US1684943A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 18, 1928. 1,684,943

F. CARTLIDGE MINING MACHINE Original Filed June 21, 1918 Patented Sept. 18, 1928.

. UNITED \STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK CARTLIDGE, CF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR T0 SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE.

Application filed June 21, 1918, Serial No. 241,205. Renewed July 19, 1923.

My invention relates to mining machines.

It has for its object to provide an improved mining machine and more particularly an improved machine of the flexibly fed type especially adapted to low vein work. Another object of my invention is to provide an improved machine, and herein more particularly a room and pillar machine having improved feeding and cutting means and an improved arrangement and construction of the feeding and cutting means and the motor whereby a construction is produced especially adapted to use in low vein work. It

, also has among its iibjects to provide an improved mining machine construction wherein the rotor of the driving motor may be removed wlth great facil1ty,and more particularly a construction especially adapted to low vein work wherein while an exceedingly compact construction vertically is maintained, the motor rotor may be removed laterallyjn a ath substantially within the vertical limits 0 the machine frame. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved construction especially adapted to use in connection with low vein machines whereby the well known advantages in the way of simplification of gearing arising from the use of a vertical motor may be obtained and the motor armature at the same time may be conveniently removed without lifting the same through the top of the machine frame. Another object of my invention is to provide improved means for distributing the mining machine cuttings in such a manner as to minimize the difficulty with clogging. A still further object of my invention is to provide improved cuttings expulsion means cooperating with a vertical motor and the cutter chain, and likewise preferably readily removable, whereby the cuttings are expelled from the machine frame without clogging despite the location of one of the armature journals in the path of the cuttings. These and other objects of my invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear. In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a machine equipped with my improvement.

shown is slidable over the mine bottom on a sub-frame or shoe 1, and has a cutter bar 2 rigidly connected thereto, and also a front upper or feed and cutter frame section 3 in which, as usual, may be housed the feed driving mechanism adapted to rotate a feed operating member, herein in the form of a sprocket 4, rotatable on a transverse axis near the front end of the frame 3.and on the ad vancing side of the latter and thus provide power to feed the machine relative to flexible feeding means having advance and receding flexible feeding portions, herein in the form of a chain 5, when said flexible feeding means is connected for any of the well known feeding operations of such a machine. Herein, the feed driving mechanism is of the type described in the Noble Patent 1,019,722, patented March 5, 1912, and accordinglyneed not be described other than to say that it is driven from the shaft 13 and is operable to rotate the member 4 at a predetermined slow or cutting speed to draw in the advance portion of the flexible feeding member while the receding portion acting on the opposite end of the machine frame is lengthened.

In my improved construction it will be observed that the motor frame section shown herein as dust-proof, is located over the rear end of the shoe and vertically divided transversely into two parts 6 and 7, bolted together i by bolts 8 and each carrying a part of the field 9 for a vertically disposed armature or rotor 10. As shown herein, the shaft 11 of this armature is rotatably connected through a train of spur gearing 12 to a vertical shaft- 13 ournaled in the front frame 3, whichshaft,

' that this part is also provided with a suitable journal 15 adapted to receive a stud 16 on which one of the gears in thegear train 12 the machine. As shown herein, the head portion of this part 6 is alsoprovided with an axially disposed bearing member 19 adapted to be received in a corresponding socket 20 in the head member on the part 7 and adapted to receive and form a bearing for the lower end of the armature shaft 11. Here it will also be noted that the upper end of this shaft is also journaled in a suitable bearing21 formed in a suitable removable cover plate 22 which is in .turn dis osed in a bored out and preferably flange enlarged coaxially disposed opening 23 formed conjointly in the two members 6 and'7. Attention is here also di rooted to the fact that the plate 22 is attached to the elements 6 and 7 by bolts 24, and that the gear train 12 is covered by a suitable cover 25 attached to the members 3 and 22, as for instance by means of bolts 26..

In the use of a construction wherein the cutter chain driving sprocket is located at the front of the frame and in front of the motor in such a manner as to produce avertically compact construction; it is also desirable to provide means for insuring egress of the cuttings which might otherwise clog the ma chine, and preferably to provide means for insuring the discharge of the cuttings from a point within the frame where they are delivered by the cutter chain, such a construction being especially desirable where, as in the present instance, in order to produce a low machine adapted to low vein work a part of the motor, herein, the lower armature beare ing, is disposed-in rear of the chain driving sprocket, herein between the latter and the rear cuttings outlet 27. These means also act to distribute the cuttings as the machine moves and herein are in the form of a rotatable cutting-expulsion member 28, preferably having curved blades or vanes 29 thereon,

connection is disposed well above the plane More particu- 7 of movement of the cutter chain in such a manner as to minimize the obstruction of the free backward movement of cuttings. As shown, this member 28 is also journaled on the outside of the bearing member 19. It

will also be noted that this inember 28 is -retained in suitable relation with respect to an upper bearing flange '33 on the bearing member 19 by aretaining and cuttings excluding bottom plate 34, herein bolted to the member 19 by suitable bolts 35.-

In my im roved constructionit will be noted that w en it is desired to remove the motor armature 10 while working on a low vein, i. e., where there is little space between the top of the machine and the roof, it is only necessary to remove the cover 25, the bolts 24, and the bolts 8 holding the rear part '6 of the motor casing in place, and after the chain 31 has been disconnected pull that part laterally, herein rearwardly, in order to render the motor armature accessible, the latter moving bodily rearward with the element 6 and being separable therefrom by simply removing the cover plate 22. It will also be noted that access may be had in the same'manner to the cuttings-expulsion member 28 and the lower motor bearings, the members 6 and 28 being adapted to be withdrawn as a unit. Moreover, it will be noted that when operating under other conditions, as for instance where there is a sufiicientl high roof, the motor armature 10, if desire may be lifted out by simply removing the cover plates 25 and 22.

By the. use of my improved construction, it

will be noted that a low construction especially ada ted to low vein work is provided, the disposition of the feed operating member on a transverse axis in front of the-motor and the termination of the cutter bar in front of the motor enabling the height of the machine to be determined practically by the height of the motor. At the same time it will be noted that the arrangement, which I have provided, of the feed operating member, the guide for thefiexible feeding member, and the cutter chain sprocket relative to one another and the motor, enables the feed operating member to belocated advantageously, herein on the advancing side of the machine, in a position enabling it to cooperate with a guiding means, such as the guide 18 on the advancing side of the machine, in such a manneras, While retaining the greatest simplicity, a minimum of bends in the flexible feeding member and a maximum effective length of the bar, to cause the advance ortion to be so disposed parallel to and close y adjacent to the face as to act from the most advantageous point on the machine, i. e. in a plane parallel to and adjacent to the face and substantially including the point where the-bar projects from the machine. Also, it will be noted that while these advantages are obtained, the opposite end of the machine is maintained in proper relation to the face by cooperating guiding means in addition to the member 18 but also acting on the flexible feeding means, and that all necessity for providing control means for these means located ad acent the feed operating member or even on the same end of the machine carrying the latter, or of providing any such separate means, is eliminated. Moreover, it will benoted that by this arrangement it is made possible to locate the motor at an end and-a freely accessible end, herein the rear end of the machine in such a manner as not only to enable the height of the motor per se to determine the height of the machine uttomake it readilyaccessible from the end of the machine, an especially valuable feature in low vein work having the advantage of enabling the motor armature to be removed with facility even when the machine is operating at the face in very lowcoal. Further, it will be noted that it is made pos sible to eliminate the diiiicultieswith removing the armature of a vertically disposed rooms or entries where there is ample space to permit the armature to be lifted-out. Through the provisionof my improved slack distributing or shoveling means, it will also be evident that it is possible to eliminate the necessity for shoveling on the part of an operators helper while the machine is in operation, the blades or vanes provided acting to shovel the cuttings over the rear end of the shoe and thus distribute them over the bottom in rear of the machine. Here,- attentionis also directed to the fact that I have herein provided improved means housed within the frame for feeding the cuttings which, while adapted to use in any' construction wherein the cutter chain driving sprocket is located in front of the same or at the front of the machine as herein, has a distinct function in purposes of illustration only, and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms and adapted to other forms of mining machines than room and pillar machines or other forms than those utihzmg a contmuous flexible feeding memher without departing from its spiritorthe scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters'Patent is: Y

1. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a

of said motor may be withdrawn rearwardly.

3. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertical motor operatively connected to said cutter bar, and means including a pluraL part motor casing whereby the motor armature may be withdrawn laterally.

4. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and means whereby the motor rotor may be Withdrawn laterally including a vertically divided separable casing enclosing said rotor.

, '5. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertical motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and laterally removable means providing journals for the opposite ends of the motor armature and bodying removablev therewith.

6. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and a plural-part casing enclosing said motor and having a laterally removable part for rendering laterally removable the armature of the latter.

7. In a mining machine, a frame having a shoe on which said machine is supported, cutting mechanism thereon including a. cutter bar and a cutter chain movable around the same, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutter chain, and cuttings-expulsion mechanism operatively connected to said motor and located above said shoe and in the rear of 'said cutting mechanlsm.

8. A room and pillar mining machine adapted to be fed laterally relative to the coal face during the cutting operation comprising a machine frame having a cuttings channel extending longitudinally thereof beneath the same, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying bar having its chain extending into and delivering cuttings into said channel, and cuttings distributing means driven by said machine and operatively con- "nected thereto within the reariend of said channel for dischar 'ngthe cuttings rearwardl from the mac ine as the latter moves lateraly. 1 I

9. A room and pillar mining machine adapted to be fed laterally relative to the coal face during the cutting operation com rising a machine framehaving a cuttings c annel extending longitudinallythereof beneath the same, cuttingmechanism' includin a cutter chain'carrying bar having its chain extending into and delivering cuttings into said channel, and cuttin s distributing means substantially complete y housed in and adjacent the rear end of said channel fordischarging the cuttings rearwardly from the machine as the latter moves laterally.

10. The combination with a mining machine comprising a. feed and cutter frame slidable laterally along a face'externally thereto during cutting and feeding and cutting mechanisms thereon, of power driven outtings distributingmeans disposed substantially within the limits of said frame for discharging the cuttings rearwardly from the machine as the latter moves laterally.

11. The combination with a minin machine comprising a feed and cutter frame slidable along a. face externally thereto during cutting and feeding and cutting mechanisms thereon, of power driven cuttings dis-.

tributing means receiving cuttings from said cutting mechanism and disposed substantially within the rearmost limit of said frame as it moves alon a face.

12. The combination with a mining machine comprising a. feed and cutter rame slidable along a face externally thereto during cutting and feeding and cutting mechanisms thereon, of power driven cuttings distributing means receiving cuttings from said cutting mechanism and disposed in a1inemechanism thereon including a cutter bar and a cutter chain movable thereon, a vertically disposed motoroperatively connected to said cutter chain, and a cutting-expulsion member coaxially disposed with said motor and operatively connected thereto and disposed in rear of saideutting mechanism.

15. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar and .a cutter chain movable thereon, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected cuttin to said'cutter chain, and a cuttings-expulsion A member coaxially disposed relative tosaid motor and o rativel connected to said cutting mechanism and isposed in rear thereof.

16. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon includin a cutter bar and a cutter chain movable t ereon, a vertically disposed motor' operatively connected to said cutter chain, and a cuttin slon member coaxiall disposed relative to said motor and operatively connected to said tions being disposed in a plane above the plane of said bar.

17. The combination with a minin ma chine-comprising a feed andcutter' rame disposed externally to amine face during cutting and slidable therealong carrying lat-' eral feeding and cutting mechanisms thereon and a motor operatively connected thereto of cuttings distributing means driven by said motor and dis osed externally of the face substantially w thin the rearmost limit of said frame as it moves along the face.

18. The combination with. a mining machine comprising a .feed and cutter frame disposed externally to a mine face'during' cutting and slidable therealong carrying lateral feeding and cutting mechanism thereon and a motor operatively connected thereto throu h driving mechanism, of cuttings d1str1 utmg means driven from said driving mechanism, the operative connecmechanism and dis osed externally of the c face substantially within the rearmost-limit of said frame as it moves alonga face.

19. The combination with a .mining machine comprising a feed and cutter ramc disposed externall to a mine face during cutting and slide le therealon feeding and cutting mechanism t ereon and a motor operatively connected thereto through driving mechanism including ,a speed reducing mechanism, of cuttings distributing means driven by said motor Ill) 1 through said reducin mechanism and-, disposed externally to a face substantially with carrying 1n therearmost limitof saidframe as it" moves along a face.

20. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and a plu-' ral-part' motor field casing having one of its parts laterally removable to permit 'lateral withdrawal of the motor armature.

21. In a mining machine, a'frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operativelyconnected to said cutting mechanlsm, and aspluralpart motor field casing havingone of its parts laterally removable with the motorarmature. v

22. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively con nected to said cuttingmechani'sm, and means mos,

whereby said motor armature may be with drawn vertically from said motor casing or laterally at will.

23. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and a motor casing having a laterally removable sec tion having a length substantially equal to the length of the motor and avertically rcovable section/provided with bearings for the opposite ends of said rotor.

26. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, and a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and including laterally removable motor field and armature elements.

27. In a mining machine, aframe, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, and a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and in-, cluding a laterally removable armature and a laterally removable motor field element carrying a plurality of the motor poles.

28. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, a motor casing having a laterally removable section provided with a bearing for one end of the motor armature, and a rotary cuttings-expulsion member journaled coaxially with said bearing.

2 9. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism including a motor casing having a laterally removable part, feeding mechanism including a flexible feeding member, and guiding means for said flexible feeding member carried on said laterally removable part.

30. In a mining machine, an elongated mining machine frame, cutting mechanism on the front end thereof including a rigidly connected cutter chain carrying cutter bar, a motor on said frame operatively connected to said cutter chain, and cuttings-expulsion mechanism operativcly connected to said motor and disposed in rear of said cutting mechanism and substantially within the rearmost limit of said frame for expelling from said frame the cuttings drawn into the same by said cutting mechanism.

31. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chain carryin cutter bar extending longitudinally thereo during lateral cutting, a motor Whose height substantially determines the height of said machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain and having its rotor operatively connected thereto through connections including a motor pinion and a gear meshing with said motor pinion and rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter, said rotor being removable through a path substantially Within the vertical limits of the machine, and means for feeding said machine laterally including feed operating means disposed in front of said motor and operated thereby-and flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

32. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chain-carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor whose height substantially determines the height of said machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain and having its rotor operatively connected thereto and removable rearwardly with respect to said cutter bar, and means for feeding said machine laterally including feed and operated thereby and flexible feeding portions cooperating with said feed operating means and acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

34L. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor whose height substantially determines the height of the machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain and operatively connected thereto, and means for feeding said machine laterally including a feed operating member operatively connected to said motor and rotatable on an axis disposed horizontally on said machine and on the advancing side thereof in front of said motor and power operated and controlled flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

35.- A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof throughout its cutting operations, feeding mechanism including feed operating means rotatable on an axis disposed transversely of said machine and flexible feeding portions acting oppositely on the opposite ends of the machine frame, and a motor having a rotor operatively connected to said mechanisms and removable throu h a path substantially within the vertical limits ofthe machine, said cutting and feed operating mechanism being so dis osed in front of said motor that the height said machine is substantially the height of the motor.

36. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof during cutting, flexible feeding mechanism including feed operating means rotatable on an axis disposed transversely of said machine and flexible feeding portions acting oppositely on the opposite ends of the machine frame, and amotor having a rotor operatively connected to said mechanisms through connections including a motor pinion and a gear meshing with said motor pinion and rotatable on an axis arallel to the axis of the latter, said rotor eing removable rearwardly withrespect to said bar, said cutting and feed operating mechanisms being so disposed in front of said motor that the height of said machine is substantially the height of the motor.

37. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor located in rear of the rear end of said bar and operatively connected to the cutter chain thereon, and means for feeding said machine laterally including a feed operating member 'operatively connected to said motor and rotatable on an axis disposed transversely of said machine in front of said motor and a continuous flexible feeding member cooperating there with and having flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

38. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor located in rear of the rear end of said chain and operatively connected thereto, and means for feeding said machine'laterally including a feed operating member on the advancing side of the machine operatively connectedto said motor and rotatable on an axis disposed transversely of said machine infront of said motor and a continuous flexible feeding member cooperating therewith and having flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the mabottom and comprising a cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting and having a cutter chain thereon termin ating within the longitudinal limits of the machine frame, a motor in rear of said chain and operatively connected thereto, lateral feeding mechanism including feed operating means in front of said motor and driven thereby and advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on opposite ends of the machine frame, said exible portions being adapted to be wound in and paid out by power by said feeding mechanism, and cuttings egress facilitating means carried by the machine frame and to which the cuttin s are delivered by said chain expediting the ischarge of cuttings from the machine.

40. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising cutting mechanism inting mechanism, feeding mechanism driven by said motor and havin a feed operating member in front of the atter and advance and receding flexible feeding portions cooperating with said feed operating member and. acting on opposite ends of the machine frame, and cuttings egress facilitating means carried by the latter above the machine bottom receiving cuttings from said chain and expediting their discharge from the machine.

41. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting and having a cutter chain thereon terminating within the longitudinal limits of the machine frame, a motor in rear of said chain and having a rotor operatively connected thereto through connections including a motor pinion and a gear meshing with said motor pinion and rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter, said rotor being removable rearwardly relative to said bar, lateral feeding mechanism including feed operating means in front of said motor and driven thereby and advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on opposite ends of the machine frame, and cuttings egress facilitating means carried by the latter in rear of said chain and expediting vthe discharge of cut ings from the machine.

42. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprisin a front frame ortion, cutting mechanism inc uding a cutter ar disposed longitudinally-of said portion during lateral cutting and having its rear end rigidly connected thereto, a motor frame section whose height substantially determines the height of the machine disposed in rear of said portion and having a rotor operatively connected to said mechanism and removable by a rearward movement with respect to said bar, and lateral feeding mechanism including feed operating means driven by said rotor and carried on said front portion and a plurality of flexible feeding portions acting on the .opposite ends of the machine frame.

43. A miningmachine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a front frame portion, cutting mechanism including a cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said portion during lateral cutting, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member carried on the advancing side of said frame portion on a transverse axis, a plurality of flexible feeding portions adapted to be wound in and paid out by power by said feeding mechanism, and directing means for said portions including a guide rotatable on a vertical axis in front of said member, and a motor connected to said portion and disposed in rear of said bar and member and connected to said cutting mech-' anism and feed operating member, said motor and bar being so disposed that the height of the former substantially determines the height of the machine.

4A. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a front frame ortion and a spaced bottom portion disposed below said portion, cut-ting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said portions during cutting and having its rear end rigidly connected in the space between said portions and terminating within the longitudinal limits of the machine frame, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member carried on said front portion on a transverse axis and flexible feeding means, a motor whose height substantially determines the height of the machine disposed in rear of said chain and member and having a rotor connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member and removable laterally within the vertical limits of the machine, and cuttings egress facilitating means above said bottom portion and in rear of said chain for expediting. the discharge of cuttings from the machine.

45. In a mining machine, a frame, a supporting shoe therefor, cutting mechanism ineluding a horizontal cutter bar carried above said shoe and having a cutter chain, a vertical driving shaft for said chain journaled on said shoe, a vertically disposed motor whose height substantially determines the height of the machine, driving connections between saidmotor and said shaft disposed above said motor, and feeding mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis and driven by said connections.

46. In a mining machine, a frame disposed externally of the face during cutting, a supporting shoe therefor, a vertically disposed motor thereabove, a shaft parallel thereto, driving connections between said shaft and said motor, a projecting cutting means carried by said frame above said shoe and driven by said shaft, and cuttings-expulsion means driven by said motor and located in rear of said cutting means.

47. In a mining machine, a frame disposed externally of a face during cutting, a supporting shoe, a vertically disposed motor including an armature disposed above said shoe, a shaft parallel thereto, driving connections therebetween, horizontally disposed cutting means driven by said shaft and carried above said shoe, and means whereby said motor armature may be removed laterally while in its normal upright position.

48. The combination with a mining machine adapted to be fed laterally relative to the coal face during the cutting operation, of a supporting shoe, cutter driving mechanism disposed in spaced relation above the same to form a channel therebetween, cutting mecha nism driven thereby including an elongated cutter chain carrying cutter bar in alinement with and extending into said channel, and cuttings distributing mechanism driven by said driving mechanism and disposed substantially wholly in said channel above said shoe and in rear of said bar for discharging the cuttings rearwardly from the machine as the latter moves laterally.

4:9. The combination with a mining machine, of a supporting shoe, cutter driving mechanism disposed in spaced relation above the same to form a channel therebetween opening through the rear end of the machine, cutting mechanism driven thereby including an elongated cutter chain carrying cutter bar disposed in alinement with said channel and having its rear end within the same, and means driven by said cutter driving mechanism at a point within said channel for shovcling away the cuttings at the rear end of said channel.

50. The combination with an elongated mining machine frame, of a shoe underlying the same and spaced apart therefrom to form a channel, cutter driving mechanism carried on said frame, cuttingmechanism driven thereby including an elongated cutter chain carrying cutter bar disposed in alinement with said channel and having its rear end extending into the same, and a rotary cuttings distributing disc driven by said cutter driving mechanism and disposed above said shoe and sweeping in front of the rear edge of the latter.

51. The combination with a, mining ma carrying bar projecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the same-end of the machine and cooperating flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine, and a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine, said motor and feed operating member being so disposed that the axis of the latter is below the top of the motor.

53, The combination with a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, i of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the same end of the machine and cooperating flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine, and a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine, said motor and feed operating member being so disposed that the top of said feed operating member is substantially within the vertical limits of said motor.

54:. The combination with a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the same'end of the machine and cooperating flexible feteding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine, a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine, and cuttings egress means at the machine end of said bar.

55. The combination with a mining machine, of an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting from one end of said frame, feedingmechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis at one side of said frame and adjacent the front end thereof and a flexible feedin member cooperating with said member, an guidin means on said frame cooperating with said flexible member and directing the same laterall from opposite ends of said frame.

56. he combination with a mining machine, of. an elongatedmachine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanismincluding a cutter carrying bar projecting from one end of said frame a cutter drivin motor caried on the rear en of said frame, ceding means including a feed operating member rotatable by said motor on a transverse axis at one side of said frame and adjacent the front end thereof and a flexible feeding member cooperating with said member, and guiding means on sald frame oooperatin with said flexible member and'directin t e same laterally from opposite ends of sai frame.

57. The combination with a mining machine, of an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting from one end of said frame, a cutter driving motor carried on the rear end of said frame and rotatable on a vertical axis, feeding means includin a feed operating member rotatable by sai motor on a transverse axis at one side of said frame and adj acent the front end thereof and a flexible feeding member cooperating with said member, and guiding means on said frame cooperating with said flexible member and directing the same laterally from opposite ends of said frame.

58. A mining machine comprising a feed and cutter frame section and a motor-carrying frame section located in alinement therewith, said sections being operatively connected to form a ri 'd structure, the maximum height of which is substantially the height of said motor. frame section, lateral feeding mechanism including flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of themachine and a feed 0 erating member cooperating with said flexlble feeding portions and rotatable by said motor on a transverse axis disposed below the top of said second mentioned section, and cutting mechanism driven b said motor and disposed at the same end 0 the machine as said feed operating member including a cutter bar disposed in horizontal planes intersecting the motor.

59. A mining machine comprising a feed and cutter frame section and a motor-carrying frame section located in rear thereof, said sections being-operatively connected to form a rigid structure slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, the maximum height'of which is substantially the height of said motor frame section, lateral feeding mechanism including flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine and a feed operating member. cooperating with. said flexible feeding portions and rotatable by said motor on a transverse axis and disposed below the top of said second mentioned section, and cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a cutter bar. disposed during lateral cutting longitudinal-- 1y of said sections in a horizontal. plane above e machine bottom and rigidly connected between said first mentioned section and themachine bottom.

60. A mlning machine comprising a feed 'frame section and a motor-carrying frame frame section and a motor-carrying frame section located in rear thereof, saidsections being operatively connected to form a rigid structure and having a passageway extending therebeneath longitudinally through the machine and a bottom member beneath said passageway slidable on the mine bottom, lateral feeding mechanism including flexible and advance and receding portions acting oppositely on the opposite ends of said structure and a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis on said first mentioned section and driven by said motor, and means for creating cuttings and delivering them through said passageway likewise driven by said motor and including a cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said sections during lateral cutting.

62. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom,'of

cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting at one end of said machine, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operating to feed said bar transversely, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the machine, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of themachine and to the face being cut, and cooperating flexible feeding means act- 7 ing on the opposite ends of the machine ineluding an advance flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterally therefrom and a receding flexible portion extending rearwardly from the machine, and of a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member and adapted to operate either of said flexible ortions by power, said motor being disposed between both said cutting mechanism and said feed operating member and the opposite end of the'machin'e';

63. The combination in 'a'mining machine slidable onits bottom on a mine bottom, of

cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of said machine and a cutter chain sprocket at the inner-end of said bar, of lateral feedin and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operatin member rotatable on an axls substantially ying in a plane parallel with the face and not nearer the face than I the sprocket axis, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of the machine and to the face being cut, and cooperating flexible vfeedingmeans acting on t e opposite ends of the machine including an advance flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterally therefrom and a receding flexible portion ex tending rearwardly from the machine, and

of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and adapted to operate either of said flexible portions by power, said motor bein disposed between both said sprocket and said feed operating member and the end of the machine opposite that at which the cutter bar procarry-ing cutter bar projecting at one end ofsaid machine and a cutter chain sprocket at the inner end'of said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operatingmember rotatable on an axis substantially lying in a plane parallel with the face and including the sprocket axis, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of the machine and to the face, and cooperating flexible feeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including an advance flexible feed ing portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterallytherefrom and a receding flexible guiding portion. extending rearwardly.

from the machine, and of a motor operatively connected tosaid sprocket and feed operating member and adapted to operate either of said flexible portions by power, said motor being disposed between both said sprocket and said feed operating member and the end of the machine opposite thatat which the jects. g 64. The combination'in a minin machine 'slidable on its bottom on a mine ottom, of

-the inner end of: said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanisnr operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanismincludincluding" an advance flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterally therefrom and a receding flexible guiding I portion extending rearwardly from the machine, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and adapted to operate either of said flexible portions by power, said motor being disposed between said sprocket and said feed operating member and the end of'the machine opposite that atwhich the cutter bar projects.

66. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar proj ecting-at one end of said machine and a cutter chain sprocket at the inner end of said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operating member on the advancing side of the machine rotatable on an axis extending parallel with the face and transversely of the machine and disposed in aplane in rear of a parallel plane including the axis of said sprocket, a cooperating guiding member disposed in front of said last mentioned plane and closely adjacent the front end of the advancing side of the machine, and cooperating flexible feeding means actin on the opposite ends of the machine including an advance flexible feeding portion' extending from said feed operating member around said guidingmember and laterally therefrom and a receding flexible guiding portion extending rearwardly from the machine, and ofa motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and adapted to operate either of said flexible portions by power, said motor being disposed between said sprocket and said feed operating member and the end of the machine opposite that at which the cutter bar projects.

67. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting from one end of said machine and disposed longitudinally of said machine during cutting along a'face and a cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism [including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed in a lane parallel to the face, a coo crating gui ing member disposed closely a jacent the front end of the machine, and cooperating flexible feeding means acting on 'the' op osite ends of the machine including a flexi le feeding portion extending from said feed operatingvmember around said guiding member and laterally therefrom, and of a motor located between ,both said s rocket and said feed operating member an the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and so disposed that its hei ht substantially determines the height of t e machine, said motor having a rotor o eratively connected to said sprocket and fee operatingmember through connections including a motor pinion and a gear meshing with said motor pinion and r0- tatable on an axis arallel to the axis ofthe latter, said rotor 'eing removable substantially within the vertical limits of the machine and disposed on an axis extending'in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis of said feed operating member.

68. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying cutter bar (projecting from one end of said machine and isposed lon itudinally of said machine during cutting along a face and a coo crating cutter chain driving sprocket,iof fee ing and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on the advancing side of the machine on an axis disposed parallel to the face and transversely relative to the machine, a cooperating uiding member disposed in front of said feed operating member and closely adjacent the front end of the advancin side of'the machine, and cooperating flexi le feeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including a flexible feeding portion extending from said feed 0 crating member around said guiding mem er and laterally therefrom, and of. a motor located between both said sprocket and said feed operating member and the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter .bar projects and so disposed that its hei ht substantially determines the height of t 1e machine, said motor having a rotor opcratively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and removable substantially within the vertical limits of the machine and disposed on an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis of said feed operating member. v

'69. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative. to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operatin member rotatable durin cuttin along -fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member "for said flexible feeding member so disposed adjacent the point where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible member along the face from substantially the point from which the bar projects from the machine and to its point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from vwhich the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

70. The combination in a; mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of

-' cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chaln driving sprocket, .of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis substantially coincident with a plane disposed parallel to the face and including the sprocket axis, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed-operating member and having an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a recedin flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the'rear of the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible member so disposed adjacent said feed operating member and the 7 point where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between said feed operating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portlon of said flexible feeding member along the face from substantially the point from which the bar projects from the machine and to its point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face,

and of a motor operatively connected to said operating member and havin sprocket and feed operatin i member and dis- I driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operatingmember rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis substantially coincident with a plane disposed parallel to the face and includlng the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed an advance flexible feeding portion disposa 1e in a single 1 strand connection to a fixed point'in juxtap0-' sition to the face and in advance of the ma chine and areceding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible member having its axis so disposed in a plane parallel to the face and between said last mentioned plane and the face and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operating mem ber and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible feeding member along the face from substantially the point from which said bar projects from the machine and to its point of fixation in a path extending substantlally parallel to and closely adj acent to the face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carry-' along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operatin member rotatable during cutting along the ace on an axis disposed in rear-of a plane parallel to the face and including the sprocket axis, a flexible feeding member coo crating with saidfeed operating member an having an advance flexible feedingportion disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible feeding member so disposed between the the bar projects from the machine and so cooperatin with the advance flexible portion of said flexi le member between the feed operating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible member along the face from the point from which the bar rejects from the machine and to its point 0 fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to a face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

73. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when saidbar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis disposed parallel to the plane of the bar and in a plane parallel to the face andlocated on said axis on the advancing side of the sprocket axis, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and having an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand conmotion to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible feeding member so disposed between the feed operating member and the point where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operating member'and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible member along the face from the point from which the bar projects from the machine and to its point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

7 4. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom .on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a coo crating cutter chain driving sprocket, of eeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feedoperatin member on the end of said machine carrying said sprocket and rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis substantially coincident with a plane disposed transversely relative to the longest dimension of said machine and including the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and havlng an advance flexible feeding portion disposab e in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed oint 1n the rear of the machine, and a gui ing member for said flexible member so disposed adjacent said feed operating member and relative to the point where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advance ortion of said flexible feeding member a ong the face from substantially the point from which said bar projects and to its point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operatin member and disposed between the end of t e machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed 0 crating member.

75. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when, said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member on the end of said machine carrying said sprocket and rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis parallel to the plane of said bar and substantially coincident with a plane dis osed transversely relative to the longest dimension of said bar and including the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feedin member cooperating with said feed operatlng member and having an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible member so disposed adjacent said feed operating member and the point where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible feeding member along the face from substantially the point from which said bar projects and to its point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

76. .The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter cham carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of said machine and a. cooperating cutter cha n driving sprocket, of feedin and guid ng mechanism operative to feed sald machme along a face when said bar pro ects mto the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis parallel to the face and the plane of said bar, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operatingmember and having an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connectlon to a fixed point in justaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machlne, and gu ding means for said flexible member includinga guiding member so disposed relatlve to said feed operating member and so cooperatmg with the advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operating mem ber and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible feeding member along the face to its point of fixation sub stantially in a plane parallel to and ad acent the face and including the point from whlch the bar projects, and of a motor operatlvely connected to said sprocket and feed operating member, said motor and all of said previously mentioned elements being so disposed that the height of the machine is substantially the height of said motor.

77. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chaindriving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects mto the face, said mechanism including a winding member, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said winding member and having an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and 1n advance of the. machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member for the advance flexible portion of said flexible member disposed adjacent said winding member and the point where the bar pro ects from the machine, said winding member and said cutter chain driving sprocket rotating on axes lying substantially within a plane disposed parallel to the face during cutting along the latter and said guiding member being disposed between said plane and the face, and a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and winding member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and Winding member.

7 8, The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis substantially coincident with aplane disposed parallel to the face and including the sprocket axis, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and having an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, a guiding member for said flexible feeding member so disposed adjacent the point Where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible ortion of said flexible member between the cod operating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexib-le member along the face from the point from which the bar projects from the machine and to its point of fixation in a path extend- 1ng substantially parallel to and closely adj acent to a face, and cooperating guiding means acting on the receding portion of said flexible member and acting to control the position of theopposite end of the machine during cutting along the face, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

79. The combination in a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cut-ter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism includin a rotatable feed operating member, a flexl le feeding member co'- operating with said feed operating member and disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine, and a Ill guiding member for said flexible member so disposed during cutting along the face adjacent said. feed operating member and the inner end of said bar and acting on said flexible member between said feed operating member and said point of fixation as to direct said flexible member along the face from a point closely adjacent the inner end of said bar to said point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face, and of a motor located between the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operatin member and so disposed that its height substantially determines the height of the machine, said motor havin a rotor operatively connected to said sproclret and feed operating member disposed on an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis of said feed operating member and removable through a path substantially Within the vertical limits of the machine.

80. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanism disposed at the forward end of said frame includin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter bar, a motor disposed at the rear end of said frame and having driving connection with. said cutting mechanism, said cutter bar being disposed in planes intersecting said motor, and machine feeding means driven'by said motor disposed at'the forward end of said frame in advance of said motor, said feeding means including a feed operatin member mounted for rotation at the forwar end of said frame, and power operated and controlled flexible feeding means including advance and recedin flexible portions extending in opposite dlrections from the opposite ends of said frame, said .advance portion cooperating with said feed operating member and both of said flexible portions being operated by power from said motor.

81. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cuttin mechanism disposed at the forward end 0 said frame includin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter ar a motor disposed at the rear end of said frame and having driving connection with said; cutting mechanism, said cutter bar beingdisposed in planes intersecting said motor, and machine feedin means driven by said motor disposed at the forward end of said frame in advance of said motor, the vertical dimension of said motor substantially determinin the height of the mining machine, said fee ing means including a feed operating mem-.

ber mounted for rotation at the forward end of said frame, and power operated and controlled flexible feedmg means including advance and receding flexible portions extenddisposed at the rear end of said frame and having driving connection with said cuttin mechanism, said cutter bar being disposed in planes intersecting said motor, and machine feedin means driven by said motor and dispose at the forward end of said frame in advance of said motor, said feeding means including a feed operating member rotatable .on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine frame at its front end, and power operated flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, said advance portion cooperating with said feed operatin member and both of said flexi ble portions eing operated by power from said motor.

83. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanism disposed at the forward end of said frame includin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter er, a motor disposed at the rear end of said frame and having driving connection with said cutting mechanism, the vertical dimensions of said motor substantiall determining the height of the mining mac ine, said cutter bar being disposed in planes intersecting said motor, and maehinefeeding means driven by said motor and disposed at the forward end of said frame in advance of said motor, said feeding means includin a feed operating member rotatable on a orizontal axis extending transversely of the machine frame at its front end, and power operated flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, said advance portion cooperating with said feed operating member and both of said flexible portions being operated by power from said motor.

84. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the minebottom, cutting mechanismcarried by said frame includin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter ar, a motor carried by said frame and having driving connection with said cutting mechanism, feeding means driven by said motor including a feed 0 crating member and cooperatively flexible ceding means including o positely extendin advance and receding exible portions acting on the opposite'ends of the machine frame, and slack handling mechanism carried by said frame including conveying means rotatable at the rear end of said frame about a vertical axis disposed at the central longitudinal center of the machine and adapted to convey cuttings created by said cutting mechanism and to move the cuttings rearwardly of said cutting mechanism.

85. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, kerf cutting mechanism carried by said frame and movable along a coal face in which a kerf is being cut, and means carried by said frame for handling the slack created by said cutting mechanism including a cuttings expulsion member disposed directly in the rear of said cutting mechanism and means for actuating said member to cause the same to receive the slack brought backfrom the kerf by the cutting mechanism and to discharge the slack rearwardly of the machine andaway from the coal face. 86. In a mining machine, a machine casing,

kerf cutting mechanism including alaterally projecting cutter bar at one end of said ,cas

ing, and slack handling mechanism carried by said casing at the end thereof opposite from said cutter bar and disposed wholly outside ofthe coal face for discharging the slack laterally away from the face and outof the path of the machine.

87. In amining apparatus, a mining machine including a machine casing and a laterally projecting cutter bar at one'end thereof, and slack handling mechanism carried by said casing and disposed adjacent said bar at the end of said casing opposite from said bar and within the lines of said casing to move the slack created by said cutter bar laterally of the face and out of the path of the machine- 88. In a mining machine, a machine frame".v slidable on its'bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried by said frame, the vertical" dimension of said motor substantially determiningthe height of the machine, cutting mechanism carried by said frame and driven by said motor and including a cutter bar disposed in horizontal planes the median one of which intersects said motor, and machine feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a feed operating member and power operated and controlled flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible portions extending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, said advance portion cooperating with said feed operating member and both of said flexible portions being operated by power from said motor.

89. A mining machine slidable on a mine bot-tom, comprising a cutter chain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor located in rear of the rear end of said bar and operatively connected to the cutter chain thereon, thevert-ical dimension of said motor substantially determining the height of the machine, and means for feeding said machine laterally including a feed operating member operatively connected to said motor and a continuous flexslidable on its bottom on the mine bottom,

ible feeding member cooperating therewith and havingfiexible feeding portions acting .on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

90.j-The combination in a mining machine, of anfelongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying outter-bar projecting from one end of said frame, a motor carried by said frame at the rear of therear end of said cutter bar and operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, the vertical dimension of said motor substantially determining the height of the machine, machine feeding mechanism including a feed operat-,

ing member carried by said frame at the front end thereofand a flexible feeding member'cooperating with saidfeed operating member, and guiding means on said frame cooperating with said flexible member and directing the same laterally from the opposite ends of'said frame.

In'testimony whereof I affix my signature.

FRANK CABTLIDGE.

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