US1544398A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

June* 30, 1925.

4M. P. HoLMEs MINING MACHINE 8 sheets-sheet sY June 30, 1925.

1,544,398 M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE oriillal Filed Nov. lO, 1916- Sheet S She@ 12'( F 3 v 9 d U I 45 46 4745 W@ 5 '1349 126 g4 v June 30, 1925.

M.4 P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed NQ- 1Q.";1916 8 Sheets-Sheet' '5 f June 3o, 1925. 1,544,398

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE original Filed Nov. 1o, 1916 I 8 Sheetsheet- 6 linnn M. P, HLME MINING MACHINE I Original Filed Nv.. l ffj' 199 200 7,90/ 189 Q 1.7i I

June 3o, v'19.25.

June 30, 1925-' M P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE rignal Filed Nov. 1o, 191e `8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I 71 vez??? .Patented `lune 30, 1925.

I UNiTED s/'rArEsiP-'ATENT MORRIS P. HOLMES, or CLAIIEMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AssIGNoIi', BY'MESNE As- SIGNMENTS, TO THE JEFFREY MANlUFACTURING COMPANY, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO,

ACORPOB.ATIO'N OF OHIO.

MINING MACHINE. "E

Application leq November 10, 1916, Serial No. 130,579. Rene'wedApril 2,1, 1822. -Serial No. 555,916.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, MORRIS P. HOLMES, a citizen of the United States, residing at Claremont, in the county of Sullivan and State of N ew Hampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mining Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to mining machines. It has for its object to provide an improved mining machine of increased fiexibili 'sectional view on line 10-10 of Fig. 1.

ity whereby the same may be adapted to varied conditions with great facility. More specifically, vmy invention has for a further object to provide anu improved mining-maw chine whereby, without reversal of the motor thereon, either the cutting mechanism or the feeding mechanism, o'r both, may be reversed when desired, and whereby the machine may be made to cut in either direction. A more specific object of my invention is to provide an improved machine especally adapted lto' use in mines where pressure Huid only is obtainable, and to produce a machine especially adapted to longwall use, although the same is not limited thereto, and the constructionv described herein may be embodied in other machines than pres,-

sure fluid operated machines and in other types of machines, such, for example, as the room and vpillar machine, if desired. These and other objects of myv invention will, however, hereinafte'r more fully appear` In the accompanying drawings, I have, for purposes of illustration, shown one em-- bodiment which my invention may assume in practice, illustrating the same as applied to apressure fluidoperated machine of.- the longwall type.`

Fig. l is a side elevation ofthe illustrative machine.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section view of the machine taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a plan View thereof with certain of the portions of the casing and of other parts broken away or removed to facilitate illustration.

F'g. 4 is a longitudinal enlarged sectional view online l1--4 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction ofthe arrows. v

. Fig.- 5 is a similar transverse sectional View on line 5-5 of Fig. 4:.

Fig. 6 is a similar enlarged transverse sectional view on line 6-6 of Fig. 3. p

Fig. 7 is a similar enlarged transverse sectional .View on line 7 7 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a similar enlarged transverse sectional View on line 8-8 of'Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is asimilar transverse sectional vView on line 9-9 of'Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is a similar enlarged horizontal Fig. l0a'is a side elevation lief mechanism detached.

Fig. 1()b is a vertical longitudinal section of the relief valve.

F ig.' 10c is a similar section of the relief valve with the valve at the inner end of the duct.

Fig. 11 is a similar transverse sectional view taken on line-11-11 of Fig. 1,0.

Fig. 12 is a similar enlarged transverse sectionalA view taken on line 12-12 of Fig. 3.

of the air re- Fig. 13 is a similar horizontal sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional view similar to that shown in Fig.m 3, showingone of the bearings at the front end of the rotor shafts.

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional View, looking in the direction of the arrow,.taken on line ia-i of Fig". 10.

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view showing the machine cutting across the face in one direction.

Fig. 1.7 1s av diagrammatlc view showing sel the machine cutting across the face in the opposite direction.

Fig. 18 is a simplified diagrammatic view showing one connection for sumping the bar-under a face the face. ,Y

Fig. 19 is a similar View showing'the connections for sumpingvand cutting'along an oppositelyv disposed lface.

` Fig. 20 is a similar view showingthe inapreparatory to a cut along chine cutting a straight rib and making ay transverse cut with one setting of the jacks, the bar herein being adjustable during the operation.

Fig. 21 is a similar view similar to Fig. 20 p' mounted to slide on its bottom over the niine bottom and having its bottom so constructed as to'permit it Ito slide freely. Herein, the

machine is shown to carry also-a single thin bed plate or shoe 1 extending beneath the whole body portion of the machine and adapted to slide over. the nine. bottoni. Bev-, tween the ends of this shoe 1 is carried a suitable motor adapted to rotate in one direction and to drive the cutting and feeding mechanism hereinafterdescribed. As shown herein, this motor is of the fluid pressure type and, while other intel-meshing rotors may obviously be used, of the construction describeduand claimed in my copending divisional application Ser. No. 660,803, filed Sept. 4, 1923, the saine being enclosed in a suitable -franie section and motor casing '2, bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the shoe 1, and to the adjacent ends of end frame sections respective.- ly carrying ,cutting and feeding mechanisms and hereinafter described, and' having suitable parallel longitudinally disposed intersecting bores 3 therein, adapted to house the lower portion of a pair of parallel rotors 4. As shown, Figs. 2, 3 and 8 these' rotors are each provided ,withy intersecting series of spiral or helical teeth 5 and are adapted to mesh one with the. other, substantially along the center line of the machine, andthesc rotors are lprovided with shafts 6 mounted in bearings in the motor easing 2.

In a preferred forni, one cud, and preierably the rear end, of each shaft 6, extends into a. removable bearing carrying head member 8 Fig. 'o suitably attached to the motorcasing and protruding into a bored out end 9 of the rotor, the end of the shaft beingreduced, as shown at 10, and surround'- edby a suitable oil trapping passage 11. As shown,'the shaft is also provided with, a further reduced portion 12 around which is disosed a ball bearing 13 clamped in position' y locking nuts 14 carried on a threaded extension 15 on the shaft. The opposite endi of each of the shafts, and preferably the front end thereof, is also similarly reduced, as at 16, and protruded intol a suitable bearing carrying head member 17 similar to the head member 8 but preferably forniedi integral wit-h the rear head of the motor casing. The rear end of the shaft is' also provided with a second reduced portion 18 Fig. 14 around which is disposed a. ball bearing 19,l similar in construction and function to the bearing 13. Inthis instance, however, the head 17 is provided with a threaded portion 20 of slightly greater diameter than the bore 'the same in position.

therein adapted to receive the ball bearing 19, and in this threaded portion is carried l a thrust adjusting member 21 having an. iiiwardly disposed flange 22 at its front end. Against' this flange, .in turn, rests a ball thrust bearing member 23 of the ball and split ring, type having its inner edge extending between a. plurality of split rings 24, grooved on their adjacent. faces'to receive it, and clamped on a further reduced portion 25 on the shaft 6. As shown, these rings 24 and a ring 26 between the'sanie and the bearing 19, are suitably locked in position by a lock nut 27 carried on a. still further reduced and threaded port-ion 28 on Vthe shaft a cooperating ring 29, threaded onto the inner surface of the member 21, being disposed around the same and cooperating with the several parts just described to hold Obviously, through this construction not only will the rotor shafts be provided with suitable journal bearings, but the thrust of the shafts will be. absorbed, and any suitable adjust-ment of L the bearing members to take up the thrust -length of the machine and the resultant handling room to be maintained at a mininiuiii while. retaining a motor of maximum size. l

ln the forni of my invention shown, the air, steam, or other pressure fluid forimparting rotation'to the rotors 4, is supplied `thereto from a longitudinally disposed passage 31, Figs, 2 an'd 8 in turn having supply connections at the cutter Icarrying end of -the machine hereinafter described, and located in the bottom of the motor casing andl communicating with the rotors 4 through an upstanding inlet 32.- This inlet delivers the pressure fluid at a point below the mesh line of the rotor teeth and substantially at the point (if.intei'seeti(in of the sets of teeth. on

'each rotor, so that, as is usual insuch motors,

the expansive eti'ect. ofthe pressure fi-uid results in the rotatioirot the rotors in eppoi site directions, the pressure Huid expanding as... the rotors are revolved, aud thereby tending to impart torque to the rotor shafts, v

while the exhaust luid passes out t'roin the rotors at the top of the saine, and into a chamber `212 formed between cover plates 33 and the' top of the rotor casing 2. shown, thisexhaust is herein allowed to pass iis As i

out of the chamber 32 through outlets ."4 and 85, Fig. 8 in the top ot the motor easing of which the outlets 34 are disposed in the center line of the rotor casing,v while theA loutlets 35 are disposed at the sid-es ot' the rotor casing. Herein the center outlets are also in the lorm of aplurality ot side outlets disposed one against the othel` As illustrated, these outlets are provided with apertures communicating directlv with the chamber 32 and with downwardl7 and upwardly disposed passages 37 extending down beneath battle plates 3S, and upward and outward to the at1iiosi'lieie. Thus, it will be noted that the exhaust from the rotors is caused to pass outv ot the same in -such a iuanner as not only to direct it away from the mine bottom or other adjacent mine surfaces, thereby avoiding the creation of dust, but also to carry out anydust or coal particles which would otherwise be drawn into the motor, the same thereby being used to protectthe motor against such wear ot its parts as would normally result from the ingress of these gritty particles.

'lhe pressure lluid tor rotating the rotors fl is herein also conveyed to the `chamber 31 from a suitable annular chamber 39, l1`igf4 preferably formed ina suppleii'iental rear head 40 attached tothe front end of the rotor casing by suitable bolts 4l and reinovable with the rotor casing if desired. As shown, these bolts and the supplemental head may also preferably serve as a means to clamp the head S in position. Asshown,

the annular pressure fluid passage 39, above described` in turn is provided with a suitable pressure lluid inlet 42 which is iii turn controlled by a suitable intake valve mechanisin, which controls the pressure tluid supply from a chamber 43 provided in a rear frame section or casting 44, disposed at the i'ear end of the machine, and suitably bolted to the motor frame (section, herein. through the head 40, by Suitablebolt counee.

tions above the bottoinof saidseetions. To this chamber 43 is connectable at one'fot" a plurality of points as he-ieinaftergdecribed, an air or other hose line 45through suitable connections 46; the latterpreferably'inel-ud'- ing a screen 47 so disposed as to prevent lthe entry of objectional particles into the mechanisni.

In the t'orin of my invention shown herein, the intake valve mechanism comprises a tubular section 48 threaded at 49 into the' casting 44 in whichA the chamber 43 is formed, and 'a cooperating inter-threaded section 5() extending. through' aA front vertical `ivall l5l of aV bed castingQ and the rear wall et' the supplemental head 40, a suitable packing 5?, surroundiig the member 50.. As illustrated, this member 50 is provided With a suitable valve seat 54 upon which is seated a valve member 55 having a 'the construction shown in stem 56 movable in a 'suitable sleeve 57 formed integral with the member 50 and v normally held on its seat by the pressure of the pressurefluid acting on one side ot' the valve member and the ooperation of a coiled spring 58 disposed between thesle'eve 57 and a member 50 threaded o'nV they end ot' the valve stem. Obviously, by movement of this member 59 the valve may be openedv whenever desired to permit pressure Huid to pass from the line 45 to the chamber'lS) and the motor, the spring 58 and the luid pressure of the line acting at all other times to hold the valve securely upon its seat.

ln my improved construction, the ineinber 59 is also connected through a threaded connection (SO with a longitudinally'disposed rod (il extending through themotor casing 2 to the front end ot the machine, and suitably-connected at 62, as by pivoting, to a bell crank lever 63 pivoted at G4 on a suit,- able bracket 65 on the trame, and provided at its opposite end with a cam or knob-like portion G6 adapted to engage a wedge inember (57. As shown, this wedge member is adapted to slide over a suitable bed or sur'- t'ace (38 lormed on the bracket G5, and is provided with a rearwardly extending shank `(ii) slidable in suitable bearii'igs and having with a suitable spring pressed plunger 74 adal'ited to engage in suitable corresponding notches formed in the top of the vtraine, and thereby hold the lever '73 in any desired lever 73isjV adjusted, the wedge 67 will be rel position ot' adjustment. Obviously` through V"the construction just described, when the ciproeate'd'in such a manner' as to operate,

the bell era'nk 63 audftheretoi'e enablethe valve 55, located at the rear ot the machine, lo b e operated readily and conveniently by an operator disposed at the trout end of the machine.

ln this connection, it should also be' noted that, as shown in Fig.Y l0,-`I have provided improved means for supplying lubricant to the pressure fluid actuating the rotors.` This lubricant is carried in 'a suitablereservoir or chamber 76 disposed concentrica-lly with the upper end of'theshaft 111 and preferably tormed in the casting 44. As shown, lubricant is supplied to this reservoir .through openings in the top thereof, normally closed by removable plugs 77, suitable' screens 78 being providedin the openings to prevent the entry ot' dirt or the like. In

y Figs. 10 and 1,1, it will be'noted that I have rovided a valve member 7 9 controlling the llw of the. liquid in the chamber 76, this valve member being provided with one or more upper ducts and one or more lower ducts 8l, and being journaled, as at SQ, in the casting in which the reservoir formed, and provided at its upper' end with a reduced portion 83, to which is rigidly attached a handle 84. It will also be noted that these ducts 80 and 8l are disposed on opposite sides of a baille plate S5 extending into the reseryoir, and that the two yduets communicate 'with the air chamber 43 by means of communicating ducts 86 and S7. Thus, it will be noted that the air passing through the chamber 43 will be allowed to enter the top of' the oil reservoir 7G, and through itsaction upon the surface of the lubricant therein, thereby neutralize the effect of its pressure and cause the lubricant to flow by gravity through the lower orifice in drops adapted to commingle with the incoming pressure fluid. Obviously, the lubricant will thus be distributed properly to all the working parts of the motor. Through turning the lever 84, this supply of lubricant may, of course, be 'regulated as desired. v

Herein, attention is also directed to the fact that improved means are provided for eliminating the bodily downward movement of the rotors .into Contact with the casing vwhich results in sparking and for reducing the wear on the motor bearings, both of which result vwhen the pressure fluid supply ;t'or the motor is cut off, These means are made necessary by the fact that when the pressure fluid supply is arrested, the continued' rotation of the rotors causes a vacuum to be formed in the nlotor casing, which results inV a cramping down effect of .thermotor shafts upon their bearings, and dangerous sparking between the rotors and themotor casing as Well as destructive wear of those bearings.

To overcome'this difliculty I provide a relief mechanism which ma-y be of any wellknown and suitable form, to permit the enlry of air at atmospheric pressure to the chamber 39 and to the motor, when the pressure therein is reduced below atmospheric pressure, as a result of the continued rotation of the rotors after the supply of pressure fluid has `been cut ofi'.

ln the drawings there is shown one forni of relief mechanism. It is indicated, as an entirety, at 88. It comprises an air duct or tube supported 'in the Wall of the chamber 39. It has a valve and valve scat as at 88, normally held by springs 88, which yields, lunvever, when pressure outward falls'below that ot' the atmosphere and permits the valve to move inward and allow the entrance of air, thereby preventing the forming of a vacuum in the rotor chamber and obviating the difiicultics heretofore experienced with rotor bearings.

may be normally positioned as in Figure 10", or at the inner end of the air duct, as shown at 88'in Figure 10. l

This -is an important feature as it is found to be impossible for such a motor to be used i'n a mining machine in zin-efficient form -crease in. clearance as to be impracticall from the standpoint of motor efficiency. -Further,

even/,when increasing the clearance the diHic culty with the abnormal wear on the bear-V ings would be still encountered, Whereas in my improved construction the sparking and bearing wear are both eliminated at the same time. Attention is here also directed tothe fact that this relief connection is carriedl upon the machine and as a separate and dis- -tinct connection from the pressure fluid supply, and that both the relief and supply c0n' nections are disposed within the lines of the machine and more particularly within the transverse, as distinguished from the longitudinal, limits of the longitudinally disposed motor casing in such manner as to produce a very compact construction laterally. v

The construction and operation of the motor as well as its disposition and connections necessary to make it function in a mining machine and more particularly in my improved mining machine now having been established` we will next consider the means by which the rotation of its plural rotors is imparted to the cutting mechanism of the machine. In my improved construction, it will be noted that means are provided whereby the cutting mechanism maybe rotated in opposite directions in such manner as to adapt the machine to right or left hand cutting, and that the opposite rotation of the cutter chain is efl'ected without reversingV the motor, herein through connecting it to different rotors, improved means also being provided whereby it. is made-impossible for an ignorant operator simultaneously to connect the cutting mechanism to both rotors. Herein, it. willfbe noted that the front ends of the shafts 6 are provided with extensions 89 protruding be ond the tlireadcd'portions lf3-thereon, and t iat splined to each of these portions is a pinion 90 adapted to be shifted back and forth along the spline by means of a shipper ring 91 and a suitable shipper member 92 pivoted at 93 on the supplemental head 40. As shown, these ship er members 92 are also provided with suita le interlocking mechanism of any desired form, herein shown to comprise rack portions 94 The valve and its seat at their adjacent ends, each meshing with an intermediate pinion 95 which is Carried on' a stud 96 and rotatable by means of a stantly oppositely rotatingmembers, may

be driven in either direction at will, and that it is impossible for anoperatorto throw both pinions 90 into mesh with the gear 98 at the saine time.

This gear 98 is, in turn, preferably provided with a rearwardly extending sleeve 99 splined to a shaft 100 which is, in turn, preferably integral with a cooperating bevel i gear 101 disposed at the rear end of the sleeve 99. As shown, roller bearings 102 are provided between the sleeve 99'and a suitable removable bearing carrying member 103 located -on the rear wall of the head 40, and

a suitable thrust bearing 104, preferably of the .ball type, is provided between the shaft 100 and the rear end of the motor casing totake the thrust of the pinion 101. In a preferred `form, the front end of the shaft 100 is also preferably mounted in suitablev roller bearings 105, and both these bearings and the bearings 102 are disposed in removable sleeves 106 and 107 and supplied with lubricant through suitable lubricant ducts having communication with the chamber 39 through which the lubricant-laden pressure fluid passes to the motor.

Meshing with the bevel gear 101, is'a eooperating bevel gear 108 connected to the cutter chain driving lineehanisni of the maf chine. As shown, this gear i108 is provided with a sleeve 109 bearingagainst a suitable thrust bearing' 110, preferably of the ball type, surrounding the upper end .ot a vertically disposed stud 111 on which the gear 108 is rotatably mounted. In a preferred form, this gear 108 is also splined to a sleeve 112 preferably formed integral with a cooperating smaller pinion 1113 disposed below the gear 108 and above a bearing support 114 adapted to receive the .lower reduced end of the stud. As shown, the stud is also provided with a suitable inner removable hearing sleeve 115. Thus, when the bevel gear 101 isrotated, its i'ellow 108 will be rotated,and the pinion 113 will be rotated.

' This pinion 113, in turn, meshes with a larger gear 116 suitably fixed to a forwardly located vertical shaft 117 (hereinafter described) adapted to be connected to the lower cutter chain'- sprocket 118, journaled between the frame and the lower end of the gear 116, through a suitable clutch including a ring 119. As shown, this ring 119 is provided with suitable depending interlocking fingers 120`of well known construction, adapted to engage with cooperat- 118, in such a manner aste causethe latter to be connected t0 or disconnected from the rotating gear 116 whenever the clutch-mech anism is operated. Carried upon this sprocket 118 is a cutter chain 122 of the usual construction, and mounted to turn about the lower end of the shaft 117, into any desired angular position relative to the shaft, herein including opposite lateral positions and a longitudinal position is a' cutter lbar 123, along and around which this cutter chain extends and is movable, when the clutch is connected. Thus, obviously, by

connecting or disconnecting the clutch, the

movement of the cutter chain may be started or arrested, as desired, no matter what may be the angle of the cutter bar 123 with respect to the shaft 117.

In order to facilitate the operation of this clutch, the ring 119 thereof is engaged in the usual manner by a plurality of arcuate lifters 124 of well known construction, in turn pivotally connected to pivotcd parallel* arms 125 journaled onthe frame. 4As shown, one of these arms 125 is pivotally connected1 to a reciprocable 1nembcr126 having notches 1.21 formed in the chain sprocket ing a pull handle 127 disposed on the out- Vside ot the casting. Obviously, by pulling this handle 127 the clutch may thereby be operated to connect or disconnect the cutter chainsprocket and the motor. It will also be noted that in order to maintain the clutch controlling handle 127 in any desired position, l have provided, as shown in Fig. 15, an eccentric 128 on the handle 127. Thus, when' the handle 127 lias\lieen pulled out, the operator, by rotating' the eccentric 128, may loclethe handle in the desired. position shown iny that ligure. Also, by rotating the eccentric until concentric with the member 120, before pushing inthe latter, andthen rotating the eccentric, the handle may be loi-.hed in its position. i

Attention is also diret-,ted io the fact that in order that the shaft 117 may be maintained in proper position relative lo the frame, and the minimum o't' diiieulty eX- perienced with its bearings, the upperend of this sha-tt is reduced and carried in a suitable sleeve-like portion 129 formed on the upper casing 44 and enclosed by aremova'ble sleeve 130 having a lower flange 131 disposed 'between the casing 44 and the upper surface ot the hub of the gear 116, while the lower end of the stud is provided with a llange por- -the lower end ofthe shaft is reduced and seated in an upstanding bearing member 133 transmission and reversing mechanism, and

seated on the shoe 1, and to which the cutter bar 123 is clamped by suitable Ibolts 134, a removable bearing sleeve 135 being provided between the member 133 and the shaft.

, As shown, this sleeve 135 is also provided I speeds without reversing the motor.

with a lianged upper end holding a suitable bearing ring 136 in position within the lower end of the gear 116, while a'ring 137, diS- Aposed between' the lower surface of that gear and the upper surface of the cutter bar 123, holds in position a flanged removable bearing sleeve 138 disposed between the gear 116 andthe sprocket 11S. Attention is also directed to the fact that the shaft 117 is made hollow and that a bolt 139 extends longitudinally through the 'same and is threaded into the shoe 1 in suoli a manner as to give increased rigidity, the thrust being taken by the shoe.

lVe will now refer to the means for operating the feeding mechanism. In my improved construction this mechanism is likewise driven from the motor and connected thereto in such manner that the machine may be moved over lthe mine ibottom in either direction at the `same or different predetermined machine of the type herein disclosed this mechanism is also located at the opposite end of the motor from the cutting mechanism and driven from the opposite end of the motor from that driving the cutting mechanism. In the particular construction shown it is also driven through a plurality of transmission or power trains, improved Iprovision being` made for selectively connecting either train to the motor whereby the machine may be propelled at a predetermined slow or cutting speed in either direction and each train also having a connectible t-rain whereby the machine may be propelled. at a predetermined faster speed in either direction. Herein it will be noted that the rotation of the rotors 4 is conveyed to a centrally located gear 14() at theA rear of the 'motor casing, by a transmission and rcversing mechanism of the character described above in connection with he rear end of the .l machine, and only dille 'mg therefrom by being connected to the front ends of the rotor shafts 6. Thus, thedescription of this transmission reversing mechanism need not ne repeated. This gear 140 isjournaled in suitable bearings formed on the frame and rigidly connected withV a longitudinally disposed shaft 141 of a forwardly extending pinion 142, by means of a nut and bolt connection 143. As shown, lthis shaft 141 is journaled at a pointsintermediate its ends 1n suitable roller bearings 142, and at its front end in a casting 144 carrying the bearings 142. This casting 144 is connected to al front frame section 144a and is Similar to the supplemental rearhead 40, housing the likewise removable with the motor casing if desired. Here it will also be notedr that frame 144a is suitably bolted at points aibove its bottom to the motor frame section, the machine thus comprising three frame sections including'the rear frame section 44,

the motor frame section including the head 40 and casting 144, and the front frame section 144", all of which'are rigidly bolted together at points above their bottoms and slidableover the mine bottom, herein on the termediate plate 150 rigidly connected to the gear 147. This pinion 149, in turn, meshes with a larger bevel `gear 1514splined to the lower reduced end of a rotatable shaft 152, which is in turn carried in a suitable bearing 153 mounted on a casting 154, which is i rigidly secured to the lower frame casting 144. Suitable passagesl are providedfor lubricating the gears 147, 149, and l51, fro1n any suitable source (not shown). As shown an inner removable sleeve 155 is also pro* videdy between the shaft and the bearing, and a thrust ring 156 is disposed between the gear 151 and the bearing 153 and sleeve 155. As shown, the upperend of this shaft 152 is successively reduced, and the same carries on its lower reduced portion 157 a pinion 158, preferably having formed integral therewith the outer casing of a friction clutch including a movable element 159 con` trolled by toggles 160 and adjustable inI a well known manner by vertically moving its block 161 on the second reduced portion 162 of the shaft. As in the usual construction, a threaded nut ,163 is provided on a threaded port-ion 164 on the upper end of the shaft, and a coiled sprinv' 165 is provided between this nut and thelblock 161, so that the friction may be regulated as` desired Aand set at any desired point.

Coo erating with this pinion 158 and rotate thereby, are the fast ,and slov1 feed mechanisms, of which the jfeast feed mechanism is preferably used in moving the machine about the mine although lit may be used in sumping in 'soft cutting, While the slow feed mechanism is preferably used while the machine is cutting during sumping or transverse cuttingin average and hard cutting, and of which each mechanism is adapted to be driven ineither direction by the motor 'without reversing the latter, herein above mentioned. ,0f these feed mechanisms, We will first'describe the`fast feed mechanism. It will be noted that the ear 158 meshes with a larger-gear 172, carried on.anv adjacent upright st ud 173. This gear 172 is'normally freely rotatable on its stud. However, when it is desiredto drive the feeding mechanism at its fast speed, a ear 174 disposed above the gear l172 and provided with clutch teeth 175 meshing with cooperating clutch teeth 176 on the gear 172, is lowered on the-stud 173 and thereby connected with the gear 172,causing the same to rotate together. As this gear 174 normally` meshes with a large feed driving gear 177, rotatable with a feed operating member, herein in the form of a sprocket 178 and carried on a stud 179 at the rear of the frame, said operating memberis accord# ingly rotated at high speed in such a manner that the flexible feeding member cooperating.therewith, herein in the form of afeed chain 18() meshing with the sprocket 178, is

caused' to be fed rapidly through the ma- -chinein a. vmanner hereinafter described. It

will also be noted that through the selective connection tothe motor, herein 1n the form of the selectlv'e. connections tothe rotors thereof the'flexible feeding member may when desired be drawn through the' machine at the same speedA in the opposite direction. Thus, it will be observed "that means are provided for at will drawing in at a high predetermined speed either of the two flexible feeding portions comprisedfyin the flexible feeding mechanism, herein the opposite ends ofthe chain 178, and entending from the feeding mechanism. Further;- it will be noted that the feeding mechanism during each of these operations is subject to friction control through the automatically releasable friction device, herein above de# scribed, so that the feed will be released if an obstruction is encountered, while through the manually operated controlling mecha-y nism for the friction mechanism it is not vonly possible for the operator by slipping the friction to reduce the speed: as desired below its predetermined maximum 'but also to load the frictionto varying degrees as necessary to maintain the predetermined speed. y

In order to control the connection of this clutch 175, 176, the gear 174 is provided with an upper sleeve 181 having a shipper ring 182 thereon, engaged by a clutch ship'- of positions indicated by the ff justed as desired by removing'the lock nuts 191 and adjusting thevbolt 192,011 which the pivot pins 184 are carried. The detail of this mechanism does not form a part of my present invention. Through the provision of'thisnmchanisnn it will be obvious that whcn'the lever 189 is moved about its pivot, the clutch mechanism 175, 176 Will be adjusted. in such a manner as to throw in or throw out the fast feed whenever desired.

The'slowf speedv mechanism is herein also vconnected tothe pinion 158, and the rotation of this' pinion is also conveyed to the feed sprocket 178 through the gear 177. However, in this instance, means have been provided'whereby the speed of rotation of the feed sprocket is materially reduced and its direction reversed. These means include a gear 193 meshing with a smaller pinion 193a preferably integral with the gear 172, and carried on a supplemental stud 194. In` a preferred form, a second upper pinion 195 is formed integral with this gear 193, vand in turn meshes with a larger gearsl96 car- 'ried on another supplemental' stud 197. This stud is in turn provided with a small upper pinion 198 meshing with a large upper gearv 199 carried on the upper end of the shaft 17 This gear 199 is in turn provided With clutch surfaces 200 on its lower face' ada ted to engage with cooperating clutch sur aces 201 on the shipper ring 182. Thus, when Ythe controlling member 189 is thrown in the opposite direction from that described in connection with the fast feed, power Will be transmitted from the pinion 158 tothe gear 177 through this train of gearing, and the feeding mechanism will be driven at ay materially reduced speed. Obviously, by

@changing the relative sizes of the gears198 'and 199, the speed of feed may be still further regulated, andit should be understood that I contemplate the substitution of gears of different sizes in order to obtain a wide range of feeding speeds. Thus, 'it Will',be `observed that means are here provided for drawing inv either portion of the flexible feeding means at a predetermined cutting speed through friction mechanism set to release automatically when a predeterminedA loadis eiiceeded' and also manually controllable to decrease the speed o f feed below its predetermined maximum as desired, by operatigg the manually operable control- Y ling meanj 1io slip thepfriction as necessary.

CII

Attention is here directed to the fact Vthatthrough the fast and slow feed mechanisms and the mechanical connections thereof to the motor, heretofore described, it is thus made possible to draw in either portion of` the flexible feeding member at a predetermined fast speed or at a predetermined slow speed. It will also be evident that each ot' these feeds is subject to a friction control.

1. e. releasable on overload, and that, through the manual controlling means provided-it is possible to reduce each of these predetermined speeds as desired by slipping the friction in such manner as to enable graduation of the feed within wide limits. It will also be observed that through my improved mechanism these variations in speed friction when cutting, serious damage to ,the

machine results. This interlocking means includes theI provision of a` projection 20.2 on

'the lever 17], and the arrangen'ient 'of the .lever 189 m such a position that when it lis thrown over toconnect the parts for slow feed, that is, the cutting feed, the friction lever 171 will engage with the end thereof and thereby be 'prevented from being moved to friction loading position. Obviously, by such aliiarrangement, while the operator may ntl load the friction when cutting or move thty feed `controlling` lever ISS) to fast feed without lirst relcasiimr the, friction, hc may, without an)7 interference whatsoever,

load the friction when the machine is'being v moved about the mine or fast speed. vlt will also be evident that. the interha-king` means will function Ln either direction of operau tion of the feeding mechanism.

In the operation of the longwall machine described herein,- it wilt-be understood that the feed chain 18() is passed 'through the guides 203 and 204 itu-atedatxthe opposite sides ofthe feed sprocket 178, in a well known manner, andV that the ends 'of the chain are connected tosupports 205 or 9.06 adjacent the opposite ribs, in a well known manner` the bar being swung around beneath the coal and substantially at right angles to the body portion and maintained in this position as thev machine is moved across the face. Thismethod of operation -is illustrated in Fig. 16. It should be understood, however', that my improved machine is adapted to operation in either direction through the provision of the improved means whereby, although the rotors are always rotated in one direction, the feeding mechanism and cutting mechanisminay be 4driven in oppositey directions. 'hen 'the machine is fed' in the opposite direction, the cutter bar 122i is reversely disposed laterall v and the chain 1S() is reversed as shown in Fig. 1T. lu the course of this operation, it will also be obvious that the supply of pressure lluid, instead of entering through the inlet Ll-indicated, should enter through an inlet 207 disposed on the opposite side of the machine .and communicating with the chamber -itl through a suitable comin'unicat ing chamber 205, the unused inlet b Aingl normally plugged by a suitable removable plug 205). It will also be obvious that n whatever direction the machine is moving'. the cutter bar 123 may be swung around its pivot by power through connecting the chain itl() with a suitable flange 21.0 on the cutter bar, the chain then being provided with a suitable hook` and extending around in a .suitable groove ll formed on the front; head. Obviously, the movement of the cutter bar may then be limited by suitable stops 12 on the base, casting Asshown, the -.baris held in each of its laterally extending cutting positions and in its longitudinally disposed position, b v means of a removable pin 212i receivable yin registering holes in the front frame aml the cutter, and itself locked in place by pivoled cam-like latches, 1

More spccilically considering the operation, i'l will bc noted lha( with the machine frame and bar disposed parallel to a face at the desired point adjacent or spaced from 105,

thc portion of (he llc.\ible feeding member tating the feedingl mechanism in lhe desired direction al the jlrcdelerminetl slow or culling lspeed. llere it will also be evident that. il' the cutting is abnornnilly hard` the friction may be. slipped to reduce the speed 'to the desiredy fractional speed. and that, ill l the cullingl is unusually soft the fast speed feed may be used or a lsuitable fractional speed tl'iereof similarly obtained by slippingl the friction. \Vhen the bar is sumped into the face, and the frame and bar arey dis- 1 posed in (he position shown forexample in Fig. 1t), the extremity ofthe lexible feeding portion is disconnected from thel member 21() preferably revers'ely rceved relative to 'its lateral guide and extended in advance 11,544,398' Y v y9 of the machine and parallel to and closely adjacent the face as shnivn inthat figure. While not preferred,.the other flexible portion may be utilized in lateral feeding. In either cut the selected portion is preferably disposed as illustrated in Fig. 16, i. e. in a single stationary strand having its end fixed to the anchor or jack 205, as shown. When the .parts are. in this position by simply again rotating the feeding "means in the same direction and at the slow or cutting speed, or any one of the alternative speeds above described, the machine is moved bodily along the flexible portion and the face to 'undercut the latter. It will here be observed that when' it is desired to cut in the opposite direction on the same face, the operation niay berthe-saine save that the-Ymachine is reversely vdisposed when arranged parallel to the face, the cutter bits are reversed, the cutter chain is rotated in the opposite direction, herein by connecting it to the other rotor, the extremity of the ,other 'flexible feeding portion is successively reversely disposediel'ative to the opposite lateral guide, and the feeding mechanism is .reversed in such manner as to draw in the other portion at the speed desired, this reversal of the feeding mechanism herein being obtained without reversing the motor.

Attention is also directed to the fact that iii my improved construction it is possible for the machine to operate similarly and in either direction when for any reason it must be disposed as shown in Figures 16 and 17 but cutting on the opposite sideof the machine, as illustrated in Fig. 19. When cutting under such conditions it will be noted that the other flexible portion of the feeding mechanism from that preferred when cutting as shown in Figs. 18 and 16 will he utilized to swing the bar in under the face and' propel the machine along the face in that direction, while the other portion from that used in Fig. 17 will be utilized to perform these operations when cutting in the opposite direction, the feeding mechanism in each instance being voperated reversely to draw in these different portions aty the suitable speed or speeds mentioned and without reversing the motor. In such cutting it will also be understood that the cutter bits and cutter chain will be reversed from the relation shown in Figs. 16 and 18,

the reversal of the cutterA chain in this instance as in the preceding instance also be ing accomplished without reversal of the motor. Here, as in all lateral cutting, if desired in passing from the suinping arrangement to the transverse cutting arrangement, the preferred flexible portion used in swinging'thc bar may be re-arranged as described in connection with Fig, 18 and utilized' as the anchored end during the transverse cut,

or if desired, the other endA may be oonnected to a jack at the face in advance of the machine during the sumping operation and the 'sumping end thereafter reversely arranged as shown in Fig. 19 so that instead of acting as the working end it becomes a slack end during the transverse cutting operation. lf in any of the cutting previously described or in cutting short faces it is desired to leave a straight rib, as distinguishedv in that flexible portion either at the predetermined cutting speed, the predetermined high speed, or thel desired fractional speed loperating the feeding mechanism to draw of either of the same suit-able to the condi-l tions encounterechthe reaction of the coal against the cutter bits then acting to throw the rear end of the machine toward the rib in such manner as to insure the machine being directed longitudinally. In practice,

however, the predetermined slow or cutting speed is much'preferred for all cutting operations vand especially this one as by its in use the jumping of the machine which is necessarily encountered when feeding on a friction and which is so highly dangerous and destructive when the machine is inthe hands of any but the most skilled operator is eliminated and a steady safe suitable speed is provide-d which even the most ignorantoperator may use with entire safety. After the ,bar is thus suinped under the coal, by swinging the frame around the bar pivot,

as through releasing the latter and drawing.I

in the other'flexibleportion fixed to an abutment disposed at the face and in advance of he transverse cut, and m'alrethis cut after the bar has been locked in its lateral position shown in Fig. 16. `Here, it will be observed that it ,may makey both of these cuts `the machine, the latter may be prepared for without reversing the motor or the rotationA of the cutter chain. It is alsoiinportant. to

notice that it is possible in my, improved construction, through the use of my im'- proved feeding mechanism, to connect the extremities of both flexible feeding portions in one setting, one to the face adjacent the rib and the otherto its jack used in transverse cutting, and then after the sumping operation is finished and the bar pivot has been released, swing the machine frame izo - the direction of the cutter chain,

' swin in -transverse c'uttin o eration and g g i connecting the feeding mechanism and motor, first, to cause movement along the sumping portion and, second, to cause movement relative to the swinging and transverse moving' portion.

In my improved construction it will also be noted that it is possible for the bar to be inserted to extend a straight rib and thereafter moved transversely with one settin of the jacks but with the bai' maintaine in rigid relation and with the machine more compact-ly disposed in certain respects. This usage o'f my Aimproved construction is shown in Fig.'21 wherein it will be noted that when the bar is fixed in one of its lat-4 eral positions and the machine disposed with the end of the bar in contact with the face and theframe and bar disposed singularly relative to the latter, ytheflexible portion nearest the rib may be extended around the chain guide 211 on the cutter carrying end of the machine and connected to-a jack adjacent the face, while the other portion is extended around its guide in. the manner shown in Fig. 16, and then oil' to a jack at the face but at a point removed from the. machine. With such an arrangement, upon vdrawing-in the first mentioned portion at a cutting speed while the cutter chain rotates, the bar will be forced into the face in such manner as to cut a substantially straight rib as indicated and to ,bring the machine into position for its transverse cut, which lmay be made whenever this position is reached by simply reversing the feed and drawing in theother flexible out reset-ting any jack. In th transverse operation as when cutting as s wn in Fig.. 20, if desired the end of the fleiible portion initially used to advance the/bar into the face may be disconnected. lso, if in any lateral cutting it is desirable that this end be connected, as when obstacles Irequiring angling or reverse pulls on the frame are expected, this may be doncy without affecting the transverse operation/ as it will thereafter be paid out'` as the other portion is drawn in. In making .the sumping cut as in either Fig. 2O or l Observed that wheneyer for any reason it is desired to move te machine fra-me away Fig. 21, it will also 4beA -be understo from the rib this vmay be readily done by reversing the feed in such manner as to Y draw in the flexible portion extending along the face, it being possible in my improved construction to angle the' machine in either direction relative to the flexible portions by alternate drawing in operations on the different ortions. to the act that this sum ing operation may be carried out at a right and or a left hand rib by simply adapting the flexible -portionsused in the different operations to the lateral position of the bar. It will also be Attention is also directed Y noted that in either case, depending u on i the cutting encountered, the speed of eed may be varied from its predetermined maxi-' munis as hereinabove described.

As a -result of my improvement it will be observed that it is possible to o erate the mining machine to draw in eit er of its flexible portions at the desired vpredetermined cutting speed, to change from drawing in one at this speed to vdrawing in the other at the same speed, to draw in eitherof' i said portions at a higher predetermined speed, to vary either ,the predetermined cutting or the predetermined high speed by slipping the frict ion,uto have each feed include an automatically acting friction release releasable on overload, to load only the fast feed, to prevent movement from fast to slow speed or vice versa without first mleasing the friction, to sump the bar laterally and cut 'in either direction relative to the same face or in either direction relative to an oppositely located face, to sunip to produce a stra-ight rib at a predetermined cutting speedrelative to, one

by swinging'y flexible portion disposed along the rib, and

to feed transversely thereafter at the saine speedirelative to the other portion, both sumping and transverse cuts being vmade with one setting of the flexible feeding portions oijacks, to make this straight ribbed suiiiping cut and following transverse cut with the bar rigidly connected throughout or angularly adjusted between the cuts, and to' feed the machine transversely with or without the rearwardly extending flexible portion connected to its jack to ermit reverse p ulls on the machine, all o these operations of the feeding mechanisms beingobtainableto those skilled in the art.

While I have, in this applicatiom described in detail one embodiment whichiny invention moay assume in practice, it is to hat the form thereof shown .I Vherein is used only for purposes of illustration, and that the invention may be modified and embodied in other forms of longwall machines applied to machines ot other than the longwall type without departing from its, spirit, it being my intention to include all j such modifications within the scope ot' the appended claims. i

vVliat I-clainias new anddesire to secure by Letters Patent is: f""'1. A mining machine comprising cut'- ting mechanism including a cutter chain driving sprocket, "nachine feeding mechanism including a pressure iiuid motor having a plurality ot intermeshing rotors l5 mounted inthe saniehorizontal planes, and motor driven driving connections between said motor and said sprocket reversely connectible to said motor to drive said sprocket in opposite directions.

A mining machine comprising cutting- ,mechanism;feeding mechanism including a iced operating inenibe'iya pressure fluid motor operatively connected'to said cutting mechanism and including a plurality or" in- '35 termcshing rotors mounted in the same horizontal planes, and motor driven driving connections between said motor and said member reversely connectible to said` motor to drive said member in opposite directions. A mining machine comprising cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar and a cutter chaiii'driving sprocket,,feeding mechanism including a pressure tiuid motor.havingl a plurality ot internieshing rotors mounted in the saiiio horizontal planes, and motor driven driving connections between said sprocket and said motor reversely eonnectable io said motor to drive said fsprocioet in opposite direction and including speed reduction mechanisin. l. mining machine conun'ising cutting mechanism including a .cutter chain carryingv cutter har and a cutter chain driving feed Voperating member, a pressure fluid niotor operatively connected to said cutting mechanismy and including af plurality of substantially longitudinally disposed interineshing lrotors mounted in the'I same horizontal planes, speed reducing mechanism on said `trame connected to said feed operating member, and motjor driven driving connections between said motor and said speed resprocket, feeding mechanism including a ducing mechanism reversely coiinectible t0 drive said feed operating member iii opposite directions.

6. A mining machine comprising cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar and a cutter' chain driv- .ing sprocket, feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adjacent the opposite end of said machine from said bar, ya pressure fluid motor on said machine including a plurality ot' iiiternieshiiig rotors mounted in the same horizontal planes7 niotor driven driving mechanism between said sprocket and said 'motor reversely connectible to said motor to drive said sprocket in opposite directions, and motor driven di-'iv'l incr connections between said feed operat-A inff member and said motor.

'a'. A mining .machine con'iprising cutting` mechanism including a .cutter chain carry-- ing cutter bar, a cutter chain .driving sprocket, and speed reducing mechanism `for the latter, Jfeeding mechanism including a feed operating member adjacent the opposite end of said machine from said bar, a pressure iluid motor on said machine including a pair ot substantially longitudi-- nally extending intermeshing rotorsmounted in the saine horizontal planes, motor driven' driving mechanism 'between said` speed reducing mechanism and said inotoi' reversely conncctible to the latter to drivesaid sprocket in opposite directions, and motor driven driving connections between `said feed operating ineinberand said motor.

54. A mining machine comprising cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar and yacutter chain driving sprocket, yfeeding mechanism including'a feed operating member adjac'ent the opposite end otl lsaid machine, from said bar, a pressiire fluidv motor between said mecha-- nisms including a plurality of intermeshing rotors mounted in the same horizontal planes,` motor driven driving mechanisn'i between said lsprocket and oneendot said niotorI reversely connectible to the latter to drive said sprocket in opposite directions, and motorI driven driving connections between said feed operating member and the' other end ot' said motor. l

9. A mining machine comprising cutting meclianismincluding a4 cutter chain driving i sprocket and speed reducing (mechanism therefor, 'feeding ,y mechanism including a. feed operating member adjacenttheopposit'efend ot said machine 4'from said bar', a pressure. fluid motor on v said' machine between said cutting and feeding mechanisms including a plurality ot substantially longi-"fv lspeed reducingmechanisin and one end of in l sprocketand ,speed y. intermeshin l sprocket, feeding mechanism including ations, and motor driven driving connections.

between said feed `operating member and the other end of said motor..

f I 10. A minin 'machine comprising cutting mechanism includ .a cutter chain driving reducing mechanism therefor, feeding mechanism including a pressure fluid motor ,having a plurality of nections between lsaid motor and said s eed said motor to drive said sprocket in opposite directions, and means whereby the direction of feed of said -machine may be varied as desired. f

11. A minin machine comprising cutting mechanism inc uding a cutter chain driving s rocket and speed reducing mechanism t ierefor, feed operating member and speed reducing mechanism therefor, a pressure fluid motor between said mechanisms including a plurality of substantially longitudinally disposed intermeshing rotors mounted in the same `horizontal planes, motor driven driving mechanism between saidsprocket speed reducing mechanism and one end of said lmotor reversely connectible to the latter to drive said sprocket in opposite directions, motor driven driving mechanism between said feed speed reducing mechanism and the other end of said motor, and means whereby the direction of feed. of said machine may be varied as desired.

12. A minin machine comprising cutting mechanism inc uding a cutter chain carrying cutter bar and a cutter chain driving pressure duid motor 'having a plurality 'of intermeshing rotors disposed in 'the' same horizontal planes, a gear located between the axes ofsaid rotorsv and connected to said sprocket, a pair of ears driven. by different rotors and adjustable-longitudinally relative to the axes of said rotors into engagement with said gear, and means for insuring alternate connection of said longitudinally movable gears.

13. A minin machine comprising cutting mechanism inc uding a cutter chain carrying cutter bar and a cuttei` chain driving sprocket, feeding mechanism including a pressure fiuid motor having a plurality of substantially lon itudinally disposed intermeshing rotors isposed in the same horizontal planes, a gear located between the .ares of said rotors, speed reducing mechamsm connected between said gear and said ars driven sprocket, a pair of tive to the axes of said ro ment with said gear, andfmeans for` insurrotors mounted in the same horizontal p anes, motor driven driving confeeding vmechanism including a4 y by different rotors and adjusta' le longitudinally relaors into engageing alternate connection of said longitudinally movable gears.

14. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cutting mechanism, feeding mechanism, a motor intermediate said mechanisms includinl intermeshing rotors mounted in the'same orizont'al planes, and operative connections between said motor and ysaid cutting and feeding mechanisms operati-ve to drive said cutting mechanism in either direction and said feeding mechanism in one direction.

15. A mining machine slidable on a mine'- bottom comprising cuttinginechanism, feeding mechanism, a motor intermediate said mechanisms includin mounted in the same orizontal planes, and operative connections betweenl said motor and said cutting and feeding mechanisms operative to drive said cuttin mechanism in either direction and said fee ing mechanism in either direction. 16. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cuttingmechanism, feeding mechanism, a. motor intermediate said mechanisms including intermeshing rotors mounted in the same horizontal planes, and operative connections between said motor and said cutting and feeding mechanisms operative'to drive said cutting mechanism, in either direction and said feeding mecha-,

nism at different speeds in one direction.

intermeshing rotors 17. A mining machine slidable on a. mine f bottom comprising cutting mechanism, feeding mechanism, a motor intermediate said mechanisms including intermeshing rotors mounted' in l the same vhorizontal planes, and operativeA connections between the opposite ends of said motor and'said cutting and feeding mechanisms operative to drive said cutting mechanism in either direction and said feeding mechanism in one direction.

18.- A mining machine slidable on` amine `bottom comprising cut-ting mechanism, feeding mechanism, a motoit'intermediate Said mechanisms including intermeshing rotors mounted in the same horizontal planes, and operative connections between the opposite ends of said motor and said cuttingand feeding mechanisms operative to drive said cutting mechanism in either direction and said feeding mechanism in either direction. 19. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cutting mechanism, feeding mechanism, a motor'. intermediate said mechanisms including intermeshing rotors mounted in the 'same horizontal lanes, and operative connections between tlieopposite ends of saidr motor.v and said cutting and feeding mechanisms operative to drive said cuttin and said geeding mechanism atdiferent speeds in one direction.

20. Avmining machine slidable oii a mine mechanism in either direction

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