US1838214A - Apparatus for handling loose material - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 29, 1931. c. E. DAVIS APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Driginal Filed May 11, 1923 '7 Sheets-Sheet l jiewl rmjw (5f 62 2 1 Q,

Dec. 29, 1931. 1 E, DAW 1,838,214

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Original Filed May 11, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 29, 1931. c. E. DAVIS APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Original FiledMay 1 1, 1925 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 29, 1931. J DAVIS I 1,838,214

AEPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Original Filed May 11, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 /aad (50W 1 29, 1931. c. E. pAvls 1,338,214

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Original Filed May 11, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 VIII/[Ill Dec. 29, 1931. .c. E. DAVIS 1,838,214

APPARATUS FUR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL I Original Filed May ll, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheei e mm Z0 Z/ Z 2 6% k i W i 1931. Q v 5 1,838,214

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Original Filed May 1 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 0,456 I l J3g/' I 15 16 Patented Dec. 29, 1931 CHARLES E. DAVIS, OF DAVENEOBT, FLORIDA, ASSIGNOR TO GOODMAN MANUFACTUR- ING COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, .A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LOOSE MATERIAL Application. filed May 11, 1823, Serial No. 638,232. Renewed December 16, 1926.

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for handling loose material and more particularly to rcciprocably operated scraper devices used for gathering and transporting loose material from the workingface of a mine to a loading point, such as the load .ing chute arranged to discharge the material into a mine car.

The principal object of my invention is to provide an improved apparatus of the class described including a mobile head frame capable of being readily moved from place to place and adapted to provide a lateral sup port for a scraper so as to direct it into the pile of loose material while it is gathering its load. Further objects of my invention will appear from time to time as the following description proceeds.

My invention may be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings showing one form in which my invention may e embodied.

In these drawings :v

Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the mobile head frame forming a part of the apparatus.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the head frame having a fragmentary showing of a scraper in one co-operating position therewith.

Figure 3 is an enlarged section taken on line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line l-i of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is an enlarged section taken 0 line 66 of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is an enlarged section taken on line 77 of Figure 2.

F igure 8 is a section taken on line 88 of Figure 1 with parts omitted.

Figure 9 is a detail of the ratchet mechanism opcrativcly connecting the rope drum and the propelling arm.

Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 are diagrammatic views illustrating a typical installation of the complete scraper apparatus in a mine and showing the parts in various positions during the operation thereof.

Figure 14 is another diagrammatic view illustrating an installation including a deflector guide for changing the course of movement of the scraper intermediate the head frame and the discharge point.

My present invention contemplates the use of a reciprocable scraper adapted to have cooperative engagement with a head frame arranged in position to provide lateral hearing for said scraper whereby the latter is directed into the pile of loose material to-gather the same. Such an arrangement is broad ly disclosed in my prior Patent No. 1,462,688, issued July 24, 1923, in which a head frame is movable along a temporarily fixed guiding frame comprising holding jacks, and the entire device being shifted from time to time by replacement of the jacks. In the present invention I provide an improved form of head frame comprising a. mobile, self-propelling unit adapted to afford the required lateral support for the scraper while gathering a load, but capable of being steered and readily moved from place to place in the mine under its own power. I further provide power operated devices on the head frame for moving the scraper forwardly about the head frame in a similar manner to that broadly disclosed in my prior U. S. Patent No. 1,520,119, issued December 23, 1924, but with further improvements in construction and ope 'ation as will hereinafter appear.

Referring now to the details shown in the drawings The main elements of the apparatus comprise a head frame 1, a scraper 15, and suitable draft ropes for reciprocable movement toward and away from the head frame. In the diagrams in Figures 10 to 13, inclusive, illustrating a typical installation in a mine, it will be seen that the scraper 15 is provided with a. head rope or drag line 16 and a tail rope 17. The head rope is connected to a hoisting engine 2 of any suitable form positioned at a distance from the head frame,- and having a winding drum 3 upon which: the head rope is wound to move the scraper from the head frame 1 to its discharge point, such as a loading chute 20. In the arrangement shown in the diagrams, the hoisting engine is stationed in the entry 19 of a mine room beyond the loading chute 20. This loading chute extends from the ground over one of a series of mine cars, as indicated at 21, 21 so that the loose material will be discharged into said mine cars by movement of the scraper to the upper edge of the chute. It will be understood, however, that the general arrangement of the various parts of the apparatus may be varied greatly, depending upon the conditions under which the apparatus is used.

The tail line 17 is Wound on a drum 18 mounted on the head frame. In the form shown the tail rope drum is mounted on a vertical axis concentric with a circular forward portion 14 of the main frame, this drum being relatively large and extending about the lower portion of said circular portion 14 as clearly shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6.

Details of the head frame will now be described. A main frame 10 is supported on a pair of tractor wheels 12, 12, within the main frame, and a steering wheel 10, pivotally supported at the rear end of the frame to steer the apparatus. In the form shown the main frame comprises a forward end section 14 substantially circular in form and a rearwardly extending section sub-frame 25 having a bracket 26 supporting the steering post 27 of the steering wheel 13. A steering handle 28 of any suitable form is connected to the upper end of the steering post 27. The front section 14 and the rear section 25 of the main frame are bolted together by bolts 19, 19, but it will be understood that these sections may be formed integrally, if desired.

Power devices are mounted on the head frame for positively moving the scraper in its gathering or digging movement about the frame, these power devices preferably being operable and controllable independently of the head rope. In the form shown this scraper moving mechanism includes an arm 30, and a projection 34, both extending laterally from the head frame and carried on an annular driving ring 33 mounted concentric with the circular head frame 14. The arm 30 is provided with a bearing shoe 31 adjacent its outer end for engaging the rear end of the scraper and also carries a guide or sheave 32 for engaging the tail rope 17. The projection 34 is located forwardly of the arm 30, and adapted to engage a hooked portion 34 at the forward end of the scraper, (see Figure 2).

In the form shown, the ring 33 has bearing on an annular portion 35 extending downwardly, from the lower flange 36 of the tail rope drum 18 and is supported in groove formed between the lower drum flange 36 and supporting projections 37, 37 extending laterally at various points about the forward frame portion 14 as shown in detail in Figures 3, 5 and 9. Means are also provided for retaining the tail rope on the drum 18, as for instance, curved members 38 are carried by the ring 33 and extending upwardly over the lower flange of the drum, as shown in Figures 1 and 8. Other retaining members 39, 39 may be provided adjacent the pawl 90. It is also desirable to provide means at the forward end of the head frame for supporting that portion of the head rope which engages the head frame when the scrapcr is moved to its initial leading position as shown in Figure 10. This means may comprise a plurality of hooks 38, 38, preferably mounted at suitable intervals about the ring 33 and projecting forwardly therefrom in position to engage and support the head rope.

Suit-able gearing connections are provided betw en the prime mover comprising a motor 40 and the driving ring 33 so as to move the scraper at a relatively low speed about the head frame. In the form shown said ring is adapted to be driven through the medium of the tail rope drum 18, and a ratchet device which provides a driving connection between the drum and ring whereby they are rotated in unison by power applied on the drum.

The low speed connection to the drum 18 and driving ring 33 will now be described. The motor 40 on the head frame may be of any kind, as for instance, an electric motor having a driving shaft 41, as shown in Fig ure 3. This shaft is provided with two driving pinions 42 and 43. The driving pinion 42 is meshed with the gear 44 associated with one member 45 of a double clutch mechanism 46. The driving pinion 43 is connected through the idler gear 47 with a gear 48 associated with another member 49 of the double clutch mechanism. These clutch members 45 and 49 are loosely mounted on a shaft on opposite sides of an enlarged portion 56 on said shaft. One end of said shaft is hollow, and has a longitudinally movable shifting member 57 therein operatively connected with a pair of oppositely disposed cone clutch members 58 and 59 by means of a shifting pin 60working in a slot 61 extending through the enlarged portion 56 of said shaft. The cone clutch members 58 and 59 may be shifted as a unit in either direction to respectively engage one or the other of the clutch members 45 and 49. The clutch member 49, being driven through the idler gear 47 as described, affords reversed movements of the two clutch members 45 and 49 respectively to each other so as to drive the shaft 55 in opposite directions, as desired.

The low speed connection includes either of the coacting clutch members of the double clutch mechanism 46 just described, the shaft 55 extending rearwardly from this double clutch mechanism having aworm 77 thereon, engaging a coacting worm gear 78 on a horizontal shaft 79. A gear 80 is keyed on the unwound from the drum.

latter shaft and is engaged with a gear 81 on the parallel shaft 82. The gear 81 is provided with sliding clutch members 84, 84 ex tending therethrough, and movable by a shifter member 85 into driving engagement with a beveled pinion 86. Said pinion is meshed with a beveled gear 70 carrying a spur gear 72 meshed with a. toothed periphery 73 of the upper drum flange.

The ratchet device connecting rope drum 18 with arm may he of any suitable construction. For example, a pawl 90 is pivotally mounted on said arm adjacent the lower drum flange 36 and is adapted to engage in a series of notches 91, 91, formed about said flange. The pawl is under tension of a suitable spring 92. The arran ement is such that when the tail rope drum is driven at low speed in a direction to unwind the rope, the pawl 90 engages one of the notches 91, and the driving ring 33 which carries arm 30 and projection 34 will be rotated in unison with the drum to advance the scraper about the head frame. Simultaneously, the tail rope will be The scraper is thus positively propelled at low speed, and by reason of the reduction gearing, the power applied to the driving ring 33 is correspondingly increased so as to force the scraper into the loose material during its movement about the head frame.

Means are provided for automatically disengaging the driving ring 33 from its driving connections after the scraper has been moved about the head frame toa predetermined point where it is desirable to discontinue the propulsion of the scraper at low speed by means of said ring and continue the forward movement of the scraper at a higher speed by means of the head rope 16: and the hoisting engine 2. This releasing means comprises a trip member 95 adapted to extend into the path of pawl 90 and move it out of engagement with flange 36 of the tail rope drum. indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2. The trip member 95 is secured to the frame section 1 1 by suitable means such as bolts 96, 9G and is preferably adjustable to various positions thereabout by providing a series of bolt holes 97, 97 at various points about said frame.

A high speed driving connection to the tail rope drum 18 is provided from shaft through the following mechanism. A gear keyed on shaft 55 is meshed with a gear (36 keyed on aparallel shaft 67. Sliding clutch 68 is "feathered on the latter shaft, and is adapted in one position to operatively a bevel pinion 69 meshed with the beveled gear 7 0. This last named gear also comprises a part of the low speed connection, before dc scribed, and from this point on both high and low speed connections to the drum are the same, including the. upright shaft '71 and spur gear 72 meshed with toothed flange 73 of the tail rope drum 18. By means of the high speed gearing just described the drum 18 may be driven in a direction to wind in the tail rope at a relatively high speed after the scraper has been unloaded and is being returned empty to loading position at the head frame.

The tail rope drum 18 is provided with suitable bearing means about the circular frame section 14, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, a and 5. On the form shown, a plurality of disks or rollers 99, 99 are arranged on vertical axes about the frame section 1 1 in position for lateral bearing engagement with said tail rope drum. These rollers are arranged in pairs and engage oppositely disposed annular races 100, 100 on theupper and lower flanges 73 and 36 respectively, of said drum. Other anti-friction bearing rollers 101, 101 are suitably mounted about the main frame and arranged on horizontal axes to provide a vertical support for said drum. These rollers enthe under surface of an annular flange 102 extending inwardly about the drum.

The power connections for propelling the head frame will now be described. As before set forth, the longitudinal shaft 6"? is adapted to be reversibly driven by the motor through the double clutch mechanism 46, shaft 55, and gears 65 and 66. lt has further been set forth that sliding clutch 68 is feathered on shaft 87, and in one position is adapted to have operative engagement with the beveled pinion 69. It will now be observed that ,ha'ft 67 also has a worm 105 loosely mounted thereon, adapted to be engaged by the sliding clutch member 08 when the latter is disengaged from the beveled pinion 69 and thrown in the opposite direction. The worm 105 is engaged with a worm wheel 106 carried on a sleeve 10?, (see Figure 5). A pair of shafts 108, 108 are keyed within this sleeve and extend through journal bearings 109, 109 forming a part of the main frame 1. A pinion 110 is mounted on the ends of each of these shafts. These pinions are each meshed with a gear wheel 115, associated with its respective tractor wheel 12-. Clutch mechanisms are provided whereby each of the gear wheels 115 may be operatively connected to its respective traction wheel. In the form shown these clutch mechanisms each comprise a sliding clutch member 116 mounted on the hub 117 of the wheel 12 and having projecting clutch jaws 118, 118 adapted to extend through the web 119 of the wheel into engagement with jaws 120, 120 formed in the 'ear wheel 115. In the position shown in Figure 4 the clutches in both wheels are disengaged, that is to say, the clutch jaws 118 and 119 are disengaged. The clutch members 110, 116 are preferably controlled independently of each other so that either or both may be engaged or disengaged at will. Thus in case it is desired to turn the machine within a short raoius, one of these clutches may be disengaged so the" the opposite wheel only will be driven. T 3 wheels maybe driven in either direction by manipulation of the re- \5 versible double cutch mechanism l6 before described. It wil be further understood that the entire mechanism either for oping the drums l8 and th arm 30 or for dr Jing the traction wheels may be reversed if desired by reversing the motor. Similarly the pawl 90 may f6l'tcfl on pivot, as 'n dotted Figure 8, so as to rev of operation of the ring clockwise to a clockwise direction, as des l The use and operation of the apparatus above described is as follows:

The head frame 1 is moved into position ujacent the toe of the pile material 125 o be removed or transported, as shown in gure 10. The head rope 16 is connected --h the winding engine 2, suitably located nove the scraper toward the loading chute The scraper is pulled rearwardly into its nitial loadi posi on shown in Figures 1 nd 10 by means the tail rope 17 which is "ound on the tail rope drum 18 by the power devices mounted on the head frame and operative as described. [is the scraper is moved rearwardly about the head frame, the head rope 16 will become engaged in the hooks 88", 8S, and is thus supported from the mine floor. In the initial loading position shown, the open end of the scrape-r faces the pile of material. The forward hooked portion 3 i of the scraper is engaged by the projection 34- and the rear end of the scraper god by the o in 3G. The driving ring upon which said projection and arm are carried is then driven through the low speed vii.

mechanism on the heat. frame so as to force the s. the p le of loose material l 't moves forwardly 1% of the head 'n-thca in F 1g. res 11 and 12. ceding movement of the scraper low speed, it is usually desirable a t tension on the head rope 1G by means of its winding engine 2 so .as to e up the slack therein.. VI hen the scraper reaches position substantially as shown in Figure 12, in which the loading movement has been completed, the scraper may then be moved at a higher speed by means of the head rope, and to" this purpose the low speed gearing connections on the head frame are disconnected by throwing out clutch 8%, thereby per hi ti the tail rope drum 18 to rotate reely as t e tail rope paid out. It is desirable, however to continue the rotation of the driving rii until it reaches a position in which the arm 30 and the projection 3 1 will be ready to receive the scraper af er the head frame.

33 is carried in driving engagement with the tail rope drum until trip member 95 on the frame engages pawl 90 on said ring to throw out the latter from-its driving engagement with the drum. The rotation of the driving ring 33 will thus be discontinued and the tail rope drum may then rotate freely to pay out the tail rope therefrom during the movement of the scraper high speed under tension of the head rope. This forward movement is continued until the scraper reaches the loading chute 20 where the load is discharged.

The return movement of the scraper to its initial loading position is a repetition of that already described, it being understood however, that the head frame may be advanced as desired toward the pile of loose material, the head frame being advanced from time to time to gather a capacity load each trip, as the loading operation proceeds.

It will also be understood that the head frame is capable of being steered, and directed at various angles with respect to the 'iaterial being gathered, so that a pile of loose material covering a large area can be loaded out in one continuous operation.

Under some conditiona'as for instance as illustrated in Figure 1%, it may be desirable to deflect the draft ropes in order to permit the head frameto be moved into laterallv oxtending passageways in which position the path of movement of the scraper between the leading position and the discharge point must be changed. Under such conditions, I provide a guide member 130 adapted to be lined by a jack in the usual manner. This guide member comprise an arcuate frame 131 having a curved bearing surface 132conforming substantially with the curved side 21 of the scraper, so that the course of the draft ropes may be changed and the scraper will pass readily thereabout as indicated in dotted lines in this figure. The guide member 130 is preferably provided witn suitable antifriction rollers 13 133, about the curved bearin surface thereof which also serve as anti-friction members for the draft ropes.

By reasoi of the traction devices and steer- ,ng mechanism on the head frame, it is capable of being moved a d controlled at various speeds, not only d m We l. igging movement of the scraper about the ead frame. Under exceptionally heavy ng the loading operaservice however, it is obvious that temporary jacks may also be used, of the ordinary type, to assist in stabilizing the head frame, as desired.

Although I have shown and described one form in which my invention may be embodied, it will be understood that the construction and arrangement of the parts may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. I do not therefore, wish to be understood as limiting myself to the specific construction illustrated herein, excepting as specifically limited in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame adapted to be fixed against lateral movement, a scraper having lateral bearing engagement with said frame while being loaded, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, power devices for said head rope adapted to be positioned remote from and independent of said head frame, and other power devices for said tail rope mounted on said frame.

2. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame adapted to be fixed against lateral movement, a scraper having lateral bearing engagement with said frame while being loaded, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, power devices for said head rope adapted to be positioned remote from and, independent of said head frame, other power devices for said tail rope mounted on said frame, and means on said frame operable independently of said head rope devices for positively moving said scraper about said frame during the loading operation.

8. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a scraper movable about said frame during its loading movement, draft means for reciprocably moving said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, power devices on said head frame having detachable operative engagement with said scraper to move the same forwardly about said frame at relatively low speed, other power devices adapted to be positioned remote from the head frame and operable to continue the forward movement of the scraper beyond said head frame at a relatively high speed, and a winding device on said head frame associated with the tail rope of the scraper operable at a relatively high speed.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a scraper movable about said frame during its loading movement, draft means for reciprocably moving said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, means on said head frame affording detachable driving engagement with said scraper to move the same forwardly at relatively low speed, power devices adapted to be positioned remote from the head frame and operable to continue the forward movementof the scraper beyond said head frame at a relatively high speed, a winding device on said head frame associated with the tail rope of the scraper operable at a relatively high speed, and a motor having driving connections with said tail rope winding device and with said scraper driving means.

5. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a draft-operated scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, an auxiliary power element mounted on said frame, and means affording detachable operative engagement between said power element and said scraper including a movable arm extending outwardly from said head frame and engageable with the rear end of said scraper beyond the lon gitudinal axis thereof- 6. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a draft operated scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, an auxiliary power element mounted on said frame, means affording op erative engagement between said power element and said scraper, including a movable arm extending outwardly from said head frame and engageable with the rear end of said scraper beyond the longitudinal axis thereof, and a projection forwardly of said arm and movable therewith adapted to detachably engage a hook adjacent the forward portion of said scraper.

7 In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a draft operated scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, an auxiliary power element mounted on said frame, means affording operative engagement between said power element and said scraper including a rotative annular member carrying a laterally projecting arm adapted to engage the rear end of said scraper, and a projection forwardly of said arm adapted to engage another portion of said scraper.

8. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a draft operated scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, a power element mounted on said frame, means affording operative engagement between said power element and said scraper including a rotative annular member carrying a laterally projecting arm adapted to engage the rear end of said scraper at a point beyond the central longitudinal axis thereof, and a projection forwardly of said arm adapted to engage another portion of said scraper.

9. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, draft means for reciprocably moving said scraper inc1uding a head rope and a tail rope, winding devices for said tail rope mounted on said head frame, propelling means on said head frame operable independently of said draft ropes for moving the scraper about the frame during its loading operation, and connecting means between the tail rope winding device and said scraper propelling actuating means whereby the tail rope will be wound and unwound in timed relation with said scraper propelling means.

10. In an apparatus of the class described, amovable head frame, a scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, draft means for reciprocably moving said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, winding devices for said tail rope mounted on said head frame, propelling means on said head frame operable independently of said head rope for moving the scraper forwardly about the frame during its loadin operation, connecting means between the tail rope winding device and said propelling means whereby the tail rope will be wound and unwound in timed relation with said propelling means, and means automatically engaging said connecting means at a, predetermined point.

-11. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame having a curved forward portion, a scraper movable about said curved forward portion while being loaded, draft means for reciprocably moving said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope,

and power devices on said head frame operable independently of'said head rope and including an annular member-rotatably mounted concentric with the curved forward portion of said frame, and carrying thereon means for detachably engaging said scraper.

12.. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame having a curved for- .ward portion, a scraper movable about said curved forward portion while being loaded, draft means for reciprocably moving said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, means on said head frame operable independently of said head rope including an annular member rotatably mounted concentric with the'curved forward portion of said frame and carrying thereon means for detachably engaging said scraper, and a tail rope drum also mounted concentric with said annular member and havin o )erative en a ement therewith during a portion of the forward movement of the scraper about said frame.

detachably engaging said scraper, a tail rope drum also mounted concentric with said annular member and having operative engagement therewith during a portion of the forward movement of the scraper about said frame, and power devices for rotating said tail rope drum selectively at high speed in one direction and low speed in the opposite direction.

1%. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame having a curved forward portion, a scraper movable about said curved forward portion while being loaded, draft means for reciorocably moving said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, means on said head frame operable independently of said head rope including an annular member rotatably mounted concentric with the curved forward portion of said frame and carrying thereon means for detachably en. ug said scraper, a tail rope drum also mounted concentric with said annular member, power devices for rotating said tail rope drum selectively at high speed in one direction and low peed in the opposite .irection, and a ratchet device affording operative connection between said annular member and said drum in the direction of rotation of the latter at low speed.

15. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, means on said frame adapted to have detachable engagement with said scraper for moving it about the frame independently of said draft ropes, and rope supporting means, movable with said last named means into position to detachably engage the head rope at a point forwardly of the scraper while it is in lateral bearing engagement with the head frame.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable heat. frame having a curved forward portion, a scraper movable about said curved forward portion while being loaded, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, means on said head frame for propelling said scraper independently of said head rope including an annular member rotatably mounted concentric with the curved ffOIWilld portion of said frame, means on said annular member for detachably engaging said scraper, and other means carried by said annular member and spaced peripherally from the scraper engaging means adapted to support the head rope while said scraper is in bearing engagement with the frame.

17. In an apparatus of the class described, a head frame having a curved forward portion, a winding drum mounted on said head frame rotatable on a vertical axis, traction devices within the lateral margins of said head frame and said winding drum, and a scraper movable about said head frame and provided with a draft rope connected with said winding drum.

18. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame having a curved forward portion, a pair of laterally spaced traction devices within the side margins of said head frame, a motor mounted on said head frame between said traction devices and havin operative connection therewith, and a draft operated scraper adapted to have lat eral bearing engagement with said head frame while being loaded, and having means for moving said scraper in paths remote from said head frame.

19. In an apparatus of the class described, a head frame having a curved forward portion, a winding drum mounted on said head frame rotatable on a vertical axis, a pair of traction devices within the lateral margins of said head frame and said winding drum, a motor mounted on said head frame between said traction devices and having operative connection with said traction devices and said winding drum, and a scraper movable about said head frame and provided with a draft rope connected with said winding drum.

20. In an apparatus of the class described, a head frame having a curved forward portion, a winding drum mounted on said head frame, a scraper movable about said curved forward portion while gathering the load, a propelling device for said scraper movable about said curved forward portion, draft means for reci arocably moving said scraper including a tail rope connected with said winding drum, a motor mounted on said head frame, and reversible power connections operable from said motor to selectively wind in the tail rope on said winding drum at a relatively high speed or move said propelling device at a relatively low speed.

21. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a draft operated scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, an auxiliary power element mounted on said frame, means affording 0perative engagement between said power element and said scraper, including a movable arm extending outwardly from said head frame and engageable with the rear end of said scraper beyond the longitudinal axis thereof, and means forwardly of and movable with said arm and having detachable engagement with the forward portion of said scraper.

22. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame, a draft operated scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, an auxiliary power element mounted on said frame, means affording operative engagement between said power element and said scraper including a rotative annular member carrying a laterally projecting arm adapted to engage the rear end of said scraper, and means forwardly of and movable with said arm and having detachable engagement with the forward portion of said scraper.

23. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame adapted to be fixed against lateral movement, a scraper, guide means adapted to move said scraper about said frame while being loaded, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and tail rope, power devices for said head rope adapted to be positioned remote from and independent of said head frame, and other power devices for said tail rope mounted on said frame.

24,-. In an :vpparatus of the class described, a movable head frame adapted to be fined against lateral movement, a scraper movable about said frame while being loaded, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, power devices for said head rope adapted to be positioned remote from and independent of said head frame, other power devices for said tail rope mounted on said frame, and means on said frame operable independently of said head rope devices for positively moving said scraper about said frame during the loa ling operation.

25. in an apparatus of the class described main frame having a motor, tr ction device and power transmission or the latter mounted within its inal liiniw, 1 per, guide means for moving 1 scraper about said main frame, draft means for said scraper including a tail rope, a sub "*ame carried by said main frame, power transmission gearing carried by said sub-. rame for driving said guide means, and a steering element supporting the opposite i subframe.

26. In an apparatus of the class descr'bed, a main frame having a motor, ti" tion d and power transmission gearing mounted within its marginal limits, a scraper, guide means for moving said scraper about said main frame, draft means for said scraper including a tail rope, power devices for said tail rope on said main frame, a s b-frame carried by said main frame, power nsmission geari: carried by said sub-frame for driving said tail rope power devices, and a steering element supporting the opposite end of said sub-frame.

27. In an apparatus of the class described, a main frame, a scraper, guide means for moving said scraper about said main frame, draft means for said scraper including a tail rope, power devices for said tail rope on said main frame, a motor, traction devices and power transmission gearing therefor disposed within the arcuate limits of said power devices, a sub-frame carried by said main frame, power transmission gearing carried by said sub-frame beyond the arcuate limits of sait power devices for driving the latter, and a erg ill

steering element supporting said sub-frame at one end thereof.

28. In an apparatus of the class described, a main frame, a scraper, guide means for moving said scraper about said main frame, an arcuate driving member for said guide means, draft means for said scraper including a tail rope, power devices for said tail rope on said main frame, a motor, traction devices and power transmission gearing therefor disposed within the arcuate limits of said power devices and said arcuate driving member, a sub-frame carried by said main frame, power transmission gearing carried by said sub-frame beyond the arcuate limits of said power devices and arcuate driving member, for driving said devices and said member, and a steering element supporting said sub-frame at one end thereof.

29. In an apparatus of the class described, a main frame, a pair of traction members laterally spaced Within the boundaries of said main frame, a motor disposed between said traction members, a scraper, guide means for moving said scraper about said main frame, draft means for said scraper including a head rope and a tail rope, power devices for said head rope independent of said main frame. other power devices for said tail rope on said main frame power transmission gearing from said motor to said traction members disposed between the latter and spaced longitudinally of said motor, a sub-frame mounted on said main frame spaced ongitudinally of said power earing, motor and traction members, other power transmission gearing carried by said sub-frame for driving said tail rope power devices, and a steering element carried by said sub-frame and spaced longitudinally of said last mentioned power transmission.

80. In an apparatus of the class described, a movable head frame having a curved forvard portion, a pair of laterally spaced traction devices within the side margins of said head frame, a motor mounted on said frame and having selective operative connection with said traction devices, and a draft operated scraper movable to points remote from said head frame and having lateral bearing engagement therewith while being loaded.

Signed at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois. this 2nd day of May,

CHARLES E. DAVIS.

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