US2007109A - Loading machine - Google Patents

Description

July 2, 1935. A. HAUGE LOADING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 s? .q 0% www Filed June 20, 1931 July 2, 1935. A. HAUGE v 2,007,109

LOADING MACHINE Filed June 20, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 2, 1935. A; HAUGE 2,007,109

LOADING MACHINE Filed June 20, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 I 9 "Hum 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 A. HAUGE LOADING MACHINE Filed June' 20, 1931 July 2, 1935.

A. HAUGE LOADING MACHINE July 2, 1935.

Filed June 20, 1951 7 SheetsSheet 5 4 9 I an A $3 u 1 m W E g Q A R I kg 2. g i .EFQN O O O O O m s 1w W 2% mm E Q as g R 1 m Q $1 m F :-:A o O o Q; m n m July 2, 1935. A. HAUGE LOADING MACHINE Filed June 20, l93l 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 v M m m July 2, 1935. A. HAUGE LOADING MACHINE Filed June 20, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 5 mm wmw ww 2/ UNITED y STAT ES :PATENT- OFFICE i 7 LOADING MACHINE -A ndrew Hauge, Claremont, N. H., assig nor to Sullivan Machinery Companyqa corporation of 7 Massachusetts This invention relates to loading machines and more particularly, but not exclusively, to

improvements in machines similar materials, in mines.

for loading coal or An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal loading machine.

Another object is to provide an improved coal loading ma chine of the track supported and guided type adapted to operate iromthe mine trackway. A further" objectis to provide improved material gathering means for such a machine and improved means for driving the material gathering means. A still further object of this invention is to provide improved conveying means. for such a' machine. A still further object is to provide. improved conveying means having associated therewith improved material gathering means and improved means for adjusting the conveying means relative to the 'main body of the machine to vary the loading position of the gathering means'with respect to the material to be gathered" and loaded thereby. Another object is to provide, in a machine of the'above'character, improved means for horizontallyjswinging the rear discharge conveyor and for vertically tilting the discharge end of the rear conveyor. A still further object is to provide an improved swivel mounting for the front'and rear conveyors of such; a machine.

These and other objects and advantages o-fthe invention will, however, appear.

hereinafter more fully 1 In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes of illust ration one form and a modification thereof which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of bodiment of the improved the illustrative; em-. loading machine.

-Fi'g. 2 is a side elevational View of the machine shown in Fig. l. r

Fig. 3 is a horizontal s substantially on'line 3-3 ectional view taken of Fig. 2 and illusmechanism. 1

Fig. 5' is a plan View of the control means shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view, with parts shown in plan, taken B6 of Fig; 2.

substantially on line Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a transverse ve rtical sectional view Application June 20,1931, Serial No. 545,659 a 8 Claims. (01. 198- 8) taken substantially'on line ii-8- of Fig. 7, with parts omitted. I Y

Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view'taken sub stantially' on line 9 9 of Fig. 7., I

Fig. 1.0 is a'detail sectional view taken sub stantially online ill-Fill of Fig. 7. s

Figfll is a transverse vertical, sectional view taken on line lI-Q-l l of Fig. 10. s

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional View, with parts shown in plan, takensubstantially .on line l 2l2 of Fig. 2/ v v i Fig. 13 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line l3-I3 ofFig.12.'

Fig.1 14 is ahorizontal sectional view illustrating the improved driving and swinging means for the rear conveyor, the. section being taken substantially on line M -H5 f Fig. 15.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 14. r ,Fig. 16 is a detailview taken substantially on line Iii-16 ofFig. 15.

Fig. 17 is. a fragmentaryside elevational view of a modified form of thedriving and swinging means for the rear conveyor and the power op.- erated tilting means for the rear conveyor.

Fig. 18. is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line l8 l8 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line lit-l9 of-Fig. 18.,

Figs. 20 and 21 are detail views illustrating the clutch controlmeans. I

Figs. 2 2 and 23 are detail views illustrating the control handle for the controlling clutches for the driving, swinging and tilting means forthe rear conveyor.

Fig. 24 is avertical sectionalview taken substantially on. line 24-24 of Fig. 19. j

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there is shown a coalloading machine of the track supportedv and guided type, adapted to operate on the mine trackway and generally comprising a main frame or body I mounted through usual spring axle mountingson wheels 2 adapted to run along, a mine trackway 3. Mountedon the main frame I is a frontelevating conveyor 4 and a rear discharge conveyorfi,

and the rear discharge conveyor 5 are mounted on the main'frame of the machine for adjustment relative thereto in horizontal and vertical directions in an improved manner, as hereinafter described, and the front elevating conveyor and its associated gathering mechanism and the swinging and tilting means for the front conveyor are driven from a motor 1, while the driving and swinging means for the rear discharge conveyor are driven by a second motor 8. The transmission mechanism for driving the support wheels 2 is driven by a third motor 9. The gathering mechanism 8 gathers the material to be loaded and moves the material onto the shovel ID of the front elevating conveyorv 4. From this shovel the material is conveyed rearwardly by the front conveyor to discharge onto the rear discharge conveyor 5, the latter in turn discharging into a mine car placed beneath the discharge end of the rear conveyor in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The support wheel driving transmission mechanism effects propulsion of the machine along the mine trackway during transport of the machine about the mine and during the loading operation.

Now referring to the support wheel driving means for propelling the machine along the mine trackway, it will be noted that the motor 9, which is herein preferably of the electric type, is arranged at the rear end of a frame 9 with its power shaft horizontally and transversely disposed. The frame 9 is journaled at its opposite sides on the rear support wheel axle and is pivotally connected at I to the main frame thereby forming a three point suspension for the frame 9. As shown in Fig. 3, fixed to one end of the motor power shaft is a sprocket H! which drives, through a multiple chain connection l3, a sprocket l4 keyed to a horizontal shaft 5 extending transversely of and suitably journaled within the frame 8*. As illustrated, forward feed of the machine is effected by a frictionally controlled planetary transmission mechanism comprising a spur gear l8 keyed to the shaft l5 and meshing with planet gears l1, l1 journaled on stub shafts l8 carried by a rotatable casing l9. Secured to a rotatable casing 20 is an internal gear 2| with which the planet gears l1 mesh, and the casing I9 is keyed to the hub of a chain sprocket 22. The rotatable casing 2|! and sprocket 22 are suitably rotatably supported by the shaft I5, and the sprocket is connected by an endless chain 23 to a sprocket 24 fixed to the rear support wheel axle. The front and rear support wheel axles are connected in driving relation by a chain and sprocket connection 25, as shown in Fig. 1. The external periphery of the casing 20 is annularly grooved at 26 to form a friction braking surface with which a brake band 21 cooperates. It will thus be seen that when the casing 20 is held against rotation by the brake band 21, the support wheels may be driven at a transport speed from the motor 9 through the chain and sprocket connection I2, l3, I4, shaft l5, planetary gearing l6, l1, 2|, rotatable casing l9and the chain and sprocket connection 22, 23, 24. It will also be seen that by slipping the brake band 21, the speed of the support wheel drive may be reduced and that the speed may be regulated by the brake band 21 to effect drive of the support wheels at a loading speed. The reverse mechanism for driving the support wheels to propel the machine in the reverse direction comprises a spur gear 28 keyed to the shaft l5 and meshing with spur gears 29, 29 journaled on studs 30 carried by a rotatable member 3| rotatably supported by the shaft IS. The gears 29, 29 mesh with an internal gear 32 secured to a rotatable casing 33 keyed to the hub of the sprocket 22. The external periphery of the member 3| is annularly grooved at 34 to provide a friction braking surface for a brake band 35. It will thus be seen when the member 3| is held stationary by the brake band 35, the support wheels are driven in the reverse direction, at a slightly higher speed than the forward feed above described, through the gearing 28, 30, 32, rotatable casing 33 and chain and sprocket connection 22, 23, 24. This reverse speed may obviously be varied simply by slipping the brake band 35. To provide braking means for the support wheels, the rotatable casing 33 is annularly grooved at 36 on its external periphery to provide a friction braking surface with which a brake band 31 cooperates. When the brake band 31 is applied, the casing 33' is held against rotation, and since the casing 33 is connected directly to the support wheels through the chain and sprocket connection 22, 23,24, rotation of the support wheels may be prevented.

The, operating means for the brake bands 21, 35, 31 will now be described. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, keyed to a transverse operating rod 38 is a-double foot pedal 39. Also keyed to the rod 3!} is a crank 40 connected through a pivoted link 4|, in turn connected to one arm of a bell crank 42 pivotally mounted on a transverse rod 43, herein arranged parallel with and above the rod 38, as shown in Fig. 4. The other arm of the bell crank 42 is connected by a rod 44 to a lever 45 pivotally connected to the ends of the brake band 21. Also keyed to the rod 38 is a crank 46 connected by a pivoted link 41 to one arm of a bell crank 48 likewise pivotally mounted on the rod '43. The other arm of this bell crank is connected by a rod 49 to a similar lever pivotally connected to the ends of the brake band 35.- As shown in Fig. 5, the bell cranks are made in two parts having relative movement, thereby forming a lost motion connection, and as a result, when one bell crank is turned to apply its brake band, the parts of the other bell crank move relatively to prevent excessive movement of its brake band toward released position. It will thus be seen that when the pedal 39 is pressed downwardly in one direction, the brake band '21 is applied while the brake band 35 is released, and when the pedal is pressed down in the opposite direction the brake band 21 is released and the brake band 35 is applied. The operating means for the support wheel brake comprises a lever 50 fixed to the rod 43 and operating a crank 5| also fixed to the rod, and this crank is connected by a brake rod 52 to a lever, similar to the lever 45, pivotally connected to the ends of the brake band 31. It will thus be seen that the machine may be propelled forwardly and rearwardly along the mine trackway under the control of the brake bands 21 and 35 and that the support wheels may be braked by suitable application of the brake band 31.

The front elevating conveyor 4 is driven from the motor 1 which is herein carried by the horizontally swingable frame 53 of the front conveyor, and the power shaft of this motor is herein horizontally and transversely disposed. Fixed to one end of the motor power shaft is a sprocket 54 connected by a multiple chain connection 55 to a sprocket 56 keyed to one end of a horizontal shaft 51 herein arranged parallel with the motor shaft advance of theLIatter. and suitably journaled within the conveyor frame'53. Connected to the shaft 51 at its opposite end by a friction clutch 58 of "a usual design is a spur pinion 59, the friction clutch 58 being set at a predetermined load to slip automatically upon a predetermined load. .The pinion 59 meshes with 'a spur gear 55 keyed to one end of a horizontal shaft, 5I1arranged parallel with and in advance of the shaft 5'! and likewise suitably journaled within the conveyor frame. 53. .Keyed to the opposite end of the shaft GI is aspur gear 62 meshing with a spur gear 63 keyed to a horizontal shaft 64 herein arranged parallel with and above the shaft 6i, and likewise suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 53. Fixed to the shaft-54 adjacent the opposite ends thereof are sprockets 65, 55 which engage and drive the endless side chains 65, 56 of the front elevating conveyor 4. These side chains are mounted in suitable guideways formed in the conveyor'frame 53 and in a vertically tiltable conveyor frame 5'? pivotally connected at 68 to the forward portion of the conveyor frame 53, and [these side chains are connected by transverse scraper bars 69 which slide: along the bottom plates I0, lI of the front and rearxconveyor frames 61:. and 53 respectively to move the material to be loaded, when the side chains are driven, along the bottom plates of the frames 'to discharge onto the rear conveyor 5 of the machine.

The improved gathering mechanism, 3- comprises a pair of gathering devices 12,113 and 35- ber I4 havingguidedlaround its margin an endeach of these devices consists of a frame memless gathering chain 15, the gathering chains moving in their orbits in planes; parallel and adjacent to the inclined surface of the shovel Ill to move the material over the inclined shovel surface onto thefront conveyor 4; Connected to each of the gathering chains I5 is a plurality of blocks 'I6',herein four, and pivotally mounted at ll on each of these blocks is'a holder '18 each having a rearwardly'projecting arm 19 engaging the endless chain' l5 in the manner shown in Fig. 12. '.Three ofthe holders 18 have formed therein sockets to detachably receive gather ing tools 8I:held.in positionwithin the sockets by set screws 82, while the fourth holder has detachably'secured thereto an upstanding pick member 83 for engaging and breaking down the material and dragging the material over the shovel Ill onto the front conveyor I. The gathering devices 12, I3 are herein arranged at opposite sides of the shovel ID in the manner.

shown in Fig. l and the gathering tools of the gatheringdevices swing outwardly, as the gathering chains move" in their orbits, in advance of the shovel to dig into the material and sweep the material onto the shovel ID in an" improved manner. Themeans for driving the gathering devices herein comprises, as i shown in Fig. 9, a spur gear 85 meshing with the spur gear'53 of theconveyor, driving. means, and this gear 85 is' connectible by a sliding pin' clutch 86 to a chainsprocket 8'! keyed to one end of a hori zontal shaft 88, this shaft herein arranged parallel with the shaft 64 with its axis coincident with the pivotal axis 68 of the tilt-able frame Bl of the front conveyor. The pin clutch 86 is normally held in its connected position by a coiled spring 89 and for releasing the clutch there is provided a collar with which a pivoted shipper yoke 9| cooperates. The shipper yoke;9.l is provided. with asuitable operating handle 92. Referring to Figs. 6 and 9, keyed to the opposite end of the shaft 88 is a similar chain sprocket 93, and the chain sprockets 81 and 93 are connected through endless chains 94, 94 (see Fig. 12) to sprockets'95, 95 connected to and driving chain sprockets 95, 95. The sprockets 96, 96 are suitably rotatably mounted on horizontalshafts 91, 91 supported within the opposite sides of the tiltable conveyor frame Bland are connected by endless chains, 98, 98 toi sprockets 99 fixed to horizontal shafts Illil. Fixed to the shafts I50 and driven thereby are bevel pinions IUI meshing with bevel gears I52 (see Fig. 13). keyed to shafts I03 herein arranged perpendicularly to the axes of the shafts I55 and suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 61. Keyed to the upper ends of the shafts I53 are sprockets I54 engaging and driving the endless gathering chains f5 of the gathering devices 12 andl3 respectively.

The mechanism for horizontally swinging the front elevating conveyor 4 relative to the main frame to vary the gathering position of the conveyor and its associated gathering mechanism comprises, as shown in Fig. 9, a spur gear i [I5 connectible to the shaft 6| by a multiple disc clutch I55. The gear I55 meshes with a spur gear I01 keyed to a horizontal shaft I08 arranged parallel with the shaft 51 and likewise'journaled in the conveyor frame 53. Connectible to the shaft I58 by a jaw clutch I59 is a chain sprocket Ill! which drives through an endless chain III a. sprocket II2 fixed to a horizontal shaft H3. This shaft extends transversely of and is suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 53 and has fixed thereto a worm H4 meshing with the teeth of a worm gear segment I I5 herein formed integral withan arcuate guide frame M5 attached to the forward portion of the machine frame I. Carried by this guide frame are rollers H! on which the overhanging end of the front conveyor is guided and supported. Also connectible to the shaft BI by a multiple disc clutch H8 is a chain sprocket H9 connected by an endless chain I2!) to a sprocket IZI fixed to the shaft I08. It will thus be seen that when the clutch I55 is applied, the front conveyor may be swung horizontally in one direction, and when the clutch IE5 is released and the clutch H3 applied, the conveyor may be swung horizon tally in the opposite direction. The clutch I59 is actuated by a shipper yoke I22 operated by a handle I.23, while the friction clutches I55, H3 are operatedby a clutch applying member I2 5 slidably mounted on theshaft 5| between the clutches. Engaging this shipper member is a shipper yoke I25 attached to a transversely extending operating rod I25. A lever I 27 is provided for moving the operating rod 623 axially to shift the member I24 in opposite directions toapply one friction clutch or the other.

The pivotal -mounting for the front conveyor about which the latterhorizontally swings, com prises, as shown in Fig. 8, an annular swivel frame I29 rotatably mounted on a cylindrical bearing frame I30 suitably attached to the upper part of the machine frame I. Secured to the annular swivel frame I29 at diammetrically opposite points with respect to the pivot axis are pins l3l, I3! to which the rear portion" of the conveyor frame 53 is pivotally connected, and the pivotal connections of the conveyor frame withthe pins, permit a slight vertical tilting movement of the conveyor frame during horizontal swinging thereof along the arcuate roller frame H6.

The mechanism for swinging the tiltable frame 61 of the front conveyor 4 to vary the elevation of the gathering mechanism 6 herein comprises a sprocket I32 connectible to the shaft I08 by the jaw clutch I09, and this sprocket is connected by an endless chain I33 to a sprocket I34 keyed, as shown in Fig. 11, to a horizontal shaft I35 herein extending transversely of the conveyor frame 53 and suitably journaled thereon. Suitably fixed to this shaft adjacent the opposite ends thereof are worms I36, I36 meshing with worm wheels I31, I31 keyed to parallel shafts I38, I38 as shown in Fig. 10. These shafts are suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 53 and are threaded at I39 throughout a portion of their length. As shown, the threaded portions of the shaft I38 are threadedly connected at I40 within the end portions of a transverse cylindrical member I4I. Pivotally connected to the member MI is a link member I42 engaging a transverse rod I43 secured at its ends within the depending side arms of the tiltable conveyor frame 61. The projecting arms I44 of the link I42 are slotted at I45 to permit free upward rocking movement of the tiltable conveyor frame 61 relative to the link I42, so that when the forward end of the shovel and gathering mechanism engage some obstruction in their path of movement, the front conveyor frame is free to tilt upwardly to enable the shovel to pass over such obstruction. It will thus be seen that when the sprocket I32 is connected to the shaft I98 by the clutch I09, the screws I39 are rotated through the worm gearing I36, I31, and as a result the member HI and link I42 are moved in one direction to effect tilting of the front conveyor frame in one direction. Rotation of the screws in the opposite direction to effect tilting of the front conveyor frame in the opposite direction is accomplished by suitably controlling the reverse frictions I06, II8.

As previously mentioned, the rear discharge conveyor 5 is mounted for horizontal swinging movement and the pivotal mounting for the rear conveyor comprises, as shown in Fig. 8, a swivel frame I46 mounted on top of the cylindrical bearing frame I30 and having an annular flange I41 rotatably mounted in an annular groove I48 formed by an annular frame I49 secured to the top of the cylindrical bearing frame I30, as shown. The horizontally swingable frame I50 of the rear conveyor is pivotally connected at I5I to pins I52 arranged diametrically with respect to the pivotal axis on the rear conveyor and carried by the swivel frame I46. These pivotal connections permit a slight vertical tilting movement of the rear conveyor frame I50 during horizontal swinging thereof. The mechanism for driving the rear conveyor comprises the motor 8, which is herein preferably of the reversible electric type, arranged on the rear conveyor frame I50 with its power shaft horizontally and transversely disposed. The motor power shaft is connected by a friction clutch I53 of a usual design, which is set to slip upon a. predetermined load, to a shaft I54. Fixed to the shaft I54 is a spur pinion I 55 meshing with a spur gear I56 in turn fixed to a horizontal shaft I51 suitably journaled within the conveyor frame I50. Fixed to the shaft I51 is a spur gear I58 meshing with a spur gear I59 connectible by a jaw clutch I69 to a horizontal shaft I6I. The clutch I60 is operated by a shipper yoke I62 having a suitable operating lever I 63. Secured to the shaft I6I adjacent the opposite ends thereof are chain sprockets I64, I64 which engage and drive the endless side chains I65, I65 of the rear conveyor 5. The side chains of the rear conveyor are arranged in suitable guideways formed on the conveyor frame I50 and a vertically tiltable frame I66 of the rear conveyor, the latter being pivotally mounted at I61 on the rearward portion of the conveyor frame I50. Secured to the side chains of the rear conveyor, are transverse scraper bars I68 which slide, when the side chains are driven, over the bottom plates I69, I69 of the conveyor frames I50, I66 to move the material towards discharge. The mechanism for horizontally swinging the rear conveyor herein comprises a chain sprocket I10 fixed to the shaft I51, as shown in Fig. 14, and connected by an endless chain I1I to a sprocket I12 jou'rnaled on a horizontal shaft I13 in turn journaled within the conveyor frame I50. The sprocket I12 is connectible to the shaft I13 by a jaw clutch I14 and keyed to the shaft I13 is a chain sprocket I15 connected by an endless chain I16 to a sprocket I11 fixed to a horizontal shaft I18. This shaft extends transversely of the rear conveyor frame I50 and is suitably journaled thereon and has fixed thereto intermediate its ends a worm I19 meshing with a worm wheel I fixed to a vertical shaft I8I suitably journaled within the conveyor frame I50. Fixed to the lower end of the shaft I8If is a spur pinion I82 meshing with an arcuate gear segment I83 formed on an arcuate frame I84 supporting rollers I85. It will thus be seen that when the clutch I14 is connected the rear conveyor may be swung horizontally in one direction and is guided during such horizontal swinging movement by the arcuate roller frame I84. To effect swinging of the rear conveyor in the reverse direction, there is provided a sprocket I86 engaging the lower strand of the chain I10 in the manner shown in Fig. 15, and this sprocket is journaled on a horizontal shaft I81 in turn suitably journaled within the conveyor frame I50, and is connectible to the shaft I81 by a jaw clutch I88. Fixed to the shaft I81 is a chain sprocket I89 connected by an endless chain I90 to a sprocket I9I fixed to the shaft I18. It will thus be seen that when the clutch I88 is connected, the shaft I18 of the swinging mechanism is driven in the reverse direction through the chain and sprocket connection I89, I90, IN. The clutches I14 and I88 are so coordinated that when one is connected the other is released and the operating means for these clutches consists, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16, of shipper yokes I92, I93 engaging the jaw clutches I14 and I88 respectively, and these shipper yokes are secured to vertical operating rods I 94 and I95 respectively. Secured to the rod I 95 is a lever I96 pivotally connected to a link I91 in turn pivotally connected to a control handle I98. Pivotally connected to the link I91 is a lever I99 secured to the operating rod I94. It will therefore be evident that when the handle I98 is swung outwardly, the link I91 i moved inwardly, swinging the levers I96, I99 about their pivots, and as a result, the shipper yokes I92, I93 are operated to connect the clutch I14 and release the clutch I88. When the handle I98 is swung in the opposite direction, the clutch I88 is connected and the clutch I14 is released.

The mechanism for swinging the tiltable frame I66 of the rear conveyor 5 about its pivot will thus be seen that when the rod 255 is ro tated, the lever 213 is swung through the connections 210, 21I, 212, and as a result, one or the other of the jaw clutches 244, 245 is connected. To insure an action of one or the other of the clutches 225, 236 prior to the connection of the clutches 244, 245, there is formed in a bracket 215 an H-shaped slot 216. When the handle 266 is in the position shown in Fig. 22,

all of the clutches are released, but when the handle 266 is swung upwardly from the full line position shown in Fig. 22 to the dotted line position, the rod 265 is turned, thereby reciprocating the rod 259 and rotating the rod 255 to connect one or the other of the jaw clutches 225, 236. The handle 266 is then in the upper slot of the H and may then be shifted back and forth in a longitudinal direction to reciprocate the rod 265, thereby to rotate the rod 259 and to connect one or the other of the clutches v244, 245. When the handle is swung from the upper position shown in Fig. 22 downwardly to the lower dotted line position, the other jaw clutch 225, 236 is connected and the handle 266 is then in the lower slot of the H and may be shifted longitudinally to connect one or the other of the clutches 244,-

245. It will therefore be evident that one of the clutches 225, 236 is always connected prior to the connection of the clutches 244, 245.

'In the use of the improved loading machine, the machine is propelled forwardly along the mine trackway at a transport speed through the planetary transmission mechanism I6, I1, 2I driven by the motor 9 and controlled by the brake band 21. To effect reversal of the machine along the trackway the brake band 21 is released, and the brake band 35 is applied, and as a result, the machine is propelled in the reverse direction through the transmission mechanism 28, 29, 32 driven by the motor 9. During movementof the machine about the mine, particularly when traveling along an inclined trackway, the support wheels of the machine may be braked by suitably applying the brake band 36. During transport of the machine about the mine, the gathering conveyor 4 and its associated gathering mechanism 6 are held in an elevated position above the tops of the track rails, and when the working place is reached, the adjusting mechanism I39, I46, I42 is suitably operated to tilt the front conveyor downwardly to position the gathering mechanism in its operative position adjacent the mine floor. The clutches controlling the gathering mechanism and the front and rear conveyors are then connected, thereby rapidly circulating the conveyor chains in their guides and moving the gathering chains in their orbits. When the parts are thus disposed, the machine is fed bodily along the mine trackway under the control of the brake band 21 of the planetary mechanism I6, I1, 2I at a loading speed, thereby forcing the material gathering means into the material to be gathered. The gathering chains 15 penetrate and move the material onto the shovel I0 from which the material is received by the front elevating conveyor 4. The material is discharged from the elevating conveyor onto the rear discharge conveyor 5 which in turn discharges into the waiting mine car placed beneath the discharge end of the rear conveyor. The gathering conveyor and its associated elevating mechanism may be swung horizontally in one direction or the other to change their loading position simply by connecting one or the other of the reverse frictions I06, II8 controlled by the lever I21, the front conveyor being swung through the connections driven by the motor 1. The rear discharge conveyor may be swung horizontally in one direction or the other simply by connecting one or the other of the jaw clutches I14, I88 controlled by the lever I98, the rear conveyor being swung through the connections driven by the motor 8. The discharge end of the rear conveyor may be tilted vertically by suitably adjusting the hand wheels 200 of the screw and nut elevating mechanism 20I, 203 or through the power operated connections 248, 249 driven by the motor 8 and controlled by the clutches 225, 236 operated by the control handle 266. It will thus be seen that the front conveyor and its associated gatheringmechanism may be swung in a vertical directiontovary the elevation of the gathering mechanism relative to the material to be loaded, and that the front conveyor and gathering mechanism may be swung horizontally into different loading positions. It will also be evident that the rear discharge conveyor may be swung horizontally in either direction and that the rear discharge end of this conveyor may be adjusted in elevation and the support wheels may be driven to propel the machine forwardly or rearwardly along the mine trackway through the transmission mechanism controlled by the brake bands 21 and 35. By the provision of the three motors I, 8 and 9, the driving connections for the various mechanisms of the machine have been greatly simplifie'd'and the machine has further been simplified by arranging the front and rear conveyors on the main frame of the machine and swiveling the front and the rear conveyors in the manners disclosed, the two conveyors swinging horizontally about a common vertical axis located substantially midway between the truck wheel axes, thereby resulting in an extremely well balanced machine. Further, by the provision of the three motors, it is possible to operate the various mechanisms independently, as desired, with a minimum of handling, and by the provision of the three motors and the elimination of complicated driving connections, is possible to control all the mechanisms of the'machine by the control members 39, 92, I23, I21, I63, I98 conveniently grouped at the operators side of the machine. It will further be noted that the various mechanisms of the machine are driven through friction safety clutches which release automatically when any of the mechanisms are overloaded, thereby eliminating the possibility of breakage of the parts. By the arrangement of the improved gathering devices at the opposite sides of the shovel III at the forward end of the front conveyor, the material to be gathered is penetrated and moved in an improved manner onto the front conveyor. As the general mode of operation of a machine-of the type disclosed is well understood by those skilled in the art, and as they mode of operation of the various mechanisms of the improved machine have been clearly described above,'further description of the method of operation of the machine is thought unnecessary.

While there are in this application specifically described one formanda modification thereof which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form and modification thereof are shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without aoovgioo,

"departing. from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

. What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a loading machine, a Wheel mounted base adapted to along a trackway, a cylindrical frame on said base of adiameter approximating the width of said base, said frame arranged on said base intermediate the truck wheel axes and projecting upwardly from the base, and conveying means including front and rear conveyors swivelly mounted at their adjacent ends on said cylindrical frame and entirely supported by said base, said conveyors swingable horizontally on said frame relative to said base each independently of the other about a common vertical axis coincident with the cylindrical frame axis.

2. Ina loading machine, a Wheel mounted base adapted to run along a trackway, a cy-.

linolrical frame on said base of .adiameter approximating the width of said base, said frame arranged on said base intermediate the truck wheel axesan'd projecting upwardly from the base, and conveying means including front and rear conveyors swivelly mounted at their adjacent ends on said cylindrical'frame and entirely supported by said base, said conveyors swingable horizontally on said frame relative to the base each independently of the other about a common vertical axis coincident with the cylindrical'frame axis, said conveyors also mounted on said frame for independent vertical tilting movement relative to said frame and base.

3. In a loading machine, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along amine trackway, a cylindrical frame mounted on said truck midway between the truck wheel axles, coaxial annular frames mounted in superimposed relation on said cylindrical frame for independent rotation about a common vertical axis,- conveyor frames connected to said annular frames respectively to swing horizontally therewith about said vertical axis and for independent tilting movement relative thereto, the adjacent ends of said conveyor frames arranged in vertically spaced overlapping relation, with the axes of tilting movement arranged in a vertical plane including said vertical axis. 4. In a loading machine, a portable base, a cylindrical frame supported on said base, an annular frame swivelly mounted on said cylindrical frame, a coaxial relatively rotatable annular frame vswivelled on said cylindrical frame, and conveyor frames carried by said annular, frames respectively, said conveyor frames also being .pivotally connected to said annular frames to swing in a verticaldirection relative thereto about horizontal axes lying in a vertical plane including the axes of said annular frames. 5. In a loading machine, a portable base, a cylindrical frame mounted on said base and projecting upwardly therefrom, relatively rotatable annular frames mounted in superimposed relation on said cylindrical frame for independent rotation relative thereto about alined vertical axes,'one of said annular frames surrounding said cylindrical frame, conveyor frame portions mounted on said annular frames respectively for independent tilting movement relative thereto about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said conveyor frame portions being swingable horizontally with said annular frames relative to said base, each of said conveyor frame portions having an end portion mounted on said horizontally swingable frame'portion for tilting movement in a vertical direction relative thereto, and an endless conveyor. guided on the horizon tally swingable. frame portion and tiltable end portion of each conveyor.

6. In a loading machine, a portable base, a cylindrical frame mounted on said base and projecting upwardly therefrom, relatively rotatable annular frames mounted in superimposed relation on said cylindrical frame for independent rotation relative thereto about alined vertical axes, one of said annular frames surrounding said cylindrical frame, conveyor frame portions mounted on said annular frames respectively for independent tilting movement relative thereto about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said conveyor frame portions being swingable horizontally with said annular frames relative to said base, each of said conveyor frame portions having an end portion mounted on said horizontally swingable frame portion for tilting movement in a vertical direction relative thereto, and an endless conveyor guided on the horizontally swingable frame portion and tiltable end portionof each conveyor, the adjacent ends of said horizontally swingable conveyor frame portion being arranged in vertically spaced overlapping relation and the axes of vertical tilting movement of said horizontally swingable conveyor frame portions lying in a vertical plane including the axes of said annular frames.

'7. In a loading machine, a portable base, a

cylindrical frame mounted on said base and projecting upwardly therefrom, relatively rotatable annular frames mounted in superimposed relation on said cylindrical frame for independent rotation relative thereto about alined vertical axes, one of said annular frames surrounding said cylindrical frame, conveyor frame portions mounted on said annular frames respectively for independent tilting movement relative thereto about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said conveyor frame portions being swingable horizontally with said annular frames relative to said base, each of said conveyor frame portions having an end portion mounted on said horizontally swingable frame portions for tilting movement in a vertical direction relative thereto, and an endless conveyor guided on the horizontally swingable frame portion and tiltable end portion of each conveyor, motor operated devices between said base and each horizontally swingable conveyor frame portion for independently swinging said horizontally swingable conveyor frame portions with said annular frames horizontally relative to said base.

8. In a loading'machine, a portable base, a cylindrical frame mounted on said base and projecting upwardly therefrom, relatively rotatable annular frames mounted in superimposed relation on said cylindrical frame for independent rotation relative thereto about alined vertical axes, one of said annular frames surrounding said cylindrical frame, conveyor frame portions mounted on said annular frames respectively for independent tilting movement relative thereto about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said conveyor frame portions being swingable horizontally with said annular frames relative to said base, each of said conveyor frame portions having an end portion mounted on said horizontally swingable frame portion for tilting movement in a vertical direction relative thereto, and an endless conveyor guided on the horizontally swingable frame portion and tiltable end portion of each conveyor, the adjacent ends of said horizontally swingable conveyor frame portions being arranged in vertically spaced overlapping relation and the axes of vertical tilting movement 5 of said horizontally swingable conveyor frame portions lying in a vertical plane including the axis of said annular frame, and the axes of tilting movement of said tiltable end portions being arranged on said horizontally swingable conveyor frame portions remote from the axes of vertical tilting of the latter.

ANDREW HAUGE.

Images