US1785973A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

c. F. QsGooD 1,785,973

MINING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1925 2 Shetsheet 1 Dec. 23, 1930.

Dec. 23, 1930. c. F. osGooDA 1,785,973

A MINING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 y m .M4

l um =f Immu) ariwy.

Patented Dec. 23, 1930 Unire ,sr/ares PATENT OFFICE CSARLES IF. OSGOOD, OF CLAREMONT, HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MINING MACHINE Application filed July Y8,

My invention relates to mining machines and more particularly to mining machines of the continuous cutter type adapted to be fed laterally relatively to the .face of the coal to cut a horizontal kerf thereunder. Y

Mining machines of thecontinuous cutter laterally fed type are particularly adapted for use in the room and pillar system of mining. They are usually propelled by means of a flexible feeding' member which is anchored at its free end at the advancing side of the machine and acted on by a feed operating member driven bythe mining machine motor.

4li second flexible member is provided and is anchored-atthe receding 'side of the machine and paid out as the machine advances under control of a suitable retarding or controlling device. The purpose of this second exible member is to maintain a proper position of the machine relative to the face of the coal.

A main object ofmy invention is to provide a mining machine of the continuous cntter room and pillar type which is of an eX- tremely low and compact character especially adapted for use in mines having low veins or seams of coal. Another object of my invention is to provide an improved continuous cutter room and pillar mining machine of the low vein type having an improved compact general arrangement of parts.

In a preferred form the invention comprises a mining machine of the continuous A cutter room and pillar type having a pluralu ity of rope drums one of which is adapted to be normally driven and the other of which is provided with a retarding means comprising a friction controlled releasing device, the power driven drum being driven from the motor through improved variable speed transmission means of an exceedingly compact character whereby a machine of extremely low height is obtained especially adapted to use in mines having low veins of ,coaL ln a preferred embodiment the feeding mechanism comprises a feed drum rotatable on a vertical axis and driven through two speed variable friction controlled mechanism comprising planetarygearing rotatable about a vertical axis parallel with theaXis of the feed drum and driven from the driving motor 1925. Serial No. 42,284.

through improved, simplified, and compact connections. The machine is provided with a forwardly projecting elongated cutter bar extending longitudinally of the machine throughout cutting and adapted to cut a horizontal kerf in the coal andabout which an endless cutter bit carrying cutter chain is adapted to be circulated, the cutter chain being driven from the driving motor through transmission means associated with the feed transmission and likewise of an exceedingly low and compact character. The feeding means and cutting mechanism are4 disposed within the forward end of the machine frame while the driving motor is located at the rear end of the machine frame and the height of the machine is substantially determined by the height of the motor.

In th-e accompanying` drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one form which my invention may assume in practice.

Inthese drawings,- Y Y Fig. l is a top plan view of my improved mining machine, a portion of the frame being broken away to facilitate illustration of certain details.

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinally extending sectional view taken substantially on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, the view being shown partially in elevation.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the forward end of the advancing side of the machine',"the view being partially broken away in section to facilitate illustration of certain details of construction.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line l-Ll of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 5-5 of F ig. 3 and illustrating the planetary change speed mechanism.

In this illustrativo embodiment of my invention I have shown a mining machine designated as an entirety by thenumeral l, herein of the flexibly fed room and pillar type, comprising a machine frame 2 slida'ble on its bottom 3 on the mine bottom. As shown, rigidly secured within the forward end of the machine frame 2 at one side of the longitudinal center line thereof, is a horizontally disposed forwardly projecting rigid cutter bar l about the outer edges of which an endless cutter bit carrying cutter chain is adapted to be circulated through improved transmission means hereinafter more fully e2;- pliined. The machine is adapted to be propelled along the mine bottom by means of a"A liexible feeding means including ay flexible fecdingelement6,herein inthe form of a cable or rope,the free end of which is adapted to be anchored at a. point in advance of the advancing side of the machine and to be vvoum upon a feed drum 7 rotatable on a vertical anis, as at 3, adjacent the for ard end of the advancing side of the machine'. The drum 7 is adapted to be driven through improved simplified and compact transmission means hereinafter more fully eescribed. As illustrated, mounted upon the rear end of the machine frame is a second. drum rotatable on a horizontal longitudinally extcndin g axis and rotation of this drum is adapted to controlled by means of a suitable friction device 10, herein in the form of brake band. fr fiexible element 11, herein in the form of a cable or rope, is Wound on the drum 9 and the free end of this cable is adapted to be anchored at a point located in the rear of the receding side of the machine.

ln my improved construction it Will herein be noted that a driving motor 12 is disposed at the rear end of the machine and rests directly on the mine bottom and the heightof this motor determines substantially the height of the machine, the motor being` of an especially loiv compact design. rhis motor is preferably of the reversible electric type and is provided with an armature rotatable on horizontal longitudinally extending axis and a forwardly projecting armature shaft 13 journaled Within suitable bearings vithin the machine frame. ln specilically describing my improved cutter chain driving` mechanism it Will be noted that the armature shaft 13 has keyed thereto, as at 1li, a spur gear 15 which is adapted to be connected in operative driving relation With an alined snur gear 16 by means f a reciprocable clutch shipper gear 17 of Well known form. As illustrated, the gear 16 has secured thereto a bevel pinion 18 Which is meshed with a large bevel gear 19 formed on a hollow vertically disposed shaft 20 journaled at its opposite ends in suitable ball bearings 21 carried by the machine frame 2. Formed intermediate the ends of the sha 2O and above the gear 19 is a spur pinion 22 rotatable in a horizontal plane anc meshing With a large spur gear 23 rotatable on vertically disposed shaft 24- disposed in the central longitudinal vert-ical center line of `the cutter bar and having its axis in a plane parallel with the vertical longitudinal plane of the driving motor 12. The spur gear 23 is provided with a. degending cylindrical sleeve 25 which is connected by a semi-permanent clutch 26 wit-h the hub of a. usual cut-ter chain driving sprocket 27 disposed Within a recess, hereinafter described, formed in the frame 2. T he cutter chain sprocket and the spur gear 23 are journaled on suitable vertically spaced ball bearings 28 disposed coaxially with the shaft 211. The cutter chain sprocket 27 is adapted to drive the cutter chain 5 through the improved transmission means above dcscribed When the clutch 17 is Connected, or remain idle at the Will of the operator.

In specifically describing my improved feeding mechanism it will herein be observed that the armature shaft has secured thereto intermediate its ends and in the rear of the spur gear 15 a suitable Worm 29 which is meshcd with a Worm gear 30 secured to a vertically disposed shaft 31 journaled at its opposite ends .Within suitable ball bearings 32 carried by aremovable cover plate 33, carried by the top of the machine frame, and a housing member 34, respectively. As illustrated, the housing member 341 is provided with a reservoir 35 Which is adapted to be filled with lubricant thus forming a bath Within which the gears 29 and 30 are adapted to run. Furthermore, secured to the shaft 31 in a plane above the Worm gear 30 is a spur pinion 3G rotatable in a horizontal plane and meshing with an internlediate spur gear 37 journaled on a vertically disposed shaft 37a parallel with the shaft 31 and carried by the cover plate 33. The gear 37 meshes with a larve spur gear 38 disposed coaXially with a vertically disposed shaft 39, the latter being journaled in suitable bearings Within the top and bottom of the machine frame. Moreover, the gear 38 is adapted to drive a coaxially disposed spur pinion 40 rotatable in a horizontal plane below the plane of the gear 38 through a frictionally controlled planetary change speed mechanism generally designated 41, which may be of any approved form, located adjacent the advancing side of the machine and which is herein of the type clearly described in my copending application, Serial No. 651,830, filed July 16, 1929. rlhe planetary change speed mechanism 41 specifically comprises a central jaw clutch member 73 longitudinally slidable on and keyed to the ver yical shaft 39 and this clutch member is adapted When in its extreme upper position ol' movement to engage a mating clutchmember 74 keyed to an annular frame member 75 carrying sets of coaxial planet gears 76. rl`he upper planet gears mesh with a cent-ral spur gear 77 driven by and rotatable with they spur gear 38. The upper planet gears also mesh with an internal gear 78 fixed. to a rotatably mounted casing 79 While the lower planet gears mesh With a second internal gear 80 fixed to a rotatably mounted member 81 having jaw clutch teeth 82 adapted to be engaged by the clutch member 7 3 when the `.fatter is moved toits extreme lower position. rllhe brake band 4:3 is adapted to hold the casing 79 against rotation when desired. In opera-tion of thedevice, When high speed is desired the members 7 3 and 74 are engaged to thereby cause the gear 38 and the gear 77 to drive the planet gears 76 around. the gear 7 8 Whichis held stationary by the brake band e3. Movement of the planet gears 7 6 thus causes rotation of the gear carrying trame 75 Which being connected to the member 73 will directly drive the vertical shaft 39 Without in any Way using the lower planet gear. When low speed is desired members 73 and 82 are engaged and by holding the casing 79 the member 8l is rotated dueto the different diameters of the planet gears. It will thus be evident that the planetary change speed mechanism is trictionally controlled at all speeds and is adapted to drive the pinion 40 at a predetermined fast speed or a predetermined slow or cutting speed under the control of a suitable reciproeable shipper mechanism 42 and 'at any variants ofl those f speeds under the control of a suitable brake band 43. D riven by the pinion 40 is an intermediate spur gear all rotatable on a vertical axis Within the machine frame and this gear is meshed with a spur gear l5 conl nected in any suitable manner in operative driving relation With the feed drinn 7.

From the foregoing description, it Will herein be evident that the drum 7 maybe driven from the driving motor selectively at a predetermined 'ast or at a predetermined slow speed or at any desired variants of those speeds under the friction control of the brake band lr-3. lt Will herein be noted that the cable 6 passes from the drum 7 around a guide sheave a6 rotatable on a vertical stud 47 disposed at the forward advancing corner ofthe machine frame.

Referring now to the means 'for discharging the cuttings broug t back 'byY the rapidly moving cutter chain, it will herein be observed that the forward'end of the machine frame is provided With a recess 48 as clearly shown in Fig. l and this recess opens through the receding side of the machine frame. Y The boundaries of the recess i8 comprise a top Wall 4:9, bottom Wall 50, and a vertically disposed side Wall 5l. The side Wall 5l comprises a slightly outwardly iiared portion 52, an arcuate portion and a straight portion 5cl, thus forming a recess which permits the cu tings to be discharged tre-ely Yfrom the` receding side of the machine frame as the machine advances.

Associated with the cutter chain clutch l' is a shipper. yoke pivoted, as at 56, on r vert-ical anis and le Worm rack 57 Vhl h is meshed vitli a Worin 58 secured to a horizontal operatin shaft 59 suitably journaled Within a suitab bracket secured to the side oli the interior of the nia- Y s l i K ing' secured hiciere a.

chine trame 2, The shipper yoke 55 is adapt j ed to be actuated by means of a hand Wheel 60 disposed at the rear end ot the machine trame at one side of the drum 9. Associated with the variable speer device /ll is a shipper yoke 6l pivoted, as at 62, upon the side of the machine traine and this shipper yoke is adapted to be sivun about its pivot by means Yof an eccentric G8 suitablv secured to a horitudinally extending' horizontal operating' shaft 70. The operating screvT G6 is adapted to by, actuated by means oi' hanf1| Wheel 7l disposed at the rear end ot the ma l ke frame adjacent the handwhecl 65. It will herein be noted that disposed at the side the drivine' motor l2 is a casing 72 vwhich is adapted to house usual controlling' and resistance devices (not shown) of Well known liorm for the motor i2.

In the operation ot my improved mining machindrit Will herein be noted that aitcr the machine has been transported into the room on its truck and unloaded therefrom in a well. known manner, the feed cable 6 is extended to a suitable root4 jack located at the right hand rib of the room adjacent the tace and the tast speed Vplanetary lmechanism is suitaly connected to the motor and the cable 6 wound in bythe drum at 'ist or haulage speed, consequently propelling the machine along` the mine bottom toward the rooic jack.V

The machine is then suitably located adjacent the race ol' the coal, the 'cutter connected to the in otor, and the bar sumped or ted under the coal at the desired cutting speed likeivise under control ot the planetary device el.'

The itced cable G is then extended to a .suitable-roof jack located at the lett hand rib ot' the roomV adjacent the coal face7 while the controlling cable il is extended to a suitable roof jack located at the receding side oi tno machine adjacent the right hand rib. The machine is then straightened up and ied transversely across the tace under the control of' the planeta-ry variable speed deifice 4l. At the end ot the transverse cut the machine is angled and ivithd aWn from the face a Well known manner.

is a result of my invention an improved mining machine et the continuous cutter louv vein room and pillar type is provided of an exceedingly low compact character having improved feeding and cutting mechanism therefor. It will further be noted that an improved machine is provided having an improved arrangement of the transmission means for the feed drum whereby the overall height of the machine is reduced to a @ther advantages will clearly 'n thos eliilled in the art.

ave in this application specifically ne form which my inve in may iractice, it will be unde' :od th: `same s shown for purposes ion and e invention may be me, ned and embodied in varions other form: without departing' from spirit or the scope the appended claims. A

llilhat l claim as neviY and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. in a mining machine, a horizontally disposed motor having a casing slidable directly on tbe mine bonom during operation of the machine, fcedin-cf means for the machine compr; y able speed device disposed on a vertical axis and driven from the forwa Kl end of said motor, and Cutting` mechanism driven by said motor inchiding a horizontal plane cutter ba' disiiosed in planes adjacent the mine 'door Athe top plane surface of said bar lying, "a a horizontal plane intersecting said motel and said variable speed device.

2. ln a mining machine, horizontally disposed motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby including a forwardly projecting cutter bar, and feeding` means for the ma.- chine comprising a variable speed planetary controlling device dispel/d on a vertical axis and driven from. the for'. iard end of said motor, and a feed operating member driven thereby and disposed in advance of the rear end of said cutter oar on the advancing side of the machine, said feed operating member boing adapted to cooperate directly with flexible fee-dine` inea 23. ln a mining machine, a horizontally disposed nmtor having a casing slidable directly on thn mine bottom during cutting, cutting niechanisin driven b v said motor including' a forwardly projecting cutter bar, and feeding ni ans for the machine comprising a variable sneed device disposed on a vertical axis at the rea-r of the rear end of said cutter bar and driven from the forward end of said moron and a feed operating meinber driven thereby and disposed in advance et the rear end of said cutter bar on the advancing side f the inacaine, said feed operating member being adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means.

Ll. In a mining machine, a horizontally dg nosed motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby includ a horizontally projecting plane cutter bar, and feeding ieans for the machine comprising a variable speed planetary controlling device disposed on a vertical axis and driven from the forward end of said motor, the upper horizontal surface of minimum.

LM li ifi/85,9%

said cutter bar lying in a horizontal plane intersecting said motor and said planetary device.

5. In a mining machine, a horizontally disposed motor, cutting mechanism driven from the forward end thereof and including a forwardly projecting cutter bar, and feed ing means for the machine including a twosp ed planetary variable speed device driven from the forward end of said motor, and a feed operating member rota-table about a vertical artis driven b v said device and disposed on the advancing side of the machine in advance of said planetarydevice, said feed operating; member being adapted to cooperate i fith fh- `ble feeding means.

6. ln a mining machine, a horizontally disposed motor having a casing slidable directly on the mine bottom during operation of the machine, the height of the machine being determined substantially by the height the motor, cutting mechanism driven from the forward end of said motor including a forwardly projecting cutter bar, and feeding means for the machine driven from the forward end of said motor including a feed drum rotatable on a vertical axis in advance of the 12a-r end of said cutter bar. l

'if'. ln a mining machine, a horizontally dis nosed motor having a casing slidable directly on the mine bottom during cutting and an armature shaft, feeding means including a feed operating member driven by said ino- 'tor and a cooperating controlling member, each of said members adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and cutting mechanism driven by said armature shaft including a forwardly projecting cutter bar rigidly secured at the forward end of the machine frame in alinement with the latter and including a reciprocable controlling clutch therefor disposed coaxially with said armature shaft.

S. ln a mining machine, a horizontally disposed motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a forwardly projecting cutter bar, feeding means for the machine driven by the forward end of said motor comprising a feeding drum rotatable on a vertical axis in advance of the rear end of said cutter bar on the advancing side of the machine, and a controlling drum disposed at the rear of said motor.

l). ln a mining machine, a motor having a casing slidable directly on the mine bottom during eut-ting ard a longitudinally extending horizontal armature shaft, cutting mechanism driven thereby including a forwardly projecting cutter bar whose longitudinal axis is disposed parallel with the axis of said motorn and feeding mechanism driven by'the forward end of said motor comprising a feed drum rotatable on a vertical axis in advance of the rear end of said cutter bar on the advancing side of the machine.

10. In a mining machine, a motor having a longitudinally extending Vhorizontal armature shaft, cutting mechanism driven thereby including a forwardly'projecting cutter bar whose longitudinal axis is disposed parallel with the axis of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by theforward end of said motor comprising a variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis anda feed drum driven there-by and disposed on an axis spaced longitudinally of tho machine from said axis of said device.

ll. In a mining machine, a motor having a longitudinally extending horizontal armature shaft, cutting mechanism driven thereby including a forwardly projecting cutter bar' whose longitudinal axis is disposedparallel with the axis of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by the forward end of said motor comprising. a variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis and a feed drum driven thereby disposed on an axis laterally offset from and parallel withthe axis of said variable speed device.

l2. In a mining machine, a horizontally disposed motor having an armature shaft, and feeding mechanism driven by the forward end of said motor comprising a worm secured to said armature shaft and driven thereby, a variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis, and spur gearing between said worm and said device.

13. In a mining machine, a horizontally disposed motor having a casing slidabl'e directly on the mine bottom during cutting, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means for the' machine driven by the forward end of said motor comprising a friction controlled variable speed device and a clutch associated with said device and including a clutch element reciprocable on a vertical axis and operating means for said'clutch element operatively connected thereto at the upper end thereof. Y

Inamining machine, a horizontally disposed motor having Va casing slidable directly on the mine bottom during cutting, cutting mechanism driven thereby including a lateral cuttings discharge passage, and feeding means driven bythe forward end of said motor comprising a variable speed device dis posed on a vertical axis adjacent the rear portion of said passage and a feed operating member driven by said device and arranged on the advancing side ofthe machine in advance of the rear portion/of 'said cuttings passage. v

l5. In a mining machine, a, horizontally dispose-d motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby including a lateral cuttings discharge passage, and feeding means driven by the forward end of'said motor comprising atwo speed friction controlled planetary device disposed on a? vertical axispadgacent the rear portion of said passage and a feed operating .17. A mining machine having a. substan tially horizontal motor, the height of the machine being determinedV substantially by the height' of the motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a horizontal plane cutter, and feeding means for the machine including a planetary variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis, the upper surface of said cutter bar lying in a horizontal plane intersecting said motor and said planetary device. Y

18. In a mining appara-tus, a machine frame having a projecting cutter bar, a motor on said frame having a easing having its bottom surface slidable directly on the mine bottom during cutting, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpen-V dicular to the plane of said bar and adapted tocooperate with flexible feeding means, and planetary driving means for said feed operating member whose elements all rotate on axes laterally `offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member.

19. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame having a motor and a cutter bar, and feedingmeans driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular tot ieplane of said bar and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and planetary driving means for said feed operating member whose elements all rotate on axes laterally offset from and parallel member and nearer said motor than said last mentioned axis.

20. In a mining machine, a motor comprising a casing slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom housing .power producing means, the vertical dimension of said motor casing beingrsubstantiallyonly that requisite to the power producing function of said motor and substantially determining the height ofthe machine, cuttingmechanism driven by sait motor and includingr a cutter bar whose uppermost and lowermost-portions lie in planes parallel to a plane parallel to the bottom surface of said casing and intersecting said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor and including a variable speed Vdevice disposed on avertical axis, and a feed operating member driven thereby Vand adapted to 'to the axis of rotation of said feed operating cooperate with llexible feeding means, said variable speed device and said feed operating member being` arranged on spaced axes in planes adjacent the bottom surface of said motor casing.

2l. ln a mining machine, a motor comprising a casing housing power producing means and providing a surface slidably engageable with the mine bottom during cutting, the vertical dimension of said motor casing being :substantially only that requisite to the power producing` function of aid motor and subs" ntially determining the height of the machine, cutting mechanism driven by said motor and including a cutter bar Whose upperniost and lon'ermost portions lie in planes parallel to a plane parallel to said bottoni engafving frame surface and intersecting said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor and including a variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis, and a feed operating member driven thereby and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means and disposed nearer the front end of the machine than said variable speed device.

22. In a mining machine, a motor comprising a casing housing power producing means and providing a surface slidably engageable with the mine bottom during cutting, the vertical dimension of said motor casing being substantially only that requisite to the power producingfunction of said motor and substantially determining` the height of the machine, cutting mechanism driven by said motor and including a cutter bar Whose uppermost and loivermost portions lie in planes parallel to a plane parallel to said bottom engaging frame surface and intersecting said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor and including a variable speed device having two predetermined speeds frictionally controlled at each speed, said device being disposed on a vertical axis, and a feed operating member driven thereby and adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means and disposed nearer the front end of the machine than said variable speed device.

23. In a mining machine, a machine frame providing a surface slidably engageable directly with the mine bottom during cutting, a motor housed in said frame, and feeding means driven by said motor including a variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis and having a plurality of predetermined speeds frietionally controlled at each speed, and a feed operating member adapted to cooperate vvith fiexible feeding means driven thereby and rotatable about an axis laterally offset from and parallel with said axis of said device.

24. n a mining apparatus, a machine frame slidable on the mine bottom and having a horizontal motor and a forwardly projecting rigid cutter bar, and feeding means driven by said motor comprising a feed operatin T member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said bar and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and a variable speed device for driving said feed operating member and Whose elements all rotate on axes laterally oll'set from and parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member and having a plurality of predetermined speeds frictionally controlled at each speed.

25. ln a mining apparatus, a horizontal motor having a casing slidable directly on the mine bottom during cutting, cutting mechanism driven from the forward end of said motor including a projecting cutter bar, and feeding mechanism driven from the forward end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said bar and adapted to cooperate ivith flexible feeding means, and planetary driving means for said feed operating member ivhose elements all rotate on axes laterally offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member.

26. In a mining machine, a motor having a horizontal armature shaft, extending longitudinally of the machine, and feeding mechanism driven from the forward end of said armature shaft comprising a horizontal wor i, a. Worm gear meshing therewith and rotatable on a vertical axis, a Winding drum rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of said Worm gear, and a variable speed device having a plurality of predetermined speeds frictionally controlling each speed and disposed spacially longitudinally of the machine between said drum and Worm gear and driven by the latter.

27. ln Y a mining machine, a horizontal motor having a casing' slidable directly on the mine bottom (hiring cuttingn cutting mechanism driven by said motor ii'icluding` a forwardly )rejecting cutter bar, and feeding means for the machine driven from the same end of said motor comprising feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with llexible feedin0a means and disposed on the advancing side of the machine in Yadvance of the rear end of said cutter bar and a plural speed transmission mechanism therefor dif'- posel at the rear of the rear end of said outter bar and frictionally controlled at eacn speul, said transmission mechanism including a clutch member movable vertically in opposite directions. to effect different speeds.

28. ln mining 1n chine, a horizontal motor having a casing slidable directly on the mine bottom, the height of the motor sul stantially determining the height of the machine, cutting mechanism driven thereby from Ithe forward end thereof, and feeding means for thc machine driven by the same end of said motor comprising a feed operating member adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means and a plural speed transmission mechanism therefor frictionally con-V trolled at each speed and including a clutch member movable vertically in opposite directions to eillect diderent'speeds and operating means for said clutch member operatively connected thereto at the upper'end thereof.

29. In a mining machine, a motor having a low compact casing slidable directly on the mine bottom and a horizontal armature shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from the forward end of said motor, andv feeding mechanism driven from the same end of said motor comprising a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means and a plural speed transmission mechanism therefor frictionally controlled at each speed and including a clutch member movable vertically in opposite directions to effect different speeds and operating means for said clutch member operatively connected thereto at the upper end thereof. Y

30. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor comprising a plural speed transmission mechanism including coaxial gears rotatable about a vertical axis, a clutch member coaxial With said gears and movable vertically in opposite directions to effect diderent speeds and a single terminal element relative to Which said clutch member is movable and through which all speeds are transmitted arranged coaxially With said gears, and a feed operating member driven by said motor through vsaid transmission mechanism and including driving connections between the lower end of said transmission'mechanism and said feed operating member including vintermeshing reduction gearing, said feed operating member being adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

3l. In a mining machine, a horizontal low l compact motor having casing slidableV directly on the mine bottom during cutting, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and feeding means for the4 machine driven by said motor comprising a plural speed trzinsmission mechanism including coaxial gears rotatable about a vertical axis, a clutch member coaxial With said gears and movable vertically in opposite directions to effect different speeds and a single terminal ele-y ment relative to lvvhich said clutchmember is movable and through which all speeds are transmitted arranged coaxially with said gears,iand a feed operating member disposed on an axis spaced longitudinally from the axis of said gears driven by .said mot-or through said transmission mechanism and adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means.

32. In a mining machine, a horizontal low compact motor having a casing slidable directly on the mine bottom during cutting and having its armature shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting m chanism driven from said motor, and feeding means driven from said motor comprising a plural vspeed transmission mechanism frictionally controlled at each of its speeds including coaxial gears arranged on aY vertical axis, a clutch member coaxial with said gears and movable vertically in opposite directions to effect different speeds, and a single terminal element relative to `vhich said clutch member is movable and through which all speeds are transmitted arranged coaxially with said gears, and a feed operating member rotatable about a vertical'axis laterally offset from and parallel with the axis of said gears in advance of said transmission mechanism and driven by said motor through said transmission mechanism and adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means.

Y 33. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame having a projecting cutter bar, a motor on said frame having a casing having `its bottom surface slidable directly on the mine bottom during cutting, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said bar,

.and plural speed planetary driving means for said feed operating` member Whose elements rotate on axes laterally odset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member and including a coaxial shiftable member movable vertically in opposite' directions to effect different speeds.

34. In a Vmining apparatus, a machine frame having a motor and a cutter bar, and feeding means driven by said motor including` a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said bar and adapted to cooperate with flexible feed-Y in #means, and planetary driving means for said feed operating member Whose elements rotate on axes laterally offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member and nearer said motor than said last mentioned axis, said planetary driving means including a coaxial shiftable member movable vertically in opposite directions to eiect different speeds.

35. In a mining machine, a motor compristhevertical dimension of said motor casing being substantially/only that requisite to the power producing function of said motor and substantially determining the height of the machine, cutting mechanism driven'by said motor' including a cutter bar whose uppermost and loWermost portions lie in planes parallel to a plane parallel to the bottom ing a casing housing power producing means,

surta-ce of said casing' and intersecting said motor, and feeding' mechanism driven by said mc or and including` a variable speed device d spofzed on a vertical axis, and a feed operating member driven thereby and arranfed with its ax' dfi t laterally from the b c, axis ot said variable speed device and adapted to cooperate 'lie-:ible feeding;- iieans, said v: al; sneed crevice including a coaxial shi .ble nemaer movable vertically in opposite directions to elliect dil'lerent speeds and said feed operating;` member being; arranged on the advancing;` side of the machine in advance ot said variable speed device,

36. lfn a mininf;` machine, a motor comprising a casinp` housnm`- poiver producing means, the vertical dimension of said motor :asing being` sublantially only that requisite to the power producing` function of said motor and substantially determinine` the height of the machine, cutting mechanism driven by said motor includingr a cutter bar Whose uppermost and loivermost portions lie in planes parallel to a plane parallel to the bottom surface of said casing; and intersecting* said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor and including a, variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis and having` tivo predetermined speeds frictionally con yrolled at each speed, and a 'reed operating member driven thereby and arranged With its axis offset laterally from the axis of said variable speed device and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding,` means, said variable speed device including a coaxial shiftable member movable vertically in opposite directions to c l? 4rct diliereut speeds, and said feed operating' member bei ng arranged on the advancing side of the machine in advance of said variable speed device.

37. ln a mining` machine, a motor con'iprising;` a casing housing power producing` means, the vert-ical dimension of said motor casing being` substantially only that requisite to the power producing' function of said motor and substantially determining' the height ol the machine, cutting; mechanism driven by said motor and including; a cutter bar Whose uppermost and lon'ermc-st portions lie in planes parallel to a` plane parallel to the bottom surface of said casing` and intersecting said inotor7 and feeding mechanism driven by said motor and including` a variable speed device disposed on a vertical axis, and a feed operating; member driven thereby, said variable speed device and said feed operating member being so arranged that a horizontal plane intersects both of the same, and a` cooperadtinecontrolling` member, said members each being,` adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

38. ln a mining machine, av machine fram slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a forwardly with projecting cutter bar, and flexible feeding means for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom during,` cuttng including advance and receding flexible 'feeding,Y portions extending` laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends ot said trame, and a cooperating feed operating` member and a controlling member, said feed operating member being,` arranged on the a d- 'ancing side of the machine in advance of the rear end ofI said cutter bar and acting on said advance flexible portion for etico-ting feed of the machine and said controllingl men iber acting on said receding; portion to effect control of the machine, and driving,r connections benveeu said motor and said feed operating member including a planetary variable speed device disposed at the rear of the rear end of said cutter bar and whose elements rotate on vertical axes and having; a pluralityy of speeds frictionally controlled at ea ch speed.

39. In a miningr machine, a loiv compact fran'ie slidable on its bottom on. the mine bottem and imludinga motor casingy housing@ iotor, the vertical dimension of said motor determinino' the height of the machine, cutting mechanism driven by said motor includa horizontally projecting` cutter bar, and vflexible feeding' means for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom during cutti including an advance flexible feeding portion extending laterally from the forward end of said frame, and a feed maerating member cooperating with said advance flexible portion, and driving connections between said motor and said feed operating' member including a planetary variable speed device Whose elements all rotate on vertical axes and having a plurality of speeds frictionally controlled at each speed, said feed operating` member and said planetary device being so arranged upon the lower part of said frame that a horizontal plane intersects both of the same.

40. n a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor arried thereby, cut-tingmechanism driven by said motor including' horizontally projecting cutter aar, and flexible feeding means for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom during cutting including an advance flexible feeding` portion extending laterally from the front end of the machine, and a cooperating feed opers-.tingY member, and driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a planetary variable speed device disposed at the rear of the rear end ot said cutter bar and arranged with its axis laterally olfsii from the axis of said feed operatingr member and Whose elements all rotate on vert-ical axes and having a plurality ol speeds frictionally controlled at each speed, said feed operating member beineV arranged on said frame in advance of said planetary device.

41. In a mining machine, aframe slidablc on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a horizontally projecting cutter bar, and flexible feeding means for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom during cutting and including an advance flexible feeding portion eX- tending laterally from the front end of the machine and a cooperating feed operating member, and driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a variable speed mechanism arranged with its axis offset laterallyfrom the axis of said. feed operating member and including coaxial fast and slow speed driving members, a terminal driven member operatively connected to said feed operating mem'- ber, and a clutch member coaxial with saidV driving members and shiftable vertically in opposite directions relative to said terminal member to effect rotation of the latter at different speeds.

42. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine Hoor, a motor carried at the rear end of said frame and having its power shaft horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from the forward end of -said power shaft including a forwardly projecting kerf cutter, and feeding means driven from the forward end of said power shaft including a frictionally controlled plural predetermined speed device disposed on a vertical axis and totally 4enclosed in said frame, a feed drum rotatably mounted on the exterior of said frame and adapted to cooperate directlywith flexible feeding means, and driving connections between said plural predetermined speed device and said feed drum also enclosed within said frame. Y

43. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on it-s bottom on the mine floor, a motor carried by said frame at the rear end thereof and having its power shaft horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from the front end of said Power shaft infr. cluding a forwardly projecting lerf cutter,

and feeding means driven from the forward end of said power shaft including a frictionally controlled plural predetermined speed device disposed on a vertical axis, driving connections between said power shaft and the upper end of -said device, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and spaced longitudinally of the machine from said plural speed device, and driving connections between the lower end of said device and said feed operating member.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

CHARLES F. OSGOOD.

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