Method and apparatus for replacing pallet cars on a traveling grate machine

Abstract

An apparatus and method for changing pallet cars on-the-fly in a traveling grate machine which includes spaced-apart drive sprockets positioned at one end of intermediate curved end portions for engaging and driving the supporting rollers of the pallet cars and for causing movement of the pallet cars along the top and bottom strands of the machine. The apparatus for changing pallet cars includes first hinged sections of outer guide rails located at the drive sprockets adjacent to the bottom strand of guide rails. The first sections of hinged guide rails are moved from a locked position to an open position whereby in the open position a selected pallet car requiring replacement is removed from the drive sprocket means and outer guide rails as the drive sprocket continues to turn. Second hinged sections of outer guide rails arc provided at the top of the drive sprocket adjacent to the upper strand of guide rails. The second hinged sections of outer guide rails are selectively moved from a locked position to an open position whereby in the open position a replacement pallet car is inserted on the sprocket means and against the inner guide rails in a position previously occupied by the aforementioned first pallet car as the drive sprocket rotates. The second hinged sections of outer guide rails are then moved back into the locked position. The procedure is repeated as necessary to replace damaged or otherwise worn pallet cars requiring maintenance.