Reduction kiln having a controllable distribution system

A rotary ore reducing kiln comprising an elongated cylindrical chamber having a charge to be reduced contained therein;

• a nozzle supported by said kiln in fluid communication with said chamber, said nozzle rotating with said kiln and alternately passing beneath and above said charge;
• first and second fuel and air conduit means supported on the exterior of said kiln;
• valve means associated with said nozzle and said conduit means operable to selectively and alternately connect said first and second conduit means to said nozzle;
• a cam plate supported on said kiln and having at least first and second cams located in axially spaced planes operatively connected to said valve means for selective operation thereof;
• at least first and second trip means supported in axially spaced planes about said kiln for selective engagement by said first and second cams respectively as said kiln rotates, said cams and said trip means being arranged to operate said valve means to selectively and alternately connect said first and second conduits to said nozzle, said cams and said trip means being arranged whereby each cam must sequently engage its associated trip to index the other cam to engage its associated trip;
• and means connected to one of said trip means operable to selectively move said one trip means into and out of position for engagement by its associated cam whereby said valve may be positioned to continuously connect one of said conduit means to said nozzle.