US1470571A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

l oct. 9 1923. 1,470,571

M. HLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 30. 1918 2 Sheets-SheefI 1 WI Q l I i K oct. 9, 1923. 1,470,571

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 30, 1918 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 VIIIIIIIII`I/ //llll// Twill/lill@ vll/LII@ Patented Oct. 9, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR T SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION 0F MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE Application led March 30, 1918, Serial No. 225,773. Renewed April 14, 1922. SerialiNc. 552,594.

To all whom it'may/ concern:

Be it known that I, MoRRIs P. HOLMES, a citizen of t-he United States, residing at Claremont, inthe county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mining Machines, of Iwhich the following is a full, clear, and exa-ct specification.

My invention relates to mining machines. It has for its object to provide an improved feeding mechanism for such a machine. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved feeding mechanism for a mining machine of t-he type slidable on a mine bottom and'utilizing a plurality of 4flexible feeding portions, wherein through improved reversible feeding mechanism and improved controlling mechanism therefor it is made possible to control the speed and direction of feed relative to said portions in an improved manner. A still further object of m invention is to provide improved reversifile friction mechanism including a plurality of frictions, whereby it is made possible simultaneously to vary the direction and speed of feed, and wherein through the provision of improved controlling means in- .tluding means for limiting the loading of the different frictions disposed in the different feeds to' different amounts, it is made possible to protect the mechanism from abuse in the hands of an ignorant operator. These and other obiects and advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more, fully appear. I

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,- l Fig. 1 is a plan view, partly broken away, of the complete machine. Fig. 2 is a partial longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on the line 2:-2, Figs. 1 and 3.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged planview, partly in,

section, of the transmission mechanism for actuating the feeding means.

Fig. 4 is a detail rear elevation of the selective transmission gears, portions of the framework being shown in section.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view on line 5-5 of Fig. 3. y p

Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view on line 6-6 ofFig. 1.

The invention is herein illustrated as embodied in a mining machine of the familiar room and pillar type, said machine, as is usual in machines of this type, comprising a 'body from the -forward end of which projects a lixed cutter bar 10 (see Fig. 1) carrying a cutter chain 31 provided with cutter bits 11. The machine body comprises a motor casing 12 and a gear or transmission casing 13, said casing 13` together with a suitable framework 14 therein, providing the necessary bearings, guides, housings, and supports for the variousl parts of the feeding mechanism, ext cept as hereinafter pointed out. The machine body is provided at its under side with a shoe or base plate 15 upon which the machine is slid across the mine bottom as the cut progresses. Within the motor casing 12 is an electric or .other motor (not shown) which operates, through transmission mechanism hereinafter described, to actuate the cutter chain and the feeding means for the apparatus, said feeding means including a feed chain 16 secured at its ends to suitable jacks or other securing devices (not shown) at opposite ends of the path .of travel of the machine, said chain passing over a guide roller or sprocket 17 at the rear of the machine, a feed operating member or sprocket 18 within the casing 13, and guide rollers yor sprockets 19 and 20 at the side of the machine adjacent the rear and front ends thereof, respectively. The parts thus far referred to, as to their. general organization, arrangement, and

' function are well known in the art and, ex-

cept as hereinafter pointed out, require no further description in detail.

Referring to Fig. 2, the motor shaft 21 has fast thereon a beveled gear 22 which meshes with a beveled gear 23 having 'a hub 25 splined to a. vertical shaft 24 journaled in suitable bearings in the framework.

Mounted on the shaft 24 for rotation therewith is a pinion 26 which meshes with a, gear 27 loosely mounted on a fixed vertical shaft 28 suitably supported in the frame- Work. The gear 27 is formed with a hub 29 on which is mounted a sprocket 3() for driving the cutter chain 31,I said sprocket being adapted to be clutched. to said hub by means of a suitable clutch mechanism indicated by the numeral 32. Such clutch mechanism, being usual in machines of this'type, is not illustrated in detail herein.

Fast on the shaft 24 is a small spur gear or pinion 33'(.see also Fig. 4) which meshes with a largerl spur gear 34 fast on a short shaft 35 journaled in the framework and arranged parallel to the shaft-24. Fast on the shafts 24 and 35, respectively, are worm or spiral gears 36 and 37, the pitch of the former being considerably greater than that of the latter. Meshing with the gears 36 and 37, respectively, are cooperating worm or spiral gears 38 and 39 (see Fig. 3), loosely mounted on a hollow shaft'40 journaled in the framework. From the foregoing it will be seen that the gear 36 is directly rotated by the shaft 24, while the gear 37 is rotated through the gears 33 and 34 in the opposite direction land at a reduced speed. Also, by reason of the difference in pitch ofthe gears 36 and 37, the gear 38 will be driven at a greater speed with respect to` the gear 36 than that of the gear 39 with respect to the gear 37 .v lt will, therefore, be seen that the gears` 38 and 39 will be rotated in: opposite directions and atvrelatively fast and slow speeds, respectively, the' speed of the gear 39 being considerably less than that of the gear 38.-

The gears= 38 and 39 may be yieldingl clutched to the shaft 40 to cause said sha t tol be rotated in one direction at a relatively fast speedor in the o posite direction at a relatively slow spee by means of disk friction clutches 41y and 42, respectively. For alternatively operating` said clutches, there is rovided on 'the shaft 40 aclutch controlling sleeve 43 located between the clutches and movable in opposite directions to operatesaid clutchesy respectively. Said controlling sleeve 43 is connected by a pin or,bolt 44, passing through slots 45 in the shaft. 40, with one end of a slide -or core 46 vided for longitudinal |movement in the axial bore 47 of the shaft, 40. The opposite end o f the core or slide 46 is connected, by a bolt or in 48 passing through-slots 49 in the sha t 40, with .a collar 50 having a groove in which is rotatably mounted a trunnion ring 51 connected to one end of a lever 52 pivoted at '53 to the framework. At its opposite end the lever 52 is pivoted to a rod 54 guided for longitudinal movement in the framework, said rod havingathreaded portion on which are mounted adjustable stop nuts 55 adapted to engage fixed portions of the framework to limit the longitudnal movement of said rod in both directions, thereby limitin the force or pressure which'may be applic to the clutches 41 and clutch hub 71 having 42, i. e., limitin the loading of these friction clutches. rranged parallel to the rod 54 is a second longitudinally movable rod 56 havin'g threaded end portions on which are adjustably mounted nuts 57 having cy'lindrical portions sliding in suitable guides in the framework. The rod 56 has .a central enlarged portion 58 at the opposite ends of which are slidably mounted on said rod sleeves 58a having, adjacentv their ends, flanges 59` between which and the nuts 57 are interposed springs 60, the tension of said springs, respectively, beingv independently adjustable by the nuts 57. Adjustably retained on the rod 54, by means of nuts 61 on the threaded portion thereof, is a crosshead 62 having sliding engagement with the enlargement on the rod 56. As will nowbe seen, longitudinal movement of the rod 56 in either direction will cause one l or the other of the flanges 59 on the sleeves 58a to engage the crosshead 62 with a yielding pressure determined by the adjustment of the corresponding spring by meansv of its nt 57. This yielding pressure is transmitted through the rod 54, lever 52, slide 46, and clutch controller 43, toY one or the other of the friction clutches 41 and 42, depending upon the directionl of movement of the rod 56. The distance between the flanges 59` is preferably somewhat greater than the width of the crosshead 62, permitting a slight lost motion between these parts. This arrangement provides additional means for varying the re ative pressure applied to the several friction clutches, since, b adjusting said crosshead 62 longitudina ly of the shaft 54 by means of the nuts 61,` the.

pressure exerted through the mechanism upon the clutches 41 and 42,.respect1ve1y, du to longitudinal movement of thi v od 56 into one predetermined extreme` position or the other, may be varied.

For the purpose of moving the rod 56 as above referred to, Vsaid rod is pivoted at Lits end to the inner end of a lever 63 fulcrumed at 64 on` the framework, said lever being provided at its outer end with an operatin handle 65 (see Fig, 1). Latches .66 are pre erablyprovided for retaining the lever 63 in either extreme position of adjustment.

lSplined or otherwise secured to the shaft 40is a beveled gear67 (see Fig. 3) meshing with beveled gears 68 and 69 loosely mounted on a shaft 70 suitably journaled in the framework.. The beveled Gears 68 and 69 may bey alternatively clutched to the shaft 70, to cause rotation of said shaft in opposite directions, by means of a doublefaced a s lined connection with the shaft 70 and 'shdable thereon to cause clutch faces at its opposite ends to engage cooperating clutch faces on the gears 68 and 69, respectively. The clutch hub 71v is operated by a clutch fork 72 on a rock shaft 73 (see Figs. 1 and 6) having an arm 74 connected by a rod 75 with an arm 76 on asecond rock shaft 77 journaled in suitable brackets on the framework, said rock shaft 77 having an arm 78 connected by a link 79 with van eccentric 80 rotatably mounted inthe framework, said eccentric being provided with an operating handle 81` Fast on the end of-the shaft 70 is a beveled gear 82 which meshes with a beveled gear 83 rotatably mounted in the framework. Said beveled gear 83 has a pinion portion 84 which meshes with a gear 85, also journaled in the framework and having a pinion. portion 86 which meshes with a gear 87 fast on the hub of the feed sprocket 18, which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 28.

The operation of the mechanism above described is as follows: `With the handle in the position sholwn in full lines in Fig. 11 the mechanism is adjusted for a relatively fast feed, said lever acting through the rod 56 and nut 57 shown at the top in Fig.

, 3, to compress the corresponding spring 60,

sition, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the

opposite spring 60 is compressed, the tension of this spring being transmitted, through the connections above referred to, to the clutch 42, thereby yieldingly connect.- ing the gear 39 to the shaft 40, whereupon said shaft will be rotated in the opposite direction and at a reduced speed from the shaft 24 through the gears ,33, 34, 37, and

39. Rotation of the shaft 40 is transmitted, through the gears 67 and 68 or 69, to the I shaft 70,v and thence, through the gears 82,

83, 84, 85, 86, and 87, to the feed sprocket 18, thereby rotating said sprocket at a speed and in a direction determined by the adjustment of the lever- 63. Should it be desired to change the direction of feed without-V changing the feeding speed, the lever 81 may be operated to shift the clutch hub 71,

ent means automatically limiting the loading of the different frictions to different amounts, the feeding mechanism is effectually protected in either operation thereof and in a manner preventing 'such abuse of the mechanism by an ignorant operator as might otherwise occur if it were possible for one or both of the frictions to be loaded to an extent dependent upon the strength of the operator. Further, it will be noted that through the disposition of the controlling means within the machine casing, access thereto or tampering therewith-by the operators after the adjustment. has been made in the shop, is obviated. These and other advantages of my improved construction will` however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

ln this case f do not claim broadly the various features of the feeding mechanism, the same being claimed in claims of different scope in my copending applications, Ren. Ser. Nos. 555,916, filed April 21, 1922, and 224,072,'filed May 12, 1923, nor do l claim broadly herein the multiple friction mechanism, this subject matter being claimed in claims 'of different scope in my copending applications Ser. No. 225,340, filed March 2s, 191s.

It is to be noted that in referring in the appended claims to loading limits7 for 'friction clutches, friction mechanism-s, friction devices. etc., my reference is not to the maximum turques ltransmissible through such devices before slipping occurs, but to the maximum or limit pressures which may be exerted upon the component elements of such clutches, etc. to cause their frictional engagement and which an operator cannot cause to be exceeded by manipulatien of the controllingV means, and it is with this last sense that such terms'are used.

While I have in this application specifically. described one embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that this form of the same is used for illustrative purposes, and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

l/Vhat claim as newJ and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A mining machinelslidable on a mine bottoml comprising a machine frame, ilexible feeding mea-ns including advance and receding portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, and feed operating means for feedmg said machine at different speeds relative 4to said fiexible feeding means including fast and slow feed mechanisms and friction devices having different predetermined loading limits and located respectively one only in thefast andv one only in the slow feed mechanism.

2. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a machine frame, flexible feeding means\including advance and receding portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, and feed operating means for feedingv said machine at different speeds and in opposite directions relative to said flexible feeding means including fast-and slow feed mechanisms and friction devices having different predetermined loading limits and- `mechanisms and friction devices having different predetermined loading limits and located respectively one only'in the fast andl one only in the slow feedmechanism.

4. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a machine frame, flexible feeding means including advance and receding portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite endsv of said frame, and feed operating means for feeding said frame in one direction relative to said portions and reversely at a predetermined cutting ispeed and at a higher speed along said receding portion, said means including a fast feed friction and a slow feed friction each having a different predetermined loading limit and operator controlled loading means and respectively controlling power transmission during fast and slow feed.

5. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a machine frame, iexible feeding means including advance and receding portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said ing said'frame at a plurality of speeds in one direction relative to said portions'and reversely at a predetermined cutting speed and at a higher speed along said receding portion, said means including a fast feed friction and a slow feed friction each having a differentpredetermined loading limit and operator controlled loading means and respectively controlling power transmission during fast and slow feed.

6. The combination with a 'mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and ilexible feeding means therefor, of feed Operating means operative to propel said machine at different speeds relative to said flexible feeding means and including a high speed friction and a -low speed friction, controlling means for said frictions, and means fqr providing different predetermined pressure limits for said frictions disposed between the same and said controlling means and limiting the extent to which an operator can load said frictions.

7. The combination with. a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative to propel said machine in different directions relative toy said flexible feeding means and including a forward friction and a reverse friction, a single controlling member for said frictions, and means for Aproviding different predetermined pressure limits for said frictions disposed between the same and said controlling member and limiting the extent to which an operator can load said frictions.

8. In combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and fiexiblefeeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative to propel said machine at different speeds relative to said flexible feeding means and including a high speed fric-tion and a low speed'friction, controlling-means for said frictions, means for providing different predetermined pressure limits for said frictions disposed between the same and said controlling means and limiting the extent to which an operator can load said frictions, and independent feed reversing means. l

9. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and fiexible feeding means therefor, of feed oper# ating means operative to propel said machine in different directions relative'to said flexible feeding means and including al forward friction and a reverse friction, a single controlling member for saidy frictions, means for providing different predetermined pressure limits for said frictions dis-l posed between the same and said controlwhich an operator can load said frictions,

and independent feed reversing means. frame, and feed operating means for feed- 10. The combination With a mining machiney slidable on a mine bottom, and ilexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative .to propel said machine 'at different speeds and in opposite directions relative to said flexible feeding means and including a highspeed friction and a low speed friction, controlling means for said frictions, means.for providing different predetermined pressure limits for said frictions disposed between the same and said controlling 'means and limiting the extent to which an operator canV load said frictions and independent feed reversing means..

11. The combination with va mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andlexible feeding means therefor having advance ling member and limiting the extent to .no

and receding portions, of feed operating means operated to propel said machine in opposite directions relative to said receding ortion including a friction device connectlble therein when feeding in one direction and a separate friction device having a different predetermined loading limit connectible therein Whenfeeding in the opposite direction, `said friction devices being connectible in said ,feedI operating means only alternatively.

12. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor comprising a continuous flexible feeding member having advance and receding portions, of feed operating means operative to propel said machine in opposite directions relative to said flexible feeding means including a friction device connectible therein when feeding in one direction and a separate friction device having a different predetermined loading limit connectible therein when feeding in the opposite direction, said' friction devices being connectible in said feed operating means only alternatively.

13. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and a ilexible feeding means therefor having advance and receding portions, of a feed operating means operative to propelv said machine in opposite directions relative to said receding ortion at a predetermined cutting speed including a friction device connectible therein when feeding in one direction and a separate friction, device having a different predetermined loading limit connectible' therein when 'feeding in the opposite direction, said friction devices being connectible in said feed operating means only alternatively. l

14. The' combination with' a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and flex- -ible feeding means therefor, of feed -operating means operative to propel said machine in opposite directions relative to said flexible feeding means including a friction device connectible therein when feeding in one direction and a separate friction device having a different predetermined loading limit connectible thereinwlien feeding in the opposite direction, and controlling means for both frictions having but a single operating member operative in dilferent positions to effect loading of said different frictions.

15. The combination vWith amining machine slidable on a mine bottom and flexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative to propel said-machine in opposite directions relative to said flexible feeding means, including a friction device connectible therein when feeding in one direction and a separate friction device connectible therein when feeding in the op- I therein when feeding posite direction, controlling means for both frictions having but a single operating member, and load limiting springs of different strengthbetween said member and said frictions.

16. The combination With a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative to propel said machine in opposite directions 'relative to said lflexible feeding means including a friction device connectible therein when feeding in one direction, a separate friction device having a differentv predetermined loading limit connectible ther-ein when feeding in the opposite direction, said friction devices being connectible in said feed operating means only alternatively, and supplementary reverse controlling means.

17. The combination with a mining machine slidable 'gn a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative to propel said machine in opposite directions at different speeds-relative to said flexible feeding means including a friction device connectible therein when feedin in one direction, a separate friction device having a different predetermined loading limit connectible in the direction, said friction devices being connectible in said feed operating means only alternatively, and supplementary reverse controllin means.

18. The com ination with a mining -machine having cutting mechanism an slidable on a mine bottom, and a flexible feeding means therefor for feeding the same laterally along a mine face during cutting including advance and receding portions, of actuating mechanism for said feeding means including a plurality of alternatively operative sets of Worm gearing each adapted .to produce a differentfeeding speed, and a separate frictional clutch controlling each set of Worm gearing.

19. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor operative to feed the same transversely of a mine face during cutting and including advance land receding portions, of actuating mechanism for said feeding means including a plurality of shafts, an additional shaft, av

plurality of sets of Worm gearing-each adapted to produce a different feeding speed and each vincluding a member on one of said first named shafts and a member on said additional shaft, and clutches for connecting said last named members respectively to said last named shaft.

20. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, an flexible feeding means therefor operative to feed the same transversely of a mine face during cutting and including advance and receding portions, of actuating mechanism for said feeding means including a plurality of pairs of driving elements each adapted to produce a different feeding speed, a shaft on which one of lthe elements of each of said pairs is mounted, and different friction disc clutches for connecting said last named elements respectively to said shaft, the other elements of said pairs rotating on parallel axes.

2l. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means operative to feed the same transversely of a mine face during cutting and including advance and receding portions, of actuating mechanism for'said feeding means including a plurality of shafts, an additional shaft, a plurality of sets of worm gearing each adapted to produce a different feeding speed and each including a member on one of said first named shafts and -a member on said additional shaft, and different friction disc clutches for connecting said last named members respectively to said last named shaft 22. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and

flexible feeding means operative to feed the same transversely of a mine face during cutting and including advance and receding portions,` pf actuating mechanism for said feeding means including two pairs of driving elements adapted respectively to produce a fast and a-slow feeding speed, a shaft| on.-

valternatively operable frictional means respectively controlling said mechanisms and having resilient mechanisms maintaining a different predetermined loading limit for each feed. v v

24. The combination with a .'mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor including advance and receding portions, ofl feed operating means for propelling said machine relative to' said portions including forward and reverse feed mechanisms operative to feed said machine along either of the portions at different speeds, and alternatively operable fric-tional means respectively controlling said mechanisms and having resilient mechanisms maintaining a different predetermined loading limit for each feed.

25. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a minebottom, and flexible feeding means therefor including advance and receding portions, of feed operating means for propelling said machine relative to said portions including a plurality of feeding mechanisms, and alternatively operable frictional means, respectively controlling said mechanisms and having resilient mechanisms maintaining a different' predetermined loadin limit for each feed and provision for adjusting said limits.

26. The combination with a mining machineslidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding. means therefor including advance and receding portions, of feed operating means for z propelling said machine. relative to said portions including a plurality of feeding mechanisms, alternatively operable,

frictional means respectively controlling said mechanisms and havingl resilient mechanisms maintaining a different predetermined loading limit for each feed, and controlling means for said frictional means comprising a single operating member.

27. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and flexible feeding means therefor including advance and' receding portions, of feed operating so p means for propelling said machine relative to said portions including a plurality of feeding mechanisms, frictional means'controlling said mechanisms and hav' n resilient loading means providing a different predetermined loading limit for each feed, and controlling means for said frictional means comprismg a single operating member movable in opposite directionsto cause said resilient loading means to load differ-` .ent feeds.

28. In a room and pillar-mining machine,

a frame including a longitudinally disposed motor and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, cuttin mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting from one end of said frame, driving conpitch operatively connected with one another by intermeshing spur gears of different sizes, saidv worm gears being alternatively operative as drivingv elements, and cooperating elements driven by said worm gears and rotatable on horizontal axes extending transversely relative to said motor and in front of said intermeshing spur gears. 4

29. In a room and pillar mining machine, a frame including a longitudinally disposed motor and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrylng cutter bar projecting from one end of said frame, driving connections between said chain and motor, and. feeding mechanism for moving said machine bodily towards and from aworking face and bodily transversely thereof during cutting includin flexible feeding means comprising a plurahtyof flexible portions having free extremities adapted for connection to fixed points and means for winding in either of said portions at'a cutting speed or at a higher speed including winding means cooperating with said flexible feeding means and driving mechanism therefor driven by said motor and including a plurality of worms of different pitch operatively connected with one another 'by intermeshing spur gears of different sizes, said worms being rotatable on vertical axes and alternatively operative as drivingyelements, and cooperating worm wheels driven by said worms and rotatable on a horizontal axisextending transversely relative to said motor and in front of said vertical axes.

30. ln a room and pillar miningfmachine, a frame including a longitudinally disposed motor and slidable over a mine bottom du'ring cutting, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting from one "end of said frame, driving connections between said chain and motor, and feeding mechanism for moving said machine bodily towards and from a working face and bodily transversely thereof during cutting including flexible feeding means comprising a plurality of flexible portions having free extremities adapted for connection to fixed points, and adapted alternatively to constitute advance and' receding portions, and means driven by said motor for winding in either of said portions while it is constituting an advance portion at a plurality of speeds without reversal of the -motor including winding means cooperating with said portion and driving connections therefor including a plurality of worms of different pitch rotating on vertical axes to the rear of the motor and connected with one another by intermeshing spur gears of different sizes and alternatively operative as driving elements, cooperating mutually coaxial worm wheels driven by said worms and rotating on a transverse axis intermediate said motor and said vertical axes, and clutch mechanism coaxial with said worm wheels and including means for effecting engagement lof said clutches reciprocable axially of the latter. y

31. In a room and pillar mining machine having cutting mechanism and slidable on a mine bottom, feeding mechanism for feed ing the same laterally along a mine face during cutting including flexible feeding means having advance and receding portions, feed operating means cooperating with said flexible feeding means, and driving -mechanism for said feed operating means operativel to cause the saine to wind in either of said portions at a plurality of speeds including a plurality of worms of different pitch alternatively operative as driving elements, cooperating gears driven thereby and coaxial with respect to each other, a hollow shaft extending axially through said cooperating gears, a plurality of clutches comprising element-s rotating with said cooperating gears and elements connectible therewith, and a clutch operating elementmovable in said hollow shaft, said worm`gears being operatively connected with one another by intermeshing spur gears sprocket, and feeding mechanism for feeding said machine transversely during cutting including flexible feeding means comprising oppositely extending flexible portions, cooperating feed operating means, and driving mechanism for the latter including a plurality of worms'of different pitch operatively connected withfone another by inter- 'meshin'g spur gears of different sizes and alternatively operative as driving elements.

33. In a room and pillar mining machine comprising a frame including a motor and slidable on a mine bottom, cuttingmechanism including a cutter chain driving sprocket, driving connections therefor including a bevel gear driven by said motor, a Spur gear rotatable with said bevel gear, and a cooperating spur gear coaxial with said sprocket, and feeding mechanism for feeding said machine transversely during cutting including fiexible feeding meansv comprising oppositely extending flexible portions, feed operating` means operative to wind in one or the otliei` of said portions, and driving mechanism for said feed operating means rotatable by one of the elements of said sprocket drive and including a plurality of worms of different pitch operatively connected with one another by-intermeshing spur gears of different sizes and alternatively operative as driving elements, a plurality of mutually coaxial worm wheels driven by said worms, and friction clutch means selectively operableto cause one| or the other of said worm wheels to constitute a driving element.

loading limits for different frictions 34. Ina mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member, of fast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor, a different operator loaded friction included in each mechanism, and load limiting means for each friction, establishing different predetermined loading limits for different fricltions beyond which the same cannot be loaded by an operator.

35. In amining machine, the combination with a feed operating member, of fast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectively operative to drive said member in opposite directions, a different operator loaded friction included in each mechanism,

and load limiting means for each frictionl `with a feed operating-member, of fast and yslow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectively operative to drive said member in opposite directions, a different operator loaded friction included in each mechanism, a single controlling member, and load limiting means for each friction establishing different predeterminedloading limits for different frictions and disposed between said member and each friction.

38. In a mining machine, the combination with a feedoperating member, of fast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor a different operator loaded, friction included in each mechanism, a single controlling member, a single friction actuating member,

vand' load limiting means for said frictions establishing different predetermined load- .ing limits for different frictions and disposed between said members.

39. In a mining machine, the combination with a feedoperating member, of fast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectively operative to drive said member -in opposite directions, a different operator loaded friction included in each mechanism,

a single controlling member, a singley friction actuating member, and load limiting means for said frictions establishing different predetermined loading limits for differreit frictions and disposed between said mem- 40. In a mining machine, the combination with yfeeding means, of actuating mechanism therefor including a shaft, a pair of worm-gears on said shaft, a second pair of Worm gears cooperating with said first named worm gears respectively, said 4last named worm 'gears being of. different pitch and being operatively connected with each other by intermesh-ing spur gears of different sizes, means for alternatively clutching said rst named worm gears to said shaft, a beveled gear on said shaft, a second shaft, a pair of beveled gears on said second shaft, and means` for alternatively connecting said last named beveled gears with said first named beveled gear.

41. In a mining machine, the combination. with feeding means, of transmission mechanisml foractuatingsaid feeding means including a plurality of alternatively -operative drivin pluralityo feeding speeds, each of said lconnections including a different operator loadedfriction clutch for rendering the same operative vor inoperative, and yieldingme'ansl for controlling said clutches respectively,`automatically operative to provide different, predetermined loading limits when said mechanism is driven at different speeds.'

42j? In a mining machine, the combination f with feedingt means, of-reversible transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means, said -transmission mechanism havin provision for producing a plurality of feedging speeds and including friction clutch mechanism for controlling both the direction of feed and the feedingspeed comprising a pair of alternatively operative friction clutches, and yielding means for controlling said clutch mechanism automatically operative lto provide different 'predetermined loadin limits When said mechanism is driven yat gdifferent speeds'. 43. Ina mining machine, the combination ,with feeding means', of transmission mecha- -nism for actuating said feeding means and including a friction clutch, and controlling means therefor comprising a longitudinally 4movable rod operatively connected with said clutch, a second longitudinally movable rod arranged parallel to said first named rod, operating means for said last named rod, ani means for yieldingly connecting said ro s.

44. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and connections for. producing a asv inviami including a friction clutch, and controlling means therefor comprising a longitudinally movable rod operatively connected with saidclutch, a second longitudinally movable rod arranged parallel to said first named rod, operating means for said last named rod, means for yieldingly connecting said rods, and means for adjustably connecting said last named means to one of said rods.

45. ln a mining machine, the combina-tion with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a friction clutch, and controlling means therefor comprising a longitudinally movable rod operatively connected with said clutch, a second longitudinally movable rod arranged'parallel to said first named rod, operating means for said last named rod, a crosshead yieldingly carried by one of said rods, and a pair of nuts on the other of said rods between which said crosshead is retained.

4-6. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a friction clutch, and controlling means therefor comprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one of said rods with said clutch, operating means for the other of said rods, and means yieldingly connected to one of said rods for operatively connecting said rods with each other.

47. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feedin means and including a friction clutch, an controlling means comprisin a pair of parallel longitudinally movablge rods, means lfor operatively connecting one of said rods with said clutch, operating 'means for the other of said rods, and means for operatively connecting said rods with 'each other, said means comprisin a member yieldingly connected to one o said rods and adgustably connected to the other of said rods.

a8. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, 'of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a friction clutch, and controlling means comprising a'p'air of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one of said rods With said clutch, operating means for the vother of said rods, a flanged sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a spring connecting said sleeve and rod, and a connectin member carried by the other of said ro s and cooperating With the dange on said sleeve.

e9. ln a mining machine, the combination feeding means, of `transmission mechanism for actuating said feedin means and iding a friction clutch, an controlling as comprising a pair of parallel longi- 'tnninally movable rods,l means for operatively connecting one of said rods with said clutch, operating means for the other of said rods, a ilanged'sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a spring connecting said sleeve and rod, and a crosshead slidably mounted relative to said sleeve and engageable by the flange thereof, said crosshead being connected with the other of said rods.

50. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a friction clutch, and controlling means comprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one of said rods' with said clutch, operating means for the other of said. rods, a flanged sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a spring connecting said sleeve and rod, a crosshead slidably mounted relative to said sleeve and engageable by the flange thereof, and a pair of nuts on the other of said rods between which said crosshead is retained.

5l. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanismfor actuating said feeding means and including a plurality of friction clutches, and controlling means comprising a longitudinally movable rod, operating means for said rod, sliding sleeves on said rod, means for operatively connecting said sleeves and clutches, nuts on said rod, and springs interposed between said nuts and sleeves.

52. ln a mining machine, the combination With feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuatin said feeding means and including a frictiony clutch, and controlling means comprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one ,of said rods 'with said clutch, operating means for the other of said rods, a flanged sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a nut on said last named rod, a spring interposed between said nut and sleeve, and .a connecting member carried by the other of said rods and cooperating with the dange on said sleeve.

53. ln a mining machine, the combination with. feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a plurality of alternatively operable friction clutches, and controlling means comprising a `member movable in did'erei'ity directions to operate said clutches respectively and yielding means for operating said member in diderent directions and limiting loading. y

54. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a 'plurality of driving conn-sctions each adapted produce a different feeding speed, a frietion for control,- ling each of said ins, and-contreiling means comprising ..-..cmber movable in different directions to `operate different clutches respectively and yielding means for operating said member in different directions operative to limit the loading of said clutches. v

55. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including two pa1rs of driving elements `adapted respectively to produce a fast and a slow feeding speed, a shaft on which one of the elements of each of said pairs is mounted, friction disk clutches for connecting said last named elements respectively to' said shaft, a controller on said shaft between said clutches and oppositely movable thereon to control said clutches respectively,vand Tielding means for moving said controller in oth directions.

56. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a plurality of alternatively operable frictionclutches, and controlling means comprising a longitudinally movable rod, means whereby movement of said rod in opposite .directions causes operation of said clutches respectively,a second longitudinally movable rod arranged parallel to said first named rod, operating meansfor said last named rod, and means for yieldingly con- /necting said rods for movement in both di,

rections.

57. In a mining machine, the combination with feedingieans, of transmission mechanism for 'actuatin said feeding means and including a plurality of alternatively operable 'friction clutches, and manually operable controlling means therefor comprising a plurality of springs and connections for operating' --said clutches respectively, and means for separately adjusting the tension of said springs.

58. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a plurality of alternatively operable friction clutches, and controlling means comprising a member movable. in different directions to operate said clutches respectively, and yielding means providing different predetermined loading limits for different clutches and having a lost motion connectionwith said member for operating the same.

59. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, of transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and lincluding a plurality of alternatively operable friction clutches, and controlling means comprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means for. o ratively connecting one of said rods with said clutches, said last named rod being movable in opposite directions to operate said clutches respectively, operating means for the other of said rods, a pair of flanged sleeves slidably mounted on one of said rods, springs connecting said sleeves respectively with said rod for yielding movement therewith, and a connecting member carried by the other of said rods and engaged by the flange on one tion clutches, and controlling means comprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one of said rods with Said clutches, said last namedy rod being movable in opposite directions to operate said clutches respectively, operating means for the other of said rods, a pair of flanged sleeves slidably mounted on one of said rods, said'rod having an enlargement engaged by said sleeves,`nuts on said last named rod, a spring interposed between each ofl said nuts and the 'adjacent sleeve, a crosshead slidabl mounted on said enlargement/and enga dy by the flange on one or the other of sai sleeves as said crosshead and sleeves are relatively moved in opposite directions, and a pair-of nuts on the other of said rods ,between which said crosshead is retained.

61. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a feed operating member, fast and slow speed driving mechanism therefor selectively operative to drive said membe'r including a plurality of. friction clutches, a single clutch contro ing member, operative connections between said member Iland each clutch `for limitin the load applied to each clutch to a diiig ing at will the direction of feed.

62. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a feed operating member, fast and'slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectivel operative to drive. said member in opposite directions and including a plurality 'of friction clutches, a single clutch erent predetermined amount, and supplemental means for reversv lill@ ing of said friction clutch mechanism, and pressure limiting means for said friction clutch mechanism including a plurality of springs alternatively operative to transmit power from saidrst mentioned member to said second mentioned member.

64:.k In a mining machine slidable overI the mine bottom during cutting, thejcomb nation with a feed operating member., of fast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectively operative to drive said member, and controlling mechanism therefor including friction clutch mechanism, a single controlling member, a member whose move- `ments in opposite directions control the loading of said friction clutch mechanism, and pressure limiting means for said friction clutch mechanism including a plurality of springs for moving said second mentioned member in opposite directions and alternatively operative to cause the same to load said` friction mechanism, and means for maintaining said first mentioned -member in opposite definite positions.

65. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar and flexible feeding mechanism yincluding a plurality of flexible feeding portions adapted to act on 'the opposite ends of the machine'frame and having free extremities adapted for eonnection to fixed points, a motor operatively connected to .said-cutting mechanism, and means driyen by said motor and including elements selectively' connectible thereto for drawing in either portion automatically at the -saine predetermined cutting speed land at a predetermined higher speed, said means and said included elements including a mem-v ber rotatable on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine at the opposite end of the motor from the cutter bar, and worm driving meansV for saidA member includin a worm wheel coaxial therewith.

66. vmachine slidable on a mine Abottom comprising cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar and-flexible feeding mechanism including -a plurality of iiexible feeding portions adapted to act on the opposite .ends of the machine frame and having free extremities adapted for connection to fixed points, a motnr operatively connected to said; cutting mechanism, and means driven by' said motoimand ,including elements selectively connectible. thereto for drawing in either portion automatically at I -a predetermined cutting speed and at the same predetermined higher speed, said means and said included elementsincluding a meinber rotatable on a horizontal axis extending transversely ofthe machine at the` opposite end of the motor from the cutter bar, worm driving means for said member including a worm wheel coaxial therewith, and elements selectively connectible to, said motor through said member.

67. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar and flexible feeding mechanism including a plurality of flexible Afeeding portions adapted to act on the opposite ends of the machine frame and having free extremities adaptedy for connection to fixed points, a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and means driven by said motor and including elements selective y connectible thereto for drawing in either portion automatically at the same predetermined cutting speed and at the same predetermined higher speed, said means and its included elements including a shaft rotatable on a horizontal transverse axis disposed at the opposite end of the motor from the cutter bar, and friction controlled plurals eed driving mechanism for said shaft inc udin gear elements arranged coaxially therewith `and clutch mechanism coaxial with said shaft and shiftable oppositely longitudinally thereof `to effect driving of said shaft at said predetermined cutting speed and at said predetermined higher speed.

68. A .mining machine slidable on a mine bottomcomprising cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar and fiexible feedingmechanism including a plurality of flexible feeding portions adapted to act on the opposite ends of the machine frame and having .free extremities adapted for connection to fixed points, a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and means driven b said motor and including elements selective y connectible thereto for drawing in either portion automatically at a predetermined cutting s eed and at a predetermined' higher spee said means and its included elements including a shaft rotatable on a horizontal transversely extending axis, friction controlled multi-speed driving gearing therefor operative to drive thesame at a plurality of predetermined speeds including gear elements coaxial therewith and a plurality of clutches also coaxial therewith, the rotation of said shaft being'frictionally controlled at each of said lurality of speeds, and alternatively operalfle clutches beyon said multi-s eed gearing and including driving clutch e ements driven by said shaft and driven clutch elements connectible with said drivin clutch elements to effect drawing in of di erent portions..

' In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

, MORRIS PQ HOLMES.

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