Abstract: A process for feeding solid industrial and special waste to combustion installations. The waste materials are separated from the combustion chamber by a lock system, are comminuted and homogenized in an inert-gas atmosphere.

Abstract: In a coal-fired power plant having an exhauster fan for delivering coal/air flow through a discharge chute to a combustion chamber and further having a riffle box in the discharge chute, a mixing device located in the discharge chute between the exhauster fan and the riffle box for causing heavy and light distribution regions of the coal/air flow from the fan to converge upstream of the riffle box, thereby mixing them into a more homogeneous flow. In a preferred form, the device comprises a plurality of concentric, inwardly-angled rings located in the discharge chute to cause the heavy and light distribution regions of coal/air flow to converge after passing through the rings.

Abstract: An animal carcass incineration process comprising the steps of: providing a large hopper with a large spring loaded trap door at the top, a series of stationary and rotating blades in the center and a second set of spring loaded doors below. The hopper features a double walled construction which serves to keep the blade drive gears and rollers away from the carcasses as they are being processed through the rotating blades. The carcass hopper blade assembly incorporates a slide out drawer allowing the entire unit to slide out for maintenance and cleaning. A ramp is provided that leads to the top of the hopper to allow a rendering truck to dump carcasses directly into the hopper. A large pipe is provided with an opening beneath the bottom of the hopper and includes a hydraulically driven auger for forcing the shredded carcasses upward along the pipe. A very hot exhaust gas pipe is vented into the auger pipe and is used for removing moisture from the carcass to be burned.

Abstract: An apparatus burns tires in a horizontally rotating combuster. The tires are loaded into a rotating combustion chamber through a traveling air lock and burned until they are reduced to ash. Combustion is enhanced by tumbling the burning tires in the rotating chamber while adding preheated draft air. The intake draft air is controlled using thermal expansion of the rotary combustion chamber to activate the draft control valve. The inner surface of the chamber is tapered in order to prevent unburned debris from advancing prematurely; however, angled flights, positioned along the inner surface, cause the residual ash to advance with each successive revolution of the combustion chamber. The resulting combination of gases and ash are then forwarded to an afterburner for completion of the combustion and disposal of the ash.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooperation with an associated coal burning furnace which includes a Y-shaped distributor body having one inlet and first and second outlets and a splitter disposed in the body for dividing flow between the first and second outlets. The splitter has a generally V-shaped contour and the splitter comprises a base on the housing and a liner assembly mounted on the base. In some forms of the invention the liner assembly has a surface that is harder than the surface of the housing and the housing includes a removable access panel. The access panel may be dimensioned and configured to allow passage of the liner assembly into and out of the housing. The liner assembly may comprise an outer shell having at least some foamed material disposed therein and may include anchoring means disposed in the foamed material.

Abstract: A preheater in an incineration system consists of: a first opening through which refuse is input; a second opening which is formed under the first opening and communicates with an incinerator; a heat flow passageway which is formed between the first and second openings, and passes the heat generated by the incinerator; and a receiving unit between the two openings which rotates the refuse in the heat flow passageway.

Abstract: A burner tip having a converging portion with a multiplicity of ports. The ports are sized and positioned so that a substantially constant ratio is maintained between any selected cross-sectional flow area within the converging portion and the sum of the port areas downstream from that cross-sectional flow area, thereby maintaining a substantially constant pressure within the tip. A disk is positioned at a downstream portion of the converging portion to flatten the flame.

Abstract: The fuel is fed into a circulating fluidized bed steam generator using a feed system involving an air swept chute using secondary combustion air to suspend and carry the fuel into the fluidized bed combustor. The fuel is fed to the air swept chute through a gravity feed chute at a steep angle. The air swept chute is lined with an abrasion resistant material.

Abstract: A solid material delivery system for a furnace which melts the solid material has a delivery tube located at least partially within the furnace which is mounted by a rotor assembly for selective radial positioning in the furnace over a crucible in the furnace. The rotor assembly is constructed to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction caused by the furnace so that free movement of the delivery tube is achieved at all operating temperatures. The rotor assembly is also constructed to prevent jamming caused by particulate solid material in the rotor assembly. The delivery tube is formed so that flowable solid material will flow in a controlled fashion but without clogging to an outlet. The delivery tube and outlet are shaped to drop the material in a substantially columnar stream into the crucible.

Abstract: A fire grate has tensioning devices (3) inserted in recesses (2) of an oven wall (1), with each device acting upon one grate side plate. The tensioning device (3) includes a cylinder (4) inserted into the oven wall, a hollow piston (7) guided therein and a spring (26), which can be adjusted in its tension. The grate side plate has a carrying plate (12) directly fastened to the piston bottom (10) with a grate border plate (13) suspended, or hanging, on the carrying plate (12). The piston (7) has diameter and length dimensions such that it can support and guide the grate side plate without further guiding devices. Neighboring pistons (7) are connected flexibly to each other by guiding bars (36), so that the pistons (7) can influence each other reciprocally. An upper edge of the grate side plate, particularly the grate border plate (13), has a flange (17) extending toward the oven wall. The flange (17) sealingly engages an elastical seal (19), fastened onto the oven wall.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously supplying solids from a lower pressure storage reservoir to a high pressure feeder tank for use in an application such as a blast furnace employs a high pressure variable speed solids pump. A fluidizing device discharges solids in a dense phase flow to a deaerating device for deaerating the solids flow prior to entering a variable speed high pressure solids pump. A feeder tank having an outlet is connected to the outlet of the solids pump and the feeder tank is at a higher pressure than the source of the solids.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for supplying solid material such as hot carbonaceous material from a pyrolyzer or reactor to a furnace, is provided comprising providing a screw conveyor for receiving the solid carbonaceous material from the pyrolyzer or reactor preferably from above the conveyor and transporting it along its length to a vaned rotor preferably positioned on the axle of the screw conveyor preferably substantially near the end of the screw conveyor for supplying the carbonaceous material to the furnace.

Abstract: A new and improved fireplace log dispensing apparatus includes a gravity feed chute assembly for receiving a plurality of logs to be burned in a fireplace, and a log dispenser assembly, connected at a bottom of the gravity feed chute assembly, for selectively dispensing logs into the fireplace, preferably onto a grate in the fireplace. The gravity feed chute assembly includes a queue-forming assembly for arranging the plurality of logs into a queue. The log dispenser assembly dispenses one log at a time from the queue onto the fireplace grate. More specifically, the log dispenser assembly includes a number of movable partitions and a stationary wall which define a sequestering chamber for isolating one log at a time from the queue and for moving the isolated log onto the fireplace grate. The movable partitions are in the form of vanes arrayed radially around a central shaft which rotates on bearings. The movable partitions are driven by weight of the queue of logs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously feeding hazardous waste fuels having a relatively high solids content to a rotary cement kiln by delivering the fuel to a feed hopper with screw-conveyor which transfers the fuel to a filling zone where a piston pump capable of pumping a composition having a solids content of at least 40% with particle sizes up to a maidmum of 2 inches continuously charges the fuel through a conveyance tube into a feed tube which introduces the fuel into the kiln through the feed end housing.

Abstract: A biomass fuel gasification chamber, blast tube, and heat exchange chamber are interconnected horizontally and subjected to negative drawing pressure by a large variable speed chimney fan. An auger with an air lock feeds biomass fuel automatically into the gasification chamber. Fuel is moved across the gasification chamber on a partially serrated sloping grate. Three stages of fuel activity are created: anaerobic heating for pyrolysis, combustion, and incandescent charcoal oxydation for gasification. A variable speed fan, variable flue, and directional air duct and baffles control the stages with underfire air. A programmed auger in an airtight chamber removes ash automatically. In large systems a hydraulic moving wedge floor assists the fuel feeding auger and a moving sloping grate moves the fuel. A fan and long preheating duct with baffles and fins inside the gasification chamber preheat and direct air into a blast tube leading from the gasification chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering material to the interior of a kiln to be burned therein which includes a feeding mechanism which rotates with the kiln within a stationary transfer means or drum, means for delivering material to be burned to the interior of the transfer drum, said feeding mechanism including means for collecting material from the transfer drum as it rotates and said feeding mechanism including means for compressing, shredding in some applications and delivering the material to the interior of the kiln.

Abstract: For incineration of solid combustible waste a method is described according to which the waste is introduced into and incinerated in the outlet casing of a rotary kiln when brought into contact with the hot airstream flowing through the kiln. Hence a simple and cheap method for incinerating waste is obtained, since the waste is introduced through a stationary wall.

Abstract: A shredding and feeding system for an incinerator, wherein a shredding chamber is isolated from atmosphere by means of an airlock through which material to be incinerated passes into the shredding chamber. The oxygen content of the shredding chamber is maintained below a predetermined level to minimize risk of explosions and premature incineration of material.

Abstract: A chain-type fuel feeder which includes a chain conveyor that deposits coal onto a rotor which then throws the coal into a boiler-type furnace. The conveyor is driven from the shaft of the rotor by way of a novel, variable speed control assembly which includes separate, individual, totally integrated, commercially available drive units mounted on the sidewall of the feeder and exposed to ambient air so as to avoid overheating of the drive components and the problems associated therewith. The various drive components are arranged so that they are readily accessible for adjustment, repair, or replacement.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding solid material, e.g. wood in a wood-burning furnace, has a pair of rollers. The rollers are rotatably mounted, so as to be generally horizontal and substantially parallel to one another. The rollers are spaced apart to permit the solid material to fall between them. Thus, in a furnace, they are far enough apart to permit logs to fall from a store into a combustion chamber, but are also sufficiently close that, in the absence of roller motion, the material tends to bridge between the rollers. A drive is provided for rotating the rollers.

Abstract: An air intake system for a residential combustion furnace is disclosed. The air intake system comprises a membrane formed from an amorphous polymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole, the membrane exhibiting an oxygen/nitrogen selectivity of at least 1.4:1. The permeate section of the membrane is adapted to be in fluid flow communication with a combustion zone of the residential combustion furnace. The membrane preferably has an oxygen flux in excess of 100 Barrers, especially in excess of 500 Barrers. The air intake system provides oxygen-enriched air for the furnace, to make the furnace more efficient.

Abstract: A shredding and feeding system for an incinerator wherein a shredding chamber is isolated from atmosphere by means of an airlock through which material to be incinerated passes into the shredding chamber. The oxygen content of the shredding chamber is maintained below a predetermined level to minimize risk of explosions and premature incineration of material.

Abstract: A stoker assembly for a solid particulate burning stove that includes a fuel directing flange for directing the fuel to an upper combustion plate and ventilation tubes to prevent the ignition and combustion of fuel stored in remote bins. The fuel directing flange serves to prevent the solid particulate fuel from falling back into the auger conveyor and being ground into smaller particulate matter.

Abstract: A carbon-in-ash monitor uses a fluidized bed furnace to burn any carbon in sampled boiler flue ash and evolve carbon dioxide therefrom. Fluidizing gas (air) is provided to the bed a measured flow rate and a batching arrangement feeds successive batches of ash of measured mass to the furnace at a measured frequency. A CO.sub.2 monitor measures the amount of CO.sub.2 evolved to determine the carbon content of the ash. Batches are provided using a vibratory table to transport ash from a point of supply to the table and a point of delivery of ash in a stream from the table. The vibratory table is horizontal and is driven so that the mode of vibration can be selected to reverse the direction of ash transport.

Abstract: A new and improved system for feeding solid particulate material such as refuse derived fuel for burning in a combustion reactor vessel such as a boiler includes a fuel injector chute having a lower end for directing a flow of said solid particulate material into the vessel and an upper end for receiving a flow of said material. A feeder is provided having a discharge end for delivering a continuous controllable flow of said material to the inlet of the injector chute and a plurality of separate, spaced apart, vibratory feed hoppers are mounted above the feeder to supply the feeder with a steady flow of material from one or both hoppers. Each hopper is adapted for holding a reservoir or supply of said solid particulate material and is selectively controllable to provide a steady flow of solid particulate material into the feeder for delivery through the injector chute to the combustion reactor vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a combustor with viscous bulk material, particularly coal slurry, comprises two silos which are associated with at least one conveyor system, for transporting the bulk material from the silos to a plurality of fuel-feeders in the combustor. Advantageously, two conveyor systems are linked with each other so that bulk material can be distributed uniformly either from both silos or from one of the silos to all the fuel-feeders of the combustor.

Abstract: A fuel mixer and burner in which a disk with an open face is rapidly rotated within a loosely confining chamber rectangular in cross section and having aligned inlet and outlet openings. A blower delivers air at high volumes and velocities to the inlet opening of the chamber so that air flows parallel to the disk face, and fuel is directed perpendicularly against the disk face. For liquid fuels including heavy oils, the fuel is directed through a nozzle against a smooth disk face. For solid fuels, pieces of fuel are fed by an auger conveyor against a rough grinding surface on the disk. The fuel is particlized, thrown peripherally in all directions from the disk, intermixed thoroughly with air, and blown toward and through the chamber outlet opening. When ignited, the fuel-air mixture creates a flame formed about the disk that is directed out the outlet opening.

Abstract: A solid fuel feed system for a boiler in which a hopper is provided for storing the fuel and a discharge conduit is provided for discharging the fuel to the boiler. A first conveyor belt system conveys the fuel from an inlet to the hopper and a second conveyor system transfers the fuel from the hopper to the discharge conduit. A control system is provided for controlling the speed of the first conveyor system in response to the amount of the fuel in the hopper and a second control system responds to the operation of the boiler for controlling the speed of the second conveyor system.

Abstract: A particulate material fired convection heating unit including a combustion chamber, a shaped flue duct, and a fan means to draw therefrom gases and draw them through at least one convector pipe before the flue gases return and pass to a flue to be allowed to escape to atmosphere. The firebox has in association therewith a duct through which the flue gases are drawn to a free standing convector unit in which the convector pipes are situated and around which ambient air circulates to be heated to thereby heat an area in which the convector unit is situated. In an industrial, horticultural and agricultural situation the heating unit can be associated with a firebox of a particulate coal, wood, woodwaste or oil fired boiler or burner. The free standing convector unit thereof can be sited in a glasshouse or factory so that heat convected therefrom heats the ambient air in which the convector unit is sited.

Abstract: A fluidizing feed apparatus (20) for supplying particulate material to a fluidized bed furnace (12) having a housing (22) which defines a chamber which is divided by a perforated distribution plate (24) into a gas plenum (26) beneath the plate and a particulate fluidizing plenum (28) above the plate. Conveying gas is fed under pressure to the gas plenum to pass upwardly therefrom through the perforated distribution plate. The upwardly directed conveying gas fluidizes the particulate material so as to establish a discrete bed (60) of fluidized particulate material superadjacent the distribution plate (24) and a splash zone (70) thereabove. Transport conduits (14) open into the splash zone (70) at a selected distance above the surface (65) of the discrete bed (60) to receive particulate material and conveying gas therefrom for transport to the fluidized bed (16) of the furnace (12).

Abstract: A stoker construction which readily adapts to a wide variety of different sized combustion chambers, utilizing a minimum number of standarized modules. The modules may be arranged singly, or in stacked combination, around the inner perimeter of the combustion chamber wall and cooperate with the fuel supporting grate to form a baffle or movable seal. The modules provide a downwardly converging surface for containing the fuel and define an air plenum and tuyere assembly for controlled admission of overfire air to promote a robust fire and to prevent clinker and slag formation.

Abstract: A fuel feed system for feeding particulate combustible material to a stove, a heater, furnace or the like, referred to herein as heating equipment, and the same in combination with such feed system wherein the combustible material is wood, preferably wood chips. A container is provided for holding a supply of the wood chips to be burned and a cover removably mounted on the container which, during use, is sealed on the container so as to provide a sealingly closed container. The conveyor system for moving the wood chips from the container to a burner in the heating equipment includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor for moving the wood chips along respective different flow paths and a drop box between such first and second conveyors that provides a contiguous flow path along the conveyor system. A normally closed one way flow valve is located in the drop box to prevent reverse flow through the drop box from said second to said first conveyor.

Abstract: A device for supplying solid fuel to a furnace comprises a cell wheel (16) for receiving fuel portions in the cells (19) open axially. The cell wheel is rotatably mounted between two stationary end walls (12, 13) forming two openings (20, 21) facing each other, one of the end walls having an outlet socket (23) at the opening therein. A mechanism (27, 33) is provided to rotate the cell wheel step by setp, and a transfer element (50, 51) is displaceable through a cell when located between the openings, for supplying the fuel contained therein through the outlet socket to the furnace. A shut-off member (43) is provided to shut off the passage through the socket in co-ordination with the movement of the transfer element.

Abstract: A furnace having a fuel hopper in communication with a combustion chamber provided with an inclined, fuel-supporting grate. A rotary, flexible feed arm composed of a helically coiled wire serves to feed fuel from the hopper on to the grate. A draft is induced through the combustion chamber and passes through the grate and fuel supported thereon.

Abstract: A furnace having a primary heat exchange unit also providing a combustion chamber, a secondary heat exchange unit connected by an upper crossover conduit to the primary heat exchange unit, and a tertiary heat exchange unit connected by a lower V-shaped crossover conduit to the secondary heat exchange unit. A third crossover conduit connects the V-shaped crossover conduit with the primary heat exchange unit. A fly ash removal screw is located in the V-shaped crossover conduit to move fly ash therefrom through the third crossover conduit back into the primary heat exchange unit to an ash depository for removal therefrom. Vibrating means are provided between the secondary and tertiary heat exchange units to vibrate the walls thereof and dislodge clinging fly ash so that it falls into the V-shaped crossover conduit for removal by the screw conveyor. A burner assembly of the furnace includes a combustion air housing carrying a circular, stationary grate with an annular valley for carrying fuel during combustion.

Abstract: This invention concerns an automatic feed device for a solid-fuel boiler, specifically for logs of wood. The subject of the invention is an automatic feed device for a solid-fuel boiler, specifically for logs of wood, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a loader (6, 6') having means (19, 66) for receiving a load of fuel (2) to be introduced into the boiler (1) and movable between a loading point for the said load and a point of dumping at the interior of the firebox of the boiler, means (24, 26) for moving the loader, means (29, 30) for controlling the opening of the door (4) of the boiler, means (36, 37) for controlling the dumping of the fuel (2) into the firebox at the end of the course of the loader, and means (44, 58) for detecting the state of combustion at the front of the grate (3) of the boiler, and for controlling the means for moving the loader.

Abstract: A particle fuel burning furnace has an upper combustion chamber for holding a pile of particle fuel and burning the same from the bottom thereof. The furnace also includes a lower combustion chamber for afterburning combustible gases given off by the burning of solid fuel in the upper chamber and a series of spaced apart vertically-extending passageways arranged in a row and interconnecting the upper and lower chambers for communicating the combustible gases from the upper to the lower chamber. A first improved feature relates to a particle fuel delivery control device which operates an auger for filling the upper chamber with particle fuel to a desired level. A beam of light is transmitted and reflected between a photoelectric cell and reflector respectively of the device. When the particle fuel pile has grown in height during filling to the desired level the light beam is interrupted and filling is terminated.

Abstract: A method for pneumatically conveying solvent refined coal to a burner under conditions of dilute phase pneumatic flow so as to prevent saltation of the solvent refined coal in the transport line by maintaining the transport fluid velocity above approximately 95 ft/sec.

Abstract: An upwardly inclined, auger motivated stoker tube moves bio-mass pellets from a reservoir to a depending stoker nozzle through which the pellets drop onto a burning head carried in a traditional fire chamber. A relatively small orifice in the stoker nozzle aids in preventing backfire into the stoker tube. The burning head provides a convex top with peripheral rim structure to maintain bio-mass pellets in a coherent array for burning and is provided with a plurality of holes to distribute a forced air supply beneath the pellet array to aid combustion and ash removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and injecting solid fuel in particulate form into a combustion chamber (10) in measured quantities and at variable rates and intermittencies is described. The apparatus (30) is comprised of a fuel hopper (31), at least one circular disk (50) rotatably mounted with at least a portion of its circumference in communication with the fuel hopper (31). A plurality of pockets (51) are spaced apart around the circumferential periphery of disk (50) for receiving and dispensing fuel from fuel hopper (31) at rates and intermittencies corresponding to the speed of rotation of circular disk (50) and the volumetric capacity and spacing of pockets (51). Circular disks (50) are mounted on a common drive shaft (52) which is driven by a variable speed motor (54). A venturi (80) is provided for dispersing fuel into combustion chamber (10).

Abstract: A furnace having a primary heat exchange unit also providing a combustion chamber, a secondary heat exchange unit connected by an upper crossover conduit to the primary heat exchange unit, and a tertiary heat exchange unit connected by a lower V-shaped crossover conduit to the secondary heat exchange unit. A third crossover conduit connects the V-shaped crossover conduit with the primary heat exchange unit. Vibrating means are provided between the secondary and tertiary heat exchange units to vibrate the walls thereof and dislodge clinging fly ash so that it falls into the V-shaped crossover conduit for removal by the screw conveyor. A burner assembly of a furnace includes a combustion air housing carrying a circular, stationary grate with an annular valley for carrying fuel during combustion. A central opening is connected to a fuel conveyor for introduction of fuel to the grate through the lower portion of the housing.

Abstract: A furnace for burning dry or wet wood waste products such as hogged bark and the like is provided with a grating therein comprised of aligned rows of bricks resting on supporting cross beams, with at least some of the rows of bricks maintained a uniform distance from other rows of bricks by spacers disposed between such spaced-apart rows of bricks. The furnace is charged by turbulent air entering both above and below the grating, with a select portion of such air being pre-heated. A temperature gradient is established between an area immediately beneath the grating and the area above the grating in the range of 2200.degree. F. and can be controlled by selected initial placement of the bricks and spacers to achieve an optimum cross sectional area for flow of heated, turbulent air through the grating to produce a temperature for efficient heating, drying and burning of wood waste products in an essentially pollution-free manner.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed system for feeding coal or a coal-limestone mixture into a fluidized bed combustor, a perforated horizontal distributor plate dividing the chamber into upper and lower chamber sections, means for feeding solid fuel particles into the upper chamber section, a source of high velocity gas connected to the lower chamber section and passing through the plate into the upper chamber section for entraining the particles, means for heating the high velocity gas before it is introduced into the upper chamber, an entrainment section defined by converging upper sides of said fuel feeding chamber, and a stream splitting section disposed above said entrainment section and connected to a plurality of pneumatic transport lines each penetrating the distributor plate of a fluidized bed combustor and terminating in an outlet feedport.

Abstract: In an automatic boiler having an internal hopper, a regulator plate 12 controls the flow under gravity of fuel to the firebed. For small particled fuel in particular the plate is provided with a torque 23 which causes a central thinning of the firebed. Thus, a centrally disposed shallow firebed is formed so that primary air can rapidly break through at this point to burn off volatile gases as they are distilled and cause ignition over the whole firebed.

Abstract: A coal feed system for use in a fluidized bed combustor in which a grate is supported in a housing and is adapted to support a bed of particulate material including a combustible fuel. Air is passed through the grate and into the bed to fluidize the particulate material. The particulate fuel material is separated externally of the bed into a relatively coarse material and a relatively fine material. The fine material is agglomerated and it, along with the coarse material, is passed to a distributor which distributes the material onto selected areas extending across the upper surface of the bed.

Abstract: A method of metering underfire air for increasing efficiency and reducing particulate emissions from wood-fire, spreader-stoker boilers is disclosed. A portion of the combustion air, approximately one pound of air per pound of wood, is fed through the grate into the fuel bed, while the remainder of the combustion air is distributed above the fuel in the furnace, and the fuel bed is maintained at a depth sufficient to consume all oxygen admitted under fire and to insure a continuous layer of fresh fuel thereover to entrap charred particles inside the fuel bed.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for feeding pulverized coal into a reactor of a high pressure coal gasification system is disclosed. The coal is pulverized and fed by conventional means into a hopper wherein that coal is mechanically pumped, by a modified screw which compacts the coal and releases entrained air and gases from that coal, to an impeller which serves to centrifugally sling the coal at high velocity into the reactor. Gases of the required type, pressure and quantity are combined with the coal at the point at which the coal is slung from the impeller in such a manner that the coal sufficiently dispersed and mixed with those gases and in proper form for gasification.

Abstract: A ram is connected to reciprocate its free end up to or into a reinforced aperture in the bottom of one side wall of a wood receiving container to break wood positioned therebetween and push it through the aperture into a feed duct that is connected at its opposite end to the fire chamber of a furnace. The bottom of the container has a higher region and a lower region that is positioned adjacent the aperture and transverse of the ram and which extends either approximately horizontal or inclined downwardly away from both sides of the ram. Pusher flaps with actuating devices are pivotally connected to push material across the regions of the bottom toward the path of the ram and a member pivoted on the side-wall above the aperture is actuated to press material downwardly into the ram path in front of the aperture.

Abstract: A coal feed system for use in a fluidized bed in which a grate is supported in a housing and is adapted to receive, on its upper surface, a bed of particulate material including a combustible fuel. Air is passed through the grate and into the bed to fluidize the particulate material. The particulate fuel material is separated externally of the bed into a relatively coarse material which is distributed over the upper surface of the bed and a relatively fine material which is distributed into the bed below the upper surface.

Abstract: A heating device such as a fireplace has a fire box with an opening in one side and an arrangement for feeding long logs, at least two at a time parallel with one another, through the opening. The device includes an enclosure for the logs and may include a jacket around at least part of the fire box through which the enclosure extends.