US1645003A - Mining apparatus - Google Patents

Description

I I i I Oct. 11, 1927. a M. P. HOLMES 645 003 MINING APPARATUS Original Filed April '7. 1919 3 sheets-sheet;

I'ro marr Bil M. P. HQLMES Oct. 11, 1927;

I MINING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 7, 1919 1,645,0 M. Pr HOLMES 03 MINING APPARATUS Original Filed AprJFl 7, IQJ Q 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Get. 11, 1927.

UNITED STATES arias PATIENT tries.

Mortals P. notices, or otazanraonr, New i'zararsninn, assteuon 'ro SULLIVAN CHINEBY COMPANY, A oonronarron on MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING APPARATUt5.

Application filed April 7, 1919, Serial No. 288,133; Renewed November a, less.

My invention relates to mining apparatus.

It has for its object to provide improved mining apparatus especially adapted to uLe in entry driving. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved entry driving apparatus adapted to advance an entry rapidly and provided with improved cutting and feeding means adapted to produce an entry of the desired width with a minimum of cutting. A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved entry cutting apparatus adapted to produce an improved entryhaving the desired fiatbottom and arched roof, and also having provision for removing any obstructions. such as sulphur, black jack, or the like. These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown for purposes of illustration one en1- bodiment which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan View, partially in section of a mining apparatus constructed in accordance with my improvement, the same being shown in position in an entry.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, showing the rear section in two positions.

F 3 is a front elevation showing the out ting mechanism.

Fig. t is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line H of Fig. 2, the con 5 veyor mechanism being omitted to facilitate illustration. a

Fig. 5 is a detailed sectional view taken on line 55 of Fig. 4e.

6 is a deta isectional View taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 41.

In this iliu'strative construct-ion, it will b observed that I have shown an apparatus including a cutter carrying section 1 and an anchoring section 2, the same beingconnected by feed screws 3, as hereinafter described, so that they may be successively advanced as the entry is driven, the cuttings being removed and preferably delivered to car by a conveyor t of any suitable construction iv he; ein extending to a point beneath the front end of the section 1 and rearward and upward over tl e top of the section 2.

Of these sections, the cutter carrying section 1 herein also carries the cutter driving and f ed operating mechanism; Refers...

more particularly to Fig. 3', a substantially elliptical cutter carrying element, herein a bar 5 supported substantially vertically and against the face across the front of the machine, the sameher-ein beingprovided with the usual rounded ends and with curved or arcuate upper surface 6 and a straight or horizontal lower surface 7 Around this cutter bar and along these surfaces moves a cutter chain 8 having cutter bits 9 disposed in the usual relation thereon but projected forward in such a mannerthat they will out only on the front side of the chain as the latter is moved around the bar. Here it will also be noted that in suitable spaced ree lation on the chain, 1 have provided re'a'rwardly extending scrapers 10 for a purpose hereinafter described. Thus, it will be old served that when the cutter chain ,8is'rotated the cutter bits 9' thereof will operate upon the face as the machine is moved forward. the cutter chain cutting throughout its length. r I

Opcratively connected to the cutter bar, is improved means for moving the same bodily relative to theface as the cutter chain is op erated. These means, as, shown, include, a pair of similarly disposedcranks 11 rigidly connected, as by means of bolts 12, to flanges 13 on the front endof longitudinally disposed shafts 1e, 15, journaled in the rigid skeleton and herein rectangular frame 16 of the section 1 and at opposite sides of the center line thereof. As shown, these cranks 11 are driven bya motor 17 of any suitable type, herein a reversible electric motor controlled by usual controlling means 17f and rigidlysupported upon the frame 16 substantially centrally thereof and midway b'e-' tween crank driving shafts 14, the, connections as hereinafter described preferably being such that thesame means serve to drive the cranl-Isand the cutter chain and the latter preferably also serves as a connecting medium driving one crank from the other; i I v Referring more particularly to Fig. fl, it will be observed that the motor armature shaft 18 carries a pinion 19 meshing with, a larger gear, 20 journaled in a suitable bean. ing 21, which in turn meshes with a gear 22 of substantially the sarne diameter freely rotatable on the shaft 14 at a pointin front of front cross member of f i .a rear of the flange 113 40 the frame and inwhich the shaft 39 is rois in turn rigidly connected, as by a key 23, to a pinion 24 disposed between thesame and the flange 13, which in turn meshes with a larger gear 25 keyed at 26 to an lnner longitudinally disposed stub shaft 27 jour- 'naled in a suitable removable bearing 28 in the end of the left hand crank 11 and rigidly connected, asby bolts 29, to the cutter bar 5. The outer end of this shaft 27 in turn carries a cutter chain driving sprocket 30, and through the cutter chain 8 drives an idler sprocket 31 located at the opposite end of the cutter bar. As shown, this sprocket 31 is in turn fixed to the front end of'a stub shaft 32corresponding to the shaft 27, and similarly journaled in a suitable removable bearing 33 fixed to the cutter bar and itself journaled in the right hand crank 11. Thus it will be noted that rotation of the armature is transmitted to the cutter chain 8.

Operatively connected to this shaft 32and driven by the rotation thereof as the cutter chain is rotated, is my improved means for rotating the cranks. As shown, the shaft 32' has keyed to its rear end a pinion 34 meshing with a gear 35 carried on the shaft 15 at a point between its flange 13 and the front of the frame. This gear 35 in turn has integrally attached thereto, as by a key 36, a rearwardly disposed pinion 37, which in turn meshes with a gear 38 fixed on the front end of a longitudinally disposed shaft 39 suitably journaled in bearings 40 in the frame and carrying a bevel gear 41 on its rear end rotating in a suitable gear casing 42. This bevel gear 41 in turn meshes constantly with a bevel gear 43 which is disposed between the gear 41 and a cooperating gear 44 rigidl connected to a sleeve 45 jonrnaled at 46 on tatable, the direction of rotation of the sleeve'45'being controlled by a reversing clutch mechanism 47 operable by asuitable controlling member 48 carried on the top of the frame. As shown, this sleeve 45 also carries a pinion49 thereon meshing with a gear 50 keyed at 51to the shaft 15 and 0pcrating to rotate that shaft and its connected crank 11, while power is transmitted, through the bevel gear 43 and a transverse shaft 52 connected thereto and journaled on the frame, to rotate the other shaft 14 and its connected crank 11. More particularly, it will be observed that the opposite end of the shaft 52 carries a bevel gear 53 meshing with a corresponding bevel gear 54 carried on therear end of the shaft 55, cor- 56 on the frame.

respondingly located with respect to the shaft 39 and journaled in suitable bearings This shaft 55, however, itself acts as the driving member, the same herein having a pinion 57 keyed thereto and -meshing with a gear 58ckeyed at 59 to the shaft 14. Thus it will'be observed that as sides. two arcuate rib and bottom engaging parts ter bar in the substantially elliptical path indicated by the cross section of the entry in Fig. 3.

Operatively connected to this crank operating mechanism are improved means for operating the cutter bar in such a manner as to facilitate the removal of obstructions encountered during cutting. These means, as shown, include reversing mechanism preferably automatic and adapted to enable the movement of the cranks to be reversed in such a manner as to oscillate the bar within a variable limited path and thereby enable it to cut away the coal adjacent the obstruction. Referring more particularly to Fig. 4, it will be observed that the shaft 15 is provided with a plurality of cams 61 adjustable angularly and longitudinally relative thereto and adapted to be clamped in ad justed position by means of set screws 62. Normally, these cams are in the inoperative position shown in full lines in Fig. 4. How

ever, when it is desired to oscillate the bar,

the cams are adjusted into the dotted line position shown. in that figure, so that they may engage at the proper time with the end J of a controlling member 63 operatively connected to the reversing clutch 47 and there- .by operate that clutch to reverse the direc- .may be adjusted even when the mechanism is in operation, although preferably the motor -17 is shut down during this adjustment.

In my improved construction, the sections 1 and 2 are adapted to be successively advanced along the entry as the latter is eX- tended. As shown, the section 1 is pror ided with a pair of longitudinally spaced transversely disposed skids 64 rigidly connected to the frame 16 at its opposite ends and Herein the front skid is formed in disposed on opposite sides of the front end of the conveyor 4, while the rear skid is substantially semi-elliptical in section and provided with a Hat bottom resting on the entry bottom, and curved upwardly extending sides 'engageable with the ribs of the entry. As shown, each of these skids rcenforced transversely by'suitable angle irons 64 and the edges of these skids are preferably beveled. as shown at 65, to facilitate movement. In this form of my invention, it will also be noted that the rear or anchoring sec tion 2 is in the form of one of these skids as for instance a hand wheel 68, and movable through a suitable aperture 69 in the skid into engagement with the adjacent side wall or rib of the entry.

Operatively connected to the motor and actuated thereby, is the feeding mechanism, which herein operates to feed the sections 1 and 2 forward alternately and at different speeds. is shown, this mechanism includes a plurality of screw shafts 3, rotatable at their front ends in nuts 70, 71 carried by suitable bearings 72 on the rear cross member of the frame 16, and at their rear ends rotatable in nuts 73 carried at the opposite ends of a transversely disposed and horizontal evener '74 pivotally connected to a for wardly disposed extension 75 on the front end of the rear section 2. Each of these shafts has splined to its front end a reciprocable clutch member 76 operable by a suitable clutch shipper 77, in turn controlled by a controlling lever 78 carried on the top of the frame, the member '76 having teeth on its opposite ends adapted to engage with cooperating clutch faces 79 and 80 formed on members 81 and 82, of which the members 79 are fixed to the shafts 1 1 and 15, while the members 80 are freely rotatable on the screw shafts 3 and are connected through chain and sprocket connections 83' with the extending" rear ends of the shafts '39 and 55'. Thus, it will be observed that by varying the connection of the clutch member 76, the

screw shafts may be rotated in opposite directions at different speeds, the same be ing connected in their slow speed connection, i. e. with the members 81, to feed the cutting mechanism forward during the cutting operation when the rear section 1 isjacked securely in position,- a-nd,'after a predetermined forward feeding movement and the release of the jacks 67, then reversibly connected to the members 82, to feed the rear section 2 rapidly toward the section 1, i. e. from the full line position shown in Fig. 2 to the dotted line position shown therein.

Operatively associated with the cutting and feeding mechanism hereinabove described, 1 preferably provideconveyor mechanism' adapted to remove the cuttings from the cutting mechanism and convey the same rearwardly where they may be discharged into a car or the like. This conveyormechanism may, obviously, assume various forms. Herein, it will be noted that the conveyor 4 is provided with an inlined middle section and oppositely extending end sections, one of which extends under the frame 16 to a point acent the cutting mechanism so that the conveyor may act upon the cuttings on the front skid 64% and near the cutting mechanism, while the other extends over the rear secticn 2 so that it may deliver these cuttings into acar if desired. More particularly, it will'be observed that the front end of the conveyor is suitably attached, as at 84:, to the front skid 64, and that therear end of the same is slidably supported in suitable upright flange supports 85 on the rear skid 66', preferably at a point above the jacks 67, these supports 85 herein being carried at a transverse" lower bracing member 86 herein having formed thereon the lug 75*w'h-ich in turn carries the pivot 87 for the evener or cros'shead 7e.

It will also be observed that the conveyor mechanism" is herein power driven by suit able means, herein by asepamte motor 88 carried on the second skid 64 and operatively connected to the conveyor through a flexible power connection 89. Here. menses is also directed to the fact that the mechanism on the section 1 is also preferably enclosed, as by plates 90, and that the controlling members for the several controlling niee-hani'snrs are operable from the operators station at the side of the frame. It will also be noted that the crank driving mechanism disposed in front of the frame is enclosed in suitable gear covers 91.

In the operation of my improved co-nst-r tion, it will be noted that as the cutter ch 8 is operated, the cutter bar 5 is moved bodily in opposite directions transversely and vertically through a substantially elliptical Lil path by the cr'an'lrs 11 and at a speed mate rially less than the speed of movement of the cutter cha'in relative to the bar and at the same time that the bar is moved bodil'y for: ward by the feeding mech'z-tnism. As a restrlt, it will be observed that the cutter chain is enabled to' cut progressively tl'iroii'gh'out its length over the entire surface of the en try face, the face being cut su sta ntially as shown in 1 and 2'. Moreover, it will be noted that an entry of the same eenfigura tion as the bar bu-tlarger and of the cross section shown in Fig. 3 is thus produced which has the desired strong arched roof, the desired width, and also the desired flat bottom, the entire out being made in the one operation by the one machine. Obviously,

as soon as thesection 1 has moved a predetermined distance forward relative to the section 2, by operating the clutch member 76, the slow forward cutting feed of the section 1 may be interrupted and the section 2 fed forward by throwing the members 76' into engagement with the members 82 as soon as the jacks 67 have been released. When the section 2 has thus been brought into the deired position, the clutch may be-disconnected and the jacks 67 again adjusted, whereupon the clutch may be reconnected with the members 81 in such a manner as to 'continu-ethe cutting feed movement of the section 1, this operation being repeated as the entry is extended. It will also be observed that should an obstruction be encountered in the face,

such asa sulphur ball or the like, the operator is enabled by adjusting the cams ($1 to oscillate the cranks 11 at the same time that the cutter chain is operated and the machine is fed forward, in such a manner as to cause the bar to have a limited oscillatory movement of any desired length at the side or sides of the obstacle and thereby facilitate the removal of the same. r I In the-use of my improved construction, it

will be evident that by varying the shape of the cutter bar the cross section of the entry may be varied within wide limits. It will also be observedthat the thrust resulting fromengagement of the bits with the face is efiectually utilized to assist in the movement of thecranks, the latter being rotated in an opposite direction to the chain, as indicated in Fig. 3, andthereby materially reducing the'power required to operate the mechanism. Attention isalso directed to the fact that through the provision of the scrapers 10 on the cutter chain the cuttings are forced back from the same and toward the mouth of the conveyor 4 so that the cuttings do not interfere with the operation of the cutter chain and may be readily removed by the conveyor. Due to the provision of my improved operative connections for the sections including the evener connected feed screw nuts, it will also be observed that the machine may be directed angularly to change the direc tion of the entry when desired, the feed screws then being adapted to be operated independently in such a manner as to vary the direction of the sections as necessary. These invention may be modified and embodied in var ous other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims. To avoid possibility of misunderstanding, it is to be understood that allusions to the face in the accompanying claims are ;5

to the working face, that is to say, the face upon whichthe cutting operations of the machine are performed. it

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

1. In a mining-apparatus, a cutter carrying element disposed substantially parallel to the face, a cutter chain movable thereon, and means for moving said element through a substantially oblong path. I

2. In a mining apparatus, a'cutter,carry ing element disposed substantially parallel to the face, a cutter chain movable around the periphery thereof, and means for moving said element through a substantially oblong path.

In a mining apparatus, a cutter Carry ing element, a cutter chain movable thereon, and means operatively connected to the ends of said element for moving the same through a substantially oblong path.

a. In a mining apparatus, a single laterally elongated cutter carrying element disposed. substantially parallel to a plane face, and means operatively connected to the ends thereof for moving the same transversely in its plane.

5. In a mining apparatus, a single laterally elongated cutter carrying element disposed substantially parallel to a plane upright face, andmeans including cranks operativ-ely connected to theends thereof for moving the same transversely in its plane.

6. In a miningapparatus, a cutter carrying element, a cutter chain movablethereon, and means for moving said element through a substantially elliptical path.

7. In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying element, a cutter chain movable thereon, and means operatively connected to the ends of said element for moving the same through a substantially; elliptical path. I

8. In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying element, a cutter chain movable thereon, and rotating mechanism operatively connected to the ends of said element for moving the same through a substantially elliptical ath.

. 9. n a mining apparatus, a substantially elliptical cutter supportingelement disposed flatwise against the face, and cutting means including a cutter chain on the surface thereof adjacent the face.

10'. In a mining apparatus, asubstantially elliptical cutter supporting element disposed flatwise against the face, and cutting means including a cutter chain disposed about the periphery of the surface thereof adjacent the face.

' 11. In a mining apparatus, a substantially elliptical cutter'supporting element disposed flatwise against a parallel face, and cutting means'movable about the periphery of the surface adjacent the face.

12. In a mining apparatus, a substantially elliptical cutter supporting element disposed 'flatwise against the face, and means for moving said element transversely of the face during cutting.

13. In'amining apparatus, a substantially elliptical cutter supporting element disposed flatwis-e against the face, a' cutter chain movable on said element and means for moving said element longitudinally and transversely of the face during cutting.

14:. In a mining apparatus, a cutter supporting element having a curved upper surface and an oppositely disposed flat bottom surface, and cutting means movable along said surfaces and on the same side of said element.

15. In a mining apparatus, a cutter sup porting element having an arcuate edge and an oppositely disposed straightedge, a cutter chain movable on said element, and means for operatively presenting said element flat- Wise to a face.

16. In a mining apparatus, a cutter supporting element disposed flat-wise against the face, a cutter chain movable on said element, and means for moving said element relative to the face to cut a larger entry.

17. In a mining apparatus, a cutter supsubstantially parallel to the Working face,

a cutter chain movable relative thereto, and means for moving said element in a transversely disposed plane during cutting.

19. In a mining apparatus, a transversely disposed cutter supporting element disposed substantially parallel to the Working face, a cutter chain movable relative thereto, and means for moving said element both forward and in a transversely disposed plane during cutting.

20. In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying element disposed parallel to the face, a movable cutter chain on the Working face thereof, and means for operating the same to cut an entry of substantially the same configuration transversely as said cutter carrying element.

21. In a mining apparatus, av cutter carrying element disposed parallel to the face, a movable cutter chain on the Working face thereof and means for operating said element to cut an entry of substantially the same configuration as said element but larger than the latter. p

22. In a mining apparatus, an entry cutter carrying element disposed parallel to the face, a. movable cutter chain on the worklng face thereof and means for moving said element bodily vertically and transversely during cutting.

In a mining apparatus, an entry cutter carrying element disposed parallel to the face,-a movable cutter chain on the Working face thereof and means for moving said element bodily vertically and transversely in opposite directions during cutting.

24. In a mining apparatus, a cutter supporting element disposed parallel to the face, an entry cutting chain thereon, and means utilizing the thrust of the latter for moving said element transversely.

25. In mining apparatus, a cutter supporting element disposed parallel to the face, an entry cutting chain thereon, andmeans utilizing the thrust of the latter for moving said element in a substantially elliptical path.

26. In a ininin apparatus, a cutter supp rting elementoisposed parallel to a face, a cutter chain movable thereomand rotating means for moving said element transversely in an opposite direction to said chain.

27. In amining apparatus, a substantially elliptical cutter carrying element disposed parallel to the face, cutters thereon including a movable cutter chain and means for simultaneously actuating the cutters thereon and moving said element transversely of the face.

28.- In a mining apparatus, a substantially elliptical cutter carrying element disposed substantially fiat against the face, cutters thereon including a movable cutter chain thereon and means for simultaneously moving said element transversely and feeding it toward the face. 7 V p 29. In a mining apparatus, a substantially vertically disposed cutter carrying element, a cutter chain movable thereon, crank mechanism operatively connected with the opposite ends thereof, and means for feeding said mechanism toward the Work. I

80. In a mining apparatus, a substantially vertically. disposed cutter carrying element, crank mechanism operatively connected with the opposite ends thereof, and means for reversing the crank movement.

31. In a mining apparatus, a substantially vertically disposed cutter carrying element, crank mechanism operatively connected vvith the opposite ends thereof, and automatically acting means for revesing the crank movement. 1 i

32. In a mining apparatus, a substantially vertically disposed cutter carrying element, crank mechanism operatively connected With the opposite ends thereof, andadjustable automatically acting means for reversing the crank movement. 7 I V 33. In a mining apparatus, a substantially vertically disposed cutter carrying element, crank mechanism operatively connected with the opposite ends thereof, and means for se lectively rota-ting or oscillating said. crank;

porting element, a cutter chain thereon, and

crank mechanism operatively connected by said chain for moving said element transcarried on said evener.

'" connecting said cranks.

versely during cuttin S'ZQIn a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying section, an anchoring section, feedscrews thereon, an evener pivotally mounted on said second section, and feed screw nuts 38. "In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrymg section, anoperatively connected anchormg section, and a substantially semielliptical transverse skiddisposed under and at the sides of each of said sections.

39. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a cutfter bar disposed transversely thereof, a cutter chain thereon, cranksoperatively connected to the ends of said bar, motor, and op' 'eratlve' connections thereto for rotating said cranks and cutter chain. 40. Ina mining apparatus, a frame, a cutter bar thereon, cranks operatively connected to the ends thereof, a motor, and operative I to the ends thereof, a cutter chain operatively connecting said cranks, and means for rotating said' cranks andchain in opposite directions. Y

43.1w mining apparatus, a frame, a cutter bar thereon, cranks operatively connected to the ends thereof, afcutter chain operatively connecting said cranks,and means for rotating said cranks and chain in opposite directions at different speeds.

44. In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying element, cranks operatively connected to the opposite ends thereof, a cutter chain operatively connecting said cranks, and means for oscillating said cranks while continuously rotating said chain. 7

45. In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying element, cranks operatively connected to the opposite ends thereof, a cutter chain operatively connecting said cranks, means for oscillating said cranks through paths of variable amplitude while continuously rotating said chain and. feeding the latter to'ward'the work.

46. In a miningapparatus, a plurality of driving mechanism, and operative connections therewith for moving said element through a substantially elliptical path and simultaneously moving said element toward the face.

48. Ina mining apparatus, an upright cutter bar disposed flatwise to a parallel face, a cutter chaiuthereon, driving mechanism,

and operative connections therewith for operating said cutter chain at one speed and for feeding said bar forward at another speed.

49. In a mining apparatus, a cutter bar disposed parallel to the face, a cutter chain thereon, driving mechanism, and operative connections therewith for moving said bar slowly through a substantially elliptical path, operating said cutter chain, and moving said bar forward. 7 f

50. In a mining apparatus, a cutter carrying section, an anchoring section, a .cutter bar on said carryingsection, a cutter cham on said bar, feeding mechanism between said sections, driving mechanism on said cutter carrying section, and means operatively connectable therewithfor moving said bar through a substantially elliptical path in a plane parallel to the face, operating said cutter chain, moving said bar forward, and movingsald sectlon's one relative to the other. V

51. In a mining apparatus, a single plane cutter carrying. element having cutters movable about its outer edge, said element being disposed substantially parallel to a plane face, and means operatively connected to said element for orbitally moving the same to cut out a substantially larger oblong open mg.

52. In a'mining apparatus, a single laterallyv elongated plane cutter carrying ele ment having cutters movable about its outer edge, said element being disposed substantially parallel to a plane face, and means operatively connected to said element for orbitally moving ,the same transversely ii its plane. 7

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

@ERTIFIGATE 0i CORRECTIQN Patent Ne. 1,645,903. Granted @cteber ii, 192?, t0

MGRRIS P. HQLNES.

it is hereby certified that errer appears in the printed specification of the above nniniiereti patent requiring esrreetien as feiiews: Page i, iine 89, claim 6, after the went "element" insert the words "disposed substantiaiiy parallel to the face"; same page, iine 127, claim 13, aiter the were "eientent" insert a comma; page 5, line 19, claim 17, after the Wet-1i "tiiereen" insert a. comma; same page, lines 45, 52 and 58, claims 21, 22 and 23, after the ward "thereei" and in iine 79, eiaim 27, after tire weird "eitain" and line 86, eiaim 28, aiter the word "thereon" insert a comma; page 5, iines 38 ts 4i, strike out the Words "tile same is cut an entry at substantially the same eeniigaratien transverseiy as said cutter carrying element" and insert instead "said element to cut an entry sf substantiaiiy the same configuration transversely as said cutter carrying eiernent"; and that the said Letters Patent siteu id be read with tiaese eerreetiens therein that the same may conform te the record oi the case in the Patent ()ifice.

Signed anti seaied this 20th day of December, A. D. 1927.

M. J. Meere,

Seal. Aeting Qemnaissiener of Patents.

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