US1864731A

US1864731A - Mining machine

Info

Publication number: US1864731A
Application number: US355561A
Authority: US
Inventors: Morris P Holmes
Original assignee: Sullivan Machinery Co
Current assignee: Sullivan Machinery Co
Priority date: 1929-04-16
Filing date: 1929-04-16
Publication date: 1932-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 1949-06-28

Description

June 28, `1932.

M. P. HOLMES' MINING `MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 16. 1929 www EN NN 1, RS w w INN.

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June 28, 1932. M. F. HOLMES 1,864,731

MINING MACHINE Filed April 16, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 l UNITED STA Patented June 28V, 1932 MORRIS IP. HOLMES, 0Fy CLAREMONT, NEW HIMIPSHRE, ASSIG-NR T0 SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, Al CORPORATION 0F MASSACHUSETTS 'MINING MACHINE 'y Application flied Aprii '16,

'lhis invention relates to mining machines and more particularly, but not exclusively, pertains to mining machines of the wheel mounted bottom cutting type adapted to operate from the minetrackway.

An object of this invention is to providey an improved mining machine.` Anotheiobject is to provide an improved wheel mounted mining machine adapted to operate from the mine traclrway and more particularly to provide an improved machine adapted to-cut a herr" at or near lthe vlevel of the mine bottom whereby the mine bottomin advance of the mine trackway may be extended thereby eliminating the necessity ofcleaning up the bottom as cutting progresses. Yetanother object is to provide an improved mining machine having improved adjustable supporting means wherebythe cutting mechanism may be positioned at different elevations includ-v ing a'position at or near the level of the mine bottom or'a substantial distance above the mine bottom, 'thereby enabling the machine to adapt itself to suit .different cutting vconditio-ns, the improved adjustable supporting means having incorporated therewith means Jfor tilting the cutting mechanism about a transverse axis either upwardly or downwardly to enable the machine to cut at an angle relative to the mine bottom, or'if desired below the bottom level. Another object is to provide in a miningmachine of the aforesaid type an improved propelling4 means whereby the machine may be propelled about the mine at a relatively high transport speed or during cutting at a relatively slow cutting Vspeech-the improved propelling means being associated with the aforesaid adjustablesupportingmeans. Still another object is to provide in a mining machine of the aforesaid type improved herr" cutting mechanism and more particularly improved lrerf cutting mecha,- nism adaptedk to cut a lrerfat or near the level of the mine bottom. A further object is to provide an improved mining machine of thebottom cutting type 'which is of an exceedingly low compact character especially View taken on line 10.-.-10 of Fig. 9; V

adapted to use -in mines having low head room, the machine being comparatively short in length, thereby enabli-ngvthe inachineztol 1929;v serial 110.355,561.

negotiate turns with comparative facility. Still another .object is to provide an improved mining machine of the aforesaid type-havingl improved `and simplified mechanism for eI'- fecting tilting Vmovements of the 'cutting mechanism and to vary the elevation of the cutting mechanism, and having associated therewith improved truck wheel drivingk means. 'These and subsidiary objects and advantages will, however, subsequently more fully appear in the course of the following. i; description and more particularly as pointed out in the appended claims.

ln the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,- l l Fig. l is atop plan view of the illustrative embodiment ofy the improved mining machine,with .the cutter bar( broken away, vand with parts omitted. Fig. 2 is a right handside elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. l, the machine being shown in its lowered position, and with tlie'cutter bar broken away and parts omitted. Fig. 3 is a left hand side elevational view of the improvedmininfr machine, the machine being shown in its elevated position.

Fig. e is a longitudinally extending Verti-y cal sectional view illustrating the improved elevating and tilting mechanism.

nism shown in Fig. 5, parts being shown in Y section to illustrate detailsloi'y construction. Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on line 8-'8- of Fig. 3. l

Fig. Y9 is a horizontal longitudinally ex tendingsectional view takenon line 9,-'9

of Fig. 2, the view being partially shown in elevationf j Fig 10 is a transvrse vertical sectional Fig. 11 is a detail lsectional view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view taken on line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

Fig 13 is a diagrammatic view illust-rating the machine operating to effect an arcwall cut.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic viewillustrating the machine operating to eect a swinging cut.

Figs. 15 and 16 are diagrammatic views illustrating different tilted positions of the machine.

In this illustrative embodiment of the inn vention there is shown a coal cutting mining machine of the wheel mounted bottom cutter type adapted to operate from the mine track way and operative to insert a kerf in the'coal at or near the level of the mine bottom. As shown, the mining machine generally comprises a frame or body 2 mounted on improved adjustable wheeled supporting means 3 and adapted to run along a mine trackway 4. The frame or body 2 includes a motor section 5, a front cutter section 6, and a. frame section 7 interposed between the motor section and the cutter section and rigidly secured to each of the same. Secured to the f rear end of the motor section is a frame section 8 housing the electrical controlling devices for the motor while secured to the rear end of this frame section is a frame section 9housing transmission mechanism as hereinafter described. These frame sections 5, 6,

7, 8, and 9 are rigidly connected together thereby forming a rigidlow compact elongated frame or body mounted on the adjustable supporting means 3. As hereinafter more fully described, pivotally mounted on the

frame sections

7 and 8, respectively, are adjustable front and rear supports herein supporting arms or

legs

10 and 11 carrying Wheels 12 guided by the trackway 4, the

arms

10 and 11 and the wheels 12 constituting the supporting means for the machine. Piv- 'otally mounted on the cutter section 6 is an elongated plane cutter bar 13 having mounted on its margin for orbital movement, a cutter bit carrying cutter chain 14 of a usual design, the supporting means 3 being adjustable to position the cutter bar in different horizontal planes and to change the angle of the cutter bar relative to the horizontal, it being possible through theimproved adjustable supporting means 3 to position the cutter bar at or near the level of the mine bottom in advance of the trackway to enable the machine to operate as amounted bottom cutter. Housed within the motor section 5 is a motor 15 adapted to effect drive of the various mechanisms of the machine in either of opposite directions, herein a reversible motor of the electric type of an exceedingly low compact design having itsaxis horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine. VThis motor` anism while connected to the rear end of this motor are the driving Aconnections for the truck wheels, for the adjustable supporting means, and for a cable reel 16 which has wound thereon a usual conductor cable 17 adapted to conduct motive power from a suitable source of supply to the driving motor 15.

t ln specifically describing the improved cutting mechanism it will herein be noted that .keyed or otherwise secured to the forwardV end of the armature shaft 18 of the motor 15 isa coupling member 19 journaled in a ball bearing 2O suitably supported within the frame section 7, the coupling member supporting the forward end of the shaft 18. As shown in Fig. 5 suitably splined at 21 to the coupling member 19 is a shaft 22 alined with the motor shaft and journaled at its forward end in a ball bearing 23 suitably carried by a detachable support 24 suitablyv secured within the frame section 7. vl-Ierein formed integral with the shaft 22 at its forward end is a bevel pinion 25 meshing with a bevel gear 26 keyed at 27 to a vertical shaft 28. This shaft is j ournaled at its upper and lower ends within ball bearings 29 and 30 respectively, suitably positioned within the cutter frame 6. Secured to and rotatable with this shaft 28 is a spur pinion 31 meshing with a larger spur gear 32 rotatably mounted on ball bearings 33 supported by a vertical main cutter chain driving shaft 34. This shaft is journaled at its upper and lower ends within ball bearings 35 and 36 respectively, the lower ball bear? ing 36 being suitably supported within a detachable bearing member 37 to be hereinafter described. As indicated, the hub portion of the spur gear 32 is connected as by a semi-permanent clutch 38 to a clutch member 39 journaled on a bearing sleeve 40 surrounding and supported by the vertical shaft 34. This clutch member 39 has clutch teeth 41 which f* are connectible with clutch teeth 42 formed on the shaft 34 by means of a shiftable clutch member 45. Suitably fixed to the lower end of the vertical shaft 34 as by a key 46 is a cutter chain drive sprocket 47 which engages and drives the cutter chain 14. Carried by the bearing member 37 and engaging the hub of the cutter chain sprocket 47 is a ring-like member 48 carrying suitable packing material for preventing access of dirt or other f foreign substances to the ball bearing 36, similar packing material 49 carried by the bearing member 37 engaging the outer periphery of the shaft 34. The means for shifting the clutch member axially to connect or disconnect the clutch comprises a shipper yoke 50 pivotally connected at 51 to an adjustable pivotal mounting 52 threadedly connected to the cutter frame. `This shipper yoke 50 carries a pin 53 Vwhich engages cam slots 54 formed eccentricallyin an operating member 55 secured'to a horizontal shaft 56 extending transversely ofthe cutter head. This shaftj56 is rotatably mounted at 57 within the cutter frame and lhas fixed theretov at its opposite ends at opposite sides of the cutter head suitable operating handles 58 having suitable spring pressed lockingmeans 59 for maintaining the clutch shipper yoke 50 in its different adjusted positions. It will be evident that when the shaft is rotated, the member 55 is turned and the cam slots 54 engagingthe pin '53 on the shipper yoke swing the latter either upwardly or downwardly about its pivot 51 thereby shifting the clutch member 45 axially upwardly or downwardly as desired. The cutter bar 13is slidably mounted for lengthwise movement in suitable guideways 60 on a rotatable cutter-bar support or swivel 61, the cutter bar 13 being adjustable radially relative to the pivotal axis of the support by means of a screw member 62 threadedly connected to the bar support and having a head portion 63 engaging an upstanding abutment 64 formed integral with the cutter bar. This longitudinal adjustment of the cutter bar affordsmeans for varying the tension of the cutter chain. As shown in Fig. 5 the cutter bar support 61 is secured by screws 65 to a rotatable thrust ring 66, the support 61 and the thrust ring having 'annular bearingsurfaces respectively engaging thrust washers 67 supported by a flange 68 formed on a relatively stationary annular bearing member 69. This bearing member 69 is fixed by screws 7 0 to depending `bosses or lugs 71 herein preferably formed integral with the cutter frame 6. The cutter bar sup-v port 61 is provided with a central bearing support or hub 72 to which is rigidly secured the bearing member 37 the latter being rotatably mounted in a bearing sleeve 73 supported within a cylindrical portion 74 arranged concentrically with the main drive shaft 34 and formed integral with the cutter frame. It will thus be Seen thatthe parts 61, 66, and 68 cooperate to form a turntable or swivel mounting for the cutter bar whereby the latter may be swung or slued relative to the cutter frame about theraxis of the cutter chain driven shaft 34. v Y

Mechanism is employed for effecting bar swing at a slow cuttingspeed in one direction or at a fast bar positioning speed in the opposite direction and herein includes spur pinions 76 and 7 7 respectivelyrsecured to

vertical shafts

78 and 79 suitably journaled within the cut-ter frame 6. These shafts have respectively secured thereto

worms

80 and 81` having teeth of different lead` and which .mesh respectively with fast and slow speed worm wheels 82 and 83 as clearly shown in Fig. 6.

These worm wheels 82 and 83 are selectively connectible by individual friction clutches to a horizontally. disposed hollow shaft 84 ex-v tion clutches yfor the worm wheels are identical in structure and therefore a description of one will suffice for both. Carried by the worm wheel 82 are clutch plates 86 which are,y 'interengaged with clutch y plates 87 carried opposite endsof this rod are operating han-V dles 94 conveniently located at opposite sides of the cutter head. Interposed between the hub portion of each of the handles 94 .and the pressure plates 91 is a .ball thrust bearing 95. It is therefore evident that when the operating handle 94 is turned in the proper direction the operating rod 93'is moved axially relative to the shaft 84, thereby moving the pressure plate 91 inwardly v and forcing the

clutch plates

86 and 87 together, and as a result the wormV wheel 82 is connected in driving relation with the shaft 84, rotating the latter at a fast speed. Itv will also be evident that when the handle 94 is turned in the opposite direction the clutch within the worm wheel 82 is released and the clutch within the worm wheel 83 is applied, thereby effecting rotation of the shaft 84 in the opposite direction at a relatively'slow speed. As illustrated,

the worm V85 meshes with a worm wheel96 connectible by a clutch device 97 to a shaft 98. This shaft is journaled at its opposite en ds in ball bearings 99 and secured thereto at its lower end is a spur pinion 100 which mesheswith the teeth of an internal gear 101 herein preferably Vformed integral with the thrust ring 66 of the swiveled bar support.

It is therefore evident that when one or thev Referring more particularly to the irnproved adjustable supporting means 3 it 4will be noted that suitably connected to the rear end of the motor shaft 18 is a spur pinion 106 meshing with a spur gear 107 suitably secured to Va horizontal' longitudinally extending shaft 108 suitably journaled within the frame section 9, the shaft 108 being disposed parallel with the motor shaft and 'in a plane slightly below the latter. The shaft 108 has secured vthereto a spur pinion 109 .which meshes with'a larger spur gear 110 fixed tol lizo a shaft 111 arranged parallel with the shaft 108. The shaft 111 has keyed thereto as at 112 a slow speed worm 118 which meshes with a worm wheel 114. Secured to the shaft 108 is a fast speed worm 115 having teeth of different lead from Jthe teeth of the Worm 118 and which meshes with a worm wheel 116. As shown, the

worm wheels

114 and 116 are coaXially arranged and are journaled on ball bearings 117 supported by a horizontal transversely extending shaft 118. This shaft 118 is j ournaled at its opposite ends in ball bearings 119 and at its center in a ball bearing 120, these bearings being suitably supported within the frame section 9. As the clutch mechanisms 121 and 122 for selectively connecting the

worm wheels

114, 116 respectively to the shaft 118 to effectrotation of the latter at either a relatively fast speed or a relatively slow speed are substantially identical, detailed description of one will suffice for both.V The worm wheel 114 carries clutch plates 128 which interengage with clutch plates 124 carried by a clutch member 125 keyed to the shaft 118. Encircling the clutch member 125 and slidable axially thereon is a clutch applying member 126. .falso encircling the clutch member 125 and disposed at opposite ends of the shaft 118 are

clutch shippermembers

127 and 128, suitable ball thrust bearings 129 being interposed between the members 126 and the

members

127 and 128 respectively. As clearly shown in Fig. 10, disposed above the shaft 128 and parallel therewith is a plural-part actuating rod 181 slidably mounted within the frame section 9. Pivotally connected adjacent the opposite ends of this rod are clutch shipper yolres 182 and 188 cooperating respectively Vwith the

clutch shipper members

127 and 128. These shipper yokes are also pivotally connected as at 184 to link members 185, these link inembers in turn being pivotally connected as at 186 to the frame. As shown, the intermediate portion of the rod 181 is transversely slotted as at 187 and the bifurcated end of a pivoted lever 188 cooperates with these slots. This lever is pivoted as at 189 on the top of the frame section 9 and is adapted to be swung about its pivot bv improved operating means to be later described to effect alternative application of the friction clutchesI 121 and 122 within the worm wheels to connect either the fast speed or the slow speed worm wheel to the shaft 118. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, suitably secured to one end of the shaft 118 is a bevel pinion 14() which meshes with bevel gears 141 and'142 rotating in opposite directions and constituting a re fersing mechanism as hereinafter more fully described. These gears are each provided with a hub portion 148 journaled on a bearing sleeve 144 carried by a longitudinally extending shaft 145 having its axial line arranged perpendicular to the axial line of the shaft 118. As shown the shaft 145 is journaled at its opposite ends in suitable ball bearings 146 supported Within the frame section 9. Carried within each of theI bevel gears 141 and 142 are friction clutches 147 and 148 respectively, each comprising clutch plates 149 rotating with the gears and interengaging with clutch plates 150 carried by clutch members 151 key-ed to the shaft 145. Encircling the hubs of the gears 141, 142 are clutch applying members 152 having ngers projecting through apertures formed in their respective gears into engagement with the adjacent end clutch plates. Disposed between the-clutch applying members 152 and encircling the hubs of the bevel gears is a clutch shipper 158, suitable ball thrust bearings being interposed between the clutch shipper member and each of the clutch applying members 152. Engaging a peripheral groove formed on the clutch shipper member 158 is a clutch shipper yoke 154 pivotally connected at 155 to the frame section 9. This shipper yoke is also pivotally connected at 156 to Aan adjustable nut 157 threadedly connected at 158 to an operating rod 159 slidably mounted within the frame. The operating means for this rod will be hereinafter described. llt will thus be evident that when the clutch in one or the other of the bevel gears 141. 142 is applied, the shaft 145 may be rot-ated in one direction or the other and also upon suitable application of the friction clutches within the

worin wheels

114, 116,

this shaft may be rotated at either a fast or slow speed. As shown, secured to the forward end of the shaft 145 as by a detachale coupling member 166 and alinedwith the shaft is a shaft 161 which extends longitudinally of the machine along one side of the machine frame. As shown in Fig. 4, arranged forwardly of the shaft 161 and alined therewith is a shaft 162, these shafts being journaled at their adjacent ends within the ball bearings 168 suitably supported within a gear housing 164 carried at the side of the machine frame, the forward end of the shaft 162V also being journaled in ball bearing 165. Encircling the

shafts

161 and 162 respectively and suitably journaled within suitable ball and roller bearings on the machine frame are

worms

166 and 167 which mesh with

worm gear segments

168 and 169 respectively. Also referring to Fig. 8, it will be noted that the

worm gear segments

168, 169 are secured by bolts 170 to flanged arm portions 171 herein formed integral with the supporting arms 10 and 11V respectively.

rfhe worms

166 and 167 are connectible to the

shafts

161 and 162 respectively by mea-ns of friction clutches V172 and 178. These clutches each comprise a clutch member 174 keyed to its respective shaft and carrying clutch plates 175 which interengage with i clutch plates 176 carried-by a rotatable clutch connected at 183 to a reciprccable operating rod 184. This rod is in turn pivotally connected at 185 to a pivoted operating lever 186. A similarshipper yoke 187 engages the clutch shipper member for the friction 'clutch 173 and is pivotally connectedA at 188 to a link 189 in turn pivotally connected at 190 to a pivoted operating lever 191. These

levers

186 and 191 are'pivotally mounted onr the top of the machine frame andV extend transversely across the frame and are provided with suitable 'grasping portions conveniently located at they operators side of the machine. VIt will thus be seenl that when the friction clutches 172, 173 are both applied the

worms

166 and 167 are simultaneously rotated, swinging the Wheeled supporting

arms

10 and 11 about their pivots and thereby moving the machine frame togetherwith the cutting mechanism carried thereby into different elevated positions. It will also be evident that when one or the other of the

worms

166, 167 is rotated while the other remains stationary, one of the supporting

arms

10 and 11 may be swung relative to therother, thereby effecting tilting movement of the'machine frame about a transverse axis to either tilt-the cutter bar upwardly or downwardly as desired. It will also be evident thatthrough the connections described above the wheeled supporting arms 10 and 1l may be swung about their pivots in opposite directionsat either a fast speed or a relatively slow speed.

The improved operating vmea-ns for the clutch shipper lever 138 and the clutch shipper yoke 154 will now be described. The lever 138 is pivotally connected at its outer end to a two-part trunnion 193 having arranged t-herein a ball thrust bearing 19.4 which engages an actuating shaft or rod 195, the latter being horizontally disposed and eX- tending transversely of the machine.l The outer end ofthis rod has keyed thereto at 196 a clutch member 197having clutch teeth 198. The teeth of this clutch member are adapted to cooperate withinternal clutch teeth 199 formed within a hand wheel 200 encircling the'clutch member 197 and slidable axially relative thereto. As illustrated in Fig; 11, the teeth 199 are also adapted to engage clutch teeth 201 formed Von a pressure screw 202 threadedly connected to a nut 203 herein preferablyformed integralwith a bracket 204 rigidly secured to theside of u the machine frame. 1 Interposed between the hub of the clutch member y197 and the pressure screw 202 is a ball thrust bearing 205 while a similar ball thrust bearing 206 is interposed between the pressure screw and a shoulder on the rod 195. lt will thus be evidi v ent that when'the clutch teeth 199 and 201 are connected and upon rotation of the hand wheel v200. the pressure screw 202 is moved vaxially relativeto the stationary nutv 203 and as a result Ythe rod 195 is'shifted axially thereby effecting swinging movement of the lever 138 and as a result one or the other of the frictionA clutches 121 and 122 within the slow and fast speed worm wheels-114 and v116 is applied while the other clutch isreleased. Herein ypreferably formed integral withtherod`195 are cranks or arms'207 pivotally and slidably connected by a pin 208 to a toggle link orarmr209, the latter in turn being pivotally connectedv at 210 to a locking arm 211 keyed at 212 to a horizontal actuating shaft 213 arranged parallel with the shaft 195.V The shaft 213 is rotatably mounted on the machine frame and secured to this shaft is a bifurcated crankY or, arm 214 having its projecting ends disposedbetween spaced collars or abutments 215 car` ried by the actuating rod 159 for theclutch shipper yoke F rom the foregoing it is evident that when the hand wheel 200 fis shifted .outwardly and the clutch teeth 198 e 4rotative movement is transmitted, through the cranks 207, toggle link, and rockerv arm. to the transverse shaft 213 and as a result the crank 214 is swung, thereby shifting the` rod 159 axially and applying Vone or the otherof the friction clutches 147 and 148 within the bevel gears 141, 142.. Consequently'one or the other of these bevel gears is connected in driving relation with the transverse shaft 118. Itis therefore evident that the single hand wheel 200 is adapted to control both the clutches 121 and 122 within the

worm wheels

114 and 116 and the clutches 147 and 148 within the reverse bevels 141 and 142.

Now referringv more particularly to the improved truck wheel driving mechanism it will be observed that the inner ends of the

shafts

161 and 162 are keyed at 216 tothe sleeve portion of a vworm 217. 217 meshes with a worm wheel 219 (see Fig. 7) having its hub journaled in a ball bearing 220 suitably supported by the ,gear housing. This worm wheel is suitably hxed as by keying, to a transverse shaftf221 journaled within the gear housing. Thehub of this worm wheel has slidable therethrough and ner ends with This worm roo iso

This chain sprocket is j ournaled on the shaft 221 and is connectible thereto for rotation therewith upon connection of the clutch keys with the clutch teeth 223. Engaging slots or grooves 225 on the clutch keys 222 is an annular shipper member226 for sliding the keys into their different positions. Also engaging a peripheral groove on this shipper member 226 is a pivoted shipper yoke 227 fixed to a vertical operating shaft 228 rotatably mounted within the gear housing. Secured to the upper end of this shaft (see Fig. 1) is an arm 229 pivotally connected at 230 to an operating rod 231 extending transversely across the top of the machine frame and having at its other end an operating handle 232 conveniently located adjacent the

handles

186 and 191 heretofore described. As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the chain sprocket 224 is connected by an endless chain connection 233 to a sprocket 234 keyed at 235 to a horizontal transversely extending shaft 236. This shaft is arranged withits axis coincident with the pivotal axis of the rear supporting arm 11 and is journaled its outer end within a roller bearing 237 suitably carried within the hub portion of the flanged arm 171 and at its inner end within a bear-- ing sleeve 238 carried within spaced projections 239 formed integral with the frame section 8. As shown in Fig. 8, the shaft 236 is connected at its inner end as by a semi-permanent clutch 240 to a hollow sleevelike connection 241 which is in turn connected as by a semi-permanent clutch 242 to a shaft 243 alined with the shaft 236. r1`his shaft 243 is journaled at its inner end within a bearing Isleeve 244 similar to the bearing sleeve 238 and likewise supported within projecting portions 245 formed integral with the frame section 8. lt will herein be noted that the bearing sleeves 238, 244 within which the

shafts

236, 243 are respectively journaled also form pivotal supports for the rear supporting arm 11, the projecting frame por

tions

239, 245 each having interposed between its spaced projections ahub 246 carrying a bearing sleeve 247 which engages the bearing sleeves 238, 244 respectively. The front supporting arm 10 is similarly ivotally supported within. projecting frame portions, similar to

theframe portions

239, 245, formed integral with the frame section 7. Again referring to the truck wheel drive it will be noted that the outer end of the shaft 243 is journaled in a roller bearing 248 carried within an annular bearing support 249 connected by a projecting arm 250 to the rear supporting arm 1'1. Fixed as by a key 251 to the outer end of'this shaft is a sprocket 252 which is connected by an endless chain con.- nection 253 to a sprocket 254 keyed to a rear axle 255. As shown in Fig. 7, the axle 255 is journaled in roller bearings 256 carried within the lower end of the supporting arm 11,

this supporting arm being pivotally connected to the axle. Secured to the opposite ends of the axle 255 are the rear truck Wheels 12. Also secured to the outer end of the shaft 243 is a chain sprocket 257 connected by an endless chain connection 258 to a sprocket 259 suitably secured to a transversely extend- Y the rear axle 255 is journaled within its respective supporting arm. It will thus' be seen that when the clutch 223, 224 is connected, the truck wheels may be driven from the motor through worm gearing 217, 219, chain and

sprocket connection

225, 233, 234, the

transverse shafts

236, 243, chain and

sprocket connection

252, 253, 254 to the rear truck axle, and through chain and

sprocket connections

257, 258, 259 and 261, 262, 263 to the front truck axle, the driving connections being so arranged with respect to the pivotal axes of the supporting

arms

10 and 11 that the truck wheels may be driven irrespective of the angular` position of the supporting arms relative to the machine frame. lt will also be evident that upon suitable application of the friction clutches within the reverse bevels 141 and 142 and the friction clutches Within the fast and slow

speed worm wheels

116 and 114 the truck wheels may be driven in opposite directions at either arelatively fast transport speed or at a relatively slow cutting speed.

Improved braking mechanism is provided for controlling rotation of the truck wheels and herein comprises brake drums 265 keyed to the

shafts

243 and 260 respectively and having cooperating therewith contractable brake bands 266. Each of these brake bands has suitable toggle operating mechanism 267 (see Fig. 3) provided with suitable lever controlling mechanism including a ,connecting link 268 and an operating lever 269. A suitable ratchet 270 secured to the side of the machine frame is employed for holding the lever 269 in its diiferent adjusted positions. The improved means for driving the cable reel 16 to wind in'or pay out the conductor The shaft 271 is connected to this il' the cable reel 16 may be rotated inl one direction or another upon sutiable application of one or the other of the friction clutches 147 and 148 within the reverse bevels 141, 142 and upon suitable application of the fast and'slow speed controlling clutches 122 and 121 within the

worms

116 and 114 the cable reel may be driven at either a fast or slow speed. The clutch 272 may berreleased at will toV disconnect the cable reel from its drive. This reel drive is described in a copending application Serial No. 230,034, filed V'October 31, 1927.

The general mode of operation will now be briefly described, the operation of the various mechanisms of the machine having al* ready been described in detail. The machine is propelled about the mine at a relatively fast transport speed by the motor 15 under the control of the fast speed friction clutch 122 and the friction clutch-148. As the machine advances along the traclrwaythe cable reel 16 may be operated to unwind the conductor cable 17. `When the working place is reached the' aboveV mentioned clutches are thrown out disconnecting the truck Wheel drive from the motor. lf it is desired to make an arcwall cut the slow speed friction clutch 121 is applied and upon application of the friction clutch 148 within the reverse bevel 142 and friction clutch 172 and 17 3 controlling rotation of the

worms

166, 167 the supporting

arms

10 and 11 are swung to effect lowering of the cutter bar to the desired position above the rails of the mine traclrway, the clutches thereafter being released. The operator then grasps the handle 94 and applies the fast

speed friction clutch

86, 87 within the fast speed worm wheel 82 and the cutter bar 13 is swung at a relatively fast bar positioning speed from' the position shown in Fig. 1 laterally to the dotted line position shown at A. in Fig. 13, the clutch thereafter being released. Theoperator then connects the clutch 41, 42, thereby connecting the cutter chain drive sprocket 47 `in driving relation with the motor and the cutter chain 14 is rapidly circulated about the outer edges of the cutter bar' 13. The slow speed friction clutch 121 is then applied, the truck

wheel drive clutch

222, 223 is connected, and upon application of the frictionV clutch 143 within the bevel gear 142, the truck wheels 12 are driven by the motor 15 at a relativelyA slow speed thereby propelling the machine' bodily along the mine traclway at a cutting speed and sumping the cutter bar beneath the coal, the bar moving from the position A in Fig. 13 to position B during its sumping cut; The friction clutches are then released and the clutch 222, 223 disconnected. ator then grasps the'brake lever 269 and the brakes set, thereby holding the truclt wheels 12 against rotation. The slow speed friction clutch within the worm wheel 83 yis The oper-f` then applied and the cutter bar 13 is swung or slued about its pivotal axis from right to l'left at a relatively slow cutting speed from chine is propelled bodily rearwardly along the mine traclrway at a relatively slow cutting speed thereby movingthe cutter bar 13 rearwardly from the position-C inFig. 13 to position D, the clutch-es thereafter being released. The cutter bar is then swung from position D in F ig. 13 to its central position shown in F ig. 1. The operator then applies friction clutch 147 within the reverse bevel 141 and friction clutches 172 and 173 controlling the

worms

166 and 167 and the sup-` porting arms 10 and l11 are moved upwardly from the position,l shown in 1F ig. 2 tothe position shown in Fig. 3 thereby elevating the cutter bar to a position'aI substantial distance above the track rails. The' operator then applies the fast speed friction Yclutch 122 and the reverse friction clutch 147 within the reverse bevel -141 and upon connection of the truck

wheel drive clutch

222, 223; the truck wheels 12 are driven to propel the machine bodily rearwardly along the mine traclway at a fast transport speed. y cable reel 16 winds up the conductor cable 17 as the machine moves rearwardly.

lf it is desired to tilt the lcutting mechanism about a transverse airis to position the cutter bar at an angle relative to the horizontal, for instanceto tilt the cutter bar 13V into the position shown in Fig. 15, the friction clutch 172 controlling the worm 166 is applied while the clutch 173'controlling the worin 167 is released and upon proper rotation of the shaft 161 the worm 166 is rotated thereby moving the rear supporting arm 11 upwardly while the front supporting arm remains stationary, thereby tilting the machine about the front truck axle. lf it is desired to tilt the cutter bar upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 16, the clutch 17 3 is applied while the clutch 17 2 is released andthe front supporting arm 10 is moved upwardly while the rear supporting arm remains stationary thereby tilting the machine about the rear truck axle. ltwill be noted that upon suitable application of the friction clutches 17 2, 173 the machine supporting arms may be swung independently or simultaneously as desired, it being possible to tilt the cutting mechanism upwardly or downwardly to suit.

different conditions of cutting, it also ybeing possible to move the cutting mechanism tok position the cutter bar into different parallel planes relative to the mine bottom to enable the machine to cut either at the level of they mine bottom or at a substantial distance above the mine bottom.

1f it is desired to male a swinging cut as shown in Fig. 111, at or near the level of the mine bottom, the slow speed friction clutch 121 is applied and upon application of the friction clutch 148 within the reverse bevel 142 and friction clutches 172 and 178 controlling rotation of the

worms

166 and 167 the supporting

arms

10 and 11 are moved downwardly from their raised position shown in Fig. 3 to their lowered position shown in Figs. 2 and el, thereby moving the cutter bar to the position shown in Fig. 2 at or near the level of the mine bottom in advance of the mine traclrway, the clutches thereafter being released. The cutter bar is then swung laterally at a fast bar positioning speed into the dotted line position indicated at E. The slow speed bar swinging clutch is then applied and the cutter bar 13 is swung laterally in its plane from position E in Fig. 111 to position F in that ligure. An intermediate position of the cutter bar during the swinging cut is indicated at Gr in 14h lt is obvious from the foregoing description that in any of the aforesaid positions of the cutter bar the latter may be swung at fast bar positioning speed in one direction and at a relatively slow cutting speed in the opposite direction, it being possible by suitable actuation of the cutter' chain clutch 41, 1-2, 45 to effect bar swing while the cutter chain drive is disconnected from the motor. llt will also be noted that while the machine is shown as operating as a bottom cutter at or near the level of the mine bottom it is possible to elevate the cutter bar a substantial distance above the mine bottom, the invention not being estricte'd to a purely bottom cutting machine. These and other uses and operations of the improved miningA machine will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

As a result of this invention it will be noted that an improved mining machine is provided which is capable of cutting a kerl at or near the level of the mine bottom, thereby7 eliminating the necessity of cleaning up the bottom as cutting progresses. lt will further be noted that by the provision of adjustable supporting means for the cutting mechanism it is possible not only to vary the elevation of the cutter bar relative to the mine bottom but it is also possible to tilt the cutter bar about a transverse axis either upwardly or downwardly.

i Itwill still further be evident that an imenabling the cutter bar to swing transversely in its plane across the mine trclway. lt will further be seen that the machine, although shown as operating as an entry driver or heading machine, it is also possible to swing the cutter bar laterally to a position at right angles to `the major dimension of the machine and to adjust the critter bar into different elevations while so disposed, thereby enabling the machine to operate as a longwall cutter and rendering the same capable of widening the entry or to do slabbing work.

`While there is in this application specifically described one embodiment which the invention may assume in practice, it will be noted that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustra-tion and that the invention may be modified and embodied in yarious other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

W hat 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. 1n a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, said cutting mechanism including a lrerf cutter pivoted to swing coinpletely across the forward end of the machine without adjustment of said supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation of said cutting mechanism and to effect tilting of the plane cf swing of said lrerf cutter about a horizontal axis extending at right angles to the direction of bodily movement of the machine during cutting including an independent drive and control for each of said supports and adjusting elements driven and controlled thereby and operatively connected to said supports at the same side of the machine.

2. 1n a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a diving motor, adjustable supporting means for said cutting mechanism including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, said cutting mechanism including a lrerf cutter pivoted to swing completely across the forward end of the machine without adjustment of said supports, and mechanism driven by said motor for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation of said cutting mechanism and to effect tilting of the plane of swing of said lrerf cutter about a. horizontal axis extending at right angles to the direction of bodily movement of the machine during cutting including an independent drive and control for each of said supports and adjusting elements driven and controlled thereby and operatively connected to said supports at the same side of the machine.

3. ln a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, said cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter pivoted to swing completely across the forward end of the machine without adjustment of said supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elet/'ation of said cutting mechanism and to effect tilting of the plane of swing of said kerf cutter about a horizontal aXis extending at right angles to the direction of bodily movement of the machine during cutting including an independent drive for each support and adjusting elements driven thereby and operatively connected with said supports at the same side of the machine, each drive including an individual controlling clutch.

Lf In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a driving motor, adjustable supporting means for said cutting mechanism including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, said cutting mechanism including a. kerf cutter pivoted to swing completely across the forward vend of the machine without adjustment of said supports, and mechanism driven by said motor for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle of said cutting mechanism including an independent'drive for each support and adjusting elements drivenA thereby and operatively connected with said supports at the same side of the machine, each drive includ- ^1 ing-an individual controlling clutch.

5. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, said-cutting mechanism including a lerf cutter pivoted to swing completely across the forward end of the machine without adjustment of said supports and motor operated mechanism for separately. or simultaneously angularly adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle of said cutting mechanism including a worm gear element rigidly connected to each support and adjustable angularly therewith, a worm meshing withaeach gear element, and an individual controllingclutch for each worm'.v f

6. In a mining machine', cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including. relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and the angle of said cutting mechanism including a transmission shaft extending l ngitudinally of the machine, worms coaxial with said shaft and respectively operatively connected to said supports, and an vindividual controlling clutch foreach worm for connecting the same to said shaft. K

. 7. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a driving motor, adjustable supporting means for sa-id'cutting mechanism including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and mechanism driven by said'motor for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and anle of said cutting mechanism including a transmission'shaft-extending longitudinally of the machine, worms coaxial with saidshaft and respectively operatively connected to said supports, andan individual controlling clutch for each worm for connecting the same to said shaft.

8. In a. mining machine, .cutting Amechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including front and rear elevating mechaisms, said cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter vpivoted to swing completely across the forward endof the machine without adjustment of said elevating mechanism, and motor operated mechanism fo-r independently actuating 'said elevating mechanisms including aseparate drive and control for each elevating mechanism and adjusting elements idriven and controlled thereby and at yall times operatively connected to said elevatingV mechanisms at the same'side of the machine irrespective of the adjusted positions of said velevating mechanisms.

9. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a driving motor,adjustable supporting means for said cutting mechanism' including front .and rear elevating mechanisms, said cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter pivoted to swing completely across the forward end ofthe machine without adjustment of said elevating mechanisms, and mechanism driven by said motor for independently Vactuating said elevating mechanisms including a separate drive'and control for each elevating mechanism and adjusting elements driven and controlled thereby and at all .times operativelyv connected to saidv elevating mechanisms at the same `side of the machine irrespective' of the adjusted positions of ysaid eleva-ting mechanisms. j

10. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the` elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shaftingextending longitudinally along one side of the machine and rotatable' in bearings which bear a uniform relation to each other at all times, and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports.

l1. In a mining machine,.cutting mechanism, adjustabley supporting means. therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle 1n altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and rotatable in bearings which bear a uniform relation to each other at all times, and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, each drive and control means including intermeshing gear elements connected to its respective support and a clutch for connecting said gearing in driving relation with said shafting.

12. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between sad shafting and each of said supports, and mechanism driven by said shafting for propelling the apparatus along the mine trackway.

13. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear lsupports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, and mechanism driven by said shafting for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track.

14. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one .side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, each drive and control means including intermeshing gear elements connected to its respective support and a clutch for connectingsaid gearing in driving relation with said shafting, and mechanism driven by Isaid shafting for propelling the apparatus along the mine trackway.

15. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longituw dinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, each drive and control means including intermeshing gear elements connected to its respective .support and a clutch for connecting said gearing in driving relation with said shafting and mechanism driven by Isaid shafting for drivig the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track.

16. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine, and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, each drive and cont-rol means including intermeshing gear elements connected to their respective supports and a clutch for connecting said gearing in driving relation with said shafting, and mechanism driven by said shafting for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track including gearing connected to said shafting between the points of connection thereof with the gearings of said adjusting mechanism.

17. In a mining machine. cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said V supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and rotatable in bearings which bear a uniform relation to each other at all times, and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, each including a worm and a worm gear element meshing therewith and a clutch for connecting said worm in driving relation with said shafting.

18. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run alo-ng a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adj ustino said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mecha nism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, each inlll cluding a worm and a worm gear element 15J meshing therewith and a clutch for connecting said worm in driving relation with said shafting, and mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track including a worm connected to said shafting between the points of connection of said first mentioned worms therewith.

19. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and rotatable in bearings which bear a uniform relation to each other at all times, gears mounted for rotation coaxially with the shafting, gear elements with which said gears mesh and respectively connected to the front and rear supports and clutches -for connecting said gears in driving relation with said shafting.

20. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and rotatable in bearings which bear a uniform relation to each other at all times, gears mounted for rotation coaxially with the shafting, gear elements with which said gears mesh and respectively connected to the front and rear supports, and clutches for connecting'said gears in driving relation with said shafting, and mechanismV including a gear connected to the shafting intermediate said first named gears for propelling the apparatus. 1

21. In a mining machine, cutting mechanisms, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting` mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine, gears mounted for rotation coaxial with the shafting, gear elements with which said gears mesh and respectively connected tothe front and rear supports, and clutches for connecting said gears in driving yrelation with said shafting, Vand mechanism including a gear connected to the shafting intermediate said first named gears and operatively connected to the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track.

22. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, said cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter pivoted'to swing completely across the forward end of the machine to cut a horizontal lrerf in the coal face and without adjustment of said supports, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation of said cutting mechanism and to effect tilting of the plane of swing of said kerf cutter about a horizontal' axis extending at right angles to the direction of bodily movement of the machine during cutting including an independent drive kand control for each of said supports and adjusting elements driven and controlled thereby and operatively connected to said supports at the same side of the machine, and mechanism for propelling the machine.Y

28. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine traclr, said cutting mechanism including a lrerf cutter pivoted to swing completely across the forward end of the machine to cut a horizontal kerf in th-e coal face and withoutadjustment of mine track.

24. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, andmotor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supporting arms to vary they elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms.

25. Ina mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adj usting. said supporting armste vary the-elevation and angle in altitude of the cuttingv mechanism including shaft'ing extending longitudinally alongone side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms, said drive L igtr and control means each including intermeshing gear elements connected to its respective supporting arm and a clutch for connecting said gearing in driving relation with said shafting.

26. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supporting arms to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting ext-ending longitudinally along one side of the machine, and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms, and mechanism driven by said shafting for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track.

27. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supporting arms to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms, each drive and control means including intermeshing gear elements connected to its respective supporting arm and a clutch for connecting said gearing in driving relation with said shafting, and mechanism driven by said shafting for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track.

28. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism,` adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supporting arms to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms, each drive and control means including intermeshing gear elements connected to its respective supportting arm and a clutch for connecting said gearing in driving relation with said shafting, and mechanism driven by said shafting for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track, and including gearing connected to said' shafting between the points of connection thereof with. the gearings of said adjusting mechanism.

29. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supports, and mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track including a gear driven by said shafting, a gear meshing therewith and clutch controlled connections between said last named gear and the truck wheels. Y

30. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting-means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supporting arms to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms, andmechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track including a worm driven by said shafting, a worm wheel meshing therewith and clutch controlled connections between said worm wheel and the truck wheels.

3l. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said' supporting arms to vary the elevation and angle in alti'- tude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive andy control means between said shafting and each of said supporting arms, and mechanism for driving thetruek wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track including a gear driven by said shafting, a gear meshing therewith, and clutch controlled connections between said last named gear and the truck wheels for driving the latter irrespective of the position of the supporting arms about their pivots.

32. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear pivoted supporting arms each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting` said supporting arms to vary the elevation and angle in alti'- tude of the cutting mechanism including shafting extending longitudinally along one side of the machine and separate drive and cont-rol means between said shatting and each of said supporting arms, and mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine track including a worm driven by said shafting, a worm Wheel mesh- A ing therewith and clutch controlled connections between said worm wheel and the truck wheels for driving the latter irrespective of the position of the supporting arms about their pivots.

33. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude ot the cutting mechanism including a separate motor operated drive and control means for each ot said supports, each drive and control means including a worm, a separate controlling clutch therefor, and a worm gear segment with which said worm meshes and which is directly connected to its support.

34. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports, and motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in j altitude of the cutting mechanism including a separate motor operated drive and control means for each of said supports, each drive and control means including a worm, a separate controlling clutch therefor, and a worm 'Y eo gear segment with which said worm meshes and which is directly connected to a support, said worm gearing being self-locking for automatically holding said supports in their adjusted position.

35. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the'cutting mechanism, and motor operated mechanism :tor driving the truck wheels to propel'the apparatus, said adjust-ing mechanism and said truck wheel driving mechanism including three coaxial gears disposed with their axes parallel with a vertical plane extending longitudinally of the machine, connections between two of said gears and said supports respectively, and connections between the third gear and the truck wheels.

36. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operatec mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mecha- 1 nism, and motor operated mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus, said adjusting mechanism and said truck wheel driving mechanism including three coaxial worms, connections between two of said worms and said supports respectively, and connections between the third worm and the truck wheels.

37. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism, and motor operated mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus, said adjusting mechanism and said truck wheel driving rmechanism including threey coaxial gears disposed with their axes parallel with a vertical plane extending longitudinally of the machine, connections between two ot said gears and said supports respectively, and connections between the third gear and the truck wheels, said support adjusting gears each having an individual controlling clutch.

38. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or simultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and `angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism. and motor operated mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus, said adjusting mechanism and said truck wheel driving mechanism including three coaxial worms, connections between two of said worms and said supports respectively, and'connections between the third worm and thev truck wheels, said support adjusting worms each having an individual controlling clutch.

39. yIn a mining machine, cutting mecha.- nism, adjustable supporting means therefor including relatively adjustable front and r rear supports each carrying truck wheels adapted to run along a mine track, motor operated mechanism for separately or siinultaneously adjusting said supports to vary the elevation and angle in altitude ot the cutting mechanism, and motor operated mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus, said adjusting mechanism and said truck wheel driving mechanism including three coaxial gears disposed with lul