US1734945A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 5, 1929. M. P. HOLMES 1,734,945

MINING MACHINE Original Filed May 6, 1918 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 1929' M. P. HOLMES MINING momma Original Filed May 6, 1918 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I12 vent 5 Sheets-Sheet inventor .flt q.

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed May 6, 1918 Nov. 5, 1929.

SW mm n V arrz's Nov. 5, 1929. HOLMES 1,734,945

MINING MACHINE Original Filed May 6, 1918 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 5, 1929 M. P. HOLMES 1,734,945

MINING MACHINE Original Filed May 6, 1918 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Nov. 5, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MINING MACHINE Application filed May 6, 1918, Serial No. 232,803. Renewed February 19, 1925.

My invention relates to mining machines. It has for its object to provide an improved n ining machine provided with improved and simplified feeding and controlling mechanism whereby the machine may be fed relative to its work and controlled as desired. A

further object of my invention is to provide an improved mining machine whereby, through improved and simplified mechanism cooperating with said feeding mechanism, the mining machine and its truck may be driven and controlled in an improved man ner during transport. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved machine of simple and rugged construction which may be very cheaply manufactured, and one in which the parts are readily assembled during the process of manufacture and readily accessible whenever it is necessary to remove the parts during service.

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 side elevation of my improved machine mounted upon a truck.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the opposite side of the machine when removed from the truck and equipped with its feeding mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a mainly horizontal sectional view taken on line 33 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 44 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional View taken on line 66 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view taken on line 77 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a detail view of the removable in terloclzing end plate of the motor casin 9 is a plan view of the machine removed from the truck and having its feeding mechanism arranged for movement in one direction.

Fig. 10 is a similar plan view showing the feeding mechanism arranged for movement in the opposite direction.

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the machine in its sumping and cutting positions with its feeding mechanism arranged for a cut from left to right.

Fig. 12 is a similar view showing the machine in sumping and cutting positions with its feeding mechanism arranged for a cut from right to left.

Fig. 13 is a similar view showing a modified arrangement of the connections adapted to be used during sumping.

In this illustrative construction, it will be observed that I have disclosed my invention as embodied in an improved machine of the so-called room and pillar type which is adapted, through the medium of improved feeding and controlling mechanism, to be sumped. in under the coal and then fed transversely of the same upon the mine bottom in such a manner as to insert a horizontal cut or kerf in the face. It will also be observed that I have disclosed a machine of the type which is adapted to be propelled by its own power from room to room upon its own truck, the power for driving the truck being derived from the machine in an improved manner and controlled in an improved manner.

In my improved construction, it will be observed that the machine is adapted to slide over the mine bottom upon the usual shoe 1, herein preferably rigidly connected at its edges, as by means of longitudinally disposed upstanding members 2 of U section, to an upper bed plate 3, the several elements cooperating to form a chamber adapted to receive a suitable cutter bar 4 in its front end and having its rear end open and preferably cut away, as at 5 to permit the free discharge of the cuttings. As shown. the two members 1 and 3 are each also rigidly connected to a central longitudinally disposed, upstanding member 3 of I-beam section disposed in a suitable slot in the cutter bar. and these members i and i. are fll. 0 provided with suitable oppositely isposed pairs of gibs 7. disposed on opposite s" of the member 5 and forming guides for the nner end of the cutter bar. It will aiso be observed that the cutter bar l is, as usual.

provided with a cutter chain 8 which carries suitable cutter bits 9 and is adapted to be moved around the cutter bar by means of power supplied from a cutter chain driving sprocket 10 located in rear of the rear end of the bar 4 and in front of the open rear end of the chamber formed by the members 1, 2, and 3.

Disposed above the bed plate 3 and resting thereon, is the means for rotating the chain driving sprocket 10, as well as the means for operating the mechanism whereby the ma chine is propelled under its own power. Each of these mechanisms, as shown, is driven from a suitable motor disposed longitudinally of the bed frame 3 and carried onthe front end thereof. As illustrated, the armature 11 of this motor is provided with a beveled pinion 12 on its rear end, which in turn constantly meshes with a beveled gear 13 journaled near the middle of a transverse stud 14. As shown herein, this stud 14 is, in turn, journaled in a suitable upstanding bearing member 15 and, in order to provide room for gearing hereinafter described, is also disposed at an angle to the horizontal. It will also be observed that, as shown, this stud 14 is adapted to be withdrawn longitudinally, if desired, through either of a plurality of openings 16 in the opposite sides of upstanding longitudinally disposed side members 17 herein in the form of plates, preferably rigidly connected to the members 2 and 3 and enclosing the latter and cooperating with aremovable cover plate 18 to form an enclosed machine casing. As shown, the ends of this stud 14 are also supported in suitable brackets 19, suitably attached to the members 17, and provided with removable rings or flanges 20 held in place by suitable bolts 21, the construction being such as to permit the stud to be withdrawn through its bearing member's after either set of the members 20, 21, is removed. As illustrated, the beveled car 13 is also connected, preferably remova 1y, as by means of bolts 22, to a sleeve member 23, rotatable on the stud 14, from which the power for both the cutter chain driving mechanism and the feed and propelling mechanism is derived.

Of these mechanisms, we will first consider the cutter chain driving mechanism. This mechanism is herein adapted to be operatively connected to or disconnected from the constantly rotating sleeve 23 at will by means of a suitable clutch member 24, herein splined to the sleeve at 25 and provided with teeth 26 adapted to engage with cooperating teeth 27 formed on a smaller beveled gear 28 Which, as shown. is preferably rotatable on the stud 14 between one of the bearing members 19 and the sleeve 23. It will. also be observed that this member 24 may be reciprocated relative to the sleeve member 23 by means of a clutch controlling member--29 operative from the exterior of the cover plate 18, in such a manner as to cause the teeth 26 to engage or disengage the teeth 2?. Attention is also directed to the fact that the gear 28, whose rotation is thus controlled, constantl meshes with and drives, when desired, a large, horizontally disposed beveled gear 30 which is itself journaled on a vertical stud 31 supported by the shoe 1. As illustrated, both the beveled gear 30 and the stud 31 are also disposed coaxially with and extend through the cutter chain driving sprocket 10, the latter being suitably fixed to the beveled gear, as by means of one or more bolts-32. As in a preferred form of my improved construction, it will also be noted that the upper end of the stud is shown herein to be lntegrally connected to the member 15, while the lower end of the stud 31 is threaded, as shown at 33, and provided on said threaded portion with an adjustable step member 34, annularly grooved as shown at 35 to provide a seat for the end of a reduced sprocket carrying sleeve 36 formed on the lower end of the gear 30, and held in any desired postion of adjustment relative to the stud by a plurality of bolts 37 extending upward through the shoe 1. Attention is also directed to the fact that the bed plate 3 is herein shown to be apcrtured above the sprocket 10, as shown at 38. to permit the ready insertion or removal, as a unit, of the gear 30 and sprocket 10 through the to p of the casing.

lVe will next consider my improved feeding and propelling machanism which, as above indicated, is also driven from the rotating sleeve 23. Inasmuch as this mechanism in the form shown herein involves several cooperating mechanisms all driven from a single rotating member connected to the sleeve 23, we will. first consider these common power connections. As shown, a pinion 39, preferably formed integral with the sleeve 23, is disposed between the latter and the bearing 15 for the stud 14'. This pinion 3 in turn meshes with a larger gear 40 on a second, but horizontally disposed, stud 41, preferably similar in other respects to the stud 14 and hereinshown to be supported in suitable brackets 42 carried by the side members 17, in such a manner as to permit its withdrawal when desired through either of a plurality of openings 16in the latter. As illustrated, the gear 40 is also disposed adjacent to a cooperating smaller gear 43, and each of these elements is rigidly connected to a sleeve member 44, which is in turn rotatable on the stud 41 and provided near one of the brackets 42 with a smaller pinion 45, preferably formed integral with the sleeve. Thus, it will be observed that the two members 43 and 45 are continuously driven from the sleeve 23 through the gears 39, 40, and the sleeve 44, in such a manner that power may be taken from either of these members at different speeds.

Cooperating with these gears 43 and 45 and controlling their connection to the elements hereinafter described and adapted to be driven thereby, is a clutch, herein of the friction disk type and of the same general double construction described in my co-pending application Serial No. 225,774, filed March 30, 1918. As shown, the gear 43 meshes constantly with a slightly larger gear 46 formed on one of the disk carrying members 47 of this clutch, while the gear 45 meshes constantly with a considerably larger gear 48 formed on a similar member 49. As described in that application, it will also be noted that an alternative connection of these members 47 and 49 to an inner rotary sleeve 50 which forms a journal for the member 47 and abuts against the hub of the member 49. is obtained by means of a single longitudinally movable disk compressing member 51 adapted to move longitudinally in opposite directions to compress the disks on cooperating disk carrying members 52, 58, splined to the sleeve 50 at 54. and thus force these disks against the other disks carried by the members 47 and 49 when a single exteriorly located clutch controlling member 55 is suitably operated. Thus. it will be observed that when the member 55 is moved in one direction the gear 43 is connected to the sleeve 50, and that when the member 55 is moved in the opposite direction the gear 45 is connected to said sleeve, while both gears are disconnected when the member 55 is in its central or initial position.

Operatively connected to the sleeve 50, through connections herinaftcr described, is a feed and truck driving shaft. As shown, the friction clutch mechanism above described is supported on and the sleeve 50 is journaled on a transverse horizontally disposed shaft 56 disposed in rear of and parallel to the stud 41. As shown herein, this shaft is also journaled in and adapted to be withdrawn longitudinally through suitable bearings 57, preferably formed integral with the brackets 42. and has its opposite ends extending through openings 58 and 59 in the side members 17. It will also be noted that one end of this shaft 56 has keyed thereto at 60 a sleeve 61, to which is operatively connected. hereinafter described, a laterally extending truck driving sprocket 62, while the opposite end of this shaft has key d thereto at 63 a laterally extending oppositely disposed, feed operating member, herein in the form of a feed chain driving sprocket 64 having a sleeve 65 of similar conformation to the sleeve 61 so that the two sleeves and the elements carried thereby may be transposed when desired.

The mechanism adapted operatively to connect the sleeve 50 and the shaft 56 pref erably assumes the form of a variable speed transmission mechanism which will now be described. Upon the inner end of the sleeve 50 I have shown a small pinion 66, preferably formed integral with the sleeve and meshing with a larger gear 67 fixed to the inner end of a short stub shaft 68 which is journaled in a bearing 69 carried by the bed frame 3. This shaft 68 also has fixed to its opposite end a smaller gear 70 meshing with a larger gear 71 fixed to and rotatable with a rotatable sleeve 72 carried on the stud 4i and disposed between the sleeve 44 and one of the bearings 42. As shown. this sleeve 72 also carries a smaller pinion T3 which in turn meshes with a larger gear 74 rotatably mounted on the shaft 56. Obviously, by providing a suitable clutch mechanism between the sleeve 50 and the shaft 56, and between the gear 74 and the .-haft 56, the rotation of that shaft may be controlled, the same being thereby adapted to be driven at diiferentspeeds in opposite directions. More specifically, it will be noted that l have provided a clutchmember 75 splines at 76 to the shaft 56 and operable by exteriorly located controlling mechanism including a controlling member 77. As shown, this member 75 has teeth 78 on one of its ends engageable with teeth 79 on the sleeve 50, and has other teeth 60 on its opposite end engageablc with teeth 81 on the hub of the gear 74. Thus, it will be observed that by connecting the teeth 78, 7.). the shaft 56 may be rotated relatively rapidly in one direction, While by connecting the teeth 80, 81, the same may be rotated relatively slowly in the opposite dircction.

Referring now to the operative connections adapted to cooperate with the power shaft 56 in feeding the machine and propelling the same when it is mounted upon its truck, we will first consider those elements cooperating with this shaft in feeding the machine when the latter is removed from its truck. Here it will of course be evident that my improved feeding and truck driving mechanism, or either of the same, may be utilized in connection with any well known type of flexible feeding connections adapted to use in room and pillar practice. In this embodiment of my invention I have, however, for purposes of illustration, shown the machine as adapted to be fed by a single flexible feeding member, herein in the form of a chain 82. This member, as is usual in machines of this character, is adapted to have one of its ends fixed to the rib at a point adjacent the face, as for instance to a jack 83, and to be extended backward and around the rear end of the machine. its opposite end being attached at the opposite rib, as for instance to a take-up 84. It will be noted that I have herein provided a guide sheave or idler 85 at the front end of the machine, and that I have in my improved construction also provided other cooperating guiding means adjacent the member 64 and herein including a plurality of guide sheaves or idlers 86 and 87, herein located above and below the chain driving sprocket 64 and slightly in front of the same, so that by a simple transposition of the chain, the latter may be either brought back over the sprocket 61 and over and under the idler 87, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, to drive the machine in one direction, or be brought back under the sprocket 6t and under and over the idler 86, as shown in full lines in that figure to drive the machine in the opposite direction. Obviously, when the idler connections are identic, as herein, only one idler may be provided and adjusted when desired into either of the two operative positions. To cooperate with the chain when the same is disposed in either of these relations, it will also be observed that I have provided a plurality of idlers 88 and 89 at each of the rear corners of the frame, the same preferably being angularly disposed. as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in order to direct the chain through substantially the same path no matter how it is connected.

It will also be evident that by providing the transposable feed driving sprocket 64 and truck drivingsleeve 6l,and,preferably though not necessarily, by likewise making the idlers 86 and 87 transposable, these elements may be placed at will upon either side of the machine, in such a manner as to enable the machine to act as a right or left hand machine. More specifically, it will be noted that in order to facilitate this transposition, the sprocket 64 is held in place by a suitable bolt 90 threaded in the end of the shaft 56 and readily removable, while the truck driving sprocket (i2 and its sleeve 61 are similarly held in place by a flanged bolt 91. As for the idlers 86 and 87, it will be noted that these elements are attached to the side members 17 by means of removable bolts 92 and 93, suitable holes 92' and 93 (Fig. 1) for said bolts being drilled in each member 17. Thus, by simply changing the arrangement of the chain and means cooperating therewith the machine may be made to feed in opposite directions when operating as either a right hand or left hand machine. It will, of course, be understood thatnvhen the feed and idler sprockets are so transposed. as from the position shown in Fig. to the opposite side of the machine, it will then be necessary to provide a supplemental idler 94 corresponding to the idler or. as is well known in the art, to mount the idler 85 detachably upon the frame so that it also may be transposed. It will also be observed that when cutting in either direction across the face the feed is accomplished by feed operating means on the advance side of the machine and that during sumping at the right and left hand ribs preparatory, respectively, to right to left and left to right hand cutting across a face, the

sumping feed effecting element lies at opposite sides of the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine.

So far as concerns the truck driving mechanism likewise driven by the shaft 56, it will be noted that in Fig. 1 I have shown the machine to be mounted upon a suitable truck frame 95, which is in turn carried upon truck wheels 96 adapted to have their axles 97 driven through a chain and sprocket connection 98 connection between the axles and through a second chain and sprocket connection 99 operatively connected between a sprocket 100 on either side of the rear axle and the truck driving sprocket 62. By this arrangement, it will he noted that as the machine is moved forward on the truck during the process of unloading i. e. when the front end of the chain 82 is fixed to the face and the shaft 56 set in operation, the chain of the connection 99 is automatically loosened so that it may be readily removed as the sprocket 6:2 passes over the sprocket 100, and that, conversely, when the machine is moved rearward as when it is being loaded onto the truck, i.e. when the rear end of the chain 82 is connected to the chain fork 101 on the truck and the shaft 56 is set in operation, the chain 99 may be readily applied to the sprocket 62 as the latter moves over the sprocket 100, and later automatically tcnsioned by the further rearward movement of the machine on the truck. In this connection, it will be noted, moreover, that the movement of the machine is preferably limited by astop 102 formed on the truck and engageable with a cooperating stop 103 on the machine. Referring more particularly to the truck driving sprocket 62, it will be noted that I have herein illustrated a clutch for connecting the same to or disconnecting the same from the shaft 56; in Figs. 3 and 7 showing the same and the sleeve 61 to be provided with cooperating clutch teeth 104. Attention is also directed to the fact that I have herein also provided the aperture 105 through which the bolt 91 extends, with a lateral enlargement 106 so that, when desired, by simply adjusting the bolt 91, as for instance by the use of an ordinary cutter bit wrench. the sprocket 62 may be shifted relative to the shaft 56 in such a manner as to connect or disconnect its clutch teeth and thereby connect or disconnect the truck driving mechanism and thus enable the feeding mechanism or the truck driving mechanism to be used independently.

In my improved construction, it will also be noted that all parts of the electrical equipment, including the motor and its controller, are readily accessible. In connection with the motor. it will he observed that the field of the same is built up with plates 107 forming an internal herein rectangular box-like structure or frame open at its ends and riveted or otherwise suitably attached to the lid side plates 17 and to the bed plate 3, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, in such a manner as to increase the rigidity of the frame. It will also be noted that pole pieces 108 are fixed to these members 107 in a well known manner and that these pole pieces and pole faces 109 are attached to the frame by the same means, as for instance by bolts 110, having their nuts accessible from the exterior of the side member 17. the field coils 111 being carried in a usual manner between the members 107 and the pole faces 109. Attention is also directed to the fact that as shown in Fig. 3 the armature shaft 112 is journaled at its rear end in a suitable bearing 113 formed in a transverse frame member 111. dividing the casing into motor and feeding mechanism compartments. As shown, the rear end of the shaft 112 in conical and splined at 115 in the correspondingly recessed hub 110 of the bevel pinion 12, which is in turn attached thereto by a thrust bolt 117, while this hub 116 is in turn journaled in a suitable hearing 118 of bracket form attached by bolts 119 to the member 114. As shown, in Fig. at the opposite end of the armature shaft is splined at 120 to a radial and thrust bearing 121 carried on a suitable bearing flange 122 formed on a removable end plate 123, the position of the shaft being controlled by a thrust bolt 124 which is in turn enclosed by a suitable plate 125 connected to the plate 123 in any suitable manner. as for instance by bolts 126. As shown, these two plates 123 and 125 are also seated in a suitable enlarged opening 127 in the front head or end 128 of the motor casing which is preferably provided with one or more slots 129 adapted to register in one position with lugs 130 on the plate 123, so that these plates may be rotated to a releasing position and removed when desired. By this improved construction it will be noted that it is possible to bore out the several longitudinal apertures in the plate 128, the pole pieces 108, and the plate 114, in a simple manner involving only one setting up of the boring machine, and that it is also possible to remove the armature by simply releasing the plates 123, 125, releasing the connection 117, and then withdrawing the armature toward the front of the bar without removing the front head, a feature of decided advantage in that it permits the armature to be removed at the face even in low coal and thereby eliminates the loss of time and production as well as the expense heretofore necessary and resulting from sending the whole machine to the shop. So far as the controlling mechanism is concerned, it will be noted that the same may be housed in a suitable controller box 131 fixed to the rear end plate 131' of the machine casing at a point between the two sets of sheaves 88, 80, and in which position the reversing switch handle 132 and the rheostat handle 133 are very conveniently located for the operator, whose normal station is at the rear of the machine. In the operation of my improved construction. it will be noted that when it is desired to unload the machine from the truck, it is only necessary for the operator to throw out the clutch 101, and connect one end of the chain 82 around the chain driving sprocket 0-1. and the opposite end of the same to the face, whereupon, when the motor is started and connected to the fast feed, the machine will then be fed forward upon the truck. As the truck driving sprocket 62 passes over the sprocket 100, it will he observedthat slack is inserted in the chain connection 99 so that the latter may be removed from the sprocket (32 and the machine unloaded in a well known manner and brought up to its (l0. i10(l sumping position. For instance, if it is desired to sump at the right hand rib and cut from right to left of the room, as shown in Fig. 12, the machine is brought to the dotted position shown in Fig. 12. Then, after the cutter chain is started and the slow feed thrown in, the machine is sumped into the coal until its bar is entirely under the face. An alternative arrangement for sumping is shown in Fig. 13, in which it will be noted that instead of utilizing the advance flexible portion of the flexible feeding means to draw the machine into the face, the receding portion may be used. When sumping as in Fig. 12 the chain will be reeved relative to the sprocket 64 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2. When sumping according to the method of Fig. 13 the chain will be disposed as indicated in full lines in Fig. 2. In cutting across the face from right to left the chain must be arranged as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2, so that if the sumping method of Fig. 13 is employed a rereeving after sumping is essential, in order that the chain may be properl disposed for transverse cutting. During transverse cutting, the machine will of course be under the control of the controlling mechanism 55, 77, etc., above described, so that the operator may vary the movement or the angle of the machine as desired, to enable it to cut around obstructions. Obviously, after the transverse out has been thus completed, the machine may also be returned to the truck, as usual, on its fast feed. It will also be evident that it will only be necessary to change the arrangement of the chain relative to its driving sprocket 64 to reverse the direction of movement of either the fast or slow feeds of the machine at any time should this be necessary during the use of the slow feed, as during the cutting operation, or while the machine is being operated on its fast feed, as when the same is being returned to the truck. Obviously, by a simple transposition of the feed sprockets and the truck driving sprocket, the machine may be adapted to sump at the left rib and cut from left to right,

as shown in Fig. 11. in which case the machine is adapted to be controlled in the same manner as above defcribed.

Considering more specifically the operation of the feed mechanism, it will be observed that through suitable manipulation of the control members 55 and 77, it is possible to cause the rotation of the feed operating member 64 at four speeds, each different from the other and two in'each direction. More particularly it will be observed that by moving the controlling member 55 to the right (Fig. 3) to connect the gear 46 to the sleeve 50, and moving the controlling member 77 to the right to connect the gear 74 to the shaft 56. the feed sprocket 64 carried on the shaft will be rotated at a relativelyslow speed, called the sumping speed, suitable for sumping or transverse cutting under favorable conditions. By then throwing the control lever 55 to the right to disconnect the gear 46 and connect the gear 48, an even slower speed, called the cutting speed, may be obtained which is adapted for transverse cutting or, if desired, for sumping under difficult conditions. Both of these feeds, it will be noted, are in the same direction, and it will be also noted that during either of these feeds. the operator is enabled to reverse the direction of feeding at any desired time by simply reversing the reeving of the feed chain relative to the sprocket 64, the machine being fed in one direction when the feed chain engages the member 64 and the guide sprocket 86 and in the reverse direction when it engages the member 64 and the guide sprocket 87. Here attention is also directed to the fact that each of these two feeds and its reverse feed obtained by this rearrangement of the feed chain is likewise obtainable whether the machine is operating as a right or left hand machine, the transposition of the feed operating member and its cooperating guides or guide permitting the machine to be fed to the right or left whenever desired without in any way interferin with the several feeds mentioned. By f urther manipulating the control members 55 and 77, and, more particularly, by throwing the member 55 to the left to connect the gear 48 to the sleeve 50 and throwing the member 77 to the left to connect the sleeve 50 to the shaft 56, a still further speed, called the moving speed, may be obtained, the feed operating member 64 then being rotated in a reverse direction at a speed, higher than either the sumping speed or cutting speed, which is especially adapted to use in moving the machine before and after cutting, and when at the face. the higher speed enabling the machine to be moved appreciably faster and consequently reducing the time required in the moving operations of the machine before and after cutting. With the control members 55 and 77 in the position indicated for this moving speed. it will also be evident that by simply throwing the control member 55 to the right to disconnect the gear 48 and connect the gear 46 to the sleeve 50, the shaft 56 will still be rotated in a reverse direction and at an even faster speed, called the fast speed, adapted to move the machine very rapidly and more particularly adapted to use in the truck driving operation. In connection with the moving feed and the fast feed just described, it will also be observed that these two feeds are in the same direction, and that this direction is opposite to that of the sumping feed and cutting feed. In this instance, also, it will be observed that each of these feeds may also be reversed by reversely reeving the feed chain and that each feed is obtainable whether the machine is moving to the right or left. Attention is also directed to the fact that through the provision of my improved frictional controlling mechanism, it is possible for the operator fu 18! to vary any of the four speeds mentioned as desired by releasing 0r tightening the friction as may be necessary.

Considering the operation of the truck driving mechanism more specifically, it will be evident that by connecting the truck driving sprocket 62 to the shaft 56, that sprocket may be rotated from and through the feeding mechanism at any one of the several speeds mentioned above. Thus it will be observed that the truck driving sprocket may be driven in such a manner as to move the truck at either of two forward speeds or at either of two reverse speeds, either set of which may be reversed by reversing the motor in such a manner as to give the desired wide range of speeds to adapt the truck movement to the varynig conditions of track and the like found in the ordinary mine. the fast speeds being valuable for use under good track conditions and permitting the movement of the apparatus from one place to another to be expedited, while the truck speeds corresponding to the sumping and feed speed are adapted for use on less satisfactory track conditions or under conditions where it is desirable to propel the truck slowly, as for instance crossing poor track, pushing mine cars before the truck, etc. Here, attention is again directed to the fact that each of the four truck speeds is capable of being further modified by the operator through movement of the friction controlling member 55 to cause the friction to release or grip to a greater or less extent as may be necessary, the construction being such that the operator is thus able to graduate the speed to any desired degree. In this connection, attention is also directed to the fact that the operator through a reverse movement of this member 55 at any time may brake the truck and thereby further regulate the speed thereof independently of llt) the truck driving mechanism, if necessary bringing the truck to an abrupt stop.

By the use of my improved construction, it will be observed that during cutting, one bend in the tight side of the chain is eliminated, thereby materially reducing wear on the chain links and friction on the corner guide members. It will also be noted that as the machine is adapted to move in either direction either during cutting to the right or the left, by a simple change in the wrapping of the chain relative to the feed driving sprocket, all necessity for special reverse feeding mechanism is eliminated, at the same time that the flexibility of operation is increased. By my improved construction, it will also be noted that the number of rotating shafts is reduced to a minimum, and that all of the parts of the machine are exceedingly accessible, so that they may be assembled with the greatest facility or removed with like facility whenever desired. So far as the cost of the mechanism is concerned, it will also be observed that the same is of such an improved and simplified type that the entire cost of the machine may be materially reduced at the same time that the serviceability of the machine is retained or improved. These and other advantages of my improved construction will, however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is used for illustrative purposes only, and that the invention may be modified and assume various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

\Vhat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect bodily movement of said cutter (luring cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, and a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect bodily t-ranslatory movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point and disposable selectively in a plurality of different operative positions on the frame in each of which the same is rotatable on an axis stationary with respect to said frame.

2. In a mining machine. a cutter, a frame supporting the same'and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting mo'yement of said cutter and frame operative to sump said cutter into a working face and effect movement thereof in a direction parallel to said face while substantially perpendicular thereto during cutting, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, and a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect translatory movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point and disposable selectively in a plurality of different operative positions on the frame in each of which the same is rotatable on an axis stationary with respect to said frame.

3. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting movement of said cutter and frame operative to sump said cutter longitudinally into a Working face and to effect movement thereof in a direction parallel to said face while substantially perpendicular thereto during cutting, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, and a feed operating member 011 said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point and disposable selectively in a plurality of different operative positions on the frame in each of which the same is rotatable on an axis stationary with respect to said frame, whereby in different directions of cutting said feed operating member and said flexible feeding means may occupy similar positions with respect to said machine and its path of movement.

4. In a mining machine. a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect bodily movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto. including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, and a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect translatory movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point and disposable selectively in a plurality of different operative positions on the frame in each of which the same is rotatable on a horizontal axis stationary with respect to said frame.

5. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face While substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, and a feed operating member on said frame cooper- I ating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect translatory movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point and disposable selectively in a plurality of different operative positions on the frame in each of which the same is rotatable on a transverse axis stationary with respect to said frame 6. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous of the frame, and a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect translator-y movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point and disposable selectively in a plurality of operative positions on opposite sides of the frame in each of which the same is rotatable on an axis stationary with respect to the frame.

7. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect translatory movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point, and guiding means cooperating with said feed operating member to maintain said flexible means in operative relation thereto. said feed operating member and said guiding means being disposable selectively in a plurality of different positions on the frame, in each of which said feed operating member is rotatable on an axis stationary with respect to the frame.

8. In a. mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point, and guiding means cooperating with said feed operating member to maintain said flexible means in operative relation thereto, said feed operating member and said guiding means being disposable selectively in a plurality of different positions on the frame, in each of which said feed operating member is rotatable on a horizontal axis stationary with respect to'the frame.

9. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding m'eans adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point, and guiding means cooperating with said feed operating member to maintain said flexible means in operative relation thereto, said feed operating member and said guiding means being disposable selectively in a plurality of different positions on the frame, in each of which said feed operating member is rotatable on a transverse axis stationary with respect to the frame.

10. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame supporting the same and slidable over a mine bottom during cutting, and feeding mechanism for effecting feeding and guiding of said cutter and frame and operative to effect movement of said cutter during cutting in a path parallel to a working face while substantially perpendicular thereto, including flexible feeding means adapted to be extended to a fixed point extraneous to the frame, a feed operating member on said frame cooperating directly with said flexible feeding means to effect movement of said cutter relative to said fixed point, and guidirg means cooperating with said feed operating member to maintain said flexible means in operative relation thereto, said feed operating member and said guiding means being disposable selectively in a plurality of operative positions on opposite sides of the frame ll each of which the feed operating member is rotatable on an axis stationary with respect to the frame.

11. In a mining machine, a cutter, a frame with which said cutter moves during cutting, and truck driving mechanism on said frame including a truck driving member adapted for connection with the running gear of a truck and disposable in a plurality of positions on said frame in each of which it is rotatable by power.

12. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, a feed operating member thereon, a truck driving member thereon adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, each of said members being movable with said cutting frame during cutting, and means whereby each of said members may be operatively disposed and actuated in a plurality of positions on said frame.

13. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, feed and truck drive transmission mechanism on said frame, a feed operating member driven by said mechanism, and a truck driving member driven by said mechanism and adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck and interchangeable with said feed operating member.

14. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon. feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member, and truck driving mechanism thereon bodily movable during cutting with the cutting and feeding mechanism and including a truck driving member disposable in different positions and adapted for operative connection With the running gear of a truck, each of said feed operating and truck driving membcrs extending laterally from said frame.

15. In a mining machine. a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member, truck driving mechanism thereon bodily movable during cutting with said cutting and feeding mechanism including a truck driving member adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, and means whereby said members may be interchanged at will.

16. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding and truck driving mechanism thereon including feed operat ing and truck driving members bodily movable dnring cutting with said cutting and feeding mechanisms and extending laterally from opposite sides of said frame, said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, and means whereby said members may be interchanged at will.

17. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member, truck driving mechanism thereon including a truck driving member interchangeable with said fecd operating member, said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck. each of said members extending laterally from said frame, and means for controlling one of said members.

18. In a mining machine. a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon in uding a feed operating member, truck driving mechanism thereon including a truck driving member interchangeable with said feed operating member. said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, each of said members extending laterally from said frame, and means for rendering said members operative and inoperative.

19. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member, truck driving mechanism thereon including a truck driving member, said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck and each of said members extending laterally from said frame, a motor for driving said members, and means for varying the speed of each of said members, permitting drive thereof at different speeds, while said motor speed remains constant.

20. In a mining machine, a cutter frame including a rigidly connected longitudinally extending cutter bar, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member normally having free extremities and a rotatable feed operating member. and means including guiding means adjacent said feed operating member whereby said flexible member may, in any position thereof with respect to said operating member, be reversely operatively connected to said operating member to change the direction of feed while said feed operating member rotates in one direction and maintained in operative relation thereto.

21. In a mining machine, a cutter frame including a rigidly connected longitudinally extending cutter bar, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member normally having free extremities and a single rotatable feed operating member, and means including guiding means adjacent said feed ope -ating member whereby said flexible member may be reversely operatively connected and maintained in open ative relation to said operating member to feed said frame in different directions and in one relation reversibly connectible to said operating member to change the. direction of feed while said feed operating member rotates in one direction.

22. In a mining machine, a cutter frame including a rigidly connected longitudinally extending cutter bar, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member normally having free extremities and a rotatable feed operating member, and means including guiding means adjacent said feed operating member whereby said flexible member may be re 'ersely operatively con nected and maintained in operative relation to said operating member to feed said frame in different directions and in either relation reversibly connectible to said operating memher to change the direction of feed while said feed operating member rotates in one direction.

23. In a mining machine, a cutter frame. feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member and a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis and cooperating directly with said feeding member, and means whereby said flexible member may be reversely operatively connected to said operating member to change the direction of feed.

24. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member and a feed operating member therefor rotatable on a horizontal axis, and cooperating directly with said feeding member and means including alternatively engagcable guiding members whereby said flexible member may be reversely operatively connected to said operating member to change the direction of feed.

25. In a mining machine, a cutter frame including a rigidly connected longitudinally extending cutter bar, feeding mechanism thereon selectively operable to feed said frame transversely to the right or left and to determine the angle of the bar to a face during cutting and including a single flexible feeding member having advance and receding portions and a rotatable feed operating member cooperating directly with said flexible member and means whereby said member may be reversely connected to vary the direction of feed to effect the drawing in of either portion thereof at the same speed during either the right or left hand feeding.

26. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis and a single flexible feeding member reversely connectible therewith to feed said frame in either direction and to determine the angle thereof during such feed, and guiding means for said flexible member disposed at one end of said frame.

27. In a mining machine, a cutter fname, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis and a single flexible feeding member rcversely connectible therewith to feed said frame in either direction and to determine the angle thereof during such feed, and a plurality of alternatively operative guiding means on the rear end of said frame.

28. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member normally extending laterally in opposite directions from opposite ends of said frame and a laterally extending feed operating member, and guiding means for said flexible member for directing said frame transversely during cutting including a laterally extendin guiding member disposed above said operating member.

29. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism for said frame including a flexible feeding member normally extending laterally in opposite directions from opposite ends of said frame and a laterally extending feed operating member, and guiding means for said flexible member for directing said frame transversely during cutting including a laterally extending guiding member disposed wholly below said operating member.

30. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism for said frame including a flexible feeding member and a laterally extending feed operating member, and guiding means for said flexible member for directing said frame transversely during cutting including cooperating laterally extending guiding members disposed above and below said operating member.

31. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally extending feed operating member, guiding means for said flexible member for directing said frame transversely during cutting including a laterally extending guiding member disposed adjacent said member, and means whereby said operating and guiding means may be operatively disposed in a plurality of positions on said frame.

32. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on the bottom, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally extending feed operating member, guiding means for said flexible member incflnding a laterally extending guiding member disposed adjacent said member, and means whereby said operating and guiding means may beeaperatively disposed on either side of frame.

33. In a mining'machine, a frame wk on the bottom, cutting mechanism fixed themeon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally extending feed operating member, gulding means for said flexible member including a. laterally extending guiding member disposed above said member, and means whereby said members may be operatively disposed on either side of said frame.

34. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally extending feed operating member, guiding means for said flexible member for directing said frame transversely during cutting including a laterally extending guiding member disposed below said member, and means whereby said member may be operatively disposed on either side of said frame.

35. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally extending feed operating member, guiding means for said flexible 130 member for directing said frame transversely during cutting including cooperating laterally extending guiding members disposed above and below said member, and means whereby said members may be operatively disposed on either side of said frame.

36. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism thereon including a rigidly connected longitudinally extending cutter bar, and feedframe bodily laterally in either direction, ineluding in either arrangement thereof a flexible feeding member, a feed operating member extending laterally from one side of said frame and cooperating directly with said flexible feeding member, and guiding means for said flexible feeding member adjacent said feed operating member and also at the opposite ends of said frame.

37. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including flexible feeding means and a laterally disposed feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with said flexible feeding means, cooperating guiding means for said flexible feeding means disposed above said feed operating member, and cooperating guiding means for said flexible feeding means disposed at the opposite ends of one side of said frame.

38. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including flexible feeding means and a laterally disposed feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with said flexible feeding means, cooperating guiding -means for said flexiblefeeding means disposed below said feed operating member, and cooperating guiding means for said flexible feeding means disposed at the opposite ends of one side of said frame.

39. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including flexible feeding means and a laterally disposed feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With said flexible feeding means. and cooperating guiding means for said flexible feeding means alternatively engageable thereby and disposed adjacent said feed operating member and on the same side of a vertical plane through the axis of' said feed operating member.

40. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally disposed feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with said flexible feeding means, cooperating guiding means for said flexible member disposed above and below said feed operating member, and cooperating guiding means for said flexible member disposed at the opposite ends of said frame.

41. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting ing mechanism thereon for feeding said mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a laterally disposed feed operating mem ber adapted to cooperate directly wath said flexible feeding means, coope ating geiidii'ig means disposed above and below said member, and cooperating guiding means including a plurality of angularly disposed guiding members at the rear end of said frame.

42. In a mining machine. a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including laterally disposed adjacent feed operating and guiding members adapted for direct cooperation with flexible feeding means, means whereby said mcn'ibers may be disposed at either side of said fr: me. and cooperating guiding means including angularly disposed guiding members located at the opposite sides of the rear end of said frame.

43. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member and a directly cooperating rotatable laterally extending feed operating member, and guiding means for said flexible feeding member including guiding members disposed at opposite ends of said frame and a laterally extending guiding member disposed above said feed operating member.

44. In a mining machine. a frame slidable on the bottom, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member and a directly cooperating rotatabl laterally extending feed operatin member, and guiding means for said flexi ile feeding member including gu:d ing members disposed at opposite ends of said frame and a laterally extending guiding member disposed Wholly below said feed operating member.

45. In a mining machine. a frame. cutting mechanism thereon, feeding lntcbanisnl thereon including a single flexible feeding member and a rotatable laterally extending feed operating member cooperating directly With said flexible feeding member, and guiding means for said flexible feeding member including guiding members disposed at opposite ends of said frame and laterally extending guiding members disposed above and below said feed operating member.

46. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a single flexible feeding member and a rotatable laterally extending feed operating member cooperating directly with said flexible feeding member, and guiding means for said flexible feeding member including guiding members di posed at 0 posite ends of said frame and laterally extending guiding members disposed above and below said feed operating member, said guiding members at the rear end of said frame being relatively angularly disposed.

-17. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding and guiding mechanism thereon for feeding said frame transversely during cutting including a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis. and truck driving mechanism operative-l connected to said feeding mechanism and including a transposable truck driving member interchangeable in position with said feed operating member and likewise rotatable on a transverse axis and adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck.

48. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a flexible feeding member and a feed operating member cooperating therewith and rotatable on a transverse axis, and truck driving mechanism operatively connected to said feeding mechanism and bodily movable with said frame including a transposable truck driving member likewise rotatable on a transverse axis and adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, said members being located on opposite sides of said frame.

49. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a UHI1SYQI- driving shaft and a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis, a flexible feeding member with which said feed operating member cooperates, and truck driving mechanism operatively connected to said feeding mechamsm and bodily movable with said frame including a truck driving member likewise rotatable on a transverse axis and operatively connectible at will to said driving shaft, said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection v. ill. the running gear of a truck.

50. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting n'icchanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a transverse driving shaft and a feed operating member disposed on one end of said shaft, and truck driving mechanism operativcly connected to said feeding mechanism and bodily movable with said frame including a truck driving member likewise rotatable on a transverse axis and disposed on the opposite end of said shaft, said truck driving member being adapted for operativc connection with the running gear of a truck.

51. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis, truck driving mechanism operatively connected to said feeding mechanism and bodily movable with said frame including a transposable truck driving member interchangeable in position with said f: flptll'fll'lnfl, member and like wise rotatable on a transverse axis and operatively conncctible with the running gear of a truck, and means for controlling said members.

52. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a feed operating member rotatable on a transverse axis, truck driving mechanism operatively connected to said feeding mechanism and including a transposable truck driving member interchangeable in position with said feed operating memher and likewise rotatable on a transverse axis and adapted to constitute a driving member for the running gear of a truck, and means whereby one of said members may be operated while the other remains stationary.

53. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a transversely disposed. shaft, a' laterally extending feed operating member connected to said shaft, and truck driving mechanism movable with said frame operatively connected to said shaft and including an oppositely disposed laterally extending transposable truck driving member interchangeable in position with said feed operating member and adapted for connection in driving relation to the running gear of a truck.

54. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism fixed thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a transversely disposed shaft, a laterally extending feed operating member connected to said shaft, truck driving mechanism movable with said frame and including a laterally disposed truck driving member operatively connected to the opposite end of said shaft and adapted for operative connection in driving relation to the running gear of a truck, and means whereby said members may be interchanged.

55. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a transversely disposed shaft, a rotatable feed operating member on one end of said shaft, a rotatable truck driving member on the opposite end of said shaft adapted for operative connection in driving relation to the running gear of a truck, and means whereby said members may be operated together or one by itself.

56. In a mining machine, a cutter frame, cutting mechanism thereon, feeding mechanism thereon including a transversely disposed shaft, a rotatable feed operating memer on one end of said shaft, a rotatable truck driving member on the opposite end of said shaft adapted for operative connection in driving relation to the running gear of a truck, and means for independently controlling one of said members.

57. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism movable therewith during cutting, feeding mechanism on said frame adapted to effect feeding during cutting and including a transversely disposed shaft, a

transversely disposed feed operating member operatively connected to said shaft, an oppositely disposed truck driving member opcratively connectible to said shaft and mounted on said frame and adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, and mechanism operative to control the speed and direction of rotation of said shaft.

58. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism movable therewith during cutting, feeding mechanism on said frame including a transversely disposed shaft, a transversely disposed feed operatiu, member operatively connected to said shaft, an oppositely disposed truck driving member operativcly connectible to said shaft and mounted on said frame and adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, a motor, and mechanism on said frame operative to control the speed and direction of rotation of said truck driving member while said motor rotates at uniform speed in one direction.

59. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism movable therewith during cutting, feeding mechanism on said frame including a transversely disposed shaft, a transversely disposed feed operating member operatively connected to said shaft and adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member having a free end adapted for connection to a stationary point, an oppositely disposed truck driving member operatively connectible to said shaft and adapted for operative connection in driving relation to the running gear of a truck, and separate means for controlling one the speed and the other the direction of rotation of said feed operating member and of said truck driving member. s

60. In a mining machine, a casing, cutting mechanism thereon, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means on said casing, a motor therein, and operative connections within said casing between said motor and said feed operating member including a variable speed reversing mechanism and a laterally disposed driving shaft coaxially located with certain of the elements of said mechanism and removable laterally through the side of said casing.

61. In a mining machine, a casing, cut ting mechanism thereon, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a truck driving member, a motor, and operative connections within said casing between said motor and said feed operating and truck driving members including a laterally disposed member removable laterally through the side of said casing.

62. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, a transverse shaft journaled on said frame, combined feeding.

and truck drive transmission mechanism operatively connectible to said shaft, feed operating and truck driving members operatively connected to said shaft, said feed operating member being adapted to direct cooperation with a flexible feeding element, and said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck, and both of said members movable bodily with said cutting mechanism during cutting, and controlling mechanism controlling the connection of one of said members to said shaft.

63. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, a transverse shaft jonrnaled on said frame, combined feed and truck driving transmission mechanism operatively connected to said shaft, a motor, feed operating and truck driving members operatively connected to said shaft, said feed operating member being adapted for direct co operation with a flexible feeding element and said truck driving member being adapted for operative connection with the running gear of a truck and said mechanism including a plurality of controlling members controlling the speed and direction of rotation of said shaft while said motor rotates at uniform speed in one direction.

(34. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon, a motor on said frame, a transverse driving shaft thereon, a truck driving member operatively connected to said shaft, a plurality of transversely disposed studs disposed between said shaft and motor, and fast and slow speed transmission mechanism carried on said studs and shaft and operatively connected between said motor and said shaft.

65. In. combination, a mining machine including a transverse shaft having laterally extending separate feeding and truck driving members thereon, the latter member being adapted for operative connection in driving relation to the running gear of a truck, cooperating mechanism including reversing and change speed gearing for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of said transverse driving shaft, and a clutch between said laterally disposed truck driving member and said shaft.

66. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting and carrying a cutter bar and having feeding mechanism on said machine for feeding the same bodily laterally during cutting including a transverse shaft, of a. laterally extending truck driving member, and driving connections between said truck driving member and said shaft including a friction clutch.

67. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during Citting and carrying a cutter bar and having feeding mechanism on said machine for fei d ing the same bodily laterally during cutting including a transverse shaft, of a laterally extending truck driving member, and reversible driving connections between said truck driving member and said shaft including a friction clutch.

68. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on a mine bottom during a cutting operation, cutting mechanism thereon including a cut ter bar rigidly connected thereto, feeding mechanism thereon, a longitudinally extending driving motor therefor including an armature and carried on said frame above the rear end of said bar and in front of said feeding mechanism, a motor casing 011 the front end of said frame having a front head, and means for permitting longitudinal withdrawal of said armature without removal of said head including an aperture in said head and an aperture closing member receivable therein and rotatable into interlocking engagcment with said head.

69. In a mining machine, a machine frame having a surface on which it may slide over a mine bottom during cutting, cutting and feeding mechanism thereon including respectively a main gear rotatable on a vertical axis and a transverse gearing supporting member disposed above said gear, means for permitting lateral withdrawal of said transverse member through the side of said frame, and means for permitting subsequent vertical withdrawal of said gear.

70. In a mining machine, a machine frame supporting a motor casing and having a sur face on which it may slide over a mine bottom during cutting, cutting and feeding mechanism thereon including respectively a main gear and a transverse gearing supporting member disposed above said gear, means for permitting lateral withdrawal of said transverse member through the side of said frame, means for permitting subsequent vertical withdrawal of said gear while said motor casing remains in position on said frame, and a cutter chain driving sprocket removable with said gear.

71. In a mining machine, a casing having a shoe upon which it is slidable over a supporting surface, a bed plate above said shoe, a motor comprising a field frame on said bed plate, and cutter chain driving mechanism in said casing comprising an upright member supported by said shoe, a rotatable main gear disposed coaxially with said member, a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed on said member in a plane beneath said bed plate and rotatable by said gear, and means whereby said sprocket may be removed from the top of said casing through said bed plate, said sprocket being removable without disturbing said field frame.

'72. In a mining machine, a casing having a shoe. means forming an apertured bed plate above said shoe, a motor having a field frame on said bed plate spaced longitudinally from the aperture therein, and cutter chain driving mechanism in said casing comprising an upright member supported by said shoe, a rotatable main gear disposed coaxially with said member, and a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed in a plane between said shoe and bed plate and rotatable by said gear and removable th ough the aperture in said bed te.

73. In a mining machine, a casing having a shoe, means forming an apertured bed plate above said shoe, a motor having a field frame on said bed plate spaced longitudinally from the aperture therein, and cutter chain driving mechanism in said casing comprising an upright member supported by said shoe, a rotatable main gear disposed coaxially with said member, and a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed in a plane between said shoe and bed plate and rotatable by said gear and removable with said main gear through the aperture in said bed plate.

74. In a mining machine, a casing having a shoe, means forming an apertured bed plate above said shoe, a motor having a field frame on said bed plate spaced longitudinally from the aperture therein, and cutter chain driving mechanism in said casing comprising an up right member supported by said shoe, a rotatable main gear disposed coaxially with said member, a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed in a plane between said shoe and bed plate and rotatable by said gear and removable through the aperture in said bed plate, and means for closing said aperture.

75. A mining machine including a frame having a shoe slidable on a mine bottom, mining machine driving mechanism carried on said frame including a motor having a field structure, cutting mechanism driven by said driving mechanism and including a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed in a plane above said shoe, and means whereby said sprocket may be removed through the top of said frame without disturbing said field structure.

76. In a mining machine, the combination comprising a shoe, a stub supported thereon, an upper bed-plate, a main gear journaled on said stud, a bracket supported by said stud, a transverse member supported by said shoe and journaled in said bracket, and driving mechanism for said main gear carried on said transverse member.

77. In a mining machine, the combination comprising a shoe, a stud supported thereon, a main gear journaled on said stud, a bracket supported by said stud, a transverse stud supported 'by said shoe and journaled in said bracket, driving mechanism for said main gear carried on said transverse stud, and means whereby said stud may be withdrawn laterally through said driving mechanism.

78. In a mining machine, the combination comprising a frame, an upstanding stud sup ported thereon, a main gear journaled on said stud, feeding mechanism on said frame including a stud disposed transversely above said main gear, driving connections for said main gear carried on said transverse stud, and means whereby said transverse stud may be withdrawn laterally through said frame.

79. In a mining machine, the combination comprising a frame, a horizontally disposed main gear thereon, a plurality of transversely extending studs disposed over said gear, a transversely disposed shaft located in rear of said main gear, driving connections carried on one of said studs for said main gear and on both of said studs for said shaft, and means whereby said studs may be withdrawn laterally through said frame. 80. The combination with a mining machine, of feeding mechanism therefor including a laterally extending feed operating member and a cooperating flexible feedingmember, cooperating guiding means for said flexible feeding member for directing said machine transversely during cutting, and a plurality of cooperating guiding means for said flexible member alternatively engageable by said member when the same is reversely reeved relative to said feed operating member.

81. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting and including a frame, of truck driving mechanism thereon including a motor and a truck driving member driven thereby, and means thereon between said motor and said member operable independently of motor control to rotate said. member at a plurality of predetermined speeds in the same direction and rotating the same in the opposite direction at a different predetermined speed.

82. The combination withaminingmachine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting and including a frame, of truck drivingmechanism thereon including a motor and a truck driving member driven thereby, and means thereon between said motor and said member operable independently of motor control to rotate said member at a plurality of predetermined speeds in one direction and rotating the same at a plurality of different predetermined speeds in the opposite direction.

83. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting and including a frame, of truck driving mechanism thereon including a motor and a truck driving member, means for rotating said member at a plurality of predetermined speeds in the same direction and rotating the same in the opposite direction at a different predetermined speed, and a friction clutch included in said means.

84. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting and including a frame, of truck driving mechanism thereon including a motor and a truck driving member, means for rotating said member at a plurality of predetermined speeds in one direction and rotating the same at a plurality of different predetermined speeds in the opposite direction, and a friction clutch included in said means.

85. The combination with a mining machine, of feeding mechanism thereon op erable to feed said machine and rotatable at a plurality of predetermined speeds in one direction and at a plurality of other predetermined speeds in an opposite direction, and truck driving mechanism thereon rotatable thereby at any of said predetermined speeds.

86. The combination with a mining machine, of feeding mechanism thereon operable to feed said machine and including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible means and rotatable at a plurality of predetermined speedsin one direction and ata plurality of otherpredetermined speeds in a reverse direction, and truck driving mechanism thereon rotatable thereby at one of said speeds.

87. The combination with a mining machine adapted to cut kerfs transversely of a working face from left to right or vice versa and having cutting mechanism including a cutter chain circulating in opposite directions during cutting in opposite directions, of feeding mechanism for propelling said cutting mechanism laterally along a face in either direction during cutting to cut oppositely extending kerfs including winding means rotatable on a plurality of transverse axes and on opposite sides of said frame and flexible feeding means in either direction of feed having flexible advance and receding portions for respectively advancing and retarding the opposite ends of said frame, said flexible means when feeding said machine laterally in different directions having the advance flexible feeding portion wound in by differently located winding means.

88. The combination with a mining machine adapted to cut kerfs transversely of a working face from left to right or vice versa and including cutting mechanism including a cutter chain circulating in opposite directions during cutting in opposite directions, of feed operating means for directing said cutting mechanism into and transversely of a face in either direction during cutting including a plurality of feed operating power connections, feed operating means driven thereby and operative on transverse axes on opposite sides of said frame, and a single flexible feeding member operatively disposable in different relations during cutting in opposite directions and in each relation having flexible free extremities and a portion eooperating with said feed operating means.

89. The combination with amining machine adapted to cut kerfs transversely

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