US1682296A - Chain hydraulic mining machine - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 2s, 192s. 1,682,296

W. W. MACFARREN CHAIN HYDRAULIC MINING MACHINE 'Filed Nov. 1915 7 sheets-sheet 2 FIG. 2

WITNESSES INVENTOR Aug. 28, 1928.

Filed Nov. 3, 1915 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR WITNESSES Aug. 28, 1928.

1,682,296 w. w. MAcFARRr-:N

CHAIN HYDRALIC MINING MACHINE Filed Nov. s, 191s v sheets-sheet 4 FIG.4

WITNESSES INVENTOR Aug. 2s,- 1928. 1,682,296

W. W. MACFARREN CHAIN HYDRAULIC MINING MACHINE Aug. 28, 192s.

W. W. MACFARREN CHAIN HYDRAULIC MINING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1915 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 mm wm.

A@ mw Q NN NQ 0% am. uw mw Patented Aug. Z8, 1928.

11A-'1151ery OFFICE.

WALTER W. MAGFARREN, 0F PITTSBURGH, IENN'SYITANIn CHAIN HYDRAULIC MININGMACHINE,

-Appiicatimi ined November s, 1915. seriai No. 159,377.v

My invention relates to mining machines and more particularly to those used in bituminous coal, although my improved machine isin effect a tunnelling machinel and L may be used to drive an entry or any material which can be slotted byavai'lable cutters. l

`While my improved machine is primarily intended for entry driving it may also be used for room work or as a longwall machine.

When driving an entry the machine would mine out the full height and width at one cut, when used in rooms or for longwall -wonk the machine would mine the full height of the coal (usually, not necessarily) and would take'successive. cuts of any desired width until the whole desired width was mined.

My improved machine is believed to embody entirely new principles for mining coal or other comparatively soft minerals. These are, first, cutting' two or more slots in the coal across the (working place. Second, breaking down the lump between the slots by the use of hydraulic or other intense slow acting pressure.

The design shown isintended for use in the Pittsburgh coal seam in which therel occurs at a level usually below the middle of the seam, a pair of slate bands of a combined thickness of about an inch.

By cutting out these bands and reducing them to slack or fine cuttings they are automatically separated from the lump coal, a process now having to be performed by hand.

The objects of my invention are to produce a mining machine of reliable and durable construction which will produce a large tonnage of mechantable coal' with a minimum Iproportion of slack and a minimum consumption of power and with minimum attention' 'lo these ends I provide the various parts, one arrangement and combination of which is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional side elevation of the machine in working position in a mine.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same partly in section on theline 2 2, Fig. 1 and with certain parts omitted. i y

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic vertical cross section of the machine on the line 3 3, Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic front elevation of the machine on the line 4 4, Figs. 1 and 2.

6 is a longitudinal vertical section of the line 6 6, Fig. 2, but showing a modified form of breaker. 1

Fig. 7 is a diagram showingr the operation of theA machine when working in rooms.

Fig. 8 is a diagram of the hydraulic mech- Y anism on the machine. j

Fig. Q-is -a plan view with the conveyer mechanism and the cutting mechanism removed so as to show the main frame and the driving mechanism mounted thereon. Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical section showing the connection of adjusting screw 42 to the lower cutter frame. Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing the adjustable connection of the breaker bar to the middle cutter frame on the line 7 7 of Fig. 2. A

Referring to the drawings I designate the main frame as a whole by A,y the ground wheels as a whole by B, the upper' chain frame as a whole by C, the middle chain frame as a whole by D, the lower chain frame as a whole by E, the main adjusting screws as a whole by F, the hydraulic breakers as a whole by G and the hydraulic turntable as a Whole by H. A

The main frame A is composed of two outerA side pieces 1, two inner side pieces 2, a frollav ried by a short axle 10 mounted in bearings 11 on frame A. The second pair of ground wheels 12 are carried by a common axle 13 mounted in bearings 14 on frame A.

The third pair of ground wheels 15 are carried by an axle 16 mounted in similar bearings 1-7, and the fourth or rear pair of ground Wheels 18 are carried by an axle 19 mounted in bearings 20 on frame A.

vMechanism is provided for driving the ground Wheels at two speeds, to wit, a speed ofnabout one .hundred feet per minute, called feed. As shown the motor armature pinion meshes with a spur gear 220 loose on axle 19, and which gear has integral therewith, or secured thereto, `a pinion 221 whichmeshes with a spur gear 222 fastened on the transverse shaft 223. This latter shaft connects through spur gears 224 with the com- .pound worm gear 225 which drives a worm wheel (not shown), loose on shaft 16 and which worm gear is provided with a clutch member 226. Shaft 223 also carries a spur pinion 227 meshing with spur gear 228, likewise loose on shaft' 16 and provided with a clutch member 229. Fastened on the shaft 16, between the clutch members 226 and 229 is a slidable clutch member 230, by means of which either the spur gear 228 or the worm drive 225 can be connected. to shaft 16.

The axle 19 is driven by sprockets 22 and 23 and chain 24 from axlel.

The axles 10 are similarly driven from axle 13 by sprockets 25 and 26 and chains 27.

A bevel gear 28 on axle 16 drives a bevel pinion 29 or a short longitudinal shaft 30.

A second bevel pinion 31 drives a second bevel gear 32 or axle 13. Thus all the axles are connected and all the ground wheels B are driven.

The slow speed is used to advance the chains to make their cuts and the fast speed to move the machine from place to place.

The lower chain 33 mounted on the chain frame E makes an `undercut about 4" high and 14" deep.

The upper chain 34 .mounted on the chain frame C makes an uppercut of the same dimensions but is advanced about a foot further into the coal. The middle chain 35 mounted on the chain frame D makes a cut about fhigh and is advanced into the coal about 16" further than the upper chain 34 and 2-4 further than the lower chain 33.- These relations of the several chains are permanent.A v

Between cut made by the upper chain 34v and the middle cut 37 a lump or pro]ection 39 the front and rear vcarrying screws 42 and 43.,

is left and between the middle out 37 and the undercut'38 there is a corresponding lump 40. In this vparticular design the middle chains The lower chain frame E is adjustable ver-,.

tically (upwards) for about 2 by means of These screws extendl through long bosses 44 and 45 on the frame A. The chain frame E is also adjustable downwardly, for a small Les-2,296

the feed. Both- .Iigidly connected) by verticall amount and the path of the machine verticall is controlled by the adjustment of the chain game E. Since thelower chain 33 cuts the floor on which the machine travels, when the lower cutting points of the chain 33 are in the same plane as the bottoms of the round wheels B (or slightly above them to'al ow for I sinking ofthe ground wheels below the plane of -the floor) the machine travels forward in o with the ground wheels (since the two are and a second downward step of M3 will be cut on the bottom and this Vaction continued will produce a series of downward steps so that-the machine would drop 1" in about 8 feet advance. The above relatesto ground wheels 9 and 12.

Now since the rear st-rand of chain 33 passes across the machine 'ust back of wheels 12 it will cut a correspon ing series of steps for the ground wheels 15 and 18 and the machine will therefore drop practically parallel to its previous path.

' When the chain frame E is raised slightly instead of lowered the machine will rise instead of fall. Since there are four screws 42 to 43 these may be used to level the chain may be raised about 2 by removing the collars 46 and tightening the'nuts 47.

The height being mined may be regulated adjusting the upper chain frame C on t e screws 42 and 43 by means of the nuts 48 and 49.

The chain frames C, D and E are all substantially7 rectangular in shape and have a sprocket at each corner.

The upper chain frame C carries idler sprockets at its outer corners and the sprockets 52 and 53 at itsinner corners (see Fig. 3). v i

The arrangement is similar for chain frames D and E.

Referring to Figure 3 the bearings 54 and 55 are secured to the up r chain frame C and move vertically therewith. The bearin s 56 and 57 are similarly secured to the c ain frame E. The bearings 58, 59,60 and 61 are secured to the'main frame The middle chains 35 are driven-by a motor 62 at' the right side of the machine and the top chains 34 and bottom chains 33 are driven bv a motor 63`at the left side of the machine, and running in the opposite direction. At the front of the machine the top and bottom chains 34 and 33 cut from left to right and the middle chains 35 cut from right to left.

products wh1ch is of advantage as it is done at y practically no expense.

The motor 63 drives a countershaft 64 b means of spur gears 65 and 66, the sha t 64 being mounted in bearings 67 secured to frame A. f

A bevel pinion 68 on shaft 64 drives a bevel gear 69 on a vertical shaft 70. The weight of shaft 70 is transferred to gear 69 by a collar 71 on shaft 70 and gear 69 rests on a thrust bearin 72 which is turn rests on bearing 58.

Sha 70 drives sprocket 52 by a feather key 73 and also drives sprocket 74 by a feather ke 95.

procket 52 drives upper chain :34 and sprocket 74 drives lower chain 33.

A loose sleeve 75 mounted in bearings i58 and 59 surrounds shaft 70 and carries a pair of sprockets 76 for the middle chains 35, the

Weight of sleeve 75 being carried by a thrust y bearing 77 resting on bearing 59.- Bearings 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61 are all provided with caps.

'It will be noted that shaft 70 and sleeve 75 are entirely independent of each other so they ma rotate in opposite directions.

rom the motor 62 power is transmitted to a countershaft l7 8 by means of spur gears 79 and 80. A bevel pinion 81 on shaft '7 8 drives a bevel gear 82 on a sleeve 83. The sleeve 83 is supported in bearings 60 and 61 and provided with a carrying thrust bearing 84. A pair of sprockets 85 are mounted on sleeve 83 which drive the middle cutting chains 35.

The shaft 78 is mounted in bearings 86 and 87 secured to frame A.

The sprocket 53 is carried by the bearing 55 and the sprocket 88 is carried by the bearing 57. A shaft 89 extends through the sleeve 83 and engages loosely the sprockets 53 and 88, its function being merely to align the sprockets 53 and 88 and neutralize the twisting strains caused by the eccentric pull of the chains 34 and 33. A collar 90 on shaft 89 transfers the Weight of the shaft to a thrust bearing 91 resting on bearing 60.

Referring to Fig. 1 the lower lump 40 is ready to be broken down. For this purpose a cast steel breaker bar 92 is carried on guides 93 secured tothe middle chain frame D. The breaker bar 82 has a to and fro movement in the direction of the machines travel of about 12", the same being actuated by a hydraulic shifting cylinder 94 form-ed in the front cross piece 3 of frame A. A piston 96 in cylinder 94 aetuates a hollowr piston rod 97 connected to'the breaker bar 92.

A number of cylindricalV bores 98 are formed in breaker bar 92 (see Fig. 5). Within each bore 98 there are placed two cylinydrical bushings 99 having screw threads 100 to secure them to bar 92 and ianges 101 to tighten the :crew threads.

The inner ends of bushings 99 have tapered ends 102 which bear on soft metal ring gaskets 103. Between the ends of bushings 99 a stop ring 104 is placed, the arrangement being such that when the threads 100 are screwed tight the flanges 101 are in close contact with the bar 92 `and the stop ring 104 is loosely held between the ends of bushings 99. The gaskets 103 are clamped in the triangular space between bushings 99, bore 98 and stop ring 103 and make a pressure tight region between these parts.

Within each bushing 99 there is placed a plunger 105 having its individual cup leather 106 and retaining ring 107. Each lunger 105has an external shoulder 108 whic co-o erates with internal shoulders 109 on the bus ings 99 to limit the stroke of the plungers.

Pressure to `force the plungers apart enters i assage 110 extending through av small through the stop ring 104. To draw the plungers together after they have broken down the coal a helical spring 111 is used. This spring has threaded ends 112 screwed into small taper plugs 113v which are externally threaded and screwed into the endsof the plungers, the small square end 114 shown in dotted lines being then cut off.

When the plungers 105 with connected spring 111 and stop ring 104 are assembled and the upper bushing 99 is removed-the above assembled parts can be placed in position in the bore 98 and the upper bushing 99 put in above them.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional elevation of a modied form of breaker cylinder the section being taken longitudinally of the breaker bar 92. In this modified form of breaker the plungers 183 of alternate cylinders operate from opposite sides of the breaker bar 92, one coming out of the top of the bar and the next one out of the bottom and so forth, the prime purpose being to reduce the heightI of cut necessary to cont-ain the breakers.

tom (or top) end of the plunger as shown atl 187. Holes 188 are provided for a spanned llo wrench. A retaining plate 189 is boned a the y' breaker bar 92 (bybolts'not shown) and a helical compression spring190 surrounds the plunger 183 and bears vagainst the retaining plate 189 and a flange 191 on plunger 183. The cylinders or bushm s 193 are slipped lnto lbored holes 194 in the ar 92 and engage a tapered shoulder 195 therein, being clamped between said shoulder and the retaining plates 189. A groove 196 in the plate 189 engages a tongue 197. on bushing 193 to center the plate. Pressure enters the bushing 193 through a small hole 198 and the stroke of the plunger is indicated by dotted lines 'at 199.

' By this modified form of breaker I am enabled to obtain a longer stroke of the plun gers for the same height of cut or conversely a less parte are positioned as shown in Fig. 1 and pressure applied first tothe middle four breaker cylinders, aswill be described in detail later. This breaks down the middle portion of lump 40 which falls on plate 115. After this middle portion of lump 40 has been broken down the remaining breaker cylinders are operated to, break down the remaiuderof the lump 40. During the breaking down of lump 40 the reaction from the pressure of the breaker cylinders is transferred to the roof of the mine .by a series of swinging struts 116 ofcwhieh six are shown although there may be one for each breaker cylinder. y

The struts 116 are mounted on a shaft or otherwise hinged to the upper chain frame C so that they hang vertically over the breaker bar 92 as shown. A threaded shank 118 permits lof adjustment to suit the variously adjusted positions of frame C. i

After the lower lump 40 is -broken down the ground wheels B are operated at their slow speed to feed lthe machine forward and advance the chains 33, 34 and 35. When the machine has advanced 6 (as at present-designed) the upper lump 39 is ready to break down. A

As shown in Fig. 1 the breaker bar 92 is 18 in rear of the position it assumeswhen breaking down lump 39. Six inches of this amount is obtained by the advance of the machine and the remaining foot by the forward stroke of piston 96 and rod 97 which moves the breaker bar 92 forward twelve incheson the guides 93.

During this shift a rope or chain 119 having one end secured to a bracket 120 mounted on rod 97 and passing over pulleys 121 :md 122 to a clamp 123 secured to one of the swingingv struts 116,0 erates to swin' the struts 116 away from the ace of the coa to an inclined position indicated in dotted lines at 124.

Pressure ma now be applied to the break# ersG-to break own the upper lump, the same being preferably applied first at the center" of the lump and lastly at the ends of the lump as described for the lower lump 40.

It will be understood that the vlumps 39 or 40 do not fall as a whole nor would they. do v so probably even if all the breakers G were simultaneously operated. As coal is a very brittle material the effect of the pressure is to `cause cross cracks in various directions through the mass and thusseparate the whole lump 39 into portions of various sizes depending on the characteristics of the coal, the pressure and other factors.

It is possible that the lump .40 being of slight depth might break off as onefpiece but this possibility is avoided by breaking 'out` the middle portion first'. The lump coal as broken down falls on the plate which forms part of the chain frame E.

.The main conveyer comprises two close pitch roller chains 125 with connecting bar flights 126.' The chains 125 at their forward ends pass over sprockets 127 on a shaft 128 located below the plate 115 and above the plate 129, chains 125.

Bevel gears 130 on the ends of shaft 128 drive bevel gears 131 on short shafts 132. A chain 133 working in a slot 134 in plate 115 drives a shaft 135 which in turn drives four short chains 136 also working in slots 137 in plate 115 and passing over an idler shaft 138, this construction bemg duplicated to -form two sets of wing conveyors moving towards the main conveyor. The chains 133 and 136 extend through their slots above the to of plate 115 and about M1 andV any coal fa ing on them is dragged to the main conveyor and taken up the incline by the flights 126.

The chains 125 at their rear ends pass over a head shaft 138 mounted on frame A and the coal is delivered either t0 an auxiliary loading conveyor (not shown) which delivers it to pit cars, or the main conveyor may be extended rearwardly of the machine to deliver directly into the pitcars. i

The iights 126 ride on the conveyor plate on which the coal also is dragged. The.

return strands of chains 125 have their flights 126 bearing on a pair of guide bars 181. Side plates for the conveyor trough are shown at 182. The forward end of the conveyer is4 supported on the lower cutter frame E, and the-rear end ofthe conveyer is supported from the frame A by means of supports 183 and 184 extending from frame A up to the the shaft 128 being driven by the -frameA and driven by spur gears, and a short chain drive which need not be described in detail, 4from'a small motor 141 mounted on frame A.

A second small motor 142 drives a pair of small hydraulic pressure pumps 143 and 144 located under the chain drive motors 62 and 63 respectively.

By having two pumps a more convenient utilization of available space is efected and in case of the failure of either pump the other can be used alone.

A further important feature of my improved machine is the hydraulic lifting turntable H which is clearly shown in Figure 3.

The lifting cylinder 145 is formed integral with a rigid hollow cross beam 146 which is strongly bolted to frame A. A steel plunger 161 having a cup leather 147 and retaining ring 148 is also provided with a bottom flange 149 which is bolted to the upper member 150 of a two piece turntable. The lower turntable member 151 is loosely connected to the upper member 150 by a central' bolt l152 and a ring of balls 153 transfer the weight from the upper to the lower member.

Above the main cylinder 145 there is a small re-setting cylinder having a piston 155 mounted on a piston rod 156 which passes through a stuiiing box 157 and gland 158 and has its lower end screwed into the main plunger 161. The rod 156 extends upwardly through a loose cover 159 and at its upper end has a slot passing through it in which a retaining key 160 is placed to hold the turntable olf: the ground.

By means of the turntable H the machine may be raised so the ground wheels B clear the ground, when the machine may be swung to any desired angle. The turntable H may also be used to merely raise the machine in order to put inclined rails under it to obtain a sudden change of vertical direction, or to place plates or rails under the ground wheels B in order to skid the machine sidewise, or in order to conveniently change the bits in the lower chain 33.

Having now described the several hydra-ul lically operated elements I will complete the description of the hydraulic devices by refer- The pumps 143 and 144 have their pressure outlets passing through stop valves 162 and 163 respectively, which connect with a main pressure line 164 which extends to three four- way valves 165, 166 and 167.

Each of these three latter valves has a pressure inlet connected to line 164, a return outlet connected to line 168 which leads back to the tank 146, and two pressure outlets.

From the valve 165 a pressure line 169 leads to a manifold 17 0 connecting a number of the breakers G, saythe four middle ones.

nage As shown the entr From the same valve a second pressure line 171 leads to a manifold 172 connecting/the breakers G at either side of the middle ones. By manipulation of the valve 165 pressure may be obviously passed through either line 169 or line 171 at will.

From valve 166 a pressure line 173 leads to the re-setting turntable cylinder 154 and also a second line 4174 leads to the main lifti ing cylinder 145. By means of valve 166 pressure may be directed to either cylinder A pipe 177 connects the pressure line 164 and the tank 146 and this line contains a safety valve 178 set to the maximum pressure desired, any excess being passed back to the tank. The pipes 169 and 171 being connected to a moving member (the breaker bar 92) must be provided with some form of flexible lconnection such as swing elbows, telescopic joints or other well known device for the purpose.

The operation of my improved machine has been sufficiently indicated by the above description except as to its speed and tonbeing driven is five feet siX inches high y an average of about ten feet four inches wide, or an area or 56 sq. ft. Since coal inthe solid weighs upwards of lbs. per cubic foot there will be about 4500 lbs. of coa-l removed per oot ad- Vance of the machine. There are over 15000 chain undercutting machines in use and it is accurately known how fast such chains will cut. From this experience the following cycle of o-perationsfor my improved machine is predicated.

1st minute-machine advance 6".

2nd minute-lower lump broken down.

3rd minute-machine advances `6 more.

4th minute-upper lump broken down.

If therefore, there are no delays in operation and no shortage of mine cars the machine can mine and load 2% tons every four minutes, or at the rate of 15 feet advance per working hour. At present this is a rate of speed which has only been dreamed of.

The above relates to entry driving, but my improved machine can-also be used in room work as follows:

y Fig. 7 represents a sectional plan of a portion of a coal mine with the' lid oli showing a spaces show where the coal has been takenout. By this method the machine is used to take successive slices off the sides of the room until the full width is-mined. It is fseries of rooms, necksor passages connecting vus praictically a long wall system on a limited sca e. f v

Referring to Fig. 7, 201 and .202 show a pair of parallel entries bothv driven preferably before the rooms are started, although 202 may be driven in another manner as wlll appear later. 203, 204, 205 and 216 show a the haulage way 201 with the rooms. 206 represents the mining machine, 207 represents the turntable H on the machine and the dotted circles 208 represent the circle 1n wlich the machine may be swung on the turnta le.

In room connecting with neck 203 the maA chine 206 is shown making a first cut 209, in room connectin with neck 204 the machine 1s making a secon cut 210 and in room connecting 205 the machine is making a third or finishing cut 211. A completed room is shown at 212.

The machine represented in Fig. 7 is assumed to be of smaller size than the entry driving machine previously described. The dimensions assumed in Fig. 7 are as follows:

Machine 22 ft. lo .-cuts 7 wide.

Entries 9 ft. wide--rooms 21 feet wide.

Ribs between rooms 12 feet thick.

This is merely a matter of convenience to t the illustration to' present mining practice, as it is obvious that a. wider machine may be used and only two cuts made in each room.

At 213 I have shown the machine- 206 swung on the turntable 207 ready to pass into another room. This passage is made through the remaining portion of entry 202, which by cutting out the rooms as shown, has become merely a series of breaks through connecting the rooms. It will now be seen that this 'entry could be driven after the rooms are started as a series of breaks through.

Before starting the machine to work in a room it is necessary to mine out a starting place for the machine as shown at 214 which maybe done in any desired manner. l

It is preferable to drive the entries 201 and 202 at the same time cutting a break through as 203 at intervals, for in this way proper ventilation is secured. It will be notedthat the entry 201 is the haulage way through which the coal mined is removed, and that the machine 206 never enters the entry 201.

The entry 202 is prepared especially as a passage way for the transfer of the machine 206 from room to room although it may also be used for other purposes. n practice it would usually be better to leave a group of unmined rooms ahead of each machine instead y of having the machines in adjacent rooms as shown. However, if it is desired to rapidly mine out the coal in any portion of the mine the machines can be used as close together as may be desired, since by means of the entry 202 theycan pass a room in which another I for the next cut.

machine is working andsogo without interference.

The room andk pillar-system of shown in Fig. 7 is in very extensive use practicall Pitts ur h district, and while it maybe found o advantage to modify this system to suit the new characteristics introduced by my improved machine, there will probably always be mines in which it is desired to use the present system or nearly so. `This is excluding all other methods in theespecially true of partly worked out mines it so that plates or skids may be set under it y in order to slide it sideways to position it By working out the rooms in 'parallel slices the machme is worked a greater `proportion of its time than vwhen working across the whole face ofthe room by successive settings'. an illustration of what may be accomphshed by this method if the rooms are 300 feet long' (the machine cut portion) and the machine makes three parallel cuts and advarices at an average rate when cutting of fifteen feet per hour, the rooms could be completely mined out in sixty hours. There would be two side shifts to position machine for its next cut and one transfer from the previously mined room which usually would not aggregate more than two hours or a total of sixty-two hours per room. With present methods the completion of a room is a matter of months.

If the machine was wider (say eleven feet) or the room was narrower and only twocuts were made lengthwise of the room the time` required for a 300 foot room would be about forty-two hours.

A further advantage of this system is that the width of the cut made by the machine need never .be greater than the unsupported roof will safely stand. When -the second and third cuts are being made a line of posts can be set as the machine advances and outside ofthe path of the machine so they will not be mterferred with when the machine is withdrawn.

`Where draw slate is present theslate from the first cut can be gobbed in the reviously mined room and the slate from t e second and third cuts gobbed in the first and second cuts respectively. In this case the first cut would be made on the opposite side ofthe room from the room neck instead of on the same side as shown, so as to leave the'third cut clear to be used as a haulage way for the removal of the ribs.

memo-e The combined effects of the above method ot working and the tonnage capacity due to the special features of the machine itself make possible results as to speed of Working and conse uent reduction of mining cost not hitherto o tainable.

y I claim as my invention:

l. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutter bar carried thereby, a second cutter bar also carried by said frame and being wider than said first cutter bar, means for feedin cutter bars into, the coal, and dislo ging means carried by said frame and operating in the kerf cut by the wider cutter bar for dislod ging the coal between the kerfs cut by the two cutter bars.

2. In a mining machine, a frame, and three horizontal cutter bars carried thereby at different levels, the middle cutter bar being wider and deeper than the others, means for i'ecding the cutter bars into the coal, and dislodging means carried by said frame, and operating in the kerf cut by the middle cutter ba r for dislodginff the coal at either side of the middle kerf andtbetween the ton and bottom kerfs.

3. In a mining machine, a frame, and three horizontal cutter bars carried thereby at different levels, the middle cutter bar being wider and deeper and further advanced than the others, means for feeding the cutter bars into the coal, and dislodging means carried" slot cutting means to break down the coal above and below said middle ,slot, whereby the cutting` mechanism can be operated continuously to cut the slots to the desired depth and the breaking down mechanism can be operated at desired intervals to break down the coal.

5. In a mining machine, a frame, and means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the coal in combination with means intermittently operatable for exerting a steady pressure against the sides of one of said slots to break down the coal between the slots, said pressure exerting means being located in one of said slots behind the corresponding cutting means.

6. In a mining machine, a frame, andv means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the coal in combination with hydraulically operated means carried by said frame and operatable at will for intermittently applying pressure between the sidesl of one of the said slots to break down the coal between the slots, said h draulicall operated means belng located ind one o sald slot cutting means. .d

, 7. Ina muung machine, a frame, and` 'cylinder being located behind Yone of the said slot cutting means.

8.- In a mlning machine, a frame, and means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the coal in combination with. a series of hydraulic cylinders for yintermittently applying pressure between the walls of one of the slots to break down the coal between the slots, said ycylinders being operatable at will to break down the coal when the slots have been cut to a desired depth.l l

9. .In a mining machine, a frame, and means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the coal in combination with a hydraulic cylmder operatable at will and located in one of said slots behind one of the cutting devlces, to break down the coal between the slots and a pressure pump carried by said frame and (2o-operating with said cylinder to supply the cylinder with pressure.

10. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the coal, a hydraulically operated device mounted on said frame and positioned so as to follow a cutting device into the slot cut thereby, and means for operating said hydraulic device to break down the coal between the slots when the same have been cut to the desired depth.

11. In a mining machine, a frame, and means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the coal, in combination with a breaker bar provided with intermittently operatable extensible hydraulic plungers, said breaker bar being located in one of the said slots behind the corresponding cutting device to break down the coal between the slots when the same have been cut to a desired depth.

12. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, and means carried thereby for cutting three horizontal slots at different levels, in combination with a breaking device acting at the level of the middle slot and arranged to exert pressure upon either the mass above or below said slot, and means for shifting said breaking device forward and above or below said slot, and a fluid pressure cylinder for shifting said breaking device to locate the line of cleavage.

14. In a mining machine, a main frame, means carried thereby for making an undercut and an uppercut, a chain for making a middlecut, a chain frame for said chain carried by said main frame, and a breaking device mounted on said chain frame.

15. In a mining machine, a-main frame, means carried thereby for making an undercut and an uppercut, a chain for making a middlecut, a chainframe for said chain carried on said main frame, guides on said chain frame, a breaking device mounted on said guides, and means for shifting said breaking device along said guides to locate the line of cleavage. y

16. In a mining machine', a frame, means carried thereby for cutting three horizontal slots in the coal at different levels in combination with a breaking down device, arranged to alternately break down the coal above and below the middle slot.

17. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, means carried thereby for cutting 'three horizontal slots in the coal at different levels, the upper and lower slots forming clearances for the movement of the coal required to break it, and the middle s lot providing surfaces upon which a dislodgmg pressure may be applied, in combination with a iiuid pressure device for breaking the masses above and below said middle slot away from their native bed means for advancing the cuts, and means for positioning the breaking device to alternatelybreak down the upper and lower masses as the cuts are advanced.

18. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, means carried thereby for cutting three horizontal slots in the coal at different levels, the upper and lower slots forming clearances for the movement of the coal required to break it, and the middle slotv providing surfaces upon which a dislodging pressure may be applied, in combination with a iuid pressure devine for breaking the masses above and below said middle slot away from their native bed, and a strut hinged to t e support for the upper cutting mechanism, and arranged to transfer the reaction of the breaking device to the roof of the mine when breaking down the lower mass.

19. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, upper, lower, and intermediate l cutting mechanisms carried thereby for cutting horizontal slots in the coal, a-breaking device .for breaking down the lum s between the slots, and a strut hinged to t e support for the upper cutting mechanism and adapted to engage the breaking dev1ce and the roof of the mine.

20. In a machine for breaking coal out of `the solid, a frame, means carried thereby for cutting three horizontal slots lin the coal, to

' prepare the same for breakage, a breaking device mounted on said-frame and arranged to means for shiftingthebreaking device to alternately break down the upper and lower masses, a hinged strut arranged to transfer the reaction of the breaking device to the roof of the mine when breaking down the lower mass, 'and a connection between the said shifting device and the said strut whereby the4 strut swings into position over the breaking device when the lower mass-is to be broken down and is pulled up out of the way by the movement of the shifting device when the upper mass is to 'be broken.

21. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, means carried thereby for vseries of hinged struts hanging vertically over the breakers when they are in position to break down the lower mass, and a'connection between said shifting means and said break down' either the upper or lower mass,

struts to swing the latter out of the way when the up er mass is to be broken.

22. the solid, a frame, means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the'coal, one of said slots providing clearance for themovement of the mass between the slots when being broken oil", 4 and the other slot providing space for the introduction of a breaking device; a fluid pressure device operating in one of the slots to break off the mass of coal between the slots, and means whereby the pressure exerted by 'said pressure device can be applied to one portion ofsaid slot before the others.

23. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, means carried thereb f or cutting a pair' of slots in the coal, yone o said slots providing clearance for the movement of the mass between the slots when being broken off, and the other slot providing space for the introduction' of a breaking device a series of pressure exerting units arranged to operate in one of the slots to break olf the -mass between the slots, and means whereby; certain of said units are made to act before the others.

24.' In a machine for breaking coal out of n a machine for breaking coal out of i the solid, a frame, means carried thereb for cutting a pair of slots in the coal, one o said slots providing clearance for the movement of the mass between the slots when being broken olf, and the other slot providing space for the introduction of a breaking device, a. breaking device comprisingI two sets of hydraulic breakers, a pump to supply pressure to the breakers, and Valve mechanism for controlling the a plication of the pressure to either set of brea {ers at will.

25. In a machine for breaki coal out of the solid, a frame, means carrilel thereby for cutting a slot in the coal to permit of its deiiection for breakage, means also carried by said frame for making an opening inthe coal to receive a pressure exerting device, and means o eratable independently ofthe movement ofp the cutting device carried by said frame, and arranged to' enter said openinor and to exert pressure to break down the coa 26. In amachine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, means carried thereb for cutting a pair of slots in the coal, one o said slotsproviding clearance for the movement of the mass between ythe slots when being broken off, and the other slot providing space for the introduction of a breaking device, a fluid pressure device carried by said frame and arranged to operate inone of said slots behind the cutting device to break off the mass of coal between the slots, and means for v operating the iiuid pressure device when desired independently of the action of the cutting means. l

27. In a mining machine, a frame and three horizontal cutting chains carried thereby at different levels, the upper and lower of said chains operating in one direction, and the middle chain operating in the opposite direction, whereby the side thrust of the upper and lower chains is counteracted by that of the middle chain.

28. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame and four horizontal cutting chains carried thereby at different levels, the upper and lower chains being at the top and bottom of the machine and operating in one direction, and the other two chains being located between them and set close together to cut a common slot, and operating in a direction opposite to that of the upper and lower chains, whereby the side thrusts of the various chains are balanced, and the cuttings from the upper and lower chains are delivered to one side of lthe machine, and the cuttings from the middle chains to the other side thereof. l

29. In a mining machine, a main frame, an upper chain carrying frame, a lower chain carrying frame, four vertical screws carried by said main frame'and vertically adjustable with respect thereto, said screws supportingy the upper and lower chain carrying frames,

means for adjusting the upper chain carrying frame on said screws, and cutting chains mounted on said chain carrying frames.

. 80. In a mining machine, the combination of a fra-me, means carried thereby for making an incision in the material, and means lying within the boundary of the incision means and cri-acting therewith for exerting pressure on the walls of the incision to break out the material, said ressure exerting means being o eratable lndependently ofl the movement o the incision making meansn 31. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, means carried thereby for making an incision in the material, and means attached to the incision means, and lying behind the same and within the boundary of the same, andarranged to exert pressure on the walls of the incision to break out the material, said pressure exerting means being operatable independently ofthe `movement of the incision making means.

32. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, a cutting chaincarried thereby, and means lying within the boundary formed by the cutting chain and pos-itioned within the kerf cut by the said chain, for breaking out the material being mined, said breaking means being operatablevindependently of the movement of the cutting chain.

33. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, means carried thereby for cutting a pair of slots in the material being mined, and a fluid pressure device carried b said frame and operating in one of said s ots to break down the mass of material between the slots. v

34. `In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, meansl carried thereby'for making a pair of incisions in the material being mined, and fluid pressure means carried by said frame and positioned in the lower incision and arranged to exert pressure on the walls thereof to break the material upwardly.

35. In a mining machine, the combination of a cutter bar comprising a kerf cutting chain with supporting means and driving means for the same; and a hydraulic device mounted on the cutter bar within the kerf cut by the chain and behind the same for exerting pressure on the sides of the kerf to break down the coal.

36. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism for making an initial incision in the coal mounted on said frame, said mechanism being provided wit-h movable cutting edges, means lying behind-the incision cutting mechanism, and arranged to. follow the same into the incision and to exert pressure on the walls thereof to break out the coal; said pressure exerting means being normally stawith the two independent cutter chains arranged to travel in horizontal planes and to simultaneously produce two parallel horizontal kerfs across the face of the coal, of means following immediately behind theactive cutters of the upper chain and arranged to exert a downward pressure on the Coal below it t0 dislodge it, and means to control the pressure exerting means.

38. In aminin with the two in ependent cutter chains arranged to travel in horizontal planes, and to simultaneously produce two parallel horizontal kerfs across the face ofthe coal, means following immediately behind the active cutters of the upper chain and exerting downward pressure on the coal to dislodge it, devices to control the pressure exerting means, and means behind the pressure devices and inside of the coal face to receive and remove that which is dislodged. y

39. In a mining machine, the combination with the two independent cutter chains arranged to travel in horizontal planes and to simultaneously produce two parallel horizontal kerfs across the face of the coal, of vertically acting hydrostatically actuated v breaking down devices arranged immediately behind the active cutters of the upper chain and adapted to exert pressure upon the overcut coal and devices to actuate and control the pressure exerting means.

40. In a mining machine, the combination of a horizontally projecting arm with a cutter vchain traveling horizontally around said arm to form a kerf across the face of a mine wall at the base thereof, a simultaneously operatf ing chain cutter adapted to form a kerf across the face of a mine wall above and parallel to the lirst mentioned kerf, breaking means carried with and following'immediately in the path of the upper cutting devices to break down the severed sections, and simultaneously operating conveying 'devices connected to move with said cutting and breaking devices to receive and remove the coal, andhaving a .receiving section situated in transverse lines inside ofthe coal face. v

41. In a mining machine, the combination of a cutter comprising a horizontally extending arm and a cutter chain traveling horizontally around said arm, to form a kerf across the face of a mine wall at the base thereof, a simultaneously operating cha-in cutter adapted to form a kerf across the face of the mine wall above and parallel to the first mentioned kerf, breaking means carried with and following immediately in the path of the upper cutting devices to break down the severed sections, and simultaneously operating conveying devices arranged to travel on the lines along which the breaking means travel bodily to receive the coal falling backward therefrom.

42. In a mining machine, the combination with a horizontal kerf-cutter comprising a horizontal cutter-frame with an opening extending transversely therethrough for the passage of material dislodged above said kericutter, breaking mechanism extending into the kerf cut by said kerf-cutter in position to break down material adjacent` said kerimachine, the combination' cutter, and, means for operating said breaking mechanism.

` 43. Ina minin with a plane ker chain travelin machine, the combination cutter com rising'a cutter on a cutter rame having a free andv uno structed opening extending transversely therethrough for the passage of material dislodgedv above said kerf-cutter,'

breaking mechanism carried by said cutter frame at one side of said opening therein and with an under-cutting kerf cutter comprising a plane horizontal cutter frame, of a conveyor inclined u wardly from a horizontal portion within t e boundry of said cutter frame, a horizontal kerf-cutter above said undercutter, and comprising a cutter frame with1 a cutter chain thereon, means for operating said kerf cutters including feed thereof as a unit and breaking mechanism within the boundry of the cutter frame of said upper kerf cutter in position to move into the kerf cut by the latter.

45. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a chain kericutter mounted thereon in position to cut a kerf in a general horizontal direction in an elevated position relative to the floor of the mine chamber, and expansible mechanism carried by said kerf-cutter in position to exert pressure on the walls of the kerf to dislodge coal below said kerf.

l46. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a iat chain-cutter adapted to cut a plane horizontal kerf in an elevated position, means adapted to follow into the ker and exert pressure on the walls thereof independentrectly inward therefrom to have its inner end part directly support the cutting means, and a vertically movable pressure-exerting deand pressure-exerting vice also carried by said support and normal- Y I ly stationary thereon and adapted to be ver- -tically moved relatively thereto on vertical lines which are within the outlines ofthe path of the cutter and which pass through said Support.

48. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, 8f frame, means carried thereby for cutting two co-related openings in the material being mined, a fluid actuated pressureexerting device, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the said pressure-exerting device, and a bar-like Isupport carried by said frame and holding in common both said cutting means, said pressure device and said fluid supplying means, the pressure device being arranged to follow the cutting means into an opening such as aforesaid in the coal and to be moved vertically through the lower horizontal planes of said support on lines perpendicular to the lines of advance of the cutting means.

49. In a machine for breaking coal out of the solid, a frame, cutting means for forming two co-related openings in the coal, one of' said openings providing clearance for downward movement of the mass, between the openings when broken off, the other opening providing space for the introduction of a breaking device, a support held by said frame and carrying said cuttingr means and provided with a duct for pressure fluid, a fluid presn sure breaking device also carried by said support behind the cutting means, and manually controlled devices for causing said fluid pressure breaking device to operatively move relatively to said support independently of the action of the cutting means.

50. In a mining machine, the combination with a plane kerf-cutter comprising a cutterframe and an endless traveling chain cutter mounted thereon, of a pressure-exerting device carried by said cutter-frame within the boundary of the chain cutter and comprising relatively telescoping members with a spring enclosed thereby.

51. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plane kerfcutter mounted thereon in position to cut a kerf in a general horizontal direction, said kerf cutter comprising a flat cutter-frame and an endless cutter-chain mounted thereon,-

and an eXpansible pressure-exerting device mounted on said flat cutter-frame in position to exert pressure on the walls of the keri' produced by said kerf-cutter, said pressureexerting device compri-sing relatively telescoping members with an intermediate spring.

52. In a mining machine, the combination of a plane kertcutter comprising a flat cutter-frame and an endless cutter-chain mounted thereon, an expansible pressure-exerting device mounted on said cutter-frame within the boundary thereof and comprising pressure-exerting plungers movable in opposite directions each relatively to said cutterframe, and a spring between said plungers.

53. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plane kericutter mounted on said frame in position to cut a horizontal kerf and comprising a cutter frame and an endless chain-cutter, and pressure-exerting mechanism supported within the boundary of said cutter-frame in position to enter the kerf cut by the kerf-cutter, said pressure-exerting mechanism comprising pressure-exerting plunger-s movable in opposite directions relatively to each other and each relatively to said cutter-frame, and a spring extending between the plungers in position to act thereon to move each relatively to said cutter-frame.

In testimony whereof I hereunto allix my signature.

WALTER W. MACFARREN.

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