US1875336A - Mining- machine - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 6, 1932. M. P. HOLMES 1,875,336

MINING MACHINE Filed June 3, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 6, 1932. M. P HOLMES 1,875,336

MINING MACHINE Filed June 3, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 fin 1932. M.,P. HOLMES 1,875,336

' MINING MACHINE Filed June 5, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Sept. 6, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE IVIORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MA CHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MINING MACHINE Application filed June 3, 1929. Serial No. 367,895.

This invention relates to mining machines, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to coal mining machines of the flexibly fed, continuous cutter type.

An ob 'ect of this invention isto provide an improved coal mining machine. Another object is to provide an improved coal mining machine having improved feeding mechanism. Another object is to provide an improved coal mining machine of the flexibly fed, bottom cutting type having improved feeding and guiding means. Still another object is to provide an improved bottom cutting mining machine of the flexibly fed, room and pillar type having improved feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members and cooperating flexible feeding means, and improved driving and controlling means for the said feed operating and controlling members. Still another object is to provide an improved mining machine of the aforesaid type having improved feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling winding drums and cooperating feeding and controlling cables, and improved driving and controlling means for each drum. Another object is to provide in a mining machine of the aforesaid type separate driving and controlling means for each winding drum whereby the drums may be separately or simultaneously-drivenat either a relatively slow speed or a relatively high speed. Yet another object is to providein a mining machine of the aforesaidtype improved feeding mechanism including separate driving and controlling means for each winding drum whereby the drums maybe rotated in winding direction either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, or may rotate. in unwind-ing direction under various degrees of frictional resistance or-freely. Another object is to provide improved guiding means for the flexible feeding means of such a machine. These and subsidiary objects of this invention will, however, subsequently more fully appear.

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

In these drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a top plan View of an illustrative embodiment of the improved mining inachine, the cutter bar being partially broken away.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the ma: chine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear end elevational view of the improved mining machine.

Figl is an enlarged top plan view, partially shown in horizontal section, illustrating the improved feeding mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a central, longitudinally extending, vertical sectional view taken substantiaL ly on line 55 of Figs. 1 and 4:.

Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, taken substantially on line 66 of Figs. 2 and 5, parts being omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, taken substantially on line 77 of Fig. 4, parts being omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view illustrating the cutter chain drive clutch and the operat-. ing mechanism therefor.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view illustrating the improved operating means for the vention there is shown a coal mining ma chine of the flexibly fed continuous cutter, room and pillar type generallycomprising a frame or body 1 adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction. over the mine floor. Rigidly secured within this frame and projecting forwardly lengthwise thereof is an elongated horizontal plane cutter bar 2 about the outer edges of which an endless cutter bit carrying cutter chain 3 is mounted. The machine is adapted to be fed bodily laterally across the coal face to insert a horizontal kerf at the base of the mine wall and guided during such feeding movement by means of relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members 4t and 5 arranged at opposite sides of the machine at the rear end thereof on transverse axes and cooperating respectively with flexible feeding elements 6 and 7. The feed operating and controlling members 1 and 5 and their cooperating flexible feeding elements 6 and 7 are herein in the form of winding drums and cooperating feed cables or ropes. The frame or body 1 comprises a bed frame 8 supported on a bottom plate or shoe 9, the latter having a smooth bottom plane surface 10 upon which the machine rests and slides. The bed frame 8 supports at the front end thereof a motor section 11 arranged directly above the rear end of the cutter bar 2. Arranged at the rear of the motor section 11 and likewise "supported by the bed section 8 is a frame section 12 housing the driving mechanism for the cutter chain 3 and the winding drums 4 and 5, as will later be described. The cutter bar 2 is rigidly supported within the bed section 8 in planes adjacent the mine floor and extends rearwardly beneath the frame sections 11 and 12 within a chamber 13 formed within the bed section 8 and extending lengthwise through the same. As illustrated, housed within the motor frame section 11 is a motor 14 of the type capable of driving the feeding and cutting mechanism selectively in opposite directions and is herein of the reversible, electric type having its power shaft 15 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine. Usual control apparatus of any approved design is provided for the motor 1 1- and herein includes a controller handle 16 and a reverse switch controlling lever 17.

Now referring to the driving mechanism for the cutter chain 3, it will be noted that suitably fixed as by a key and screw connection to the rear end of the motor shaft 15 is a bevel pinion 18 meshing with a bevel gear 19 secured by a key 20 to a vertical shaft 21 disposed midway between the sides of the machine frame. This shaft is journaled at its upper end within a bearing 22 suitably sup ported within the upper part of the frame section 12 while the lower end of this shaft is journaled in a bearing 23 suitably supported within the bedsection 8. As shown in Fig. 5, the shaft 21 has secured thereto a spur pinion 24 disposed below the bevel gear 19 and meshing with a large spur gear 25. This spur gear is sec-ured'by a key 26 to a vertical shaft 27 arranged parallel with and at. the rear of the shaft 21 and in the same longitudinally extending vertical plane. As illustrated, the upper end of this shaft 27 is journaled in a bearing sleeve 28 suitably supported in the frame section 12 and the lower end of this shaft is journaled in a cup-shaped bearing 29 arranged within a bore 30 formed within an upstanding boss 31 herein formed integral with a detachable bottom plate 32 suitably secured to the bed section 8. A screw 33 is employed for adjustably securing the bearing member 29 to the detachable bottom plate 32. The bottom plate or shoe 9 is formed with an opening 34 which receives the detachable plate 32 and the bottom surface of this detachable plate is formed flush with the plane bottom surface 10 of the shoe, thereby forming a smooth sliding supporting surface for the machine. Downward thrust of the spur gear 25 is received by a ball thrust bearing 36 held in position by the upper surface of the boss 31 and a top flange on the bearing member 29. Suitably secured to the hub of the spur gear 25 is an annular plate or ring 37 having an inwardly projecting flanged portion underlying the lower race of the ball bearing 36 and an upstanding annular flange portion surrounding this ball hearing and projecting within a bore formed in the hub of the spur gear 25. As clearly shown in Fig. 5, surrounding the hub portion of the spur gear 25 and supported by the annular plate 37 secured to the gear is a bearing sleeve 38 rotatably supporting a cutter chain drive sprocket 39 which engages and drives the cutter chain 3 in a usual man ner. Clutch mechanism of a usual design is employed for connecting this cutter chain drive sprocket 39 directly to the spur gear 25 for rotation therewith and herein comprises clutch pins 10 slidably mounted within bores 41 formed within the spur gear 25. These clutch pins when in their downward position (as shown in Fig. 5) are interlocked with clutch teeth 12 formed on the cutter chain sprocket 39. The clutch pins 10 are herein formed integral with an annular member or ring 43 and cooperating with this ring are slidable lifting members 44 (see Figs. 8 and 9) arranged in bores 45 formed within the frame section 12 and having outwardly projecting bottom flanges underlying the bottom surface of the ring. These members 44 carry pins 16 with which the arms of a shipper yoke 47 cooperate. This shipper yoke is pivotally mounted at A8 on the chine frame and has pivotally connected thereto at 19 a link 50 in turn pivotally connected at 51 to a crank or arm 52. This crank is keyed to a horizontal transversely extending shaft 53 suitably rotatably mounted within the machine frame and having secured thereto at its outer end an operating lever 54 (see also Fig. 4-). This lever has any usual spring-pressed locking means 55 for holding the same in itsdifierent adjusted polation with the motor 14. When this clutch is in its connected position as shown in Fig. 5, the cut er chain drive sprocket 39 may be driven from the motor through bevel gears 18, 19, vertical shaft 21, spur pinion 24 and the spur gear 25. The cutter chain may be disconnected from the motor at will simply by disconnecting the cutter chain drive sprocket from the spur gear 25.

Now referring to the improved feeding mechanism, it will be noted that improved separate driving and controlling means is provided for each winding drum whereby the drums may be rotated in winding direction either separately or simultaneously at a relatively slow speed or a relatively high speed, or may rotate in unwinding direction under various degrees of frictional resistance or without such resistance. As shown in the drawings, the vertical shaft 27 has clutched thereto at its upper end at 57 an alined shaft 58 journaled in ball bearings 59 suitably supported in the frame section 12. As shown in Fig. 5, formed within the upper end of this shaft 58 is a bore 60 having a drive fit with a vertical stud 61. Supported by this stud is a spur pinion 62 connected by a j aw clutch 63 to the upper end of the vertical shaft 58. As shown in Fig. 4, meshing with this spur pinion 62 are spur gears 64 and 65 having their axes disposed in a common transverse vertical plane at opposite sides of the longitudinal vertical center of the machine (see also Fig. 7). These spur gears are supported on vertical studs g 66 having drive fits with bores 67 formed within the upper ends of vertical shafts 68 and 69 respectively. The gears 64 and 65 are connected by j aw clutches 70 respectively to the upper ends of the shafts 68 and 69 and rotate with these shafts. These shafts are journaled at their opposite ends within ball bearings 71 and 72 suitably supported within the frame section 12, the latter bearings each being held in position by a retaining member 73. Disposed parallel with the shafts 68 and 69 at the opposite sides of the machine are vertical shafts 74 and 75 having their axes disposed in the same transverse vertical plane as the aXes of the shafts 68 and 69. These shafts are journaledat their opposite ends in ball bearings 76 and 77 suitably supported within the frame section 12, the bearings 77 each being held in position by a retaining ring 78. Secured as by a key 79 tothe lower end ofeach of the shafts 74 and 75 respectively are sp ur gears 80 and 81 meshing with opposite sides of the spur gear 25, as clearly shown in Figs.

4 and 7. It will thus be seen that the shafts 68 and 69 are driven in the same direction at a relatively slow speed by the vertical shaft 27 through the spur pinion 62 and spur gears 64 and 65, while the shafts 74 and 75 are driven in the same direction at a relatively high speed by the spur gears 80 and 81 meshing with the large spur gear 25 which also drives the cutter chain sprocket 39 as heretofore described.

Referringto the fast and slow speed driving connections for the feed drum 4 and more particularly to the slow speed driving connections therefor, it will be observed that formed inte ral with the vertical shaft 68 intermediate its ends is a worm 82 meshing with a worm wheel 83 having its hub portion at its inner side journaled in a ball hearing 84 suitably supported by a central bearing bracket suitably supported within the frame section 12 (see Fig. 4). The other side of this worm wheel is journaled on a ball bearing 85 supported by a horizontal shaft 86 extending transversely of the machine. The inner end of this shaft is journaled in a ball bearing 87 supported within the hub of the worm wheelwhile the other end of this shaft is journaled in a ball hearing 88 suitably supported within the side of the frame section 12. The worm wheel 83 is connectible by a friction disc clutch 89 of a usual design to a clutch member 90 7 keyed at 91 to the shaft 86. Suitably secured to the outer end of the shaft 86 is a spur pinion 92 meshing with an internal gear 93 connected to the feed drum 4. When the clutch 89 is applied, the feed drum 4 may be driven in winding direction from the motor 14 at a relatively slow speed through the bevel gearing 18, 19, spur gearing 24, 25, vertical shaft 27, spur pinion 62, spur gear 64, vertical shaft 68,worm 82, worm wheel 83, shaft 86, spur pinion 92 and the internal gear secured to the drum.

' The fast speed driving mechanism for the feed drum 4 comprises a worm 94 preferably formed integral with the vertical shaft 74 intermediate its ends, this worm having teeth of more inclination than the teeth of the worm 82 and is herein a fast speed worm. This worm 94 meshes with a worm wheel 95 having its inner hub portion ournaled on a ball bearing 96 supported by the transverse shaft 86. The outer side of this worm wheel is journaled on a ball bearing 97 supported by the sleeve porti on of a clutch member 98 keyed at 99 to the shaft 86. This worm wheel 95 is connectible by a friction disc clutch 100 ofa usual design to the clutch member 98 previously described. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 100 is applied the feed drum 4 may be driven in winding direction at a relatively high speed in the same direction as the'low speed described above through bevel gearing 18, 19, spur gearing 24:, 25, spur gear 80, worm 94;, worm wheel 95, shaft 86, spur pinion 92 and internal gear 93 secured to the drum 4. The operating mechanism for the friction clutches 89 and 100 comprises a clutch applying member 101 having an inwardly projecting flange projecting between and engaging ball thrust bearings 102. These thrust bearings engage members 103 having inwardly projecting fingers projecting through the hub of the worm wheel into engagement with the adjacent end disc of the clutch discs. The clutch applying member 101 and the members 103 surround the adj acent hubs of the worm wheels and are slidably mounted thereon. .T he operating means for the clutch. applying member 101 will be later described.

The fast and slow speed. driving connections for the controlling drum 5 are substantially the same as the driving connections for the feed drum 4: with the exception that the drum 5 is driven in the opposite direction from that in which the drum 1 is driven and include a slow speed worm 101 secured to the vertical shaft 69 and meshing with a worm wheel 105. This worm wheel is connectible by a friction clutch 106 of a usual design to a clutch member 107 keyed to a transversely extending horizontal shaft 108 alined. with the shaft 86 and disposed on the opposite side of the longitudinal center of the machine. Secured to the vertical shaft is a fast speed worm 109 meshing with a worm wheel 110 connectible by a friction disc clutch 111 to a clutch member 112 also keyed to the shaft 108. The bearing structure for the worm wheels 105 and 110 and the shaft 108 is identical to that for the worm wheels 83 and 95 and the shaft 86 and therefore detailed description of the same is thought unnecessary. Suitably secured to the outer end of the shaft 108 is a spur pinion 113 meshing with an internal gear 114 connected to the winding drum 5. it will thus be seen that when the clutch 106 is applied, the winding drum 5 may be driven from the motor 1 1 in winding direction at a relatively slow speed through bevel gearing 18, 19, spur gear 24,-, 25, vertical shaft 27, spur gearing 62, 65, worm 104E, worm wheel 105, shaft 108, spur pinion 113 and internal gear 111 secured to the drum 5. VJ hen the'friction clutch 111 is applied, the winding drum 5 may be driven from the motor in a Winding direction at a relatively high speed through bevel gearin 18, 19, spur gearing 2 1, 25, spur gear 81, worm 109, wo in wheel 110, shaft 108, spur pinion 113 meshing with internal gear 114 secured to the drum 5. The applying means for the friction clutches 106 and 111 is identical to the operating means for the frictions-clutches 89 and 100 and includes a clutch'applying' member 115 similar to the member 101. i It will be noted that the friction clutch-es controlling the drive for either drum may he released suiliciently to permit the drums to rotate in unwinding direction to unwind the cables under various degrees of frictional resistance under the control of the clutch operating mechanism. Upon release of the friction clutches the drums may be entirely relieved from any frictional resistance due to the action of the friction clutches. As shown in Fig. 6, each of the winding drums 1 and 5 is journaled on the side of the machine frame on a laterally projecting stub shaft 116 formed integral with a plate 116 secured as by screws 116 to tl e side of the frame section 12. Supported on this shaft are ball bearings 11'? on which the drum is journaled. Each of the winding drums is composed of two parts secured together by screws 118 and suitable dowel pins and is held from axial displacement from the shaft by means of a two-part or split sleeve 119 seated in are duced oortion on the shaft and engaging the inner races of the ball bearings. This two part sleeve is held in place by a retaining ring 120, and the complete bearin structure for each drum is disposed in a bore 121 within the drum. The opposite sides of the frame section 12 each have an annular flanged portion 122 encircling the internal gears 93 and 11 1 on the drums. These flanged portions each carry packing rings 123 engaging the external periphery of the internal gears and thereby prevent access of dirt or other foreign substances to the internal mechanism.

The operating mechanism for the clutch applying members 101 and 115, as shown in Fi 10, comprises shipper yolies 12 1 and 125 engaging the members 101 and 115 respectively. As shown in Fig. 11, each of these shipper yokes is pivotally mounted at 126 within the frame section 12, and they are pivotally connected at 12'? to trunnion members 128 and 129, respectively. The trunnion member 128 is in the form of a nut threadedly connected at 130 to a screw 131 formed integral with a hollow shaft 13;. This shaft is j ournaled in a ball bearing 133 supported in the side of the frame section 12 and has clutch teeth 13 1 connectible to clutch teeth 135 carried by a clutch member secured to a horizontal shaft 136 extenning centrally througl the shaft 3.. transversely of the rear end of the machine. Secured to this shaft 136 between its ends is an operating lever 137. The trunnion 129 connected to the shipper yoke 12 1 is threadedly connected to a screw formed on a shaft 138 similar to the shaft 132 and having clutch teeth similarly connectible to clutch teeth car ried by the other end of the transverse shaft 136. It will thus be seen that when the operator graspsthe lever 13'? and shifts the shaft 136 in the proper direction, the clutch teeth 13 1, 135 are connected, thereby connecting the shaft 136 to the shaft 132 and upon rotation of the shaft 136 the screw 131 is rotated, thereby moving the trunnion nut 128 axially to swing the shipper yoke 125 about its pivot,

in the proper direction, the trunnion nut 129 is moved axially by the screw, thereby swing ing the shipper yoke 124 and applying one or. the other of the friction clutches 89 and 100.

Improved guiding means is employed for the feed and controlling cables 6 and 7 and herein includes guide sheaves 140 and 141 disposed at opposite sides of the forward end of the machine frame, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. These guide sheaves are adjustably mounted on the frame of the machine inan improved manner and the adjustable mounting for each sheave comprises'a swing arm 142 (see also Fig. 12) pivotally connected at 143 within'a recess 144 formed within the side of the motor frame section 11. As illustrated, pivotally connected to the outer end of this swing arm 142 at 145 is a support member 146 carrying at its outer end a stud 147. Supported by the stud is a bearing sleeve 148 on which theguide sheave is journaled. It'will thus be seen that 3a with the parts in the position indicated by full the machine frame.

lines in Fig. 12, the support 146 and the guide sheave may swing upwardly and downwardly about the pivot 145 to permit the cable to assume positions at difierent angles relative to The swing arm 142 is held in the full line. position indicated in Fig. 12 by means of a locking pin 149 insert-- able within an aperture 150 formed within the swing arm 142. This pin, as shown in 3; Fig. 13, is slidably mounted within a guide member 151 secured to the side ofthe machine frame. The outer end of this pin 149 is pivotally connected at 152 to an operating lever 153 pivoted at 154 on the side of the machine.

3 lVhen the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 13, the swing arm 142 is locked against swinging movement.

swing arm, the latter may be swung upward- ;ly to the dotted line position shown in Fig.

12, and maintained in that position by the locking pin 149 underlying the swing arm. The support 146 for the guide sheave may be swung into its out of the way position against the side of the machine frame as indisleeve 157 supported by a vertical stud158 secured to a bracket 159 secured to the side of the frame section 12. Pivotally mounted at the lower end of each of the studs 158 at 160 is a cable retaining member 161 which prevents the cable, when slackened, from drop- VVhen the locking pin. 149 is released from the aperture 150 in the ping off the guide sheave. Arranged at the inner side of the guide sheaves 155 and 156 on inclined axes and supported by the brackets 159 are guide sheaves 162 and 163 while arranged between the sheaves 162 and 163 on similarly inclined axesare guide sheaves 164 and 165. Disposed on a vertical-axis at the longitudinal vertical center of the machine is a guide sheave 166. When the machine is cutting from right to left, the feed cable 6 extends from beneath the feed drum 4 forwardly along the advancing side of the machine around the front guide sheave 140 and laterally of the machine. The controlling cable 7 extends from beneath the controlling drum 5 rearwardly along the rear side of the machine around the guide sheave 156 and laterally of the machine. The cable 6 is wound aboutthe winding drum 4 in a direction op-- posite from that which the cable 7 is wound on the drum 5, but as these drums rotate in opposite directions,the cables are both drawn in by power. Either of the cables 6 and 7 may be extended from its drum upwardly around one of the inclined guide sheaves 162, 163, downwardly beneath one of the inclined guide sheaves 164, 165 and around the central guide sheave 166 rearwardly from the rear end of the machine. When the machine is cutting from left to right the cables are reversely wound on their respective drums and the cable 7 extends from beneath the drum 5 forwardly'around the guide sheave 141 and the cable 6 extends from beneath the drum 4 rearwardly around the guide sheave 155 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1. I

Themining machine is adapted to be supported on a transport truck in a well known manner and the mining machine motor 14 is adapted to drive the truck wheels. The truck driving means on the machine comprises a spur gear 167 meshing, as shown in Fig. 5, with the spur gear 25 and journaled on a bearing sleeve 168 supported by a vertical shaft 169 suitably secured within the frame section 12. This spur gear 167 is adapted to mesh with a truck driving gear on the transport truck and the mining machine motor 14 is adapted to drive the truck wheels through bevel gearing 18, 19, spur gearing 24, 25, and the truck driving gear 167. As shown most clearly in Fig. 3, the frame 12 is cut away at manner. The cable 7 is then extended from beneath the controlling drum rearwardly around the guide sheave 156, forwardly along the side of the machine, around the front 5 guide sheave 141 and forwardly from the machine to a suitable anchor or roof jack located adjacent the coal face at the right hand rib of the room.

winding direction by the motor 14 at a relatively fast speed and as a result the controlling cable 7 is drawn in and the machine H moved at a fast moving speed over the mine floor. If desired, the feed cable 6 and feed drum 4 may be utilized to move the machine over the mine floor and under certain conditions both the cables 6 and 7 may be extend- M ed forwardly of the machine to'suitable anchors or jacks adjacent the coal face to move the machine over the mine floor. After the machine has been suitably positioned adjacent the coal face at the right hand rib of the 4 room, the clutch 111 is released and the con face at the left hand rib of the room. The operator then manipulates the lever 54, thereby shifting the clutch pins 40 into interlocking relationwith the clutch jaws 42 formed on the cutter chain driving sprocket 39, thereby connecting the cutter chain 3 in driving relation with the motor 14, and as a result the cutter chain is rapidly circulated about the outer edges of the cutter bar 2. The friction clutch 106 within the slow speed worm wheel 105 is then applied and the drum 5 is driven in winding direction at a relatively slow speed, thereby feeding the machine longitudinally to sump the cutter bar beneath the mine wall, the clutch 89 within the slow I speed worm wheel 83 being so applied at that 50' time as to effect rotation of the feed drum 4 in winding direction at a slow speed to mail tain a desired controlling tension on the feed cable 6 to guide the machine during its sumping movement. If desired, the feed cable 6 7 and feed drum 4 may be utilized to feed the machine longitudinally to effect sumping of the cutter bar beneath the coal. It will also be'noted that if desired both the cables 6 and 7 may be extended to anchors adjacent the coal face and drawn in by the drums 4 and 5 to effect longitudinal movement of the machine at a sumping speed. After the sump- 89 within the slow speed worm wheel 83 is then fully applied,.thereby effecting rotation The friction clutch 111 within the fast speed worm wheel 110' is then applied and the drum 5 is driven in mg out has been completed, the friction clutch of the feeddrum 4 at a relatively slow speed in winding direction and as a result the machine is straightened up and fed transversely across the coal face to effect the transverse out. During this transverse cutting operation the friction clutch 106 within the slow speed worm wheel 105 is partially applied and the drum 5 is rotated ata slow speed in a directionto wind in the controlling cable 7, but due to the opposing forces caused by the pull of the feed cable 6 on the forward end of the machine and the reaction of the cutters against the coal, the controlling cable 7 is pulled oil? the drum 5 under the frictional resistance of the friction clutch 106. If it is desired during the transverse cutting operation to angle the cutter bar, the operator may release the controlling drum 5 from its drive, thereby permitting the drum to rotate freely andas a result the rear end of the machine is swung forwardly due to the pull of the feed cable 6 on the front end of the machine frame. If it is desired to swing the cutter bar forwardly, this may be accomplished by applying the fast speed friction clutch 111 within the worm wheel 110, thereby causing the controlling drum 5 to be rotated at a high speed in a direction to wind in the controlling cable 7, and resultantly swinging the rear end of the machine rearwardly and angling the cutter bar; This can also be accomplished more slowly by more fully loading clutch 106. The cutter bar may be swung forwardly also by the application of the fast speed friction clutch 100 within the worm wheel 95 to cause the feed drum 4 to wind in the feed cable 6 at a relatively high speed. At the end-of the transverse cut the machine is angled relative to the coal face in a well known manner and the feed cable 6 is disconnected from its jack and the front guide sheave 140 and extended from the feed drum 4 to an anchor or roof jack located at the rear of the machine. The feed drum 4 is then rotatedin a direction to wind in the feed cable 6 at a relatively slow speed thereby feeding the machine rearwardly, withdrawing the cutter bar from beneath the coal. The machine is then hauledover the mine bottom at a relatively high speed'by one or the other, or both, of the feed cables 6 and 7 and loaded on its transport truck. If desired, the controlling cable 7 may be extended from beneath the controlling drum 5 upwardly around the guide sheave 163, then downwardly and laterally beneath the guide sheave 165, around the central large sheave 166, rearwardly from the rear end of the machine, and this cable when so disposed may be wound in to feed the machine rearwardly over the mine floor and onto its transport truck. When it is desired to operate the machine in the opposite direction to insert a horizontal kerf beneath the coal in a direction from left to right, the motor 14 may be reversed, the cutter bits turned within their re-.

ed that an improved mining machine is provided having. improved feeding mechanism whereby the machine may be fed and guided in an improved manner. It will further be noted that an improved mining machine feeding mechanism is provided wherein a plurality of drums is employed and improved driving and controlling means for the drums whereby the latter may be rotated either separately or simultaneously in winding direction at relatively high speed or at relatively slow speed, may rotate in unwinding direction under various degrees of operator controlled" frictional resistance, or may rotate freely in unwinding direction. It will further be noted that an improved room and pillar mining machine is provided of exceedingly compact construction having improved feeding mechanism of a symmetrical, well balanced and compact design, the driving connections be tween the motor and each of the drums being substantially identical in construction and operation.

While there is in this application specifically described one form which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modifiedand embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim asnew and desire to secure by Letters Patent is z 1. In a mining machine, a motor and feeding means driven by said motor including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and separate. fast and slow speed driving connections between said motor and each of said members entirely distinct from the drive for the other member, the drivingconnections for each member including parallel worms and coaxial worm wheels meshing therewith.

2. In a mining machine, a motor and feeding means driven by said motor including relatively rotatable feed operating and controllin members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means,

and separate fast and slow speed driving connections between said motor and each of said members entirely distinct from the drive for the other member, the driving connections for each member including parallel worms and coaxial worm wheels meshing therewith and a separate friction controlling clutch for connecting each worm wheel in driving relation with its respective member. '3. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at a relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a. fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, an element of each gear train rotating about a vertical axis.

4. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relativelyhigh speed, each of said transmission mechanismsincluding a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, and a gear train of each mechanism including an element rotating about a vertical axis and a common driving member for said elements and rotating about a parallel axis.

5. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with fiex-' ible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, and each gear train having an element rotating about a vertical axis, and a common driv-' ing element for said elements of one gear train in the drive for both members and rotating about a parallel axis.

6. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed worm gear train and a slow speed worm gear train, and each gear train including a worm rotating about a vertical axis. 7

7. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively lOW speed or at relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed Worm gear train and a slow speed worm gear train, each gear train including a worm rotating about a vertical axis, and common driving gearing for the worms of one gear train in the drive for both of said members.

8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatablevfeed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed worm gear train and a slow speed worm gear train, each gear train including a worm rotating about a vertical axis, com mon driving gearing for the worms of one gear train in the drive for both of said men bers, and separate and distinct driving gearing for said other worms.

9. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, and each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed worm gear train and a .slow speed worm gear train, each of said trains including a Worm and all of the worms of said trains rotating on parallel axes.

10. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and

motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed, and each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed worm gear train and a slow speed worm gear train, and each of said trains including a worm and said worms rotating on parallel vertical axes.

11. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated d iving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relativly high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, a driving gear rotatable about a vertical axis and driving gears meshing therewith, and connected respectively to a gear train in the drive for each member.

12. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, one gear train for each member including a gear rotating about a vertical axis, gears respectively connected to said gears, and a common driving gear meshing with said last mentioned gears.

13. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flex ible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, one gear train for each member including a gear rotating about a vertical axis, gears respectively connected to said gears, and a common driving gear meshing with said last mentioned gears and rotating about a vertical axis.

14. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel toaftransverse vertical plane and each adapted tocooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for one member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, said gear trains for both members each including a driving gear rotatable about a vertical axis.

15. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly With fiexiblefeeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear train and aslow speed gear train forone member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear'train anda slow speed gear trainfor said other member, a gear driving elements of the fast speed gear trains for both members and another gear driving elements of the slowspeedgear trains for both members.

16. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mo tor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for vone member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, the fast speed gear trains for both members including driving gears rotatable about parallel axes and the slow speed-gear trains for both members including driving gears rotatable about parallel axes laterally offset from but parallel With the axes of said first mentioned driving gears i 17. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear'train and a slow speed gear train for one ,member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, the fast speed gear trains for both members including driving gears rotatable about parallel axes and the slow'speed gear trains for both members including driving gears rotatable about parallel axes, 'ajgear driving both ofsaidgears of said fast speed gear trains, and another gear driving both of said gears of saidslovvspeed gear itrains.

18. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel toa transverse vertical plane and each adaptedto cooperate dircctly Withflexible feedingmeans, andlmotor operated driving means for said members inclu'dinga fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for one member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other memberythe tatable about parallel axes, a gear driving both of said gears of said fast speed gear trains, and another gear driving both of said gears of said slow speed gear trains, said driving gears rotating about vertical axes.

19. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with 'flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear train and a slow'speed gear train for one member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, the fast speed gear trains for'both members including gears rotating about vertical axes, the slow speed gear trains for both members including gears rotating about vertical axes, a driving gear meshing with said gears of said fast speed gear trains and a driving gear meshing with said gears of said sloW speed geartrains.

20. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for one member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, the fast speed gear tramsfor both members including gears rotating about vertical axes, the slow speed gear trains for both members including gears rostating about vertical axes, a driving gear meshing .with said gears ofsaid fast speed gear trains, and a drivinggear mesl'ingwith said gears ofsaid slow speed gear trains, said driving gears being coaxially arranged.

21. A .miningvmachine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed member's each-adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a fast speed gear trainand aslow speed gear train for one member, a separate and distinct fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, the fast speed gear trains for both members including gears'rotating about verticalaxes, the slow speed geartrains for both members includinggears rotating about vertical axes, a drivinggear,

meshingivith said gears of said fast speed gear trains, and a driving gear meshing with the said gears ofsaid slow speed geartrains, said driving gears rotating about vertical axes.

22. A miningmachine feeding mechanism separately or simultaneously at relatively dri. g 'aratc fast speed including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feedm means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a shaft,

gears coaxial therewith, separate slow speed gear trains driven by one of said gears for said members respectively, and septrains driven by said other coaxial gear and respectively driving said .feed members.

each adapted to cooperate directly with ible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a shaft, gears coaxial with said shaft at the opposite ends thereof, a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for onemember and a. fast. speed gear train and a slow speed gear train for said other member, the slow speed gear trains for said members being operatively connected to the gear one end of said shaft and the fast speed gear trains for'said members being operatively connected to the gear the opposite end of said shaft.

25. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members whereby said members may be driven either high speed or at relatively low speed and including a separate and distinct plural predetermined speed transmission mechanism for each member, each of said transmission mechanisms including coaxial worm wheels, worms meshing respectively therewith and rotating on parallel'axes, and manually controllable' clutches for selectively connecting said worm wheels in driving relation with their respective members.

26. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed and including a separate and distinct plural predetermined speed transmission mechanism mechanisms including-coaxial Worm wheels,

worms meshing respectively therewith and rotating on parallel vertical axes, and manually controllable clutches for selectively connecting said worm wheels in driving relation with their respective members.

27 In a mining machine, cutting mecha nism including a kerf cutter and driving meanstherefor including a gear, and feed ing means including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and motor operated driving means for said members whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed and including a separate and distinct plural predetermined speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at fast or slow speeds, said transmission mechanisms both being driven by said kerf cutter driving gear and each including a gear element meshing with said gear.

28. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a gear, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to'cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and motor operated driving means'for said members including separate fast and slow speed gear trains for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at fast or slow speeds, one of said gear trains for each member having a gear meshing with and driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, and said other gear trains for said members including a driving element coaxial with said kerf cutter driving gear.

29. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a gear, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to coo aerate directly with flexible feeding means and motor operated driving means for said members including separate fast and slow speed trains for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at fast or slow speeds, one of said gear trains for each member having a gear meshing with and driven by said lrerf cutter driving gear, a shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, and the other gear trains for said members being driven by said shaft.

30. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a. gear, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted .to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and motor operated driving means for said members including separate fast and slow speed gear ible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including coaxial driving gears rotating about an axis lying in a verticalplane extending transversely of the machine, a fast speed gear train for each member, each including a gear meshing with and driven by one of said coaxial gears and a slow speed gear train for each member each including a gear meshing with and driven by said other coaxial gear.

32. A mining machine'feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flex-, ible feeding means, and motor operated driv ing means for said members including coaxial driving gears rotating about a vertical axis, a fast speed gear train for each member, each including a gear meshing with and driven by one of said coaxial gears'and a slow speed gear train for each member each including a gear meshing with and driven by saidother coaxial gear.

33. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter "and driving means therefor including-a driving gear, and feeding means for the machine driven by said kerf cutter driving gear and including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and driving mechanism for said members including a separate and distinct plural speedtransmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed each transmission mechanism including a fast speed geartrain and a friction controlling clutchand a slow speed gear train having a separate friction controlling clutch. Y

34. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means thereforincluding a driving gear, and

' feeding means for'the machinedriven'b'y said kerf cutter driving gear andincluding relatively rotatable feed members disposed 011 axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate" directly with flexible feeding means 'and driving mechanism for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmissionmechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separatelyor simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed, eachtransmission mechanism including a fast speed worm, gear train and a slow speed worm gear train.

35.. In a miningmachine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a driving gear, and feeding means for the machine driven by said kerf cutter driving gear and including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and driving mechanism for said members including a separate and distinct plural speed transmission mechanism for each member whereby said members may be driven either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed, each transmission mechanism; including a fast speed worm gear train and a slow speed worm gear trainand each gear train includinga final worm wheel and manually controllable friction clutches for selectively connecting said worm wheels in driving relation with their respective members; e

36. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including akerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmission element driven thereby, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feeding members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relatively fast predetermined e movingspeed and a relatively slow predetermined cutting speed and either capable of, acting as a feed member and a controlling member, said members being disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a separate and distinct multi-speed driving mechanism for each member and both driven bysaid transmission element and operative to drive said members either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed,each driving mechanism including a fast speed friction controlling clutch and a slow speed friction controlling clutch.

37. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmission element driven thereby, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feeding members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relatively fast predetermined moving speed anda relatively'slow predeter-' mined cutting speed and either capable of acting as a feedmember and a controllingv member, said members being disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a. separate and distinct multi-speed driving mechanismfor each member and both driven by said transmission element and operative to drive said members either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in'their respective flexi- I 'bleifeeding means at'relatively high speed or at relatively low speed or to permit said members to revolve in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance, each driving mechanism including a fast speed friction controlling clutch and a slow speed friction co trolling clutch.

I 38. In a mlning machme, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and drlving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmissionelement driven thereby, and

feeding means including relatively rotatable,

a each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a separate and distinctmulti-speed driving mechanism for each member and both drivenby said transmission element and operative to drive said members 7 either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed or to permit said mem bers to revolve in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance or with out such resistance, each driving mechanism including a fast speed friction controlling clutch and a slow speed friction controlling clutch.

39. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmission element driven thereby, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feeding members of the same size'and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relatively fast predetermined moving speedand a relativelyslow predetermined cutting speed, and either capable of acting as a feed member and a controlling member, said members being disposed on horizontal axes extendingtransversely of the machine and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a separate and distinct nnilti-speed driving mechanism for each member anemia driven by said transmission element and operative to drive said members either separately or simultaneously ina direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means atrelatively high speed or at relativelylow speed, each driving mechanism including coaxial fast and slow speed terminalgears. 7

' 40. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and artransmission element vdriven thereby, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feeding members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relatively fast predetermined moving speed and a relatively slow predetermined cutting speed and either capable of acting as a feed member and a controlling member, said members being disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of themachine and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and ,a separate and distinct multi-speed driving mechanism, for each member and both driven by said transmission element and operative to drive said members either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed or to permit said members to: revolve in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under va rious degrees offfrictional resistance, each driving mechanism including coaxialfast and slow speed terminal gears and friction controlling clutches one individual to each gear. a

4:]... In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmission element driven thereby, and feeding meansincluding relatively rotatable feeding members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relatively fast predetermined mov ing speed and a relatively slowpredetermined cutting speed and either capable of acting as afeed member and a controlling member, said members being disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the machine and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a separate and distinct multi-speed driving mechanism for each member and both driven by said transmission element and operative to drive said members eitherseparately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed or to permit said members to revolve in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance or Without such resistance, eachdriving mechanism including coaxial fast and slow speed terminal gears and friction controlling clutches one individual to each gear.

' 42. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, andmotor operated driving means for said members for rotating thelatter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexi-- ble feeding means at relatively high'speed or at relatively low speed includingfour coaxial worm wheels, two individual to each member, and four worms rotatingon parallel'axes and meshing with said worm wheels respectively.

-13. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with, flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at,

relatively low speed including four coaxial worm wheels, two llldlVldualto each memher, four worms rotating on parallel axes and meshing with said worm wheels respectively, and clutch devices for selectively connecting said worm wheels in drivingrelation with said feeding members. a I

4A. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driv ing means for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including a vertical shaft, a gear connected with said shaft' and driving the same,-separate and distinct fast speed driving connections for said members each including a gear meshing'wlth said gear, and separate and distinct slow speed driving connections for said members operatively connected to said shaft.

45. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directlywith flexible feedin means, and motor operated driving means for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including coaxially arranged gears, separate and distinct slow speed driving connections between one of said gears and each of said members, and separate and distinct fast speed driving'connections between said other coaxial gear and each of said feed members.

46. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the machine and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members for driving said members either separately or simultaneously at rela tively high speedor atrelatively low speed including alined shafts one connected to each member, and a separate and distinct plural predetermined speed transmission mecha-- nism for each shaft, each of said transmission mechanisms including a fast speed gear train and a slow speedgear train, an element of each vertical axis.

47. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the machine and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members for drlving said members feed'members each adapted to cooperate directly' with flexible feeding'means, and driv ing means driven by said gear, andincluding gears meshing directly with the latter, for rotating said members either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speedor at relatively low speed, and

truck driving'mechanism including a final spurgear on the machine meshing directly with said kerf cutter driving gear.

'49; A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motoroperated driving means for said members for rotating said members either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their re spective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed and in eluding a separate and distinct plural speed tIWHSIHISSIOIIIDGOhZIIHSm for each member, said mechanisms including four shafts each of which is parallel to all'the others, gears driven by said shafts respectively, and clutch devices for connecting said gears in driving {relation with their respective members.

50. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism lncludmg a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmission element driven thereby, and

feeding means for the machine including relativelyrotatable feed operating and controlling members ofthe same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relativelyfast predetermined moving speed and a relatively slow-predeter gear train rotating abouta mined cutting speedand either capable of" acting as a feed member and a controlling member, said members being disposed on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feeding members driven through said kerf cutter driving element, and includingfor each member fast and slow speed transmission mechanism through which it, but not the other member, is driven and each transmission mechanism including fast and slow speed gear trains and friction controlling clutches one individual to each gear train. o v

51. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means therefor including a motor shaft and a transmission element driven thereby, and feeding means including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds both at a relatively fast predetermined moving speed and a relatively slow predetermined cutting speed and either capable of acting as' a feed member and a controlling-member, saidmembers each being adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members driven:

nism including fast and slow speed gear trains and friction controlling clutches'one individual to each gear train.

52. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feedmembers each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated drivaxialgears rotatable at the same angular rate and of different diameters, separate gear trains between one of said coaxial gears and said feed members respectively for driving said members at one speed, and separate gear trains between the other of said coaxial gears and said feed members for driving the latter at a relatively different speed.

53. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operatedjdriving means for said members including coaxial gears rotatable'at the same angularrate and V of different diameters, separate gear trains between one of said coaxial gears and saidfeed members respectively for driving said mg means for said members including co members atone speed, separate gear trains between the other of said coaxial gears and said feed members for driving the latter at a relatively differentwspeed, and clutch devices, one individual to each gear train, for controlling the connection of said gear trains with their respective feed members.

54. In a i'nining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for. said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable abouta vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical sh aft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at arelatively different speed.

55. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear'trains meshing with said herfccutter (ll'lVll'l gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members atone speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a spur gear rotating about a vertical axis.

56. In a mining machine,'cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with saidlkerfcutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one-speed, a vertical shaft driven by said herf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gcartrains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a gear rotating about a vertical axis, and a" clutch controlling the connection of said gears with their respective members.

57. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving nieansfor said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical, axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear train-s meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm and a worm wheel meshing therewith.

58. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm rotating about a vertical axis and a worm whee-l meshing with said worm.

59. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear,'a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm and a worm wheel meshing with said worm, and said worm wheels rotating about horizontal axes.

60. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm rotating "about a nism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate vdirectly -with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft drivenby said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trainsbetween said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm and a worm wheel meshing with said worm, and said worm wheels being arranged in coaxial relation.

62. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feedingmembers respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm rotating about a vertical axis and a worm wheel meshing with said worm, and said worm wheels being arranged in coaxial relation.

63; In a mining machine, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and driving means for said kerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical, shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm and a worm wheel meshing with said worm, and said worm wheels being arranged in coaxial relationon horizontal axes extending transversely of the machine.

64. In a mining machlne, cutting mechanism including a kerf cutter and drlving means for said lrerf cutter including a gear rotatable about a vertical axis, and feeding means for the machine including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate gear trains meshing with said kerf cutter driving gear and driven thereby for driving said feeding members at one speed, a vertical shaft driven by said kerf cutter driving gear, a gear secured to said shaft, and separate gear trains between said last mentioned gear and said feeding members respectively for driving the latter at a relatively different speed, each of said gear trains including a worm rotating about a vertical axis and a worm wheel meshing with said worm, and said Worm wheels being arranged in coaxial relation on horizontal axes extending transversely of the machine.

' In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

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