US2077432A

US2077432A - Apparatus for mining coal

Info

Publication number: US2077432A
Application number: US741810A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles B Officer
Original assignee: Sullivan Machinery Co
Current assignee: Sullivan Machinery Co
Priority date: 1934-08-28
Filing date: 1934-08-28
Publication date: 1937-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 1954-04-20

Description

April 20, 1937. c. B. OFFICER APPARATUS FOR MINI-NG COAL Filed Aug. 28, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet l mw V r Q m fi w 1 L Mi v. W 9 r nun .mfimwwbmlw un flr a -whwl m PM A! v A .i n l M PS, PP: m m 9 NW N a \XMQQ NM w k a y Q ww QR ww wk Q Q m 6 April 20, 1937. Q B FI ER 2,077,432

APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Filed Aug. 28, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 [72 van Zor Cizariw fl; U/ficer Patented Apr. 20, 1937 UNITED STATES PATET OFFICE APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Massachusetts Application August 28,

23 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for mining coal or similar materials, and more particularly to improvements in a kerf cutting, breaking down and conveying means whereby the mine 5 wall may be cut and the coal broken down and conveyed from the face by a self-contained unitary apparatus movable along the face of the coal.

An object of this invention is to provide an im- 10 Jroved apparatus for mining coal whereby the coal is cut, broken down and conveyed from the face in an improved manner by a unitary mechanism embodying kerfing, breaking down and conveying means. Another object is to provide an im- 15 proved kerf cutting means for cutting parallel horizontal top and bottom kerfs in a mine wall and a rear wall vertical kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs for cutting out from the mine wall a core of coal. A further object is to pro- 20 vide an improved kerfing means for cutting out a core of coal from the coal face in a direction parallel with the coal face and having associated therewith means for breaking down the core as cutting progresses. Yet another object is to provide in an apparatus of the above character a conveying means for receiving the coal broken down by the breaking down means and for conveying the broken coal away from the coal face. Still another object is to provide a coal mining apparatus of the longwall type adapted to move during its operation in a direction parallel with the coal face and having embodied therein improved kerfing, breaking down and conveying means whereby the coal is cut to form a core and the core thereafter broken down and conveyed away from the coal face. Yet another objectis to provide an improved mining apparatus comprising means for cutting parallel horizontal kerfs respectively at the roof and floor, thereafter cutting a vertical rear wall kerf intersecting said parallel horizontal kerfs, breaking down the core of coal formed by said horizontal and vertical kerfs as cutting progresses, and finally conveying away the broken down coal. These and other objects will, however,

hereinafter more fully appear in the course of the following description and as more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

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 plan view of the illustrative embodiment of the improved mining and loading ap- 55 paratus showing its association with a mine wall,

1934, Serial No. 741,810

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the mining and loading apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken substantially on line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3, with parts omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, longitudinally extending, vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a detail view showing the swinging mechanism for the vertical kerf cutter.

Fig. '7 is a detail sectional View taken on line T-'l of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional View showing a portion of the breaking down means.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken on line 99 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional View taken on line ll 0 of Fig. 8.

In this illustrative embodiment-ofthe invention there is shown a mining and. loading apparatus for cutting out a core of coal from the mine wall, breaking down the core as cutting progresses and for conveying the broken down coal away from the coal face; this improved apparatus, in this instance, being of the longwall type and adapted to move along the mine wall in a direction parallel with the coal face during the mining and loading operation. This improved mining and loading apparatus is herein, for illustrative purposes, shown as the flexibly fed longwall type adapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor during the cutting operation, but it will be evident that if desired the improved mining and loading apparatus may be of the wheel mounted, track supported and guided type adapted to run along a mine trackway laid on the mine floor in a direction parallel with the coal face or of the crawler tread mounted type, and that features of the invention may be associated with mining and loading apparatus of various types other than that disclosed.

In this illustrative construction there is shown a horizontal kerf cutting unit generally designated and a vertical kerf cutting, breaking down, and

' conveying unit generally designated 2, these units being connected together for movement in unison bodily along the mine wall and having common propelling means whereby the entire apparatus is slid bodily over the mine floor as cutting, breaking down, and loading progresses.

The horizontal cutting unit I comprises a frame 3 having a smooth bottom surface 4 adapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor. Pivotally mounted on the rearward portion of the frame 3 is a pair of superimposed horizontal kerf cutters and 6, the former comprising a top horizontal kerf forming means for forming a kerf in horizontal planes adjacent the mine roof while the latter comprises a bottom horizontal kerf forming means for cutting a horizontal kerf in planes adjacent the mine floor. The top kerf cutter 5 is vertically adjustable into different parallel horizontal cutting positions with respect to the bottom kerf cutter to provide sufficient flexibility so as to enable the apparatus to cut parallel horizontal kerfs in coal seams of varyingheight. The

kerf cutters

5 and 6 are pivotally mounted on the machine frame for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto about a common vertical axis and are mounted on the machine frame for independent swinging movement. The frame 3 carries a motor I having fixed to its power shaft 8 a bevel pinion 9 meshing with a bevel gear in journaled on a vertical shaft ll suitably mounted within the cutter frame section [2 of the machine frame. Driven by this bevel gear is a spur gear [3 meshing with a spur gear l4 journaled on a vertical shaft l5 likewise suitably mounted in the cutter head frame l2. Mounted coaxially with the shaft l5 and connectible to the gear l4 as by a usual sliding pin clutch I6 is a chain sprocket IT for engaging and driving an endless cutter chain I 8 mounted on the margin of an elongated plane cutter bar l9 of the lower kerf cutter 6. The spur gear I4 drives the vertical shaft l5 and this shaft constitutes an element of a telescopic torque shaft, and is splined at 20 to a tubular shaft 2| suitably journaled in a vertically adjustable supporting frame 22 for the top kerf cutter 5. Keyed to the tubular shaft 2| and driven thereby is a chain sprocket 23 which engages and drives an endless cutter chain 24 mounted for circulation about the margin of an elongated plane cutter bar 25 of the top kerf cutter 5. The bottom cutter bar I9 of the kerf cutter 6 is journaled for horizontal swinging movement with respect to the frame at 26 on a step plate 21 secured to the frame bottom and is guided for horizontal swinging movement on an arcuate flange 28 integral with the cutter frame section l2. The flange 28 is provided with a series of openings 29 for receiving a locking pin 39 and this locking pin engages openings 3| in the bar for locking the latter in its different angular positions about its pivot. The top cutter bar 25 is journaled at 32 on a head 33 bolted to the vertically adjustable frame 22 and the bar has an annular frame portion 34 rotatable relative to the frame 22 and adapted to be locked with the latter in its different adjusted positions by a locking pin 35 thereby to lock the top cutter bar in its different angular positions. For adjusting the top cutter bar vertically with respect to the machine frame there is provided a screw 35, herein of tubular form, surrounding the tubular shaft 2| and formed integral with the head 33. Threadedly engaging the screw 36 is a rotatable nut 37 journaled on the cutter head frame l2 and slidably engaging a tubular guide portion 38 of the frame for guiding the vertically adjustable frame 22 during the vertical adjustment of the top cutter bar. Formed integral with the nut 31 is a worm wheel 39 with which meshes a worm 40 secured to a longitudinally extending Worm rotating shaft 4|. This shaft overlies the top of the machine frame as shown in Fig. l and has secured to its forward end at the forward end. of the machine frame a shaft rotating handle 42. It will thus be seen that the parallel kerf cutters may be independently swung with respect to the machine frame and that the top kerf cutter may be adjusted vertically into different parallel cutting planes with respect to the bottom cutter. The horizontal cutting unit I may be propelled in various manners, but is. in this instance, provided with a usual flexible feeding means comprising a flexible feed chain 43 engaging a rotatable feed sprocket 44 mounted on the machine frame and driven by the motor 1 in the manner disclosed in the patent to Holmes, No. 1,544,398 granted June 30, 1925. The free end of this feed chain 43 is connectible to a suitable anchor located in advance of the mining and loading apparatus in adjacency to the mine wall, and as the chain sprocket 44 is rotated to draw in the feed chain the entire mining and loading apparatus is moved bodily over the mine floor in a direction parallel with the coal face. The free end of the feed chain 43 is also connectible to a projection 45 formed on the lower kerf cutter for swinging the latter with respect to the machine frame and to a hook-like projection 46 formed on the top kerf cutter for swinging the latter with respect to the machine frame. The manner of swinging the kerf cutters about their respective pivots is clearly described in the above mentioned patent to Holmes. It will thus be seen that the parallel horizontal kerf cutters may be swung about their pivots to effect sumping thereof within the coal face and may be locked in their right angled position, as shown in Fig. 1, against swinging movement with respect to the machine frame. The cutter chains of the kerf cutters may then be rapidly circulated about the margins of their cutter bars, and as the machine frame is fed over the mine floor by the flexible feeding means, parallel horizontal kerfs are cut in the mine wall in planes adjacent the mine floor and mine roof respectively.

Now referring to the vertical kerf cutting, breaking down and conveying unit 2, it will be noted that the same comprises a bed frame 41 having a plane bottom surface 48 adapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor. Mounted on this bed frame 4'! is a loading and conveying means comprising a coal receiving shovel or scoop 49, a front elevating conveyor 50 and a rear discharge conveyor 5l. Pivotally mounted on the bed frame at the inner side of the elevating conveyor 50 for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf at the rear side of the mine wall in planes parallel with the coal face is a vertical kerf cutter 52. This kerf cutter comprises a plane cutter bar 53 having mounted for circulation about its margin an endless cutter chain 54 and is pivotally mounted on the bed frame for swinging movement in a vertical direction. The means for drivting the cutter chain comprises a motor 55 mounted on the bed frame 41 at the outer side of the elevating conveyor 50, and this motor drives through bevel gearing 56 a horizontal shaft 5'! herein extending transversely of the bed frame. Keyed to this shaft is a gear 58 meshing with a gear 59 fixed to a parallel shaft 60 extending beneath the elevating conveyor 50, and keyed to the inner end of the shaft 60 is a spur gear 6| meshing with a spur gear 62 suitably fixed to a shaft 63 alined with the bar pivot axis. Keyed to the shaft 63 and driven thereby is a chain sprocket 64 which engages and drives the cutter chain 54. Any suitable. form of cutter chain clutch may be provided for disconnecting the cutter chain. from its drive. The means for swinging the vertical kerf cutter about its pivot may assume various forms, but herein comprises a hydraulic cylinder 65 mounted on the bed frame at the inner side of the elevating conveyor 50 and having reciprocable therein a piston 65. Secured to this piston is a piston rod 61 connected to a crosshead 68 mounted in a guideway 69 secured to the side of the bed frame. Pivotally connected to this crosshead at I0 is a link II in turn pivotally connected at I2 to an arm I3 suitably fixed to the cutter bar 53. Liquid under pressure may be supplied to the opposite ends of the cylinder 65 through suitable pipe connections I4 and from any suitable source of supply, as by a pump driven by the motor '55 and under the control of any suitable valvular control means. It will thus be seen that the vertical kerf cutter may be swung vertically about its pivot and may be held in any of its adjusted positions by the cylinder 65. As the mining and loading apparatus moves along the mine wall the vertical kerf cutter cuts a rear wall kerf intersecting the parallel horizontal kerfs, thereby to form a core of coal I8 as cutting progresses. The elevating conveyor 50 comprises endless conveyor chains TI mounted in suitable guideways I8 formed on a frame 19 mounted on the bed frame 41, and this endless conveyor is driven from the motor 55 by a gear 80 meshing with the gear 58 fixed to the shaft 51. This gear 80 is fixed to a horizontal shaft 8| extending transversely of the bed frame beneath the elevating conveyor 50 and has fixed thereto

chain sprockets

82, 82 which engage and drive the endless chains" of the conveyor. The front conveyor 50 discharges onto the discharge conveyor 5|, and this latter conveyor has a swivel frame 83 rotatably mounted in an annular guideway 84 secured to the bed frame 41. This conveyor comprises endless conveyor chains 85 mounted in suitable guideways 86 formed on the discharge conveyor frame 81 mounted on the frame 83. This conveyor is swingable horizontally with respect to the bed frame and is, in this instance, driven by a motor 88 mounted on the side of the frame 81 and driving through worm gearing 89 a transverse shaft 9| suitably journaled on the frame 81. Fixed to this shaft are

chain sprockets

92, 92 which engage and drive the con- 50 veyor chains 85. This rear discharge conveyor 5| is disposable and may be suitably locked in a position at right angles with respect to the mining and loading apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 and discharges on a suitable face conveyor 93 lo- 5 cated outside the coal face in a direction parallel with the latter and inside the roof props 94 in the manner shown. The bed frame 41 is providcd with

upstanding frame portions

95, 95 connected by suitable connecting means such as 130

tie rods

96, 98 to the machine frame 3 of the horizontal cutting unit I so that when the horizontal cutting unit is moved along the coal face by the flexible feeding means 43 the vertical kerf cutting and conveying unit 2 is moved bodily 55 therewith, the flexible feeding means 43 constituting a common feeding means for both units so that the entire cutting, breaking down and loading apparatus is moved bodily along the coal face over the mine floor.

The means for breaking down the core I6 as cutting progresses may assume various forms, but is herein in the form of a pick generally designated 91 and comprises a frame 98 mounted to swing vertically about a horizontal axis 99. .1 The frame 98 has parallel guides I00, I00-in which'are reciprocably mounted guide portions IOI, IOI of a reciprocating pick frame I02. The frame I02 is armed at its forward edge with a series of picking tools I03. The movement of the reciprocating frame with respect to the frame 98 is limited by screws I04 projecting within longitudinal slots I05 formed in the frame I02, while interposed between the guide portions IOI and the frame. 98 are coiled springs I06, I06, these springs normally urging the reciprocating frame towards its outermost position with respect to the frame 98. The swinging frame 98 is journaled at IN on upstanding brackets I08 mounted on the bed frame 4'! and the means for swinging the pick frame about its pivot 99 with respect to the bed frame in this instance comprises a hydraulic cylinder I 09 mounted on the outer side of the frame I9 of the elevating conveyor 50 and having reclprocable therein a piston II 0. Secured to this piston is a piston rod I II connected to an arm IIZ secured to the swinging frame 98. Fluid under pressure may be supplied to this cylinder I 09 through the same source of supply and under similar control as that for the swinging cylinder 65 of the vertical kerf cutter. The means for reciprocating the frame I02 with respect to the swinging frame 98 comprises a motor II3 mounted on the bed frame 41 and driving a gear II4 meshing with a gear II5. The gear II5 is keyed to a horizontal transversely extending shaft II6 suitably journaled in the brackets I08. Keyed at H1, IN, to the shaft H6 are camlike arms I I8 having cam portions adapted to engage projecting lugs II9 formed on the reciprocating pick frame I02. As the shaft H6 is rotated the levers II8 engage the lugs II9 to move the reciprocating frame I02 rearwardly against the tension of the springs I08 and thereafter release from the lugs II9. Upon release of the cam projections from the lugs on the reciprocating frame the springs I06 drive the picks I03 forwardly to engage percussively the core of coal formed by the kerf cutters to break down the core. As the pick I03 is reciprocated, it may be swung upwardly and downwardly by the hydraulic cylinder and piston I09, IIO, thereby to break down the entire rear wall of the core. The swinging frame 98 of the pick device is mounted ,to straddle the elevating conveyor and is so formed as to enable the coal received by the elevating conveyor to pass beneath the same. As the coal is broken down by the picking device it is received by the scoop or shovel 49 and moved rearwardly by the front conveyor 50 onto the discharge conveyor 5| which in turn discharges laterally onto the face conveyor 93.

From the foregoing it will be seen that as the mining and loading apparatus is propelled along the mine wall superimposed parallel horizontal kerfs are cut in the mine wall in planes adjacent the floor and roof, respectively, and thereafter a vertical rear kerf is cut in the mine wall in planes intersecting the parallel horizontal kerfs thereby to form a core. The core is then broken down from the mine wall by the picking device and thereafter the broken down. coal is conveyed from the face by the elevating and discharge conveyors. It will be noted that the apparatus is entirely self-contained and operates to cut, break down and load the coal directly from the mine wall by a series of coordinated operations so that as the apparatus is propelled along the mine wall the coal is entirely removed from the coal seam. By adjustment of the top kerf cutter into different parallel horizontal planes and by swinging the vertical kerf cutter 52 the apparatus mayoperate on coal seams of varying height. These and other uses and advantages of the improved mining and loading apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

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 modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

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

1. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperatin to form a core of coal, means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, receiving means carried by said second base for receiving the dislodged coal and for conveying the dislodged coal laterally from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face I 2. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfsin the mine wall, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of said'horizontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form a core of coal, means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, means carried by said second base for receiving the dislodged coal and for conveying the dislodged coal away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

3. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of said horizontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form acore of cal,.means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby-to form an opening in the mine wall. of suchsize as to provide clearance for saidsecond base as the apparatusis advanced along the ,coal face, means mounted on said second base inside the coal face for conveying the dislodged coal'in a rearward direction parallel withthe coal face, means on said second base for thereafter conveying the dislodged coal'in a direction laterally of the coal face away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

4:. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a

portable base movable alongthe coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of said horizontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form a core of coal, means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coalface, means mounted on said second base inside the coal face for conveying the dislodged coal in a rearward direction parallel with the coal face, means on said second base for thereafter conveying the dislodged coal in a direction laterally of the coal face away from the coal face, propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face, and means outside the coal face and spaced laterally of the path of movement of said first base for simultaneously conveying the coal discharged from said conveying means in a direction parallel with the coal face.

5. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, one kerf at the floor level and the other at a substantial distance above the floor level, and comprising parallel kerf cutters, means on said base for adjusting the top kerf cutter in a vertical direction with respect to said bottom kerf cutter, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the face, means mounted on said second base and arranged'rearwardly of said horiontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf and comprising a vertical kerf cutter, said vertical kerf cutter swingable in a vertical direction relative to said second base, and all of said kerf cutters cooperating to form a core of coal in a direction parallel with the coal face, means on said second base inside the coal face for breaking down the rear wall of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, conveying means carried by said second base for receiving the broken down coal and conveying the coal away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

6. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside there- 5 of in a direction parallel with the coal face, kerf forming means mounted on said base for cutting simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall in a direction parallel with the coal face, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, kerf forming means mounted on said second base for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs, said kerfforming means cooperating to cut out a core of coal 15 in the mine wall in a direction parallel with the coal face, means on said second base for breaking down fragments of the core as cutting progresses to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as 20 the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, receiving means on said second base for receiving the dislodged coal and for conveying the dislodged coal laterally from the coal face, means on said first base for varying the distance apart of said 25 horizontal kerfs by adjusting the top kerf cutter in a vertical direction with respect to the bottom kerf cutter, means on said second base for swinging said vertical kerf cutter in a vertical direction, and propelling means for the apparatus for mov- 30 ing said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

'7. A mining and loading apparatus comprising a kerf cutting unit for forming simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the coal face in a direction parallel with the coal face, a vertical kerf 35 forming, breaking down, and conveying unit supported independently of said horizontal kerf cutting unit for cutting a vertical rear wall kerf in-. tersecting said horizontal kerfs, for breaking down the coal as cutting progresses and for con- 40 veying the coal broken down away from the coal face, said second mentioned unit spaced longitudinally of the coal face rearwardly of said first mentioned unit, and means extending between said units for connecting said units together for 45 movement in unison along the coal face.

8. In a mining and loading apparatus, a horizontal cutting unit including parallel superimposed kerf cutters for cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in a mine wall, a cutting, dislodging and 50 loading unit including a vertical kerf cutter for cutting a vertical kerf intersecting said parallel horizontal kerfs, devices acting on the rear wall of a block of coal formed by said horizontal and vertical kerfs for dislodging the coal and convey- 55 ing means for the broken down coal, said second mentioned unit spaced longitudinally of the coal face rearwardly of said first mentioned unit, means for connecting said second mentioned unit to said first mentioned unit for movement therewith, and feeding means embodied in said first mentioned unit for feeding said units in unison along the mine Wall.

9. In a mining and loading apparatus, a cutting unit including parallel superimposed horizontal kerf cutters for cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in a mine wall including a frame arranged outside and parallel with the coal face and on which said kerf cutters are mounted, means for feeding said frame along the coal face, a cutting, dislodging 7 and loading unit including a vertical kerf cutter for cutting a vertical kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs, a frame movable in a direction 'parallel with the coal face inside the latter and on which said vertical cutter is mounted, dislodging means mounted on said last mentioned frame for breaking down the coal cut by said horizontal and vertical kerf cutters and means on said frame for conveying the broken down coal, said second mentioned unit spaced longitudinally of the coal face rearwardly of said first mentioned unit, and means for connecting said second mentioned unit to said first mentioned unit for movement therewith.

10. In a mining and loading apparatus, a horizontal cutting unit for cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in a mine wall, a vertical cutting unit for cutting a vertical kerf intersecting said parallel horizontal kerfs, said second mentioned unit spaced longitudinally of the coal face rearwardly of said first mentioned unit, tie rods for connecting said vertical cutting unit to said horizontal cutting unit for movement therewith, and means for feeding said horizontal cutting unit.

11. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside'thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for cutting simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, vertical kerf cutting means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs, said kerf cutting means cooperating to cut out a block of coal from the mine wall, breaking down means mounted on said second base and arranged inside the coal face rearwardly of the forward extremity of said vertical kerf forming means for breaking down the rear wall of the block of coal as cutting progresses to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, receiving means on said second base for receiving the broken down coal and cooperating conveying means for conveying the coal from said receiving means laterally away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison-bodily along the coal face.

12. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for cutting simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, vertical kerf cutting means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical kerf rearwardly of said horizontal kerfs, said kerf cutting means cooperating to cut out a block of coal from the mine Wall, breaking down means mounted on said second base and arranged inside the coal face rearwardly of the forward extremity of said vertical kerf forming means for breaking down the rear Wall of the block of coal as cutting progresses to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, a shovel on said second base for receiving the broken down coal and cooperating conveying means, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

13. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for forming parallel superimposed horizontal kerfs in the mine wall to form a block of coal attached at its forward and inner sides to the coal seam, a portable base movable alongthe coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, a vertical kerf forming means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical rear wall kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs to form a core of coal, dislodging means mounted on said second base inside the coal face and acting on the rear wall of the core of coal rearwardly of the forward extremity of said vertical kerf forming means for breaking down the core to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, conveying means on said second base for receiving the broken down coal and conveying the broken coal rearwardly of said dislodging means, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

' a ,14. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for forming parallel superimposed horizontal kerfs in the mine wall to form a block of coal attached at its forward and inner sides to the coal seam, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, a rearwardly located vertical kerf forming means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical rear wall kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs to form a core of coal rearwardly of said horizontal kerf forming means, dislodging means mounted on said second base inside the coal face and acting on the rear wall of the core of coal rearwardly of the forward extremity of said vertical kerf forming means for breaking down the core to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, conveying means on said second base for receiving the broken down coal and conveying the broken coal rearwardly of said dislodging means, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

' 15. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for forming parallel superimposed horizontal kerfs in the mine wall to form a block of coal attached at its forward and inner sides to the coal seam, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, a rearwardly located vertical kerf forming means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical rear wall kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs to form a core of coal rearwardly of said horizontal kerf forming means, dislodging means mounted on said second base inside the coal face and acting on the rear wall of the core of coal rearwardly of the forward extremity of said vertical kerf forming means for breaking down the core to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, conveying means on said second, base for receiving the broken down coal and conveying the broken coal rearwardly of said dislodging means, conveying means onto which said first mentioned conveying means discharges for conveying the-broken coal laterally from the second base, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

16. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on. said base and projecting later-ally therefrom at right angles to said base for cutting simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, vertical kerf cutting means mounted on said second base for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf rearwardly of said horizontal kerfs, said kerf cutting means cooperating to cut a block of coal from the mine wall, breaking down means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of the forward extremity of said kerf cutting means for breaking down the rear wall of the block of coal to form an opening in the mine wall of suchsize as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, receiving means on said second base for receiving the dislodged coal and cooperating conveying means for conveying the dislodged coal laterally from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

17. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of said horizontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form a core of coal, means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine Wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, receiving means on said second base for receiving the dislodged coal and cooperating conveying means for conveying the dislodged coal laterally from the coal face, propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face, and a motor carried by said first base for actuating said horizontal kerf cutting means and said propelling means.

18. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a directionparallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine well, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of said horizontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form a core of coal, means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base, as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, propelling means for said bases for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal 7:;

face, a motor carried by said first base for actuating said horizontal kerf cutting means and said propelling means, and a motor carried. by

said second. base for actuating said vertical kerf cutting means and said dislodging means.

19, In a mining and loading apparatus, horizontal kerf cutting means including horizontal kerf cutters pivotally mounted for horizontal swinging movement about alined vertical axes for cutting simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, vertical kerf cutting means arranged at the rear of said horizontal kerf cutters so as to clear the latter during horizontal swinging movement thereof for cutting a rear Wall vertical kerf rearwardly of said horizontal kerf, and breaking down means arranged rearwardly of the forward extremity of said vertical kerf cutting means for breaking down the rear Wall of a block of coal formed by said horizontal and vertical kerf forming means, and means for actuating said kerf forming means and for horizontally swing said kerf cutters about their pivots.

20. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base and arranged rearwardly of said horizontal kerf cutting means for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form a core of coal, means on said second base inside the coal face for dislodging sections of the core as cutting progresses thereby to form an opening in the mine wall of such size as to provide clearance for said second base as the apparatus is advanced along the coal face, receiving means on said second base for receiving the dislodged coal and for conveying the dislodged coal laterally from the coal face, means extending between said bases outside the coal face for connecting said second base to said first base for movement therewith, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

21. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said base for simultaneously cutting parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall respectively at the floor and roof levels, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, means mounted on said second base for cutting a rear wall vertical kerf, said horizontal and vertical kerfs extending in a direction parallel with the coal face and cooperating to form a core of coal, means carried by said second base for receiving broken down sections of said core of coal and for conveying the broken coal laterally away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

22. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for cutting simultaneously parallel horizontal kerfs in the mine wall, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, vertical kerf cutting means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs, said horizontal and vertical kerf cutting means cooperating to cut out a block of coal from the mine wall, receiving means on said second base for receiving broken down sections of the core and cooperating conveying means for conveying the broken coal from said receiving means laterally away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

23. In a mining and loading apparatus, a portable base movable along a coal face outside thereof in a direction parallel with the coal face, horizontal kerf cutting means mounted on said base for forming parallel superimposed horizontal kerfs in the mine Wall to form a block of coal attached at its forward and inner sides to the coal seam, a portable base movable along the coal face inside the latter in a direction parallel with the coal face, vertical kerf forming means mounted on said second base for cutting a vertical rear wall kerf intersecting said horizontal kerfs to form a core of coal, conveying means on said second base for receiving broken down sections of the core and conveying the broken coal rearwardly of said kerf forming means and laterally away from the coal face, and propelling means for the apparatus for moving said bases in unison bodily along the coal face.

CHARLES B. OFFICER.

0f H16 above numberd patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 60, claim l8, for the word "well" red wall; page 7, first column, line 22', claim 19, for "swing" read swingingg and that-the said Henry Van Arsdale,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents,