The Mechanical Handling and Storing of Material

350 THE MECHANICAL HANDLING OF MATERIAL represent the Brown hoisting and automatic distributing gear applied to the new furnace of Palmer’s Shipbuilding Co. at Jarrow. So completely automatic is this arrangement that one man can completely control the hoist. The inclined structure is built entirely of steel. All the bearings of the rotating parts are of the dust-proof pattern, fitted with large and easily accessible oil cells. The mineral distributor is substantially built of cast iron, and is actuated by a pinion keyed on a shaft which, by a suitable gearing and clutch, is connected with the main hoisting machine, and this in such a way that when the bucket is ascending the clutch is out of gear. When, however, the bucket is descending, the clutch is thrown Figs. 490 and 491. Furnace Hoist of the Palmer Shipbuilding Co., Jarrow-on-Tyne. in gear, and turns the distributor several degrees. The proportions of the bucket are such that four full loads constitute a charge. 7 he capacity of the bucket is 120 cub. ft., and the hoist equipment is capable of handling 1,300 tons of material per day. The bucket is built of steel plates, elliptical in section, and is fitted with a false steel plate lining on the inside, so arranged as to be easily renewable. I he hoisting engine is of non-reversible type, with double cylinder, 12 in. in diameter, with 15-in. stroke, and is equipped with hand friction brake and a powerful friction clutch. In order that the hoist operator may at any time be able to ascertain the exact