US1544067A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

June 30, 1925. 1,544,067

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE:

Original Filed March 22, 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 1918 '8 Sheets-Sheet 2 M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 22,

June 30, 1925.

June 30, 1925. 1,544,067

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 22. 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 30, 1925.

- 1,544,067 M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 22, 191 8 sheets sheet A June 0, 1925.

Original Filed March 22, 1918 M; P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet, 5

Z 7.9 I a 15 28 I i 7 43 4 June 30, l25. 1,544,067

M. P. HOLMES MIN ING MACHINE Original Filed March 22, .1918 8 sheets she t 6 June 30, 1925.

1,544,067 M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 22. 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 W P f-P'r *1: I *1! '77} I H 1' A! l' {I I s E r June 30, 1925.

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed r h 22. 1918 B ////v// V///////////////// 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 MORRIS I. HOLMES, OF CLAREMON'I, NEW

MACHINERY COMPANY, A COR 1,544,067 OFFICE.

HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOB TO SULLIVAN PORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

PATENT MINING nacnmn.

Application illed Iarch 22, 1918, Serial No. 224,072.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Moms P. HOLMES, a

.citizen of the United Statesa residing at Claremont, in the county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, have invented certam new and useful Improvements in Mining Machines, of which the following is a fu 1, clear, and exact specification.

This invention relates to mining machines, and especially to machines of the chain'cutter t pe, which are fed along the face in whic the cut is being made, and has for its general objects to improve and render more flexible, convenient, reliable, and efiicient the mechanism for feeding the-machine and the means for controlling said feeding mechanism; more particular objects being to render sald feedln mechanismcapable of pro-' pelling the mac ine at any one of a plurallty of speeds and in either direction with equal faciliity, to provide means whereby the feeding mechanism may be caused to turn the machine as well as propel the same, to provide improved automatic releasing means for insuring the mechanism against breakage 'in case of overload, and also to coordinate the controlling devices in such a manner as to reduce to a minimum the possibility of improper operation of the appa ratus.

The foregoin and other objects of the invention, toget er with means whereby the same may be carried into effect, will best be understood'from the following description of certain forms or embodiments thereof shown for purposes of illustration in the accompanyin drawings.

In sald rawings, 4

Fig. 1 is a plan' view of the complete machine with the cutter bar partly broken awa s Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 1 with the side of the gear casing partly broken away.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the transmission mechanism.

Fi 5 is a transverse vertical section substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a partial longitudinal vertical sectiorioii the line 66 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical section substantially on the line 7-7 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8. is an elevation of the upper part of Renewed Kay 12, 1823. Serial lio. 552,508.

the machine as viewed from the line 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a detail vertical section substantially on the line 9-9 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is a detail horizontal section of the overload releasing device taken substantially on the line 10-1O of Figs. 6 and 7.

Flg. 11 is a detail verticalsection substantially on the line 1111 of F i 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary orizontal sectional view showing a modified form of overloading releasin device.

Fig. 13 is a "detail vertical section of a further modification.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the operation of the machine.

Fi 15 is a fragmentary plan view show in t e means for turning the machine.

ig. 16 is a detail illustration of the connecting member shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic view of another sumping arrangement adapted touse under certain conditions.

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view of still another arrangement for sumping.

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view of a preferred arran ment for finishing a rib, showing the mac line in two positions.

ig. 20 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. 14 showing one arrangement when cutting in the opposite direction, i. e. from left to right.

In Figs. 1 and 2 is illustrated a mining machine of the familiar room and illar type. This machine, as is usual in mac ines of its type, com rises a body from the forward end of w the rear end of [ch projects a fixed cutter bar 22 carrying a cuter chain 23, said body comprising a motor casing 20 and a gear casing 21 and having at lts bottom a shoe or base plate 24 upon which the machine is slid across the mine floor, as the cut progresses. Within the motor casing 20 is an electric or other motor 25 which operates, through transmission mechanism hereinafter described, to actuate the cutter chain 23 and the feeding means for the apparatus, said feeding means includinga feed chain 26 secured at its ends, as at A and B, Fig. 14, to suitable jacks or other securin devices at opposite ends of the path of trave of the machine, said chain passing over a guide roller or sprocket 27 at the rear of the machine, a feed sprocket 28 within the easing 21, and guide rollers or sprockets 29 and 110 30 at the side of the machine adjacent the rear and front ends thereof, respectively. The parts thus far referred to, as to their neral organization, arrangement, and fiinction, are well known in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, two pairs of guide rollers or sprockets 29, 30 are provided, one at each side of the machine, and with either, pair of which the single feed chain 26 may be engaged, said chain bein, in both positions, operated by the same feed sprocket 28, which may be driven, through the medium of improved reversible actuating mechanism hereinafter described, in either direction, thereby causing said chain to propel the machine across the mine floor in either direction; the feed chain during transverse or laterai cutting from right to left having its advance portion extended from the feed sprocket or feed operating member 28 around the left hand rear guide 29 and forward to the front left hand guide 30 and then laterally therefrom to a fixed point at the left hand rib, while its receding portion extends from the feed operating member 28 around the rear guide 27 and laterally therefrom to the right hand rib, and the construction also being such that when it is desired to reverse the arrangement to permit cutting from left to right, the receding portion may be readily and quickly extended around the right hand rear guide 29 and forward therefrom and around the right hand front guide 30 to the right hand rib as the advance portion, while the advance portion may be passed from the feed operatin member 28 around the left guide 29 and laterally to the left hand rib as the receding portion.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3 and 5 the shaft 31 of the motor 25 is provided with a beveled gear 32 which meshes with a beveled gear 33 secured to a hub 39 which is in turn splined to a vertical shaft 34 journaled in suitable bearings 35 and 36 carried, respectively, by the base of the casing 21 and by a cap piece 37 supported b suitable framing 38 within said casing. he hub 39 of the gear 33 is further journaled in a bearing 40 supported by said frame 38. Mounted on the shaft 34 for rotation therewith, is a pinion 41 which meshes with a truck drivin gear 42 loosely mounted on a vertical sha t 43 fixed in the casing 21 and framing 38. The gear 42 is formed with a hub 44 on which is mounted a sprocket 45 for driving the cutter chain 23, said sprocket being adapted to be clutched to said hub b means of suitable clutch mechanism in icated by the numeral 46. Such clutch mechanism, being usual in machines of this type, requires no detailed description herein.

Loosely mounted on the shaft 34 is a clutch member 47 having an internal clutch face engaged by friction clutch members or shoes 48 connected by toggle links 49 with a clutch controller 50 havin a splinedconnectionwith the shaft 34. %'Iovement of the controller 50 toward the-member 47 causes the toggle links 49 to force the shoes 48 outwardly against the clutch face of themember 47, thereby frictionally connecting said member to the shaft 34. The controlling member 50 is normally pressed toward the clutch member 47 by means of a spring 51 hearing at one end against an interior shoulder on the member 50 and at its opposite end a ainst a nut 52 on the threaded end of the s aft 34, whereb the tension of said spring may be adjusted In the operation of the friction device last described, the member 47 is caused normally to rotate with the shaft 34, but is permitted to yield or slip on said shaft should an unusual resistance be encountered. The resistance opposed by said device against such yielding or slipping is determined by the force with which the member 50 is pressed toward member 47 by the spring 51 or by other means hereinafter referre to.

The hub of the member 47 is formed with a pinion 53 which meshes with a gear 54 (see also Fig. 4) rotatably mounted on a carrier 55 having an annu ar portion movably mounted in a circular guide on the upper face of the cap piece 37 concentric with the shaft 34, said carrier bein retained in said guide by means of an annu ar gib 56 (see Fig. 5) bolted to said cap piece. The gear 54 meshes with a gear 57, also rotatably mounted in the carrier 55, said carrier being angularly movable in its ide in the cap piece 37 to cause either 0 the gears 54 or 57 toengage and rotate a gear 58 (see also Fig. 6), thereby causing said gear to be rotated in one direction or the other according to the adjustment of the carrier 55. Said ear 58 is keyed to a sleeve 59 secured to a sleeve 66 rotatably mounted on a vertical or upright shaft 60, suitably fixed in the casing 21. For shifting the carrier 55 to cause the gear 58 to be driven directly in one direction by the gear 54 or in the opposite direction through the gears 54 and 57,

said carrier is connected by a link 61 (Figs. 4 and 9) with a lever 62 pivoted at 63 to a suitable bracket secured to the casing and extending to the rear end of said casing where it is provided with a suitable operating handle 64. Latches 65 are preferably provided to lock the handle 64 in its two extreme positions corresponding to the two positions of adjustment of the carrier 55.

The sleeve 66 (see Fig. 6) is formed at its lower end as an eccentric 67 which operates through difierential reduction gearing to rotate at a greatly reduced speed a gear 68 loosely mounted on said sleeve 66, said differential gearing being epicyclic and comprising a sleeve surrounding said eecentric and having small and large gear portions 69 and 70 meshing, respectively,

with a fixed internal gear 71 secured to the casing and a larger rotatable internal gear 72 secured to a flange .73 on a sleeve 74 to which said gear 68 is keyed or otherwise secured for rotation therewith. The gear 68 meshes with a gear 75 loosely mounted on a vertical shaft 76 secured at its ends in the casing 21, said gear 75 having a clutch face 77 adapted to be engaged by a cooperating clutch face on a sleeve 78 longitudinally and rotatabl mounted on the shaft 76. The sleeve 78 is formed with a toothed portion constituting a pinion 79 which meshes with a gear 80 (see Fi 2, 3, and 4), fast to the hub of the fee sprocket 28, which sprocket is rotatably mounted on the upright shaft 43.

By the connections above described, it will be seen that the feed sprocket 28 may be rotated in either direction to cause the feed chain 26 to feed the machine in either direction, according to the adjustment of the carrier 55 and the arrangement of said chain about the rollers or sprockets 27, 29, and 30, as above explained. In order to provide for an increased speed of rotation of the feed sprocket 28 and a correspondingly increased rate of travel of the machine, the following transmission mechanism, 0perative alternatively with a portion of the mechanism last described, is provided:

The sleeve 59 to which the gear 58 is keyed constitutes the hub of a pinion 81 (see Figs. 4 and 6) which meshes with a gear 82connected by mechanism presently to be described with a clutch member 83 having a clutch face 84 adapted to be engagedby a cooperating clutch face on the end of the sleeve 78 opposite that engaging the clutch face 77 on the gear 75. By moving the sleeve 78 lon itudinally to cause one or the other of the c utch faces on the ends thereof to engage the clutch face 77 or the clutch face 84, the pinion 79, which drives the feed sprocket 28 through the gear 80, may be connected with either the gear 75 or the gear 82, thereby causin said feed sprocket to be driven from t e gear 58 either at a slow speed through the differential gearing 69, 70, etc., and gears 68 and 75. or at an increased speed through the pinion 81 and gear 82. In order that said clutch sleeve 78 may be conveniently shifted, said sleeve is formed with a groove 85 engaged by studs on a fork 86 fast on a rock shaft 87 journaled in brackets secured to the casing 21, said rock shaft having fast thereon an arm 88 connected by a link 89 to an eccentric pin 90 on a stud 91 rotatably mounted in the casing and provided with an operating handle 92. With the handle 92 in the position shown in Fig. 4, the mechanism is adjusted to produce a slow feed of the apparatus, while b moving said handle 92 into a diametrical y opposite position the gea'ing may be shifted to produce the fast When the relatively fast feed is employed, the friction mechanism employed for yieldingly connecting the shaft 34 and pinion 53 may advantageously'be adjusted to oppose an increased resistance against yieldlng or slipping of the parts than when the slow speed is employed, and for the purpose of conveniently providing for such'increased resistance the following mechanism for loading the friction device is employed, reference being had particularly to Figs. 4 and 5.

Rotatably mounted on the clutch controlling member 50, as byvan anti-friction bearing 93, is a ring or collar 94 having trunnions to which are pivoted arms 95 on a rock shaft 96 journaled in suitable bearings on the casing 21 and having secured to its end a hand lever 97. The arms 95 are normally fixed to the shaft 96, being, for reasons hereinafter explained; preferably secured thereto by means permitting a slight angular adjustment of said arms on said shaft, said means comprising a hub 98 keyed to the shaft and car mg a rotatable stud 99 having eccentric en d portions 100 engaging slots in extensions 101 on said arms whereby rotation of said pin, as by means of an implement inserted in one of the openings 102 therein, may be caused to produce a slight.

angular movement of said arms on said shaft. The pin 99 is normally held against rotation in the hub 98 by means of set screws 103.

By lifting up on the hand lever 97, the arms 95 may be caused to press downwardly upon the ring 94, thereby supplementing the action of the spring 51 and causing the shoes 48 to engage the clutch surface on the member 47 with an increased pressure. For purposes of safety, it is desirable that this loading of the friction be prevented when the mechanism is adjusted to produce a slow feed, and to this end an interlock is provided between the levers 92 and 97, said interlock comprising an extension 104 on the lever 97, which overlies an extended portion 105 of the lever 92, whereby when said lever 92 is in the position to ad ust the transmission mechanism for a slow feed, as shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 8, said extension 105, by engaging the extension 104, will prevent manipulation of the lever 97 to increase the friction.

Similarly, it is desirable that means he provided for preventing a change in the friction during the operation of shifting the reversing gearing, and to this end an interlock is also provided between the levers 97 and 64,.said interlock comprising a lip 106 (see Figs. 4 and 9) on the lever 97 which is engaged by a hooked lug 107 on the lever 64 except when said last named lever is in one of its extreme positions.

Here it will also be noted that thru the provision of the lip 106 and hooked lug 107 means are also provided to lock the lever 64 against movement prior to movement of the lever 97, the lip 106 normally being disposed in the same plane with the lug 107 in such a manner as to .prevent movement of the lever 64 until the lever 97 is depressed into its friction releasing position shown in Fig. 9. Movement of the lever 64:. to an intermediate position during the shifting of the reversing gearing causes the lug 107 to overlie the lip 106, thereby locking the lever 97 against operation. The arms 95 may be so angularly adjusted on the rock shaft 90, by the means heretofore referred to. as to secure such a positioning of the lever 97 as will permit the proper cooperation of the interlocking devices above described.

Since manipulation of the lever 97 causes an increase in the driving tension limited only by the strength of the operator, it is desirable that automatic releasing means be provided to insure the mechanism against breakage in case of overload, such means being preferably interposed between the gear 82 and sleeve 83 and forming transmission elements of the fast feed mechanism. Referring to Figs. 6, 10, and 11, the upper face of the gear 82 is formed with a circular recess, the annular wall of which is provided with notches 108 formed'with inclined walls. Located in the recess in the gear-82 and keyed to the sleeve 83, is a disk 109 having recesses in which are slidably mounted a series of plungers 110 normally impelled outwardly by springs 111 located in said recesses behind said plungers. As shown in Fig. 10, said plungers are arranged inoppositely inclined pairs and are provided with ends formed substantially to it the notches 103. The plungers of one pair are adapted positively but releasabl to transmit motion from the gear 82 totlie disk 109 when said gear is rotated in one direction, while the plungers of the other pair are adapted similarly to transmit motion from the gear to the disk when said gear is rotated in the opposite direction. Assuming the direction of rotation of the gear 82 to be as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 10, it will be seen that the direct thrust of the walls of the notches or recesses 108 against the ends of the plungers 110 designated by the letter b, will be such as to force said pluugers inwardly against the tension of their springs 111, whereas the walls of the recesses 108 exert a wedging action upon the plungers designated by the letter a. permitting said plungers to remain in the operative position shown and provide a positive driving connection between the gear 82 and disk 109. When, however, the pressure upon plungers a becomes excessive, the cam action of the walls of the recesses upon the ends of said plungers will cause said plungers to be forced inwardly against the tension of their springs, thereby disconnecting the gear 82 and disk 109. Similarly, it the gear 82 be rotated in the opposite direction, the plungers a will become inoperative and the plungers b operative.

In order to permit the pressure exerted by the springs 111 upon the plungers 110 to be varied, said springs preferably cugage followers 112 in threaded engagement with screws 113 abutting against the rear faces of said plungers, whereby rotation of said screws will permit said followers to be moved away from the rear faces of the plungers. thereby increasing the tension of the springs.

Instead of arranging the pluugers 110 in oppositely inclined pairs. said plungers may be radially arranged and provided with oppositely inclined faces. as shown at 11 1 in Fig. 12. As in the construction first described, th'c plungers ll-l are backed by springs 111 bearing against followers 11; carried by screws 113 abutting the inner faces of the plungers 114.

A further modification is shown in Fig. 13 whercin the plungcrs comprise balls llfs backed by followers 110 against which bear springs 11? the opposite ends of which act against followers 118 adjustably connected with the bottoms of the recesses 119 in the disk 109 by abutment screws 120.

It will be understood by those familiar with the art that, in the normal operation of the machine, as said machine is fed along the wall being cut, it is held by the feeding means in a position substantially at right angles to said wall, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 14. As the end of the cut is approached, however, it is desirable to swing or turn the machine from its normal position to cause the end of the cutter bar to cut to a point substantially in alinement with the rib, as indicated in full lines in Fig. 14, in order to produce a straight. rib. A similar turning movement of the machine is also frequently desirable at other points in the travel thereof across the wall. as. for example, in cutting out an obstruction. or for other purposes. The present invention. therefore. comprises means whereby the feeding mechanism may be caused. at will. to swing or turn the machine out of its per pcndicuiar position with respect to the wall as well as to propel the same along said wall. To this end. in the construction shown. means are provided for so connecting tinfood chain '20 with the rear guide sprocket 27 as to prevent said sprockel l'roln paying out said chain. i. e.. to arrest relative movement of said sprocket and chain in a direcof the machine,

tion longitudinally of the latter, while continuing thev feeding action of the feed sprocket 28 upon said chain and the movement of the latter with respect to the guide sprockets 29 and 30. As s own in Figs. 14 and 15, said means comprises a connecting member 125 having at its opposite ends hooks 126 and 127 adapted, respectively, to engage a convenient link of t e chain 26 and a hub 128 on the sprocket 2?. For convenience in use said hooks are preferably disposed in planes formin an angle of ap roximately 90 ,with eac other, as shown in detail in Fig. 16. With the member 125 in place, as shown in Fig. 15 and in full lines in Fig. 14, as the feed sprocket 28 draws in upon the forward end of the chain 26, said chain, by engagement with the guide sprocket or roller 30, causes the forward end of the machine to continue its advance, whereas the advance of the rear end of the machine is arrested by its connection with the rear end of thechain, so that said machine is turned from the osition shown in dotted lines in Fi 14 into the position shown in full lines t erein.

In the use of my improved construction, it will be noted that the machine may cut laterally, with equal facilit from right to left or from left to right, t e operation being the same in each, case and the only change necessary to permit reversal being the reversal of the motor and the cutter bits and the reversal of the flexible feeding means relative to the guides 29 and 30. Thus in either direction of cut the portion selected as the advance portion leads oif from the front end of the advancing side while the other portion which their acts as the receding portion extends laterally from the rear end of the receding side thereof, and all changing of the flexible portions relative to their feed operating means is made unnecessary. Inasmuch as a description of the sumping cut at one rib and a transverse cut from that rib to the opposite rib will suflice for both, I will accordingly onl describe in detail a sumping cut at the right-hand rib, and the following transverse out. In this connec tion it will be observed that as illustrated at the right in Fig. 14, it is possible, when the machine is unloaded at the face ready to make acut from right to left, to connect the free end of the advance portion of the flexible feeding member to the left hand rib at A and to connect the free end of the re'ceding portion of the flexible feeding member to the right hand rib as to a take-up at B and then, through suitable connection of my improved driving mechanism for the feed operating member 28, rotate the latter to draw in the receding portion at a predetermined slow or cutting speed at the same time that the cutter chain driving sprocket 45 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. As a result, the machine moves forward during sumping relative to the flexible feeding means from the rearward dotted line position illustrated at the right of Fig. 14 toward the forward dotted line position illustrated in that figure. Then after suitably connecting the member 125 in such manueras to hold the rear end of the machine against movement away from the rib by limiting the lengthening of the receding portion, the machine is straightened in the cut, herein through swinging the bar end thereof angularly toward the left and through a longer path than the rear end as the machine moves bodily forward, by simply reversing the direction of rotation of the feed operating member 28 through the improved reverse feeding mechanism and without changing the speed of the feed operating member or the speed or direction of rotation of the motor, the latter continuing to rotate at full speed and in the same direction. As a result of this reversal of the feed operating member to draw in the advance portion and the use of the member 125 the machine is thus caused to occupy while near the rib the position relative to the facadesired during the transverse out herein illustrated in the central dotted line position of Fig. 14. By then simply removing the member 125 and taking up the slack, the machine is free to move transversely as desired at a uniform and predetermined cuttin speed, the machine being suitably balanced action of the advancing and receding portions on its opposite ends. Thus, it will be observed that it is possible to sump the machine and move the same transversel across the face, with one setting of jacks w ere the operator is skillful, and with the cutter c ain always rotating in 'the same direction, and without stopping the motor or without reversing or varying the speed of the latter. Attention is also directed to the fact that a predetermined cutting speed is obtainable during the sumping operation which is herein the same as the cutting speed during a transverse cut, thereby enabl ng the machine to be sumped in this direct manner along the receding portion and moved transversely with only one setting of the jacks by a skillful operator even in the hardest cutting. Furthermore, it will be noted that at any time desired it is possible through the fast and slow feeds in each direction, not onl to cooperate with the member 125 to ang e the machine at different speeds when desirable but also to pull either end of the machine forward or backward at either high or slow speed during transverse or angling cutting whether the member 125 is used or not. It will also be observed that through my improved construction wherein these improved results may be obtained by the fill either when cutting from rightto left or from left to right, i. e., in either arrangement of the flexible feeding means relative to the machine, the advance flexible feeding ortion in cut-ting from right to left becoming the receding flexible feeding portion in cutting from left to right, while the receding flexible feeding portion in cutting from right to left becomes the advance flexible feeding portion in cutting in the opposite direction and the machine being movable relative to the new flexible portions during suniping or transverse cutting as previously described in connection with cutting from left to right. Here it will also be noted that in this reverse arrangement of the flexible feeding portions, each individual portion in either of its arrangements extends laterally in the same direction, herein from the same side of the machine, although from opposite ends of the frame, thus eliminating all ne cessity for crossing the flexible feeding portions at the rear of the machine and simplifying the connections and guiding means necessary at the same time that the flexible feeding ortions are caused to be shortened or lengt iened in the desired sequence to expedite successive machine movements. It will further be noted that at the completion of a cut in either direction, the machine may be angled relative to the face as, for example. illustrated at the left hand side of Fig. H, and that after it has completed the out, i. e., backed out of the same at that angle, the machine may be returned to the truck at the opposite rib by simply fixing either desired end of the flexible feeding member usually the end of the receding portion at a point adjacent the truck and rotating the feed operating member 28 at high speed in such a direction as to ropel the machine along the desired portion of the flexible feeding member.

As a result of my improved construction, it is found possible in cutting in either direction to reduce the number of jack settings where conditions are favorable, and

under all conditions to reduce the requisite handling of the flexible feeding means and otherwise materially to reduce the time required during the cutting operations. Furiher. through the provision of my improved means whereby the machine may be moved relative to either receding portion at a predetermined cutting speed. it is also made possible at either rib to sump the machine smoothly and rapidly with this same simplified connection even in the hardest cutting with entire safety to the operator. Also, through the use of my improved means for limiting or inhibiting the paying out of one portion while still permitting drawing in of the other portion at different speeds, in this illustrative construction including themember 125 adapted to cooperate with either receding portion, it is made possible to straighten the machine during sumping at either rib by a movement of the bar in the same direction which it takes during the transverse cut and thus further expedite the cutting operation, the only delay incident to the transition from the sumping cut to the transverse out being that involved in connecting and disconnecting the member 125. Also it will be evident that this same means may be used in other relations where it is desirable forone portion to be drawn in while the other is retained of the same length, as, for example, when swinging the bar around to widen a room. Through the provision of the predetermined high speed feed operable to draw in either portion, it is also made possible to increase the speed of feed whenever conditions permit while the machine is working on the face, or whenever desired while movlng over the mine bottom. It will also be noted that the manually releasable friction mechanism includin the operating handle also makes it possibfia, by slipping the friction as needed, to decrease any of the geared feeds as desired during either cutting or moving whenever it is desirable to meet particular conditions. Further, it will be noted that this friction mechanism is automatically releasable to protect the machine whenever any feed is overloaded. Attention is here also directed to the fact that in my improved construction when sumping at one or either rib, the receding portion may whenever desired be passed around the front guide sprocket on the receding side of the machine (Fig. 17) before connecting it to the rib, thereby giving added control for the machine through minimizing the tendency of the rear end of the machine to swin against the rib and thus insuring a straigflter sumping out along the rib. It will also beevident that when sumping at one or either rib the advance portion may if desired be releasedfrom the front guide sprocket on the advancing side of the machine and lie directly in a relatively taut connection between the ide sprocket at the rear of that side an the jack at the rib so that it exerts a maximum balancing effect on the rear end of the machine as the latter moves toward the face as the receding portion is drawn in and the advance port-ion lengthened, Fig. 17, this arrangement or the arrangement of the advance portion shown in Fig. 14 being used with the receding portion in either of its arrangements previously described, depending upon the conditions encountered. For example, when desired the arrangement may be as shown in Fig. 18 wherein both portions engage their front guides initially. Attention is also directed to Fig. 19 wherein it will be noted that the rib is being finished or squared by drawing in the advance ilt . with elements circulatin of the arrangements shown, it will also be observed that this jack A may he plaoed'in position for the transverse out before the sumping cut, or starting cut, is made and remain there from the beginning of the sumping cut to the end of the transverse cutting operation. It will also be observed that the, anchor B may remain in position whenever the receding portion is not passed around its front guide, provided the posi tion is skillfully selected. As shown in Fig. 20 it is also possible for the machine to cut from left to right when arranged reversely from .the manner shown in Fig. 14. In connection with this it should also be noted that in either right or left hand cutting the sumping or rib finishing arrangements shown in the preceding fi ures may be used if desired. These and other advantages of my improved construction will however be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art;

A While I have in this application specifically described one form which my invention may assume in practice, it will be noted that this form of the same has been used .for purposes of illustration and that my invention or certain features thereof may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the ap ended claims.

What I claim as new and esire to secure by Letters Patent isz 1. A room and pillar mining machine slidable on the mine bottom com risin a frame, cutting mechanism thereon inclu ing a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed longitudinal relation thereto and carrying a rotatable cutter chain provided in orbits extending longitudinally of sai bar and operative to cut and clear kerfs, flexible feeding means operativeto effect feeding movement and-to determine the angular relation of said machine to aworking face durin the various cutting operations and inclu ing advance and receding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means including a motor having a power shaft disposed longitudinally of said frame and means actuatable by the rear endof said power shaft and disposed wholly to the rear of the front end of said motor and operative to effect circulation of said cutter chain and to wind in said-advance portion and unwind said receding portion to feed said machine at a predetermined low speed across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said means having provision for windin in 7 face.

speed and at another speed, both without reversing the direction of said cutter chain or motor or alteration in the mode of operative connection between said receding portion of said winding means existing during said feed across the a face.

2. A room and pillar mining machine slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, a motor thereon constituting a source of power for cutting and feeding mechanism actuation, cutting mechanism on said frame including a cutter bar rojecting from said frame in fixed longitu inal relation thereto and carrying a rotatable cutter chain provided with elements operative to cut and clear kerfs and circulating in plane substantially horizontal orbits, flexible feeding means operative to effect feeding movementjand todetermine the angular relation of saidmachine to a working face during the various cutting operations and including advance and receding portions disposable laterally in op osite directions from the opposite ends 0 said frame, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means driven from the same end of said motor and operativeto wind in the advancing portion and unwind the receding portion to feed said machine at a predetermined low speed across a face as said cutter chain is rotated by said motor in one direction, said means having provision for winding in said receding portion at the same predetermined speed and also at a faster speed substantially in excess of the maximum potential cutting speed of said machine under normal working conditions, both without reversing the direction of said cutter chain or motor or alteration in the mode of operative connection between said receding portion and said winding means existing during said feed across the 8. A room slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, amotor thereon constituting a source of power for, cutting and feedin mechanism, cuttin mechanism on said rame .includinga p ane cutter bar'projecting from said frame in fixed longitudinal relation thereto and carrying for circulation about its edge in"a horizontal orbit'a rotatable cut- -ter chain, flexible feeding means operative ing portion to feed said machine at a re determined low cutting speed across a ace pillar mining machine Ila said receding portion at alike predetermined as said cutter chain is rotated by said motor in one direction, said means having rovi sion for winding in said receding portion at the same predetermined s eed and also a predetermined faster spee substantially in excess of the maximum potential cutting speed of said machine undernormal working conditions both without reversing the direction of said cutter chain or motor or alteration in the mode of operative connection between said receding portion and said winding means existing during said feed across the face.

4. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame; cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar carrying a rotatable cutter chain, flexible motor in said frame having a lon itudinally extending armature shaft, feeding means including advance and receding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means operative to wind in said advance and unwind said receding portion to feed said machine at a predetermined low speed across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said means having provision for winding in said receding portion without reversin the direction of said outter chain: and sa d feed operating means including an epicyclic gearing through which power may be transmitted to effect winding in of both the advance and receding portions.

5. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a rotatable cutter chain, flexible feeding means including addance and receding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from the op- 'te ends of said frame, and feed operatmg and cutter chain driving means operative to wind in said advance and unwind said receding portion to feed said machine at a predetermined low speed across the face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said means having provision for winding in said reoedin portion at a like predetermined speed wit out reversing the direction of said cutter chain and said feed operating means including an epicyclic gearing through which power may be transmitted to effect winding .in of both the ad Vance and receding portions.

6. In a mining machine, a machine frame, flexible feeding means thereon including advenue and receding flexible feeding portions, feed operating means including a feed operating member acting on said receding portion, a motor on said frame, and variable speed driving connections driven by said motor and o rable to rotate said feed operating mem er including an epicyclic gearing comprising orbitally movin coaxial gears meshing respectively wit a reaction gear and a gear driven by the orbitally moving gear which meshes therewith,

said variable speed gearing being selectively operable to drive said feed operating member at difl'erept predetermined speeds to shorten said receding portion.

7. In a mining machine, a machine frame, flexible feeding means thereon including advance and receding flexible feedin portions, feed operating means including a feed operating member acting on said receding portion, a motor on said frame, and variable speed driving connections driven by said motor and operable to rotate said feed operating member including a differential gearing comprising orbitally moving coaxial gears meshing respectively with a reaction ear and wit a gear driven by the orbltally movin' gear which meshes therewith, said varia le speed gearing being selectively operable to drive said feed operating member at different redetermined speeds to wind in said reoe ing por tion and a friction device disposed in said variable speed driving mechanism.

8. A mining machine slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism theredn including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed longltudinal relation thereto and carrying a rotatable cutter chain provided with elements operative to cut and clear kerfs and moving in orbits extending longitudinally of said frame, at all times during cutting, flexible feeding means includin advance and receding portions disposable 'aterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and when so extended controllin the angular relation of the frame to a wor ing face, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means including a motor having a longitudinally-extending power shaft and. mechanism driven wholly from one end 7 thereof, 0 rative to feed said machine in one direction relative to said advance portion at a plurality of speeds while said outter chain rotates m a single direction including a redetermined cutting feed and a faster eed or in an opposite direction and relative to said receding portion at a plurality of speeds including a like predeter- 1 mined cutting speed and afaster speed.

9. A mining machine slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mecha nism thereon including a cutter bar rojectin from said frame in fixed longitudinal re ation thereto and carrying a rotatable cutter chain providedwith elements operative to out and clear kerfs and moving in orbits extending longitudinally of said frame, at all times during cutting flexible feeding means including advance and receding portions disposable laterally in op osite directions from the opposite ends 0 said frame and when so extended controllin the angular relation of the frame to a wor face, and feedoperating and cutter chain driving means including a motor having a longitudinal] extend power shaft and mechanism riven wlilfily from one end thereof operative to feed said machine in one direction relative to said advance portion at a plurality of speeds including a predetermined cutting feed and a faster feed or in an opposite direction and relative to said receding portion at a plurality of speeds including a like predetermined cuttudmal relation thereto and earl-gin ting speed and a predetermined faster speed without reversing the direction of, rotation of said cutter chain. I

10. A mining machine slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon includ' a cutter bar projecting from said framem fixed longia rotatable cutter chain provided wi e ements operative to cut and clear kcrfs and movin in orbits extending longitudinally of said frame at all times during cutting, flexible feeding means including advance and receding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of, said frame and when so extended controlling, the angular relation of the frame to a working face, means for idisposin said feeding (portions for right or left han feeding, an feed operating and cutter chain rivin means including a motor havin a longltudinall extending power shaft and means connecti le with the rear end of the latter and operative to feed said machine along either receding portion at a predetermined low speed while said cutter chain is rotated in one direction and thereafter to feed said machine along either advance portion at the same speed whilepaying out its receding portion and continuing to drive said cutter chain in the same direction.

11. The combination with a mining machine including a frame slidable on a mine bottom and havin a rigid longitudinally projectin cutter chain carryin cutter bar, a motor ving a longitudinal y extending power shaft, and drivin connections between the rear end of said shaft and said cutter chain, of means for feeding said machine including flexible feeding rtions extending from the opposite si es of said frame and feedin o rating mechanism wholly actuatable Ey this rear end of said motor power shaft and operative to draw in either one of said portions at a plurality of redetermined speeds without reversal of sai motor or alteration in the mode of immediate cooperation between said feed operating mec anism and said ortions, said mechanism also having provision for drawing in one of said portions at a predetermined speed while permitting lengthenin of the other at substantially the same spee 12. The combination with a mining machine including a frame slidable on a mine ottom and having a rigid longitudinally projecting cutter bar provided with orbitally moving cutting elements traversing their orbits oppositely during the cutting of kerfs in opposite directions, of means for feediu said machine bodily laterally in either direction to eflect kerf cutting in either direction including flexible feeding portions in either relation extending from the op site ends of said frame and determining its angular relation to the face, and feed operating mechanism operative in either relation to draw in one of said portions at a predetermined speed while rmitting lengthening of the other at substantially the same speed, said mechanism including a longitudinally dis sed motor having drivlng connections on y with its rear end and said mechanism also having provision for drawing in either one of said portions at a plurality of predetermined speeds without reversal of said motor or alteration in the immediate cooperation-of said feed operating mechanism with such portions between such several drawings in.

13. A room and pillar mining machine slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a rotatable cutter chain whose.orbit at all times is disposed longitudinally of the frame, a continuous flexible feeding member on said machine disposable laterally in opposite directions in advance and receding portions from the opposite ends of sai frame, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means operative to wind insaid advance portion and unwind said receding ortion to feed said machine at a predetermined low speed across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said means including a longitudinally arranged motor with but one end of which povger connections are rovided arid said means having provision or winding in either of said portions at a plurality of redetermined s eds Without reversing the direction of sai cutter chain or alteration in the immediate coo eration of the feed operating means with said portions.

14. A room and pillar mining machine slidableon the mine bottom com rising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon lncludin a cutter bar rigidly pro'ecting from sai frame longitudinally of t e latter and carrying a rotatable cutter chain traversing an elongated orbit whose major dimension is, throughout cutting, disposed lon itudinally of the machine, a continuous exible feeding member on said machine disposable laterally in opposite directions in advance and receding portions from the opposite ends of said frame, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means includin a friction controlling device operative to said machine in one direction relative to said advance portion at a plurality of speeds or in an opposite direction and relative to said receding portion ata plurality of speeds without varying the load on said friction device or reversal of the direction of cutter chain drive.

15. A room and pillar mining machine slidable on the mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a permanently longitudinally extending cutter bar carrying a rotatable cutter chain, a continuous flexible feeding member on said frame inciuding advance and receding portions disposable laterally in o posite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and controlling its angular relation to a working face, means for disposing said feeding portions for right or left hand feeding, and feed operating and cutter chain driving means operative to feed said machine along either receding portion at a predetermined low speed while said cutter chain is rotated in one direction and thereafter to feed said machine along either advance portion at the same speed while paying out its receding portion and continuing to drive said cutter chain in the same direction as during the preceding feed along the receding portion.

16. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprisin a frame, cutting mechanism thereon inc uding a projecting cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding ortions disposable durin lateral cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said portions may be respectively reversely arranged as receding and advance portions during lateral cutting in the opposite direction, and feed operating said controlling and cutter chain drivin means operative during lateral cutting in either direction to wind in the advance portion at a predetermined cutting speed and permit len receding portion to feed sai machine across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said last mentioned means also having provision for at will winding in the receding ortion at a predetermined cutting speed while said cutter chain rotates in the same direction as during the lateral cutting operation.

17; A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprisin a frame, cutting mechanism thereon inc uding a projectin cutter bar disposed longitudinally of sai frame throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible hening of the feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cutting in one direction laterally in o posite directions from the opposite ends 0 said frame and having provision whereby said portions ma be respectively reversely arranged as rece ing and advancing portions durin lateral cutting in the opposite direction, an feed operating and controlling and cutter chain driving means operative during lateral cutting in either' direction to wind in the advance portion at a predetermined cutting speed and permit lengthening of the receding portion to feed said machine across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said last mentioned means also having provision for at will winding in the receding portion at a like predetermined speed or at another speed while said cutter chain rotates in the same direction as during the lateral cutting operation. 7

18. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon includin a projecting cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame throughout the cutting operations and a 1'0- tatable cutter chain on said bar. flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said portions may be respectively reversely disposed as receding and advancing portions during lateral cutting in the opposite direction, and feed operating and controlling and cutter chain driving means 0 erative during lateral cutting in either direction to wind in the ad-' vancing gortion at a predetermined cutting speed an permit lengthening of the receding portion to feed'said machine across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said last mentioned means also having provision for at will winding in the receding portion at a predetermined cutting speed while said cutter chain rotates in the same direction as during the lateral cutting operation or winding in said portion at a faster speed.

19. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprisin a frame, cutting mechanism thereon inc uding a projecting cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cutting in one direction laterally in o posite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said portions may be respectively reversely disposed as recedmg and advancing portions during lateral cutting in the opposite direction, and feed operating and controlling and cutter chain driving means 0 rative during lateral cutting in either direction to wind in the advancing portion at a predetermined cutting speed and permit lengthening of the receding portion to feed said machine across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said last mentioned means also having provision for at willwinding in the receding portion at the same predetermined cutting speed while rotating said cutter chain in the same direction as during the lateral cutting operation or winding in said portion at a predetermined faster speed.

20. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon includin a projectin cutter bar disposed longitudinally of sai frame throughout the cutting operations and a rom portion at a predetermined cuttin tatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cuttin m either direction laterally in opposite d1- rections from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby during sumping at either rib the portion subse- V ently forming the receding portion may be substantially longitudinally of the recedingside of the machine, and feed 0 rting and controlling and cutter chain riving means operative durin lateral cutting in either direction to win in the advance speedand permit lengthenin of the receding portion to feed said mac ine across a face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said last mentioned means also having rovision for at will winding in the receding rtion without interrupting or reversing the irection of said cutter chain and also in cluding gearing whereby said winding in speed may be changed.

-21. A mining machine slidable on a mine, bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a projectin cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame throughout the cutting operations and a retatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cuttin in one direction laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said portions may be respectively disposed as receding and ad- 'vancing portions during lateral cutting in the opposite direction. and feed operating and controlling and cutter chain driving means operative durin lateral cutting in either direction to win in the advance portion at a predetermined cuttinginspeed and permit len honing of the rece g portion to feed sai machine across the face as said cutter chain is rotated in one direction, said last'mentioned means also havi provision for at will winding in said receding portion at a like predetermined cutting speed without interrupting or reversing the direction of said cutter c ain and also including differeitiab reduction be h ed win mgmspeedmay c ang 22. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism thereon including a project' cutter bar disposed longitudinally of sa i frame throughout cutting and rigidly connected thereto,.flexible feeding and iding means on saidrframe for feeding sald bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding flexible. feeding portions disposable during lateral cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from opposite ends of said ame and having provision whereby said advancing and receding portions maybe respectively reversely arranged as receding and advance portions, feed operating and controlling means operative to shorten and pergearing whereby said mit lengthening of the advance and recedceding portion in either disposition thereof including difi'erential reduction gearing and selectively operable to drive said feed operating member at different s 23. In a mini machine, a machine frame slidable on a, mine bottom, cutting mechanism thereon including a projecting cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame during lateral cutting. and rigidly connected thereto, flexible feeding and guiding means on said frame for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable during cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said advance and receding portions may be respectively reversely disposed as receding and advance portions during cutting in the opposite direction, and feed operating and controlling "means operative to shorten and permit lengthening of the advance and receding in either direction including a feed operating member acting on said recedin portion when the latter is disposed as cit er a recedin or advance portion, a motor on said me for drivin said cutting mechanism and said fee operating means, and variable speed driving connections driven by said motor and operable at will to rotate said feed operating member to draw in said receding portion in either disposition thereof including differential reduction gearing and selectively o rable to drive said feed operating member at different speeds and friction mechanism further controlling the rotation of said feed operating member.

24. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a projecting cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame and rigidly connected thereto throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disosable during transverse cutting from right to left laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having rovision whereby said advance and receding portions may be respectively reversely dispose as receding and advance portions during cutting from left to right or with a recedin portion extending substantially longitu 'nally of the machin during sumping at either rib, and feed operating and controlling and cutter chain driving means operative during sumping at either rib to feed said machine along the receding portion at a predetermined cutting speed While said cutter chain is rotated in one direction and thereafter during lateral cutting to feed said machine along the advance portion at a predetermined cuttting s eed while permitting lengthening of said receding portion to maintain the opposite ends of said machine iii substantially balanced relation and continuing to drive said cutter chain in the same direction.

25. A. mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a projecting cuttter bar disposed longitudinally of sai frame and rigidly connected thereto throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said portions may be reversely disposed respectively as receding and advance portions during lateral cuttting in machine laterally along the face and relative to said portions during lateral'cuttin and also having provision whereby sai frame may be fed at will in one direction relative to the advance portion at a plurality of s eeds includin a redetermined cutting fee and a faster fee or in an opposite direction and relative to the receding portion at a plurality of speeds including a like pre' determined cutting feed and a faster feed. 26. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a projecting cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said frame and rigidly oonnnected thereto throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexiblefeeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in a face in either direction including advance and receding portions disposable durin lateral cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame and having provision whereby said portions may be reversely disposed respectively as receding and advance portions during lateral cutting in the opposite direction, and feed operating and controlling and cutter chain driving means operative in either disposition of sai ortions and without reversing or interrupting the drive of said cutter chain to feed said machine laterally along a face and relative to said portions during lateral cutting and also havin provision whereby said frame may be fe at will in one direction relative to the advance portion at a plurality of speeds including a redetermined cutting feed and a faster feed or in an opposite direction and relative to the receding ortion at a plurality of speeds including a li e predetermined cutting feed and a predetermined faster feed.

27 A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a projectin cutter bar disposed longitudinally of sai frame and rigidly connected thereto throughout the cutting operations and a rotatable cutter chain on said bar, flexible feeding and guiding means for feeding said bar to make a lateral cut in either direction along a face including advance and receding portions disposable during lateral cutting in one direction laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, means for reversely disposing said feeding portions respectively as receding and advance portions for lateral cutting in the opposite direction includin mechanism whereby each may be extends in the same direction as before but

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