US1185276A - Mining-machine. - Google Patents

Description

4 BALL.

MINING APPLICATION FILED Aue-I4 ma MACHINE.

@N Nw Nw Al BALL. MINING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED Aus.4.1so.

Patented May 30, 1916 8 SHEETS-SHEU 2- l .Ill-

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A EALL. MINING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED AUGA, 19,06.

HHH l ma I Ou ,now V.` uw Mn dw w8 .H m 6 7 2 5 8 I l A! BALL. MINING MACHI APPLICATION FILED AUG.4. |905.

Iutfnted May 30, 1916.

8 SHEETSSHEET 4.

Mitad-58e@ f77/vento?" A. BALL.

MINING MACHINE. APPLICATION man Aue.4. laos.

Datented May 30, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

Hifi/11,055 e5. j V711/011 on 5%( 7 i 'I l 1/ y A` HALL. www@ MACHINE.

PPLCAV'ON frnfl) AUCH@ lui?" 1,185,275. Vim-mod Muy 30, 1916.

fznesses InvevlLZ-or.'

AA BALL.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG4, 1906.

l 185 276. lzlt'ented May 30,1916. 9 9 f7 a 8 SHEESSHEET 8.

n IIIIIIII,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.y

ALBERT BALL, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAIVIPSHIR, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS. TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY. OF BOSTON. MASSACHUSETTS, A COR- PORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MININGMACHINE.

"cation filed August 4, 1906.

Be it known that l. mncn'r BALI.. a eiti- Zen of the lvnited States. residing at Flaremont. in the county of Sullivan and State of New llampshire. have inventedaILmprovement in l\lining-.\lachines. of which the following description. in connection with the accompanying drawings. is' a specification. likeI letters on the drawings representing like parts. v

Mv invention relates to mining" machines and more particularly to machines of the cutter chain type which are fed along the face or side of the wall in which the out is being made. i

A\mong the objects of my invention are im proved means for controlling and handling such machines and various improved conv structional features which provide a machine of compact form, great strength and effectiveness. and convenience of arrangement.

My invention will be. liest understood bv. reference to the following ilescription when taken in connection with the accompanying illustration of (in specific embodiment thereof. while its scopewill be more par-- ticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

ln the drawings. Figure 1 a plan view of a' mining machine embodying one form of my invention with the exterior casing re.

moved, and showing the cutter har thereof pa rtially broken away; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same machine with the rear portion of the easing removed to show the operating part'k Fig. 3 is a Sectional eleva; tion on an enlarged scale taken through the fore part of the machine and showing the power transmission devices for the cutting d mechanism; Fig. 4 is a plan view also on an Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 30, 1916.

smal No. 329.190,

on the line i4-S in Fig. 1 showing the construction of the valve crank shaft; Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation on the line 9 9 in Fig. S showing the clutch members on the. crank sha l't in one relation; Fig'. 10 is a similar view showing them in another` relation; Fig. il shows in perspective the valve reversing wrench; Fig. 12 is a plan view of the yieldable transmission device for the feed gearing: Fig. 12% is a transverse ional elevation ot' the machine taken gli the said transmission device; Fig. il is a section taken on Vthe irregular line` limit in Fig. 1 .showing the feed transmission gearing: Fig. 15 shows the cam sliderod: Fig. lo onev of the clutch gearv sleeves. Fig. 1T the other clutch gear slecvefFig. 18 a central section in, elevation. partly liroken away. taken througlrone of the yengine cylinders and showing the relation of the exhaust passages of such cylinder to the, machine casing: Fig. 1i) is a sectional elevation looking from the end of the. machine, and showing the guide roll 7.2: Fig2`0 is a Sectional detail in elevation taken through the locking holt. f" for the cutter liar; Fig. 21 is a sectional detail taken transversely through the gear frame and its eleiating crank and crank pin: and Fig. 22 is a sec-v tional plan view taken on the line 22`22 of Fig. 17 and showing the ail-receiving chainloer (l.

ln the drawings l have shown, for the purpose of illustrating the various features of my invention` an air driven chain mining machine of the .so-called longwall type that is' to ysay. a machine which is adapted to make a continuous cut while traveling close, to the face of the wall` the top ofthe mine heing either' posted or permitted to drop eX- cept in the narrow space in which the machine travels.

ln the particular type of machine illustrated there is provided a cutter har with cutting mechanism which during the, cubting operation is swung to approximately a right-angled relation to the body of the machine. The cutting mechanism iS driven throughsuitable transmission devices by a pair of fluid pressure engines which are also connected to actuate suitable feeding mechanism for the `simultaneous traverse of the machine under its own power. 1n the specific type of machinev shown the machine is causedto slide along the minebottom upon a suitable bottom plate or shoe and without the necessity of tracks or other like guiding devices, the feedingtaking place through appropriate engagement with a stationary feeding chain having-its opposite ends anchored along the face of the wall and in accordance with the general principles disclosed in U. S. patent to /Mitchell N o. 656,414. It is to be understood however, that while certain features of my invention herein disclosed relate more particularly to fluid pressure operated mining machines, and others to machines of the long-wall type, y;t in many of its features and combinations it has, and is intended to.have, general and broad .application to mining and other machines o f quite dissimilar'types.

Referringto the drawings and to the specie embodiment of the invention there shown, the principal operative parts are mounted on and firmly secured to an underlying frame member consisting of the flat .bottom plate or shoe A. In the described machine this is constructed of wrought iron l and extends substantially the entire length .chambers b',

and breadth ofitifemain body of the machine so as to underl'i'the same and form a firm and solid support therefor during its sliding contact with the mine bottom.

Mounted on the bottom plate and securely fastened thereto, as by rivets or the like, is the main engine frame or casting B in which are formed the engine cylinders and on which are supported the bearings/for the crank sha.ft,`.the feed transmission'gearing and other power-transmitting parts. There are here provided two enginesarranged side side having the cylinders b, b and valve b formed on top of the cylin- Q ders. In the present instance the main enf gine casting (Fig. 4)\is split into two sepavrate parts along an intermediate plane, the

two. parts, however, being bolted together and the cylinders being joined together by a frame portion which is cored out to forman air receiving chamber C. The cored portions of the two separated frame members are vin free communication with each other through a passage c (Figs. 4 and 22)'forming in effect a single receiving chamber of appreciable volume as compared with that of the cylinders, having preferably as here-. in a cubical capacity not less than that of the'two' cylinders combined. The receiving chamber has free connection with the live pressure ports in the valve chamberslthrough passages not lhere shown,

and has an exterior valve-controlled admission conduit c which may be connected to any suitable source of live pressure, as through the fiexilble hose connection cz (partially shown in Fig. 4).

'(shown I v 'ness not in Liemers dragged along the mine bottom as the machine is moved, `resulting in injurious wear. The receiving chamber permits the. effective operation of the engine with a smaller supply hose than could be used were the pressure supplied to the valve chambers directly and without the interposition of a receiving reservoir at the machine. The reduction in the hose diameter not only lengthens the life of the hose by saving the xWear but materially reduces the costas well. For example, in the described machine as actually constructed there was effected a reduction in hose diameter of'from 2 in. to 1% in.. e

The engine piston rods b2 are each connected to a cross-head b3, the latter horizontally reciprocable in the cross-head guides b* formed in the engine frame. The

cross-heads are joined by the connectingl rods b5 to th'e cranks 5, Which are secured upon opposite ends Yof the crank shaft 127,.;

which latter is mounted in boxes bs and acts as the main driving shaft of the machine.

lThe crank shaft being situated about midway the length of the machine and transversely thereof acts as the main power transmission shaft through suitable driving connections at one side to operate the cutting its drivpl-g mechanism, the cutter chain Fig. 1 but for the sake of clearthe other views) is mounted to travel along lopposite sides of the cutter bar D, the latter having a swiveled'support upon the machine. At the outer end of the cutter bar there is provided (Fig. 1') an A -i idle sprocket wheel dover which the chain passes and. atv its inner end the driving sprocket y wheel d (Figs. 3 and 5) through which the chain is drin, the driving sprocket wheel being moun. with the swiveling of the cutter bar.

The idle -sprocket wheel d is mounted in a slide plate d2, which through the adjusting screw d3 may be advanced upon the bar and clamped in a new'position to take up wear in the cutter chain. The cutter bar except as hereinafter referred to, as well as the -cutter chain, may be of any suitable or' usual construction.

` Th (Fig. is provided with a removablecap d* by which it may be clamped above its pivotal support b1 upon the bottom plate A.

d co-aXially l e inner or rear end of the cutter bar ".5 has-1 in addition to the lower Step 5 bottom (lange thc cutter bar has a Swinging movement anout the removable lining or bushing ld". rl`he .-.lcere albo provided with an Vinterior cup-Shaped hnnhing i113 shouldered at ite` upper end and providing a lower step hearing for the upright sprocket wheel driving shaft E. The Sprfmket wheel is fast on the hub ot' the beveled gear c hy which it is driven during cutting. The gear ff is keyed to the @hatt l. and thc latter bearing below the Sprocket wheel also an upper jorirnal bearing f, which is formed in the upper trame plate. F. This provide-1 an ample bearing surface for the driving Sprocket wheel both above and helow the chain. giving an extremely rigid construction for thiS type of machine.

'The frame plate F. which i z rigidly constructed. is provided with an upraised lip or flange which incloses the interior oper ating parte and at its inner end ha@ a transverse ledge or honlder f3 by which it is Securely holted (an Shown in Fig. l) to the np-l right supporto on the engine frame. At

its outer end on the opposite side from the cutter bar it is supported on the corner ot the bottom plate A through the vpillar f". The bevel gea' c and other transmission parte carried hy the trame plate F overlying the chain are protected against the entrance of the cuttings or dust by the cover or plate which is bolted to the frame plate. This lea ves an open space across the machine between thel bottom plate and the upper 40 trame plate sailticient to paf-s the cutters and through which the cuttings may be carried. It also permita the cutter bar to he mvung from a position transverse the machine (as shown in Fig. 1) through about 90 to a position alineGlwith the machine. where it may be moist easily handled for monnting on its trucks.

The power is transmitted (Fig. Il) trom t e .crank Shaft. to the sprocket wheel driving gear d' by meane1 of the beveled pinion e' keyed to the longitudinal hut inclined transmissit'in shaft c2. the latter having tixed at its opposite end the beveled gea r cf" meshing with the bcvel driving gear c4, thc latter fixed upon the crank Shaft.

lt is frequently dceirable to throw out of operation the cutting mechanism while still continuing the operation of the engine for driving the Feeding mechanism. auch occa- 30 sion arising. for example. when it in deeired to position thc machine about the mine floor without cutting. or to load the machine on to its trucha. 'l`o permit the disengagement of the cutting mechanism there in provided meam l'or throwing out ot' engagement cel'- tain ot the intermediate transmission gears. ln the present instance this is provided for by mounting the transmission shaft e2 so that it may be swung upward about the crank shaft, as a center and tar enough to hold disengaged the beveled pinion c from the beveled gear c. For thiy purpose the @haft ci ia carried in a swinging gear trame (l. forming in conjunction with the removable caps f/ journal boxes for the opposite ends ot' the trananns-ion shaft. and provided with forked ende g2 which pass below suitably formed shoulders on thc boxes of the engine crank Shaft. forked cap Vff Vtor the t'orlted yportion ot die Swinging trame iS provided so that the entire trame tits and awiveh about the crank .-:hat't hoxeri. The forward ends of the forks o are `dightly cut away to permit their application lo or with drawal from the crank #hatt boxes. cap

( covers the open portion ot the gear frame and protects the gears from .the entrance of dirt. The opposite end ot the trame iS held to a seat upon the frame plate l? during engagement ot the bevel gear c' with the gear c by a pin y" (shown in Fig. )1 and in dotted lines in Fig. 213) working in a longitudinal Ilot in the side of the swinging trame. yl`he pin is connected to a crank ff (Figs. 1.3. and 721). the center ol which is provided with an outturned seplarcd head (f. The latter may lie engaged by a wrench or other .suitable implement and the crank thereby turned to raise or lower the pin. In its lowered position the trame is held down (asehown in Fig. E) with the gears in engagement. In its elevated position it is held raised trom itl seat' with thc gears` c and c disengaged. lhia device t'or throwing the cutting mechanism ont ot' gear is; simple and add@ subsetantiallv nothing to the height ot' the inarhine. .lt the same time it permits a very strong and oli-l sprocket wheel construction .eincc thc latter is fastened directly to its d1 iving gear or to the driving :diaft without the usual intervening clutch.

ln tht` deacribed machine l have provided means whereby the cutter bar may be swung to a positio'n somewhat away from and al) either .-ide of a true right-angled relation to the machine. 1n Fig. 1 the cutter har in inclined about .l. forward in the direction lot cutting. which latter is shown by the the upper frame plate inclination for the cutting in the reverse direction, as indicated in Fig. 6,'the cutter chain and the inclination of the cutters being reversed when the direction o f cutting is reversed.

Referrin'g particularly to Figs. 1 and 5, F is provided with a fianged portion f" which at the side of the machine is reinforced and provided with a pair of adjacent recesses or notches f7 and f. lVhen the cutter bar is to be locked f or cut ting position a heavy latching bolt f is inserted in one of the notches' and the ,cutter bar swung about until the bolt passes through aregistering aperture f of like formation in the cutter bar.r The lower part of the la-tching bolt enters and is held by a similar notch in an underlying locking plate f secured to the upper edge of the bottom plate A. The two sets of notches in the upper frame plate 'and the underlying locklng plate are so arranged that in cooperation with the latching pin they serve to lock the cutter bar in the correct position and with the proper inclination for, cutting in either the one or the other direction. In addition to the'latching bolt f" the cutter bar D may also be held fixed by the threaded bolt f12 (see Fig. 20), the latter, when placed in the aperture f", serving also to hold the cutter bar in its longitudinal position (not shown),

Although it is desirable to have means for reversing the engine in order to reverse the direction of cutting. the narrow width within which the long-wall machine must be kept makes it advisable to apply to the crank shaft the usual valve-reversing mechanism. In the machine herein shown I have pro vided means for reversing the engine which does not require the use of the Ausual eccentrics and eccentric connections. For this purpose (see particularly Figs. 1, 4 and 8 to 11 inclusive) thereis provided a separate valve crank-shaft h, whih has operative connection at opposite en s with the valve rods It through the cranks lf' and connecting rods h3.' This Shaft is` driven from the driving` pinion/i,4 on the `lnain crank-shaft o and the intermeshinfr giear h5, the latter upon ltheintermediate shhft It". Driving movement is transmitted from the intermediate gear to the valve shaft z through the driving gear k7, the latter being loosely mounted on the valve shaft but adapted to turn the same through a suitable clutching device. For this purpose the gear' is provided with a lateral lug hs (Fig. 4) which presents abutting surfaces for engagement onopposite sides with one or the other of the lugs z or h1", the latter extending later'ally from the adjacent sleeve h pinned to the valve shaft L. During the operation of the engine the gear turning in the direction, for example, shown by the arrow in y Fig. 9 turns the gear shaft in the same direction by engagement of its lug h with the lug /zson the sleeve. If the englne is stopped it may then be reversed by merely turning the valve crank shaft ahead far enough to bring the lug /LO against the opposite face of the gear lug las, as best shown in Fig. 10. This relative movement which is permitted between the two clutch members moves the valve mechanism either to an advanced' or. posterior position so that on opening of the engine throttle the engine starts up in a reverse direction, the gear then driving the valve shaft in the direction of thearrow shown inFig. 10. i

In order to prevent the valve shaft from overthrowing and reversing the engine during its operation the gear k7 is slidable on the shaft and` frictionally held against the face of the sleeve by the compression spring l yields when the shaft is manually turned.

In order to turn the valve 'for reversal of the engine from without` th outer casing I have provided the casing (see Figs. -7 and 8) with an opening having .a hinged closure lil opposite the valve shaft. This closure may be sw-ung back and a key or wrench h1* (Fig. 11) inserted for turning the shaft. The key consists of a cylindrical roll fitting the aperture and having an inner slotted face at [1,15 which is adapted to engage the cylindrical end h1" on the crank shaft. By turning the outer squared end h on the key through a wrench or other suitable instrument the position of the valve shaft may be easily reversed.

The feed chain K'is engaged by a driving` sprocket wheel L (Figs. 4 and 14) which is driven through suitable connections from the crank shaft. ting in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 1 the chain chine in the fashion there' shown. YThat is to say. the leading end K of the chain which is anchored to a fixed support in advance close to the face of the wall passes to the sprocket wheelA- thence about an idler at the side of the machine. thence along the outer side of the machine where it is guided by angle pieces k to the opposite or, rear end thereof, where it is also fixedly secured to a ratchet and pawl` mechanism (not shown) by which the slack may be taken in or let out` as desired. The leading end of the machine is provided at its innerside with a guide roll removably journaled on a stud at the corner of the machine. `For this purpose there is bolted to the engine frami''a bracket o having the outwardly directed, horizontal ear b1". The latter is adapted to receive the stud 1 which is ing.a squared head adapted to receive the is associated with the ma- )Vlien the machine is cutstud lock This rolls along the tace ot' 'the coal and acts to keep the machine body clear of the same and at a suitable distance therefrom. 'ith the chain in this relation. and particularly with tln` cutter bar slightly inclined forward. the machine is held up to the face ot' the wall about the sprocket wheel as a fulcrum by its own traversing action upon the chain. Itwill therefore be seen that this machine is capable ot' cutting and feeding in either direction and that a change from a cut in one direction to a cut in the opposite direction may be made without turning or reversing the position of the machine asia whole.an operation which. 0n account of the narrow working space. usually difficult or undesirable. When it is desired to cut in the opposite direction (Fig. (i) the guide roll is replaced by a brace rod lr, which together with a second brace /r extending to the opposite corner ot' the machine carriesl an idle sheave about which the chain passes from the sprocket Wheel. The leading end of the chain which is now'that end adjacent to the cutter bar is Carried overa second idle sheave journaled in removable brace bars clamped to the opposite corners of the machire. and thence to the anchor shown at a. 'l`he Sheave 1.75, however. is located farther back from theinner edge ot' the machine than the sheave lr6. so that the draft on the chain now tends to hold the machine to the wall about the sheave as a t'ulcrum. ln Fig. t the ratchet and pawl support t'or the chain is Shown at s; the diiection ot movement of the chain -and the machine in Fig. t3 being represented by *he arrows shown.

To position tie: machine about the tioor while it is doing no cutting it is desirable to have not only a slow cutting speed but also a higher speed under which the maihinc may be shifted from pla'ce to place under its own power. principally while the cutters are inoperative. For this purpose the Sprocket wheel L may be driven at will at either one ot' two speeds.

Referring particular to Figs. l and l, the feed transmission gearing is dr'pen pri marily from an upright t'eed driving shalt which has a lower step bearing upon the bottom plate A and'an upper journal bearr ing in the plate M. thc latter bolted to thc engine casing. Movement is trans-anittcd from the crank sha l`t to thc shatt through a train ot` gearing comprising the bmeled gear 2 keyed to the shaft l' and meshing with a beveled pinion l. the latter rotated by the spin' gear l", The gear meshes directly with the counter-shaft gear hi.

ltel'erring more particularly to Fig. i4 (not intended to be structurally accurate) driving movement is transmitted to the sprocket wheel L through the train otgearing as lfollows: rl`he shaft l carries thereon the pinion l5, to which drivingl movement is transmitted through an overhead yieldable transmission device hereinafter described. The pinion l meshes with an adjacent gear 'nl keyed to the upright on the high-speed driving shaft wt so that the latter is constantly rotated. Splined to the upper end ot the shaft in to rotate therewith is a sliding clutch sleeve or member m.2 having a toothed lower tace which may be depressed to clutch with and drive the pinion m". the latter having a toothed upper tace. Yhen thus clutched thc pinion nl is caused to drive directly the main sprocket wheel driving gear l". which is keyed tast to the extended hub otI the sprocket wheel li. the latter being `iournaled upon the tixcd sprocket wheel stud f7.

For obtaining the slow t'eeding movement the constantly rotating clutch member n# hasl gear teeth m4 which mesh with the large intermediate gear the latter loosely liournaletl on the sprocket wheel shatt. 'l`he gear has secured to it the smaller overhead pinion Il", which meshes with an idle gear the latter driving the.' larger gear n. which is loosely liournaled on the upright. slovvspetal. driving shaft n'. The gear la being constantly driven at a reduced rate of speed, ma)v be clutched to drive the shaft n' by depression ol' the sliding clutch member nf, the latter. on depression. having toothed engagement with the upper tace of thc gear hub. 'hcn tins clutched thc shaft n drives the pinion /r keyed thereto and through the pinion` which meshes with the main sprocket wheel driving gear l". also drives the sprocket wheel lA at a relatively slow rate of speed. ln other words. with the clutch member ne' raised and the clutch member 11" lo\\ered the sprocket wheel is driven at the slow or cutting speed. With the clutch mcmbei` lllf" depressed and the clutch member nl' raised the sprocket wheel is then driven at its higher or positioning speed.

'l`o obtain ditl'crcnt speed reductions at the slow speed the gear plate or traine t) may be removed. the pinion replaced by another and pinion adjusted to a l'resh position. For this purpose pinion l is carried upon a clamping stud' adjustable about an arc shaped slot /r in the trame t) (see Fig. l). and pinion has merely an interlockVV ing engagement with the gear For engagiir or discngaging the clutch members at, will here is provided a sliding controlling rod (Vig. l5) o having suitably formed cam grooves o in its face. which grooves are caused to engage lugs 02 and n, reslwctively. carried by the sliding clutch members n? and ymt. 'lhe lugs (F and o" are Formed respectively upon sleeves o* and rf' and these sleeves arc retained. cach upon a necked portion of its respective clutch y the same.

member, by flanged threaded caps o and o. The formation of the cam grooves is such that when the rod is. moved to the left (as shown in Fig. 1M the clutch member 71.2 is depressed and the clutch memberm2 raised` giving the slow cutting speed. 'When moved to the right, the reverse condition takes place, giving the high speed. The rod o slides in guide-ways formed in the top of the plate O, and is moved in one direction or the other by the hand lever o" (see Fig. l) pivoted to the plate and having its end engaging a notched portion o in the top ot' the rod.

In order to prevent excessive strain upon the feeding chain during cutting, there is interposed between the upright driving shaft L andthe sprocket wheel a yieldable transmission device which permits slippage when the safe load for the feeding chain is exceeded. This comprises a cup-shaped driven member p which is keyed to the driving pinion ,ZF and has a cone-shaped friction surfaceengaging with a driving member p. which latter is splined to the driving shaft but free to slide lengthwise 'During cutting these two members are pressed together by a spring p2 seated in a pocket in the driving member [1.

the pressure ot' said spring being regulated by the adjusting mit p3, which oi course is set to the degree required for transmitting the desired load.

-ln movingl the machine about at the higher speed. to avoid slippage at the transX mission device, there is provided means for placing pressure upon the transmission device in addition to that of the spring. For this purpose there is threaded on the upper end ol' the driving member p a nut p4 which retains a washer p5, between which aml a shoulder on the driving member there is formed a frooved recess into which enter a pair ot' uiametrically opposite pins p" (Fig. l2) carried by the swivelcd ring frame [17. .the latter being pivotcd at /f upon the frame. The opposite end ot' the ring frame lying the other side of the transmission member has a forked portion p" carrying the two upright adjusting screws p10, between which worlvs the cam roll p, the latter carried by the cam shaft y2. By

Vturning the hand lever p at the end of the cam shaft the cam roll may be turned to raise or lower the ring frame, and therefore detract from or add tothe pressure already exerted by the spring p2. By merely depressing the ring frame through the handle p13 the transmission device may be lnade to transmit the desired load at the high speed and without slippage.

ln order to`prevent pressure in addition to that of thespring from being placed upon the transmission device during the cutting speed, the cam shaft [112 (Fig. 14) may be provided with a lug p which, in the low speed position ofthe slide rod o, is caused to underlie an overhanginglug p carried pieces r passing to the side'of the engine frame, and an upper plate r2 covering the engine frame, the whole comprising a substantially complete inclosure for the Working parts, such as the -transmission gearing journal boxes and the shafts. Reference to Fig. 18 will show the relation of the exhaust passages of the cylinder to the inelosing casing, the arrangement for the other cylinder being similar. At its head-end each cylinder exhausts through an exhaust port t controlled by the piston 'alve t attached to the valve rod It and connected with ,the outwardly directed exhaust passage t2 which opens directly into the atmosphere. At its opposite or crank end, however, the exhaust from the cylinder passes through a port 3 also controlled by the valve but connected with an exhaust passage t* which opens directly into the space inclosed by the. outer casing. This casingy therefore, inclosing as it does the engine exhaust, receives the exhaust pressure from both engine cylinders so that there is maintained within the cas-v ing a pressure somewhat in excess of the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere and` through the cracks or crevices lat the joints ot' the casing, which need not be air tight or even approximately air tight, there issues from within a steady stream of es 'aping air. This makes it practically impossible ior any of. the dust from the fine cuttings to enter the casing and to come in contact with the running parts. The protection of the operating parts of a mining engine in this fashion is an important advantage, it being possible with an engine of this type to run for long periods without giving attention to the bearings. The'space beneath the hinged cover r, partitioned off as it may be from the rest of the machine, may, if de-vv sired, be used as a receptacle for tools or the considerations in a machine of this type.` Hvrelatively to .he understood that not only as to constructional details` and form and relative arrangement. of parts. but as to the embodiment or application madeof various teatures oi' my invention. extensive modifications and departures from the described form maybe had.

Claims: i

l. :le mining machine having cutting means. a fluid-pre sure motor tor operating the same. transmission gearing. and a casing inelosing. the transmission gearing.`said motor having connections with said casing whereby the latter receives the motor eX" haust. and said casing being sutliciently iin-- pertorate to maintain a pressure therein in excess ot the pressure otl the surrounding atmo:;phere to prevent the entrance of dust or dirt thereinto A\ mining machine having cutting means and power transmission dcxices. an inclosnre t'or the power transmission devices. and means for producing a pressure in Said inclosure in excess4 ot' the surroumling atmosphere to prevent the entrance ot dust or dirt thereinto through the `joints or openr ings thcreot'.

il. mining machine haiing a bottom plate or shoe. means to canse travel ot' the machine in either direction along the mine upon said plate or shoe. a cutter bar and means to tix the cutter bar laterally upon the .shoe and at a t'orward inclination relatively to the line ot' advance ol' the machine.

vl. ln a mining machine. the combination with means upon which the machine is supported Vfor sliding movement along the mine bottom. ot' means to traverse the machine in either direction. a cutter bar. and means to adliust the cutter bar laterallyeupon thsiipporting means and at a forward inclination relatively to the lille ot advance otA the machine in either direction.

5. in a mining machine. the combination with means upon which the machine is supported tor movement along the mine, bottom in either direction. otI llexible guiding means t'or holding they machine to its work during the cutting operation. the same connected to a fixed support on the advancing side ot' the machine and on the receding side thereof. and connected to the machine at one side near the wall or cutting end. and at the other side relatively near the opposite end thereof when traveling in either direction. a cutter bar. and means to tix the cutter bar laterally' upon the machine at a forward inclination the line of advance of the machine. irrespective of the direction of travel.

ln a mining machine for cutting in either direction, the combination with supporting mains upon which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine, of flexible guiding means connected to a fixed support on the advancing side of the machine and on the receding side thereof. and connected to the machine at one side near the wall or cutting end and at the other side relatively nearer the opposite end thereof when traveling in either direction. a cutter bar pivoted on the machine and means for holding the same during cutting laterally and forwardly inclined relative to the line of travel irrespective ot' the direction thereof.

7. mining machine having an upper and a `lower iframe member, a cutter bar swiveled between the upper and lower frame members. and a locking device for locking the .said har in any one of a plurality of positions.

8. mining machine having an upper and a lower frame member. a cutter bar swiveled between the uppe and lower frame members. and locking means to fix said cutter bar at either Side ot a right-angled re-` lation to said machine.

tl. A mining machine having an upper and lower frame member. means for traversing said machine. a cutter bar swiveled on they trame. said frame having a pair of recesses and said bar having an aperture adapted to register with either of said frame recesses. and a locking member adapted to pass through a recess in said Ytrame and theA aperture in said bar to lock the latter in position. the recesses in said Jframe being so located as to x the bar during the machine traverse slightly otlset from a rightangled relation to the machine.

10. mining machine having an upper frame member. a lower frame member, a cutter bar swiveled between said lower frame member and the overlying end of said upper frame member. and locking devices for fastening the cutter bar slightly to one side ot' a right-angled relation to the machine.

1i. A mining machine having an upper trame member. a lower frame member, a cutter bar swiveled between the upper and lower frame members and lockingl means for locking the cutter bar in any one of a plurality of positions to which it may be adjusted about its swivel support.

12. A mining machine having a bottom plate or shoe on which the machine is adaptcd to Lclide along the mine bottom, a cutter lar; a swiveling support for the cutter bar carried by and upon said bottom plate, and

means for rigidly locking said cutter bar in a lateralI relation to Said machine.

13. A mining machine havlng a bottom plate or shoe, a cutter bar swlveled directly upon and above said shoe and a locking bolt for locking said bar at either side of a rightangled relation to the machine.

14. A mining vmachine having a bottom plate or shoe, an n )per frame 1nember,a cutter bar swiveled etween the shoe and the upper frame member and means engaging the cutter bar, shoe and frame member for side of a right-angled relation t0 said machine. I

16. In a mining machine, the combination with a shoe on which the machine is adapted to travel along the mine bottom, of a cutter bar mounted to swing upon and over the shoe, and means to lock the same to the shoe at either side of a right-angled position relatively to the direction of travel.

17. In a mining machine, the combination with a shoe on which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, of a cutter bar mounted to swingover and upon the shoe. and means to lock the cutter ba." either in line with the greatest length of the shoe or at substantially right angles thereto.

18. In a coal'cutting machine, a frame, a cutter bar pivotcd thereon and held at an angle to its longitudinal axis, a driving Wheel and a plurality of guide members upon thc said frame'. and a flexible nicmber 'fixed upon opposite supports, in en; gagement with the said guiding members vand the drivingv wheel so as to cause, by rotation of the latter, linear movement of. the

frame between the said supports. l

19. In a coal cutting machine, a frame, a cutter bar pivot'ed thereon and held in alinement with its longitudinallaxis, a driving wheel and a plurality of guiding members upon the said frame, and a flexiblememlier fixed upon opposite supports in engagement with the guiding members and the driving Wheel, so to cause by rotation of the lat ter. lateral movement of the frame.

20. 1n a mining machine, the combination with supporting means upon which the machine is adapted to slide alongv the mine, lflexible guiding means connected to a fixed support on the .advancing side of the machine. and on the receding side thereoic and connected to the machine at one side near the wall or cutting end and at the other side relatively near the opposite end thereof, a cutter bar pivotally mounted upon the said machine, and means for fixing the cutter bar in different positions thereon. f

21. In a coal cutting machine, a substantially rectangular frame, comprising two` superposed members, a cutter bar pivotally mounted in proximity to its foremost side, a driving wheel upon the frame, guiding members arranged 1n adjacency to the corners of the said frame, guiding members in proximity to the rearmost corners of the frame, and a flexible member engaging the, 'drivmg Wheel and one or more of the guidcutter bar to permit the passage of the cuttngs through the machine.

23. A mining machine having a bottom plateor shoe upon which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, a cutter bar pivotally mounted at one end of the plate, and a housed-in`portion both at the opposite side of said machine and above said cutter bar, said machine having an open space on either side of the cutter bar to permit the passage of the cuttings through the machine.

24. A mining machine having a bottom plate or shoe upon which the machine Ais adapted to slide along the mine bottom. and a cutter bar pivotallv mounted at one end of the plate, said machine having an open space above the bottom plate ol' shoe and on either side of the cutter bar to permit the passage ot' the cuttings through the machine.

25. A mining machine having a bottom plate or shoe upon which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, a cutter bar pivotally mounted at one end of the plate and a housed-in portion above the cutter bar, said machine having an open space on either side of the cutter bar and above the bottom plate.

2G. A mining machine having cutting mechanism and chain feeding mechanism, means for maintaining one end of said chain nearer the inner edge of said machine than the other end thereof and removable connections adapted for application to said machine'during reverse cutting to reverse thev relation of said chain ends.

27. A miningl machine having cutting mechanism and chain feeding mechanism in combination with a fixed support on the' front or leadingside of the machine, and a fixed support on the rear side of the ma-A opposite direction and fulcrum bearing for sai site end of the machine.

28. A mining machine having cutting mechanism, feeding lnechanism, a flexible feeding member with which said feeding mechanism is adapted to engage, said mem ber being connected to the machine at one side near the wall or cutting end and at the other side near the opposite end, and removable connections adapted for application to the said machine during reverse cuttin to reverse the relation of said flexible fee ing member to the machine.

29. A mining machine having cutting mechanism and feeding mechanism in combination with a fixed support on the front or leading side of the machine, and a fixed support on the rear s'ide of the machine, a flexible feeding member secured to said support, said member passing from the support at the leading ond to a fulcrum bearing near the inner edge of the machine an means for reversing the connection of the feeding mechanism for feeding in the opposite direction and providing a similar fulcrum bearing for said member at the opposite end of the machine.

30. The combination with a mining machine, of cutting mechanism, flexible guiding means for holding the cutting mechanism to the work, the same being connected to a fixed support on the advancing side of? the machine and on the receding side thereof, and connected to the machine, on one side near the vvall or cutting end and on the other side relatively near the opposide end thereof', and adjustable connections for reversing the relation of the said guiding members to sa id machine during reverse cutting.

31. In ay mining machine, the combination with a cutting member carrying' cutting mechanism comprising a cutter bar', sprocket wheel and cutter chain, and maintained at substantially right angles to the line of' travel of the machine, driving mechanism for said cutting mechanism, feeding mechanism to cause travel of said machine during cutting, means upon which the machine is supported for sliding movement along the mine, flexible guiding means for holding the cutting mechanism to the Work during the iproviding a similar chain at the oppotravel of the machine, and means `for re` ve; sing the action both of the cutting mechanism and the feeding mechanism to cut and fccd in the opposite direction.

The combination with a mining machine, ot' cutting means, feeding means, a

shoe upon which it 1s adapted to slide along the mine bottom, flexible guiding. means for holding the machine to its work during travel, the same connected to a. fixed support on the advancing side of the machine and 0| on the receding side thereof, and connected to the machine at one side near the wall or cutting end and at the other side relatively nearer the apposite end thereof, and devices permitting the operation of the machine for cutting and feeding in either direction.

A long Wall mining machine having a bed plate or shoe upon which it is adapte to slide along the mine bottom, flexible guiding means forholding the machine to its vvorky during the cutting operation, the same presenting two flexible portions connected each to a fixed support one on the advancing side of the machine and the other on the opposite side thereof and one connected to the machine near the wall or cutting end and the other near the opposite end thereof, cutting mechanism and feed,- ing means engaging said guiding means, the connections of said flexible guiding means to said machine being reversible whereby its relation may be reversed and the driving mechanism caused to drive the machine to cut. in either direction.

34. A long Wall mining machine having supporting means upon which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, flexible guiding means for holding the machine to its Work during the cutting operation, the same presenting two flexible portions connected each to a fixed support one on the advancing side of the machine and the other on the opposite side thereof and one connected to the machine near the wall or cutting end and the other near the oppom site end thereof, cutting mechanism and feeding means engaging said guiding means, the connections of said flexible guiding means to said machine being reversible whereby its relation may be reversed and the driving mechanism caused to drive the machine to cut in either direction.

35. A long Wall mining machine having a cutter chain,V a cutter bar carrying said cutter chain and mounted at substantially' right angles to the line of travel of the machine, driving mechanism for the cutter chain, feeding mechanism to cause travel of said machine during cutting.\ supporting means for the machine, flexible guiding means engaging the machine at one side near the coal or cutting end and at the other side near the opposite end, the said cutting mechanism being reversible and the Said flexible Y guiding means having reversible connections to the machine whereby bothy the cutting mechanism and the feedin mechanism may be reversed to cut and fee in the opposite direction.

36: In a long will mining machine for cutting in either direction, the combination with suitable motive means, of a cutter bar presented laterally* from'the /machine dring the cuttin op eration, a cutter chain and sprocket whee s, supporting means adapted to slide alom: the mine bottom, flexible .guiding means connected to the machine at one side thereof near the wall or cutting end und at the other side near the opposite end when traveling in either direction, con- 5 nections for causing the machine to travel and cut a continuous kerf in one direction and connections for causing the same at will to travel vand cut a continuous kerf in the opposite direction whereby the machine may be reversed without turning the same around.

37. A mining machine having a cutter chain and a. cutter bar carrying the same, a bottom plate or shoe on which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, and a swivcling support for said cutter bar rigidly fastened to and upon the said shoe.

38. A mining machine having a cutter chain,L a swinging cutter bar therefor, a bottom plate or shoe on which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, a swiveling support forfsaid cutter bar rigidly fastened to said bottom plate, a driving sprocket wheel for said chain, and an upright sprocket wheel driving shaft having a step hearing in said swiveling support.

39. A mining machine having a cutter chain, a swinging cutter bar therefor, a driving sprocket wheel for said cutter chain and an upper frame member and a lower frame member furnishing a bearing support both above and below said sprocket wheel.

40. A mining machine having a bottom plate or shoe upon whichk said machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, a cutter bar having a swiveled support, a cutter chain carried thereby, a driving sprocket wheel fox" said cutter chain, and a journal bearing for said driving sprocket Wheel both above and below the same.

41. In a mining machine, the combination with a bottom plate or shoe upon which the same is adapted to travel along the mine, of a. cutter bar pivotally mounted for adjustment, a sprocket wheel and cutter chain, said sprocket wheel having a bearing support upon the shoe.

42. In a mining machine, the combination with a bottom plate or shoe, of a cutter bar, a sprocket wheel and cutter chain, the sprocket wheel having a bearing support on the shoe, and the cutter bar being swiveled upon said bearing support. i

43. A mining machine comprising in -combinationia cutter chain, a cutter bar, a moving support, flexible guiding means for holding the machine to its work during travel, the same connected to a fixed support on the advancing side ofthe machine and on the receding side thereof, and connected to the machine at one side near the wall orcutting end and at the other` side oielatively near the opposite end thereof,

feeding means engaging said guiding means,

a reversible actuator for said cutter chain and said feeding means, and a plurality of guiding means engaging members, whereby said machine may cut and feed in either direction.

44. A mining machine comprising in combination, a cutter chain, ay cutter bar, a moving support, flexible guiding means for holding the machine to its work during travel, the same connected to a fixed support on the advancing side of the machine and on the receding side thereof, and connected to the machine at one side near the Wall or cutting end and at the4 other side relatively near the opposite end thereof, feeding means engaging said guiding means, a reversible actuator for said cutter chain, and a plurality ol guiding means engaging members, whereby said machine may cut and feed in either direction. f f

4:5. In a mining machine.y the combination with cutting mechanism, of means for traversing the machine along the mine during the cutting operation, a pressure rfluid motor on, and movable with, the.rachine during cutting, and a flexible hose connection for supplying pressure Huid to the engine during the travel of the machine, said machine being provided with a pressure fluid reservoir also on the said machine and interposed between the motor andthe ilexible hose connection and of sutlicient capacity relatively to the capacity of the pressure fluid motor to maintain the supplied pressure substantially constant.

v lo. ln a mining machine, the combination with cutting mechanism, of means vfor traversing the machinealong the mine during the cutting operation, a pressure fluid motor on, and movable with, the machine during cutting. and a flexible hose connection for supplying pressure fluid to the engine during the travel ot' the machine, said machine being provided with a pressure fluid reservoir also ou the said machine and interposed between the motor and the flexible hose connection, and having acapacity not less than the capacity ot' thelpressure fluid motor.

47. The combination with cutting mechanism, of means for traversing the machine along the mine, a pair of pressure fluid engine cylinders arranged side by side upon the 1naming machine, and a `pressure fluid receiving chamber between thek two cylinders carried by said engine to move with thetraveling structure of the machine during cutting, said chamber having a capacity not less than the combined capacity of the two cylinders.

48. The'combinatio'n with cutting mechansm, of means for traversing the machine along the mine, a pair of pressure fluid en gine cylinders arranged side by side u on the mining machine, and a pressure tlpuid -eceivmg chamber between the two cylinders carried by said engine to move with the traveling structure of the machine during cutting, said chamber having a capacity not less than the capacity of one of the said cylinders. I

49. A mining machinehaving a bottom plate or shoe upon which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom, a fluid-pressure engine mounted at one end of said bottom plate, a cutter bar with its supported cutter chain pivotallymounted at the opposite end of said plate, a crank-shaft between the engine and the cutter bar support, and transmission gearing between sald crank-shaft and said cutter bar.

50. A mining machine having a bottom plate or shoe upon which the machine is adapted to 'slide along the mine bottom, a fluid-pressure engine mounted at one end of said bottom plate, a cutter bar with its supported cutter chain pivotally mounted at the opposite end of said plate, a crank-shaft between the engine and the cutter bar support, transmission gearing between said crank-shaft and said cutter bar, and feed transmission gearing between said engine and said crank-shaft.

5l. A mining machine having a iuidpressure engine mounted at one end thereof,

a cutter bar with its cutter chain at the 0pposite end, a bottom plate or shoe underlyinity the cutter bar, a driving sprocket wliciilf for the cutter chain, an upright 4sprockct wheel driving shaft, a beveled gear upon said driving shaft, a crank shaft driven from the engine, and a longitudinal transmission shaft provided with beveled gears for transmitting power from the crank shaft to the sprocket wheel and driving shaft.

52. A mining machine comprising in coinbination, a cutter chain, a cutter bar, a moving support` flexible guiding means for holding the machine to its Work during travel, the same connected to a fixed support on the advancing side of the machine and on the receding side thereof, and connected to ing means, reversing means for said cutter chain, and a plurality of guiding xneans engaging members, whereby1 said machine may cut and feed in either dlrection.

53. A mining machine having a cutter bar, acutter chain, a sprocket wheel for the cutter chain, a main power transmission shaft, and intermediate gearing between said transmission shaft and said sprocket wheel, including a swinging transmission shaft whereby said gear may be thrown out of engagement.

54. A mining machine having a cutter bar, a cutter chain, a sprocket wheel for the cutter chain, a bevel driving gear for said sprocket wheel, a driving pinion engaging said bevel gear, and a swinging transmission shaft on which said pinion is mounted whereby said pinion and gear may be engaged or disengaged at will.

55. A mining machine comprising, in combination. a'cutter chain, a cutter bar, a flexible advance feeding and guiding member engaging afixed support in advance of the machine and engaging the machine at a point near the wall or cutting end thereof, a flexible rearwardly extending drag line member engaging a fixed support in the rear of the machine and engaging thc machine at a point adjacent the opposite end of the machine from said wall or cutting eno, an actuator', means for reversing said cutter chain. and means for operatively reversing the engagements of saidilexible members. whereby the machine may cut and feed latcrall)Y in either direction.

In testimony whereof, I hare signed my 1 name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALBERT BALL. \Vi tnesses:

I ,rr A. Knren'rs, E. J. BOUPIIARD.

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