacing of any suitable kind can be applied. The invention has for its object to provide an improved construction of reinforced concrete beam for this purpose which, while possessing adequate inherent strength to support the load, is sufficiently light in weight to facilitate handling. According to the present invention, there is provided a reinforced concrete beam of inverted T-section, in which a horizontal bottom part of the section of concrete incorporates a bottom central longitudinal metal reinforcing member, and the web portion of the section comprises an adulatory metal reinforcing member connected to the bottom central reinforcing member and to a top longitudinal reinforcing member to

provide a substantially triangulated truss structure, the edge portions of the concrete, forming the horizontal bottom part of the section, providing supporting ledges for flooring slabs so that the vertical web portion of the beam extends upwardly between and spaced from adjacent slabs The undulatory reinforcing member preferably is connected to the top and bottom longitudinal reinforcing members by welding. The concrete bottom part of the section may incorporate outer longitudinal reinforcing members extending within said edge portions, and the central and outer reinforcing members in the bottom part of the section may be connected at intervals by transverse reinforcing members The top reinforcing member and the outer reinforcing members in the bottom part of the section also may be linked together at intervals by transverse members of inverted V or U formation The transverse members may be connected to the longitudinal reinforcing members by means of wire bindings. If desired, the beam may be pre-stressed, at the bottom of the section for loading and at the top of the section for handling, the pre-stressing being applied to the said longitudinal reinforcing members or to additional pre-stressing elements. The invention is hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:Fig 1 is a perspective view showing the reinforcing structure of part of a reinforced concrete beam according to the invention before the concrete is applied; Fig 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a finished beam; Fig 3 is a section on the line III-III of Fig 1 showing also the concrete bottom part of the section and the manner in which slabs are supported by the beam; and Fig 4 is a section on the line IV-IV, Fig 1. In carrying the invention into effect according to one embodiment, and with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, a reinforced concrete beam according to the invention is of inverted Tsection A horizontal bottom part 1 of the section is of concrete incorporating a bottom 786,204 65. central longitudinal metal reinforcing member 2 and the web Dortion of the section comprises an undulatory metal reinforcing member 3 connected, preferably by welding, to the bottom central member 2 and an upper longitudinal reinforcing member 4 to provide a substantially triangulated truss structure which imparts strength and stiffness to the beam while retaining lightness of weight. The bottom concrete Dart 1 of the section preferably incorporates outer longitudinal reinforcing members 5 spaced from the central member 2 and dis Dosed substantially on the same level The bottom central member 2 and outer members 5 may be connected at intervals by

transverse reinforcing members 6 each of which, as shown in Fig 4, may extend beneath the members 2 and 5 and have upturned ends 6 a extending at the outer side of the members 5, the members 6 being secured to the longitudinal members 2 and 5 by wire bindings 7. The top reinforcing member 4 and the outer reinforcing members 5 in the bottom part 1 of the section also may be linked together at intervals by transverse stirrup members 8 of inverted V or U formation which members 8, as shown in Fig 3, may extend over the top of the member 4 and have U-shaped end portions 8 a for engaging the members 5 The transverse members 8 may be secured to the longitudinal members 4 and 5 by wire bindings 9 and provide shear reinforcement. The concrete bottom part 1 of the section is formed at its edge portions with ledges la for the support of flooring slabs 10, as shown in Fig 3, with the vertical web portion of the beam extending upwardly between and spaced from adjacent slabs The vertical web portion of the beam section is of such height as to extend substantially level with the top of the flooring slabs 10. The longitudinal reinforcing members preferably are of round section iron or steel, or may be of any other suitable section. The transverse reinforcing members also may be of round section rod or the like. Furthermore, the upper and/or lower longitudinal reinforcing members, or separate wire or other tension members incorporated in the concrete part of the structure, may be pre-stressed if desired. The improved beam according to the invention is of particular utility for use in combination with floor or ceiling slabs according to Patent Specification No. 750,146. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment hereinbefore described For example, the web portion of the section may be encased in concrete to form a concrete web portion which may be formed with holes in intervals for lightness and may be provided with buttresses incorporating the reinforcing members of inverted V or U formation connecting the top reinforcing member and the outer reinforcing members in the bottom part of the section.

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* GB786205 (A)

Description: GB786205 (A) ? 1957-11-13

Improvements in submarine electric cables


PATENT SPECIFICATION 71 Inventors: -ARTHUR LENNOX MEYERS and ERNEST HAROLD PULL. Date of flling Complete Specification: Feb 6,1956. Application Date: Nov 4, 1954 No 31973/54 Complete Specification Published: Nov 13, 195,1. Index at Acceptance:-Class 36, A 1 C. International Classification:-H Olb. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. Improvements in Submarine Electric Cables. We, SUBMARINE CABLES LIMITED, a Company organised under the laws of Great Britain, of 22 Old Broad Street, London, E.C 2, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- Submarine electric communication cables of the well-known coaxial type comprise a centre conductor, an extruded insulation normally of a polyethylene compound, -a series of copper tapes which form an outer or return conductor, protective wrappings and finally wire armour. A normal construction for the outer conductor is a layer of long lay copper tapes, for example, six in number, applied directly to the surface of the insulation and forming substantially a closed cylinder surrounding it, over which structure is applied a short lay copper binding tape, for example, of width 1 " 3 and thickness 0003 or O 004 inch. It has in the past been the practice to apply directly over this copper binding tape an overlapping impregnated and coated fabric tape for the triple purposes of adding mechanical strength, of limiting undesirable electrolytic action between the copper tapes and the armour wires, and of adding protection to the insulation This impregnated and coated fabric tape prevents excessive electrolytic

action between the copper tapes and the galvanised steel armouring wires by interposing a barrier of appreciable electrical resistance, thereby limiting the flow of electrolytic currents in the sea water which penetrates into the outer layers of the cable. It is valuable as a protection of the insulation because it is highly desirable that tarry compounds used in the superimposed protective jute servings should not be in direct contact with the insulation The copper lPrice 3 s 6 d l structure referred to above is already a good barrier, but with the addition of a well overlapped fabric tape complete protection is assured. There is, however, a serious disadvantage in the present practice of using a fully impregnated coated fabric tape, viz that this tape acts as a partially effective water barrier, very much delaying the ingress of water to the surface of the insulation When the copper tape structure is only partially wetted by fresh or salt water, the normal power factor of the cable insulation is increased by a partial or high resistance contact between it and the copper tapes When the cable is fully wet, down to the surfaces of the insulation, this extra source of loss disappears. From the above explanation it will be realised that if a fully impregnated and coated fabric tape is applied with an overlap, the electrical characteristics measured shortly after manufacture are not the same as will be eventually realised when sea water has completely soaked through the fabric tape This is a great disadvantage in that accurate measurement of final characteristics cannot be made for many months after the cable is manufactured, nor can it be determined whether the expected characteristics of the insulation have been obtained in the finished product. To obviate this disadvantage, in accordance with the present invention, for the fabric tape above referred to is substituted a fabric tape which is prepared by being impregnated and coated on one side only. With this tape the feature of mechanical strength is retained; and there is still an appreciable (though somewhat reduced) resistance barrier between copper tapes and armouring wires, sufficient to limit undesirable electrolytic action Since, however, one 169205 side and the edges of the tape are uncoated, water readily passes from the outside by way of the overlapping edges down to the surfaces of the insulation, quickly stabilising the electrical characteristics. The tape above-mentioned can be applied with the coated side either innermost or outermost-the latter arrangement having been found most effective. According to a further feature of the invention a plurality of tapes is used, of which only one is impregnated, the-edgesof the impregnated

tape being separated by a non-impregnated tape. 13 The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: _ Figure 1 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a submarine cable partly constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, and having a single impregnated fabric tape applied over the copper binding tape of the outer conductor. Figure 2 is a detail section of another embodiment of the invention. Referring to the drawing there is shown a communication cable of the coaxial type comprising a central conductor and a solid insulation such as polythene or polythene compound indicated generally at "A", "B" being the outer conductor which is usually built up of a number of copper tapes applied with a long lay, and held in position by a short lay copper binder tape C. On the outside of the cable is provided a layer of steel armour wire indicated at "S" beneath which is an impregnated jute serving J Separating the serving and the outer conductor "B" it is usual to provide a fabric tape which is applied with an over4 ( lap, the tape being impregnated and coated on both sides The purpose of this double sided tape is to prevent excessive electrolytic action between the copper tapes and the galvanised steel armouring wires by inter4.5 posing a barrier of appreciable electrical resistance, thereby limiting the flow of electrolytic currents in the sea water which penetrates into the outer layers of the cable. That part of Figure 1 above the centre line X-X shows an existing construction of cable having fabric tape F impregnated and provided on each side with a coating of an insulating composition, this coating being shown at D. ,5 In the arrangements shown below the axis X-X in Figure 1, in place of a tape impregnated and coated on both sides we make use, in accordance with the invention, of a single tape wound over the copper binding tape of the outer conductor which is prepared by impregnation and a coating on one side only. With this tape the feature of mechanical strength is retained; and there is still an appreciable (though somewhat reduced) resistance barrier between copper tapes and armouring wires, sufficient to limit undesirable electrolytic action It will be seen, therefore, that by reason of the edges of the tapes as shown at 2 being uncoated, the exterior surface of the tape is broken up 70 into non-impregnated areas or sections separated by impregnated areas and thus there is provided a series of water absorbent paths, indicated at 2 ', extending between the overlapping sections of the tape and along which 75 the water can seep to gain access to the copper tapes forming the outer conductor B which, throughout its length, is wholly exposed to the unimpregnated face of the fabric tape Water thus readily passes

from R( the outside by way of the overlapping edges down to the surfaces of the insulation, quickly stabilising the electrical characteristics. Thus the disadvantage inherent in employ 85 ing a fully impregnated fabric tape which prevents the infiltration of water is obviated since the cable, when immersed quickly becomes wetted down to the surface of the insulation so that the electrical charac 20 teristics are quickly stabilised and can readily be ascertained. In Figure 1 the impregnated side of the tape has been placed on the outside but if desired the impregnated and non-impreg nated sides can be reversed By arranging the non-impregnated side on the inside the wetting action is more satisfactory in that a' greater surface area of the outer conductor is wetted equal approximately to half the 1 ( O width of each tape, whereas by reversing the tape the contact area would be reduced. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2 use is made alternately of strands of impregnated and coated and non-impregnated fabric 105 tape as indicated respectively at 3 and 4. In a series of experiments, a coaxial cable, having the conventional fully impregnated and overlapped tape, was found to have an effective power factor of 0 0013 even after 110 being soaked in water for three months, while the power factor of the cable protected in accordance with this invention was stabilised, under the same conditions, at its true value of approximately 0 0004 within 115 a few days A suitable material for the coating applied to one side of the single tape, or to the whole of the impregnated tape used in the alternative construction with an unimpregnated tape, is the rubber, bitumen 120 and wax composition known under the Registered Trade Mark "Telconax". The fabric tape may consist of cotton but where greater strength is required we may make use of nylon or other woven synthetic 125 fibre.


* GB786206 (A)

Description: GB786206 (A) ? 1957-11-13

Improvements in or relating to electrically heated boilers


PATENT SPECIFICATlON 786,206 Inventors:-FREDERICK JOHN BECKET and JOHN LAMBERT RYCROFT. Date of filing Complete Specification: Dec 6, 1955. Application Date: Dec 7, 1954 No 35453/54. Complete Specification Published: Nov 13, 19, 7. Index at Acceptance:-Class 39 ( 3), H 1 J( 2: 3), H 3 C. International Classification:-H 05 b. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. Improvements in or relating to Electrically Heated Boilers. We, THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED, of Magnet House, Kingsway, London, W C 2, a British Company, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to water boilers in which heating is effected by an electric heating element or elements arranged to extend into the boiler shell. It is an object of the present invention to provide a boiler of this type which may be used safely in situations such as coal mines where inflammable gases may be present. According to the present invention, an electrically heated boiler comprises a boiler shell adapted to contaift water to be heated, a metal apparatus plate closing in a fluid tight manner an aperture in the boiler shell and supporting at least an electrical heating element extending in a fluid tight and flame proof manner through said apparatus plate into the boiler shell, a flame proof compartment defined at one end by said apparatus plate and closed in a flame proof manner by a terminal plate through which extend supply terminals for the heating element, and a further flame proof compartment one end of which is defined by said terminal plate and which is arranged to receive conductors for connecting an electric supply to said terminals. A boiler shell may be provided with a flange surrounding said aperture and the apparatus plate may be bolted to this flange. Said flanfe proof compartment may be cylindrical, a tubular member forming the body of the flame proof compartment being bolted to the

apparatus plate. The apparatus plate and the terminal lPrice. plate may define opposite walls of said flame proof compartment. The heating element may be secured in a spigoted flange which is received in a boss formed on the apparatus plate. The requirements for an enclosure to be flame proof vary according to the inflammable gas or vapour in which the apparatus is to be flame proof These requirements are set out in British Standard Specification No. 229 and they should be borne in mind when constructing apparatus for use where inflammable gas or vapour may be present. One construction of electrically heated boiler according to the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the six Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a part-sectional side elevation of the boiler; Figure 2 is a plan view of the boiler; Figure 3 is an end elevation of the apparatus plate assembly; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line A-A in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an end elevation of a terminal chamber the cover plate being broken away to show the interior of the chamber; and Figure 6 is a sectional elevation taken on the line B-B in Figure 5. The electrically heated boiler is designed for operation in coal mines, etc for producing steam for dust suppression and other purposes. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the boiler comprises a cylindrical boiler shell having a domed end 2 and an open end Around the open end is welded a flange ring 3, and the aperture in the open end is arranged to be closed by a steel apparatus plate 4, seen in Figures 3 and 4, bolted to studs 5 secured in the flange ring 3 Three electric heating elements 6 extend 786,206 through apertures in the apparatus plate 4 into the boiler shell 1 and are bolted to this plate, closing the apertures in a fluid tight and flame proof manner as described more fully below The boiler shell 1 is mounted with its longitudinal axis horizontal, and feed water enters the shell through a pipe 7 welded to the domed end 2 of the shell. Water level in the boiler shell 1 is limited automatically by a float switch housed in a separate float chamber assembly shown diagrammatically at 8 adjacent and in fluid communication with the shell 1, and a second float switch in this chamber 8 is arranged to de-energise the heating elements 6 if the water level drops below a safe level. The shell 3 is well lagged by glass wool 9 confined between the shell 1 and a surrounding metal casing 10, and steam produced within the shell 1 is led off through an antipriming dome 11 welded to the top of

the shell 1 Attached to this dome 11 are a pressure relief valve 12 and pressure gauge 13. The apparatus plate 4, see Figures 3 and 4, consists of a plane steel disc formed with an aperture for each of the three heating elements 6 and for an emergency thermal control switch 14 and two pressure control switches 15 The heating elements are of the sheathed wire type, each brazed into a gunmetal spigoted flange 16, and annular bosses 17 are welded to the apparatus plate 4 around three of the apertures to receive the elements 6 Each boss 17 is stepped internally to receive the spigot of an element flange 16, and the depth of the spigot in close contact with the step 18 of the boss 17 exceeds 1 ", the maximum clearance between the spigot and the boss 17 along this step 18 being 0 01 " A gasket 19 provided at the bottom of the step 18 of the boss ensures a fluid tight seal with the bottom of the spigot when the flange 16 is bolted to studs 20 secured around the boss 17 but is so dimensioned that it cannot reduce the length of the flame proof path between these parts to less than 1 ". The emergency thermal control switch 14 comprises a pilot electric heating element in contact with a thermostat tube, and the switch extends through the apparatus plate 4 below the normal water level in the boiler shell If the water level drops below this switch 14 then the pilot heating element causes the thermostat to operate and this is arranged to de-energise the main heating elements 6. The two pressure control switches 15 also extend through the apparatus plate 4 but above the normal water level in the boiler shell These switches are thermostats of the expanding rod pattern with the thermostat rods fitted within pocket tubes 21 which are brazed into screwed heads 22 Each pocket tube assembly is made flame proof by the threaded portion of the head 22 engaging in a tapped hole in the apparatus plate 4 to a depth of not less than 1 inch. A gasket seal 23 under the head ensures that 70 the apparatus plate 4 is steam and water tight The thermostats may be removed from their pocket tubes through the apparatus plate 4 for replacement or servicing The steam in the boiler is normally saturated 75 during operation, and the steam temperature is therefore directly proportional to the pressure and the thermostats thereby act as pressure control switches One thermostat is arranged to form the regular pressure S O conttrlof-the boiler and causes the heating elements 6 to be energised and de-energised to maintain a substantially constant pressure with the boiler The second thermostat, which is of the hand-reset type, is employed 55 i as an emergency pressure trip switch and de-energises the heating elements 6 in the event of an excess pressure being created in the boiler and which is not released through the pressure relief valve 12.

The engaging faces of the apparatus plate 4 and the flange 3 are machined to fit together and, additionally, a jointing gasket 24 is disposed in a shallow groove 25 in the machined face of the apparatus plate 4 I 5 to render the joint fluid tight With the heating elements 6 properly mounted in the apparatus plate 4 and this plate bolted to the flange ring 3 the boiler shell is effectively closed except through the feed pipe 7 which 100 is arranged to be closed by one of the float switches in the float chamber assembly controlling a magnetic valve, not shown, in the feed pipe 7, and except through the steam outlet pipe 26 leading from the anti-priming 105 dome 11 and which is arranged to be closed by a valve 27 Additional valves, not shown, are fitted in the steam outlet pipe 26 near the point at which the steam is to be utilised. During assembly the boiler shell sealed by 110 the magnetic valve and the valve 27 is subjected to an internal pressure test of 150 lb. per square inch. The apparatus plate 4, see Figures 3 and 4, also forms one end wall of a cylindrical 115 enclosure 28 adapted to constitute a flame proof enclosure, a tubular member 29 being welded to the apparatus plate 4 and the open end of the tubular member 29 having a flange ring 30 welded around it Studs 31 120 are secured in this flange ring 30 so that a terminal plate 32, see Figures 1 and 2, may be bolted on to close this open end of the cylindrical enclosure 28 This terminal plate 32 constitutes one wall of a cast aluminium 125 terminal chamber 33 seen in Figures 5 and 6, and through this wall are sealed terminal studs 34 insulated by insulating bushes 35 for connecting the external electric supply and control conductors to the heating 130 brushes (Not shown) in the terminal plate 32, and these terminals are connected to the switches in the enclosure 28. The terminal chamber and the enclosur28 are both flame proof, and access to the interior of the terminal chamber may be obtained by removing the cover plate 45 and without disturbing enclosure 28 Access to the interior of enclosure 28, for replacing a heating element 6 for example, may be obtained by removing the terminal plate 32 and without disturbing the flame proofing of the terminal chamber 33 Good access to the interior of the boiler shell may be obtained by removal of the apparatus plate 4 with the enclosure 28 and terminal chamber 33 still flame proof. elements 6 and switches A hollow boss 36 is inserted in and welded to the wall of the tubular member 29 so that the enclosure 28, when sealed by the heating elements 6 and the spigoted flange 16 being mounted in the apparatus plate 4 and the terminal chamber 33 bolted on to the flange ring 30 may be subjected to an internal pressure test of 120 lb per square inch The hollow boss is normally sealed by the

fitting of a screw threaded plug An eye bolt 38 is provided for lifting purposes A perforated metal cover 54, see Figures 1 and 2, is arranged to be positioned around the en1,5 closure 28, and the boiler in use is mounted on a support frame 55 Anodic strips 56 are mounted within the boiler shell to protect against corrosion. The cast aluminium terminal chamber 33 is in the form of a hollow box of rectangular cross-section, and one wall of the box is formed by the disc-like terminal plate 32. This plate is reinforced by radial webs 39 extending to the terminal chamber 33 from bolt shrouds 40 The opposite wall of the terminal chamber 33 is formed with seven holes through which electric conductors may extend, and a rectangular aperture, and cable sealing boxes 42 and 43 are bolted to this wall around six of these holes The seventh hole is arranged to be closed by the socket part 46 of a flame proof plug and socket assembly seen in Figure 6, and the rectangular aperture is arranged to be closed by a rectangular cover plate 45 bolted to the wall of the terminal chamber The terminal chamber 33, with the cover plate 45 and socket part 46 in position and with the cable sealing boxes 42 and 43 sealed off is subjected to an internal pressure test of lb per square inch. Electric power for the heating elements 6 is arranged to be supplied through an external supply cable 47 terminating in the plug part 48 of the plug and socket assembly. Conductors 49 in the terminal chamber are connected between the socket part 46 and the terminal studs 34, and further conductors (not shown) in the enclosure 28 are connected between the heating elements 6. Control cables 53, seen in Figures 1 and 2, for the boiler are brought in through the cable sealing boxes 42 and 43 and connected to terminals 50 Connecting blocks 51 are provided to facilitate wiring and to enable connection to be made of two relays 52 one of which may be arranged to prevent energisation of the elements 6 until the control circuit is energised and the other of which may be arranged to energise an alarm circuit if a dangerous condition arises. The terminals 50 extend through insulating


* GB786207 (A)

Description: GB786207 (A) ? 1957-11-13

Improvements in or relating to process of preparing carbonaceous material


PATENT SPECIFICATION 786,207 Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: Dec 9, 1955. No 35486/55. Application made in United States of America on April 18, 1955. Complete Specification Published: Nov 13, 1957. index at acceptance:-Class 55 ( 1), AK( 4:5 B:6 B:6 C:9:10). International Classification:-C 1 Qb. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to Process of Preparing Carbonaceous Material We, GREAT LAKES CARBON CORPORATION, a corporation organised under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, of 18, East 48th Street, New York City, State of New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of a carbonaceous product by heat treatment of a solid, bituminous material More particularly, this invention relates to a process for preparing a carbonaceous product suitable as a filteraid by heat treatment of a bituminous material normally solid at ordinary temperatures and capable of expanding on heating to plasticity. The present invention provides a threestage process for preparing a carbonaceous material from finely divided bituminous particles normally solid at ordinary temperatures and capable of expanding on heating to plasticity, comprising, in the first stage; filash-calcining the particles in gaseous atmosphere containing oxygen in an amount such that at least 10,% of the evolved combustible volatile matter remains unburned; in the second stage, separating the solids first-stage product from gaseous and vaporous products at a temperature not less than that at which substantially all of said

vaporous products remain in the vaporous state, and in the third stage, heating the solid second-stage product to remove residual volatile matter remaining on the surfaces of the particles. The most commonly used filteraid in the filtration of water and industrial liquids for the removal of finely divided colloidal and mucilaginous suspensoids involves the use of specially prepared diatomaceous earth filter: aids These are selected from particular diatom strata and their manufacture usually involves calcination at an elevated temperature with or without a fluxing agent Diatomaceous filteraids are to be contrasted with such agents as sand, pumice, gravel, etc 50 which merely effect a rough straining of the liquid leaving colloidal particles suspended in the filtrate and which cannot be classed as true filteraids Filtration with diatomaceous earth filteraids is usually carried out 55 by admixing small proportions of the powdered agent with the liquid and filtering the liquid through a medium (screen, cloth or other readily permeable support) on which the filteraid and entrained suspensoids are 60 retained while the clear liquid passes through Alternatively, or in conjunction with the practice just described, a precoat of filteraid may be built up on a filtration apparatus (rotary or plate and frame filter 65 process) and liquid passed through it to remove the suspended matter. Up to the present time the filtration of an alkaline liquid with diatomaceous earth, especially at high temperatures, has been 70 difficult and often impossible This is due to the rapid rate of solution of diatomaceous silica in the alkaline liquid accompanied by an adverse result upon the structure of the filteraid with attendant reduction in flow 75 rate Where the suspended matter in such liquids is of large particle size, resort has been had to ground, washed anthracite fines which are only about as effective as regular sand filters In the event that the suspended 80 matter is of finer particle size, use has been made of certain chars recovered from the dehydration and oxidation of "black liquors", a by-product of paper manufacture. This liquid is evaporated to recover soda ash 85 by spraying it into a kiln internally heated by combustion of solid fuels A charred product results from which the inorganic soluble chemicals are recovered by leaching with water, leaving an insoluble char which is 90 786,207 reasonably low in ash Since this is classified as a by-product it varies in quality and is also characterized by a fairly high degree of activation and friability The latter property is considered to be objectionable since the particles degrade or break down readily during handling and also due to the mechanical action of the filtration apparatus The increased amount of fines in the product sharply reduces

filtration rates thereby slowing down other depending plant operations. It is an object of this invention to provide a process for producing a carbonaceous material capable of removing finely divided colloidal and mucilaginous suspensoids when employed as a filteraid in the filtration of water and industrial liquids. It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for preparing a carbonaceous material suitable as a filteraid in the filtration of highly alkaline liquids, particularly where adsorption or solution of silica in the clarified liquor would be harmful or objectionable in subsequent operations involving the clarified liquid. It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for preparing a carbonaceous material of a special type from normally solid bituminous material. It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for preparing a uniform carbonaceous material which is granular, hard, and improved in friability resistance. The above objects as well as others which will become apparent upon an understanding of the invention as herein described are accomplished by flash-calcining in a gaseous atmosphere containing a limited and controlled amount of oxygen, a finely divided bituminous feed material normally solid at ordinary temperatures and capable of expanding on heating to plasticity; followed by separating the resulting solid particle material from the gaseous products and finally heating the separated particles t 6 remove volatile matter remaining on the surfaces of the particles. The term "flash-calcination" (first stage reaction) as used herein and in the appended claims may be defined as a method whereby finely divided particles of a suitable bituminous material are subjected to a very rapid upheat rate, estimated to be in excess of 2000 'F (particle surface temperature) per second, in a reactor maintained at a temperature of 1150 'F or higher, but sufficient to ignite the particles This rapid upbeat of the particles is conducted in the presence of air or other oxygen-containing gas (or 6 o oxidizing gas) the oxygen being present in an amount such that at least 10: of the evolved combustible volatile matter remains unburned The amount of air or oxygen present is sufficient to make the process selfsustaining while permitting expansion of the individual bituminous particles at a rapid rate but is insufficient to permit more than a minimum burning of the individual expanded first-stage product particles In general it has been observed that higher 70 temperatures may be tolerated when larger particle feed sizes are used. In a broad embodiment of the invention, finely divided bituminous feed material which is normally solid at ordinary tempera 75 tures and

which is capable of expanding on heating to plasticity, is processed in three stages In the first stage, the 'feed material is flash-calcined in gaseous atmosphere containing oxygen in an amount such that at 80 least 10 ', of the evolved combustible volatile matter remains unburned. In the second stage of the process the resulting expanded particles are separated from gaseous and vaporous products at a 85 temperature not less than that at which substantially all of the vaporous products of the first stage remain in the vaporous state This temperature will vary with the type of feed material employed and is intended to be 90 high enough to minimize condensation of the vapors on the expanded particles. In the third stage, the separated expanded particles are given a further heat treatment to remove sufficient volatile matter remain 95 ing or condensed on the surfaces of the particles to render them wettable, the term "wettable" being defined in a subsequent part of this description This heat treatment may consist of heating the particles in contact loo with oxidizing gases at a temperature sufficiently high to burn off the volatile matter remaining on the surfaces of the particles or it may consist of contacting the particles with a stream of inert gases, such as flue 105 gas, at a temperature sufficiently high to distill off the volatile matter remaining on the surfaces of the particles. The bulk density of the final product should be maintained at a value of less than I 1 C lbs/cu ft We have found that the type of product desired can best be produced where the flash-calcining temperature in the first stage is maintained at no less than about l 1150 F and no more than about 2000 SF, 1 l; the optimum temperature var Vipg with the feed size and type of bituminous material used Employment of too low a temperature will result in an insufficiently expanded product Use of too high a temperature will 12 ( result in undue shrinkage or collapse of the particles and a consequent excessively high bulk density of the product. Control of the temperature of heat treatment in the first stage is accomplished by 12 regulating the oxygen intake It has been found that the required amount of oxvcen in standard cu ft /lb of bituminous material is between about 20 and 4 O when unheated air is used as the source of oxygen Lesser 13 ( 786,207 amounts of oxygen can, of course, be used if either the feed or the air or oxygen intake are preheated or if the source of oxygen be relatively pure oxygen or oxygen enriched air, etc In any event, the oxygen should be present only in such an amount that at least of the evolved combustible volatile matter remains unburned This unburned volatile matter is largely separated from the expanded particles in the second stage separator

from which it is conveyed to some disposal point such as combustion chamber 26 illustrated in the drawing By thus limiting the burning of evolved combustible volatile matter in the first stage, reactor temperatures can be maintained sufficiently low ( 2000 'F or lower), to avoid the aforementioned shrinkage or collapse of the bituminous particles. The expanded particles obtained from the first stage will not be wettable, but in the third stage the proper heat treatment is supplied to achieve wettability This is an important feature of the invention which further distinguishes it from the prior art The three stage method of this invention results in substantially higher yields and quality than could be achieved in, for example, a single stage process in which both expansion and wettability would be sought in the one stage The process of this invention makes possible controlled expansion of the particles in the first stage and controlled heating in the third stage to obtain the desired wettability. While it is preferable that the source of heat used in each of the stages be the particle itself, it is conceivable and within the contemplation of this invention that a substantial portion of the heat may be supplied by some outside source or auxiliary fuel The most rapid upheat rates are, of course, obtained using the particle itself as the source of heat. The raw material employed in this novel process may be any finely divided bituminous material normally solid at ordinary temperatures and capable of expanding on heating to plasticity By the latter is meant the ability of the material to soften when heated through the plastic state and swell if the volatile matter of each particle is driven off at a sufficiently high rate Examples of such materials include both low volatile and high volatile bituminous coals, raw coal tar pitch coke, and coal tar pitch fortified with any of the various thermal blacks or carbon blacks In any event the processing history of the raw material selected must not include Co any heating at a temperature high enough to result in a permanently set carbonaceous structure Any raw material subjected to such temperature will not expand satisfactorily on heating to plasticity under the conditions disclosed herein. In preparing the bituminous material described above for the first stage flash-calcination operation, the material must be suitably ground or milled to produce finely divided particles This involves the use of a Ray 70 mond hammer mill, Babcock and Wilcox ring roller or other appropriate pulverizing apparatus which will reduce the bituminous material to a particle size of about 950 ' mesh and preferably about 75 to 95 % 75 mesh It has been found that the latter size of feed is to be preferred in order to produce from coal a final

carbonaceous filteraid which will have a particle size falling within the range of 5 to 140 microns, very 80 little of the product falling outside of this range We also contemplate under certain circumstances the milling and classification (by either dry or wet methods) of the bituminous feed 85 If the liquid to be filtered with the carbonaceous filteraid, whose process of manufacture is described herein, is sufficiently neutral or has a p H within the range of 6 to 8, the ash content of the filteraid product is 90 not of prime importance and it will not be necessary to select a raw material having a particularly low ash content However, as previously stated, the carbonaceous filteraid is particularly well suited for the filtration 95 of highly alkaline systems, wherein the p H will be greater than 10 and often 12 to 13. In such cases it will often be essential that the ash content of the carbonaceous filteraid produced be controlled as to composition 100 and amount by selection of the raw material to avoid solution of silica, iron or other deleterious materials In general, we have found that a bituminous material having an ash content of up to 7 %, and depending also 105 on the volatile matter content, produces a satisfactory filteraid for alkaline systems. In preparing carbonaceous filteraids by the process described herein, we have found that particularly beneficial results are to be 110 obtained by maintaining the moisture content of the raw material at a value of less than 5 % by weight Excess moisture in the bituminous material fed to the unit in which the flash-calcination is conducted necessi 115 tates vaporization of the water to a temperature above 1150 '17, or whatever reactor temperature used, which sharply reduces the rate of temperature rise of the bituminous particles Often this must be done by burn 120 ing additional fuel in the unit since excess moisture in the particles reduces the temperature of the operation to a point where the desired results are not obtained. The carbonaceous filteraid, whose process 125 of manufacture is described herein, may have a very narrow particle size distributiondepending upon the requirements of the liquid which is to be filtered For example, a product may consist of particles whose size 130 786,207 is less than 100 mesh and not muore than % 2; 10 microns; or the product may consist of particles whose size is graduated and falls essentially within the range of 5 to 70 microns Proper particle Size distribution may be obtained by air classification of either or both the feed material and the product of any stage employing means known to those skilled in the art of preparing diatomaceous earth filteraids, the product may also be wet classified Both of these operations are designed to restrict upper and lower limits with respect to the size of the particles.

A usually essential characteristic of a carbonaceous filteraid is that it be substantially completely wettable in the liquid which is to be filtered This is readily determined by placing a small quantity of the filteraid product in a sample of the liquid and agitating the liquid vigorously If the product is readily dispersed and suspended in the liquid it is said to be "wettable". A further requirement of the carbonaceous filteraid product produced by the process of our invention is that it have a bulk density of less than 25 lbs /cu ft and preferably within the range of 5 to 20 lbs/cu ft Bulk density values are determined by permitting the product to fall freely into a graduated cylinder and measuring the loose-settled volume of a given weight of the product. In addition to the foregoing definitions, the following will be useful in describing carbonaceous filteraids produced by the process of our invention:The "volatile content" of the coal and carbonaceous filteraid product, exclusive of water, is determined by a procedure which is a modification of ASTM Procedure No. D 271-48 A small sample of the coal or final filteraid product is heated to 950 C. for five to ten minutes, the difference in weight between the sample and the final product being defined as "volatile content". The "cake density" of a filteraid is measured by suspending the filteraid in water and passing the suspension through a screen or cloth filter which will render it filtered. 50) The "cake density" (lbs per cubic foot) is calculated from the volume and dry weight of the resulting filter cake. The "flow ratio" and "clarifying power" of the filtered product is obtained relative to a standard diatomaceous earth filteraid such as "DICALITE SPEEDPLUS" which is a high-grade free-flowing material extensively used in the clarification of raw sugar solutions (the word "Dicalite" is a Registered Trade Mark) Such a solution is employed as a standard in numerous industries which have filtration problems as a check against the properties or clarifying power of the filteraid. In a preferred embodiment of our invention, finely divided bituminous coal having a volatile content of between about 15 and about 20 %,, is 'lasli-calcined by entraining in an air stream ard feeding it into the top of a vertical reactor Secondary air is sup 70 plied to the reactor to give J total oxygen content of between 2 2 and about 3 5 standard cu ft lb of coal and to produce a reactor temperature between about 1350and about 1650-F The expanded solid 75 product of this first stage is then separated from the gaseous products in a cyclone collector operated at a temperature not less than that at which substantially all of the vaporous products remain in the vaporous state 8 o In the third stage, the separated particles are conveyed into the top of a

second vertical reactor Secondary air is supplied to this reactor to produce a temperature sufficiently high to burn off residual volatile matter re 85 maining on the surfaces of the particles. The foregoing preferred embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which the finely divided bituminous coal is fed into the top of pressurized feed hopper 90 12 having an agitator 13 (rotatina shaft with radial spikes) and screw feeder 14 The coal feed from screw feeder 14 is entrained in an air stream and carried to the top of a first stage reactor 15 into which it is injected pre 95 ferably through a water cooled nozzle (not shown) Secondary air is added to reactor at a position near the top of the reactor. Temperatures within this reactor are preferably between 1350 and 1650 W Blower 1 i O 24 is employed to supply both the primary and secondary air streams through valves 27 and 28, respectively The entrained product particles of reactor 15 are carried from the bottom of the reactor to cyclone 16 along 105 with gaseous and vaporous products where their separation is effected The gaseous and vaporous products are removed from the top of cyclone 16 and passed into combustion chamber 26 where they are burned Prior to 110 escape through a stack Air supplied by blower 25 and controlled by valve 32 along with fuel gasis injected into the combustion burner to effect the burnin 2 of the gases. Blower 23 is emnloved orior to normal oper 115 ation of the plant to supply fuel gas to auxiliary burners in 15 and 17 which bring the reactors up to operating temperatures. The product of the second stage operation (cyclone 16 ' is removed through seal valve 120 and carried bv an air stream supplied by blower 24 through valve 31 to the top of reactor 17 Seal valve 30 is necessary since reactor 15 and cyclone 16 are maintained under positive pressure whereas reactor 17 is 125 maintained at a negative pressure by blower 22 operating as an exhauster. Secondarv air is bled into reactor 17 through valve 33 in sufficient quantity to maintain the reactor temperature at about 130 786,207 13000 to about 2300 'F The product of reactor 17 (third stage operation) is removed from the bottom of reactor 17 and carried to collector cyclone 18 Gaseous products from reactor 17 are carried from the top of cyclone 18 to scrubber 19 having water sprays 35, 36, and 37 Sludge from scrubber 19 is deposited in sludge pot 20 from which it may be conveniently removed The final filteraid product passes from the bottom of cyclone 18 through valve 34 into a drum 21. In order to further illustrate the invention, but with no intention of being limited thereby, the following examples are set forth in which various forms of solid bituminous materials were preliminarily ground to suitable particle size, with controlled moisture content, after

which the comminuted material was processed in apparatus of the type illustrated in the drawing. The percent ash and bulk density or cake density of the resulting products were determined in accordance with the procedures previously mentioned herein The flow ratio values of the products were determined with a 600 Brix aqueous raw sugar solution at WC The flow ratio figures indicate the relative performance (rate of flow of liquid through the filter cake) of the carbonaceous filteraids as compared to a standard grade diatomaceous earth filteraid The procedure for determining flow ratio is as follows:To the raw sugar solution is added 0 3 % by weight of carbonaceous filteraid based upon the solids content of the sugar solution. The resulting liquor is passed through a one inch diameter filter for a twenty-one minute period, the pressure on the system being uniformly raised from 10 up to 40 psi at threeminute intervals ( 10 psi each) during the first nine minutes of the test The values are relative with respect to a high quality, freeflowing diatomaceous earth filteraid of the type known as "DICALITE SPEEDPLUS" which is widely used in the filtration of sugar solutions Favourable flow rate values for carbonaceous filteraids in comparison to this type of diatomaceous earth filteraid permits a prediction of the performance of the former product on other systems which are normally difficult to filter. The filtrate obtained in the above determination of flow ratio (except for that obtained during the first three minutes which is discarded) is tested optically for "transmission clarity" which is a measure of the "clarifying power" of the filteraid The values given in the examples following are relative to DICALITE SPEEDPLUS arbit6 ( O rarily given the value of 100. EXAMPLE No 1 A sample of Lillybrook No 3 Mine bituminous coal having a volatile content of 17 % and ash content of 4 3 % was milled to 75 % 200 mesh The first stage reactor 15 was preheated to a temperature of 1410 'F by burning gas supplied by gas pump 23 to auxiliary burners in the reactor A stream of the coal was then fed into reactor 15 and processing carried out as described in the 70 preferred embodiment above The feed rate was 135 lbs /hour The maximum temperature in the' first stage (reactor 15) was 15620 F The minimum temperature in the second stage (cyclone 16) was 810 'F The 75 maximum temperature in the third stage (reactor 17) was 1960 'F A satisfactory filteraid product was obtained in a yield of 50 1 % based on the dry weight of feed to the first stage The product had an ash content of 80 9.23 % by weight, a cake density of 15 9 lbs / cu ft, a flow ratio of 173, and a transmission clarity of 44. EXAMPLE No 2

An identical sample of milled coal and 85 the same processing apparatus as were used in Example No 1 were employed with slightly different reactor conditions The feed rate was 161 lbs /hour The maximum temperature in the first stage was 1605 F, 90 the minimum temperature in the second stage was 8150 F, and the maximum temperature in the third stage was 2025 'F A satisfactory filteraid was obtained in a yield of 58.0 %, having an ash content of 7 88 % 95 by weight, a cake density of 17 1 lbs /cu ft, a flow ratio of 186, and transmission clarity of 44. EXAMPLE No 3 A sample of Red Jacket bituminous coal 100 having a volatile content of 22 %, and a feed size of 750/ 200 mesh was processed as described in Example 1 using a feed rate of 131 lbs /hour, a first stage reactor maximum temperature of 14920 F, and a third stage 105 reactor maximum temperature of 20250 F. A 42 % yield was obtained having an ash content of 5 80 % by weight, a cake density of 12 3 lbs /cu ft, a flow ratio of 198, and a transmission clarity of 29 110 EXAMPLE No 4 A sample of Ditney Hill bituminous coal having a volatile content of 36 %, and a feed size of 63 % 200 mesh was processed as described in Example 1 using a feed rate of 115 lbs /hour The maximum reactor temperatures were 1639 F in the first stage and 2217 'F in the third stage A satisfactory filteraid was obtained in a yield of 30 6 % having an ash content of 10 11 % by weight, 120 a cake density of 14 9 lbs /cu ft, a flow ratio of 191 and a transmission clarity of 38. EXAMPLE No 5 A sample of Lillybrook No 3 Mine coal, milled to 75-79 % 200 mesh, was proces 125 sed as described in Example No 1 above. The feed rate was 138 Ibs /hour The maximum reactor temperature in the first stage was 1693 'F The air to coal ratio was 19 3 cu ft /lb of coal A satisfactory filteraid 130 786,207 having a bulk density of 18 5 was obtained in a yield of 70 %' b. EXAMPLE No 6 A sample identical to that used in Example No 5 above was processed in the same manner except that the 'feed rate was 124 lbs /hour and the maximum first stage reactor temperature was 1472 '1 F The air to coal ratio was 17 8 cu ft llb of coal A 690 % O yield was obtained of a good filteraid having a bulk density of 13 5. EXAMPLE No 7 A sample identical to that used in Example No 5 above was similarly processed except that the feed rate was 125 lbs /hour and the maximum reactor temperature in the first stage was 1454 'F The air to coal ratio was 17 8 cu ft /lb coal An excellent yield of 83 % was obtained of an excellent filteraid having a bulk density of 12 5.

EXAMPLE No 8 A sample of Williams bituminous coal. Seam No 6 having a volatile content of 37 % by weight and ash content of 3 %, was milled to 49 % 200 mesh and processed similarly to Example No 1 The first stage reactor temperature was 1460 'F However, instead of passing to the third stage vertical reactor, the particles from cyclone 16 were calcined in a moving bed in an oxidizing atmosphere for ten minutes at 1500 'F An excellent wettable filteraid was obtained in a yield of 37.0 % The bulk density of the product was extremely low, being 7 0 The flow ratio was 135 and the transmission clarity 69. The above described carbonaceous filteraids were found to be suitable for the filtration of alkaline lignin or sodium aluminate solutions, the latter produced by the refining of bauxite In these cases a minimum of silica pickup from the carbonaceous filteraid has been observed In all cases the flow rate and clarity properties satisfied the requirements of commercial production. For a complete understanding of our invention it is pointed out that the reactor temperatures set forth in the various embodiments of our invention are the apparent atmospheric temperatures, rather than partide temperatures, and are measured by means of thermocouples inserted into the interior of the reactors through ceramic sealed wells in the reactor walls. It is also to be understood that bitumi- -55 nous materials other than those described in the foregoing examples may be used to produce carbonaceous filteraids by our invention, provided that these materials are capable of expanding on heating to plasticity. Also other conventional types of reactors units may be employed as long as they provide the temperature and atmospheric conditions specified in the broad embodiment set forth above For example, alternative to the vertical reactor 17 described in Fig 1. one may employ a thermal fluidizing unit, an externally fired rotary kiln, or a multiplehearth furnace of the type known as the Herrschoff furnace in which the coal particles are passed progressively down through 70 the unit while being subjected to a stream of hot gases It is also to be understood that the carbonaceous filteraids produced by the method described herein may be classified (or milled and classified) by dry or wet 75 methods in order to regulate the flow rate characteristics, particle size, and particle size distribution in accordance with the requirements of the liquid to be filtered In general, a reasonable percentage of 10 micron par 80 tides will provide improved clarification where this is necessary: a minimum of 10 micron particles will greatly improve the flow rate properties of the product where clarity of the final solution is not of prime 85

importance. It is also to be understood that we do not intend to limit the uses of the products of our invention to such as filteraids The carbonaceous material produced by our 90 novel process may very well meet specifications for other uses such as, for example use as absorbent carbon material employed in liquid oxygen explosives.


* GB786208 (A)

Description: GB786208 (A) ? 1957-11-13

A device for lifting and transporting hay and like crops


COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. A Device for Lifting and Transporting Hay and like Cropse I, WILLIAM FLEMING, of The Smithy, Deanfoot Road, West Linton, Peeblesshire, Scotland, a British Subject, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement :- This invention relates to a device for lifting and transporting hay and like crops and comprising a carrier framework rockably mounted on wheels and formed partly by a plurality of spiked members or tines and a drawbar or the like attached to'the framework for attaching the latter to an agricultural tractor. A device of the above kind made in accordance with the invention is provided with means actuated by the hydraulic pressure system of the tractor for rocking the framework relatively to the wheels, these

means comprising a hydraulic cylinder and plunger and rod ideviVe operatively connected between the framework and the drawbar which is pivotally attached to the framework, and means for operatively connecting the hydraulic cylinder to the hydraulic pressure system of the tractor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the drawbar, the outer end of the plunger rod is connected to the rockable frame, and the top end of the cylinder is provided above the plunger with a port for the hydraulic fluid which port is arranged for connection to the hydraulic pressure system of the tractor. One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which :- Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views respectively showing the device in the loading and transporting positions, Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of the wheel mountings ; and Fig. 4 is a constructional detail view. The device shown in the drawings consists of a framework mounted on two wheels 10, 101 rotatably mounted respectively each on an axle stub 11 (Fig. 3), the two axle stubs being fixed respectively one at each end of a tubular axle 12. A drawbar 13 is pivotally mounted at one end between two L-shaped brackets 14 secured to the tubular axle 12, and formed at the other end with means for coupling it to an agricultural tractor 15. The rear part of the framework comprises a fork 16 consisting of five spiked tubular members or tines the inner ends of which are secured to the tubular axle 12, on the side thereof opposite to that to which the drawbar 13 is secured. The two outer spiked members are respectively connected by inclined stays 17,171 to the outer side members of the front part 18 of the frame, which consists of four tubes disposed in parallel relationship, the lower ends of these four tubes being welded or otherwise secured to the tubular axle 12, and the top ends being connected to a transverse end member 19 of channel section. In the form shown in the drawings the front part of the device is provided with a telescopic extension consisting of two tubes or rods 20,201 connected at top by a cross member 21, the two tubes or rods being slidably mounted in the two inner tubes of the framework, so as to be withdrawable therefrom when required. The arrangement is such that the front and rear parts of the framework together form an open cradle-like carrier which is rockably mounted relatively to the wheels 10,101. Means are provided for rocking this carrier relatively to the wheels. These means comprise a hydraulic tube or cylinder 22 pivotally mounted at its lower end in a U-shaped bracket 23 fixed to the drawbar 13 and a plunger and rod

device 24 slidably mounted in the cylinder 22, the rod being pivotally connected at its upper end between two L-shaped brackets 25,26 fixed to the end member 19. The rod slides between two plates 2,21 respectively welded or otherwise fixed to opposite sides of the cylinder 22 so as to project above the top end thereof. The plate 2 is formed with a semicircular groove 3 (see Fig. 4), and the rod 24 is formed with a notch 4, which when the rod is in the fully extended position is in register with the groove 3, forming therewith a circular aperture to receive a bolt 5, which constitutes a locking device and takes the strain from the rod 24 when the latter is extended. The top end of the cylinder 22 is provided above the plunger with a port for the passage of hydraulic fluid, which port can be connected by a flexible pipe connection 27 to the hydraulic pressure system of the tractor, the admission and exhaust of pressure fluid being controlled from the standard oil-pressure valve of the tractor. By suitably admitting pressure fluid into the cylinder 22 the plunger and rod 24 are forced down into the tube, from the position shown in Fig. 1 into the position shown in Fig. 2, whilst on subseauently exhausting the pressure fluid the rod 24 is moved out of the hydraulic tube under the weight of the tines and any load carried thereby, and the frame is swung back in the opposite direction so that the outer ends of the tines drop into a position approximately parallel with the ground, as shown in Fig. 1. A semi-circular ground rest 28 is fixed to the lower surface of the drawbar 13 at the end thereof remote from the wheels to enable the drawbar to pass over stone and like obstructions during travel. A device made according to the invention is intended more particularly for lifting and transporting small hay ricks such as can pass through farm gates, i. e. gates which do not exceed 8ft. in width or diameter, but is in no way limited in this respect. Assuming the device is to be used for transporting such a small hayrick the operation is as follows :- The device with the framework in the position shown in Fig. 2 is brought by the tractor to which it is coupled to the hayrick to be transported, with the pointed ends of the tines adjacent to the side of the hayrick. Pressure in the hydraulic tube is relieved and the tines drop approximately to ground level, whereupon the tractor is driven in order to drive the tines under the hayrick. Pressure fluid is now admitted into the hydraulic cylinder to rock the framework into the position shown in Fig. 2, thereby lifting the tines together with the hayrick off the ground, whereupon the hay drops into the carrier constituted by the two parts of the framework in which it is retained whilst it is being transported by the tractor to a new

site. On the new site the fressure is again relieved, the hay drops with the tines, and is deposited on the ground when the tractor is driven in the forward direction. When the height of the hayrick makes it desirable the telescopic extension 20,21 is extended by hand. In the constructional form above described the plunger rod has a diameter of li-and the hydraulic cylinder has an internal diameter of 2i-"". The drawbar is made of steel and has a cross-section of 4 x 2 x li-inches. The overall width of the device including the wheels is approximately 7'6", and standard fittings are used for operating the plunger.


Health & Medicine

5796 5800.output