US2334605A - Material gathering and loading machine - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 16, 1943.

F. CARTLIDGE MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 INVENTO'R WW 6 W u-G ATTORNEY 8 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 16, 1943. F. CARTLIDGE 2,334,605

MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 8- Sheets-Sheet 2 hNN mvznrron W Car AITORNEY hUlh Nov. 16, 1943. F. CARTLIDGE MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE- Filed March 29, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 2/ ATTORNEY Flu/ 41 NW. 16, .1943. F, CARTLIDGE I MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 mveuron ATTORNEY Nov. 16, 1943. F. CARTLIDGE MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 mvsm'on Fin/2,6 Karma ye aQw u. v 2

ATTO'R N E Y Nov. 16, 1943. F. CARTLIDGE MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Nov. 16, 1943. F. CARTLIDGE MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 mvcuron @zlfiq ye W ATTOR NOV. 16, 1943. T E 2,334,605

MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed March 29, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 mvcn-ron I A'ITORNEY Patented Nov. 16, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MATERIAL GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Frank Cartlidge, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Goodman Manufacturing Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application March 29, 1941, Serial No. 385,819

9 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in material gathering and loading machines adapted to load coal at the working face of a mine.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a simple and efficient low machine of the character described, suitable for operation in thin seams of coal and arranged with a view towards increased accessibility to the parts of the machine and compactness and simplicity in construction, together with increased flexibility in manipulation and control, with a resultant increased loading capacity over former machines of this type.

Other objects of the invention will appear from time to time as the following specification proceeds and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the front part of a loading machine constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are enlarged views in side elevation of the loading machine, with certain parts broken away and with certain other parts shown in longitudinal section;

Figure 4 is an enlargedplan View of the central part of the machine, with certain parts broken away and certain other parts shown in horizontal section;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken'through the central part of the conveyer in order to show certain details of the conveyer and the drive therefor;

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail plan view of the forward part of the machine, with certain parts broken away and with certain other parts shown in horizontal section in order to illustrate certain details of the tensioning means for the conveyer;

Figure 7 is an enlarged partial fragmentary detail plan view of the'forward part of the machine, With certain parts shown in horizontal section in order to illustrate certain details of the drive to the gathering mechanism;

Figure 8 is an enlarged partial fragmentary plan view of the central part of the machine, with certain parts broken away and certain parts shown in horizontal section in order to more clearly illustrate certain details of the drive to the gathering mechanism;

Figure 9 is a partial fragmentary plan view somewhat similar to Figure 8, but withcertain other parts removed and shown in section and with the support for the gathering mechanism shown in one extreme position of adjustment;

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail viewillustrating certain details of the bearing support for a part of the drive means to the gathering mechanism;

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line lI-II of Figure 4;

Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line |2l2 of Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a view in side elevation of the forward part of the machine, illustrating certain details of the elevating mechanism forthe gathering mechanism; Y

Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the elevating cylinder;

Figure 15 is a view somewhat similar to Figure 14, with the piston shown in a different position than in Figure 14; and A Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line I 6l6 of Figure 8.

Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several figures.

Referring now to the details of the machine as shown in the drawings, the main elements thereof consist of a wheeled truck or main frame I, an inclined gathering element 'H disposed in advance of said main frame, and a conveyer l2 extending from a point adjacent the ground, in advance of said main frame, and over the top of said main frame, beyond the rear end thereof in an overhanging position, so as to discharge material into mine cars or the like. Said conveyer is herein shown as being of the single center strand endless chain and flight type, and the material moving elements thereof include an endless chain l3 having spaced apart flights I4, 14, secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom in opposite directions.

The main operating parts of the machine are driven from a motor 15, supported at the rear end of the main frame l0 between side frame members [6, I6 thereof. Said motor has power connections for driving the truck wheels; for driving the gathering mechanism II and conveyer l2, and for driving a suitable pump ll, for building up fluid pressure for laterally swinging and raising 01' lowering the gathering element and for laterally swinging and raising or lowering the discharge end of the conveyer l2.

The endless conveyer chain l3 of the conveyer I2 is of a well known laterally flexible gibbed type, pivotally movable about vertical as well as horizontal axes, and is adapted to ride in guides extending along the conveyer in a manner which will hereinafter more clearly appear as this specification proceeds. Said endless chain is driven from a transverse shaft 30, by means of a chain and sprocket drive 10 (see Figures 3, 4 and 5),

The shaft 30 is driven from the motor I5 by means a bevel pinion 2I journaled on its hub in a bearing 22, mounted in an end wall of a gear casing 23. Said bevel pinion is driven from the splined rear end portion of a longitudinal shaft 21, which is coaxial with the motor shaft, and is driven therefrom through a flexible coupling 28. Said bevel pinion meshes with a pair of opposed bevel gears 29, 29 on aligned transversely extending shafts 30 and 3| for driving said shafts in reverse directions. are mounted on said shafts and forrn a meansfor selectively driving the loading machine therefrom.

in reverse directions without reversal of the motor I5. The drive connections from said shafts to the track wheels for the loading machine will not herein be described in detail since they form no part of my present invention.

The chain and sprocket drive hasv driving connection with a transverse shaft II through a friction slip clutch I2, hereinshown as being of the friction cone type (see Figure 12). A spur gear 13 is freely mounted. on said shaft, adjacent the end thereof opposite from the chain and sprocket drive 10; and is selectively driven therefrom by means of-a jaw clutch 1.4; Said spur gear. meshes with a spur. gear 15; on a; transverse shaft 16, for driving said shaft (see Figures 4 and 5). A sprocket 'l'l iskeyed. on said shaft and meshes with and drives the conveyer chain I3.

The endless conveyer chain I3, extends over an idler roller 18 onthe transverse shaft II, und the drive-sprocket 11, over an idler roller 19 spaced forwardly of said sprocket, and into and along adownwardly opening. gibbed guide 800; on the forward end of an intermediate stationary trough section 80, of the conveyer. From-thence it passes through gibbed guides SI, SI on the undersides of articulated connecting trough segments 82, 02, through a gibbedguide 83, on the underside of a trough section 84, mounted; on the forward end; of a lateraliyswingable frame I0 1, which forms a support for an inclined portion 85 0f the conyever. Said inclined portion of the; conveyor, extends forwardly from the forward end ofsaid swingable frame, to the ground, From said trough section said chain extends downwardly beneath the inclined portion 85 of the conveyor, to and around an idler roller 86 at the forward end of said inclinedportion. From thence said chain extends upwardly along a bottom plate S'Iof said inclined portion of the conveyer.v in a gibbed guide 81a. and through a. gibbed guide 88 on the upper side of a slidable trough section Mmnested within the trough section 04. From said guide said chain extends through gibbedv guides 09, 89 on the upper sides of the trough segments. 82; 82, through a gibbed guide 90 on the upper side of the intermediate trough section 80 of the conveyer, and through gibbed guides 9|, 9I on the upper side of articulated connecting trough segments 92, 92, and beyond said segments to the rear end-of the conveyer. around a suitable idler (not shown), and forwardly. alongv the bottom of the discharge end of. the conveyer, to and over the idler roller 18, under the drive sprocket 1] and over the idler roller 19.

During the passage of the endlesschain I3 downwardly along the underside of. the inclined portion 85.01 the conveyor, it passes over an idler roller 9], under a tension roller 93, and over an idler roller I00 on atransverse shaft I.0I (see Figures 2 and 6). Said tension roller is mounted on a transverse shaft I012. which is mounted at its ends on leverarms I03, I03 ofbellcranks Friction clutches 34 and 41 I04, I04. Said bell cranks are coaxially mounted in opposite side frame members I05, I05 of the inclined portion 85 of the conveyer. Said transverse shaft IOI is mounted coaxially with the axis of pivotal movement of said bell cranks. The other lever arms of said bell cranks are disposed outside of said side frame members and project upwardly and have tension springs I06, IQB connected thereto, for positively engaging the roller 99 with said endless chain, and for maintaining said chain taut in all positions of articulation of the conveyer.

The inclined portion 85 of the conveyor is transversely pivoted, at its rear end on the upper forwardendof the swinging frame I01. Said swinging frame is pivotally mounted at the forward end of the main frame I0, for movement about a vertical axis, and projects forwardly from said main framea substantial distance to form an outboard support for said inclined portion of said conveyer (seeFigures 3 and 4).

The transverse pivotal mounting for said inclined. portion of' the conveyor includes recessed bosses. Iflfla, I00a, projecting laterally from opposite side frame members I05, I05 (see Figure 4) andadapted to be engaged by inwardly extending bosses, I00, I00, projecting inwardly from support brackets I09, I09. Said support brackets are secured to opposite sides of; and project forwardly fromthe upper forward end of the swinging frame I01.

Thelaterally swinging frame I01 includes a lower portion I0Ia, which is provided with a depending boss H0 journaled in a bearing member III at the forward end of the main frame I0, and mounted in a cross frame member I I Ia (see Figures 3 and 11). Said swinging frame also includes an upper portion I01b, spaced upwardly from said lower portion and provided with an upwardly projecting boss H2, journaled in a bearing member 3; mounted in a cross frame member- Ht of said main frame; Said upper portion of" said swinging; frame is provided with a rearwardly projecting portion having an arcuate engaging face II5, whichis adapted to be engaged by a flexiblev chain H6, for laterally swinging said frameabout; theaxes of the bosses H0 and I I2 (see Figures 3, 4, 8 and 9).

The. means for swinging said frame includes a longitudinally extending cylinder I I1, mounted on the, left'hand side plate I6 and having a pair ofvertica-lly-spaced piston rods I I8, I I8, extensible therefrom. The chain H6 is connected between said-piston rods, intermediate its ends, by a connecting member I I thereof, in a manner clearly shown and described in my prior application Serial No. 308,565,- flled Nov. 15, 1940; now Patent No. 2,239,978, and no part of my present invention so not herein shown or described in detail. Said chain'extends forwardly from its point of connection to said piston rods, around a guide sheave H9,- and' angularly inwardly therefrom towards the rear of;the machine, to and around a. sheave I20. From thence it; extends towards the left hand-side of themachine. around the arcuate face II5,- and isyieldably connected to the left hand end of said arcuateportion by means of a connecting bolt and spring I2I- (see Figure 8). Said chain also extends in a rearward direction from its point of connection to the piston rod H8, arounda guide sheave'I Hiand inwardly and angularly forwardly therefrom towards the right hand side ofjthe machine, and isconnected at its end to the right handend of the arcuate engaging face H5: by means of a connecting bolt and spring I23. Thus when fluid under pressure is admitted to one end or the other of said cylinder, said piston rods will swing said elevating conveyer laterally, in an obvious manner. V

The means for elevating, the gathering mechanism and inclined elevating portion ofthe conveyer about the axis of the bosses I08, I08 includes a pair of laterally spaced fluid pressure cylinders I26, I26, slidably supported in cylindrical supporting members I21, I21 which are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the swinging frame I01 (see Figures 2, 8, 13, 14 and 15) Each of said cylinders and supporting members is of a similar construction so the construction of one only will herein be described in detail. As herein shown, the cylindrical support member I21 is provided with a pair of spaced apart rearwardly projecting ears I21, I21, extending along opposite sides of and pivotally connected with a lug I29, projecting forwardly from the swinging frame I01,adjacent the lower outer end thereof (see Figures 8 and 13). A compression spring I is mounted within said cylindrical support member and is interposed between the inside of said support and the outside of a head end I3I of said cylinder, to form a cushioning means for the inclined conveyer and loading element (see Figures 14 and 15). A bolt I32 extendsthrough a boss I33 of said cylindrical support member and is threaded within a boss I34, projecting rearwardly from the head end of the cylinder I25, to limit outward movement of said cylinder with respect to said cylindrical support member and to adjust the extent of movement of said cylinder with respect to said support member.

A piston I35 is mounted within each cylinder I26. Eachof said cylinders has a piston rod I36. projecting therefrom. Said piston rods are pivotally connected at their outer ends with brackets I31, I31, depending from opposite sides of the inclined elevating portion of the conveyer intermediate the. ends thereof. Thus, when fluid under pressure is admitted to the head end of the cylinders I26, I26, the gathering mechanism and forward endof, the elevating conveyer will be elevated above the ground about the axis of pivotal connection of said forward end to the bearing bosses I08, I08, and when fluid pressur is re-' leased from the head ends of said cylinders, said gathering and loading element will move in a downward direction against the compression springs I30, I30. Said cylinders may also be used to raise the front track wheels off the ground, to aid in re-railing the machine when it is off the track, by the admission of fluid under pressure to the piston rod ends of said cylinders. This will move the gathering and loading element in a downward direction towards the ground and will positively engage the forward end of said gathering and loading element with the ground. Further movement of said gathering and loading element in a downward direction will jackknife said gathering and loading element about the axes of bosses I08, I08, which wi lift the front end of the machine about the rear I track wheels. During such operation, engagement of the boss I33 with the boss I34 will form a stop to limit depression of the forward end of the gathering and loading element, and when pressure is relieved from the piston rod ends of said cylinders, the compression springs I30, I30 will tend to eleva e the forward end of said gathering and loading element to a normal position.

The gathering element II is herein shown as being of a construction somewhat similar to that illustrated in my prior Patent No. 2,135,882, so will not herein be described in detail, and includes an inclined plate 225 extending along opposite sides of the conveyer and across the forward: end thereof. A pair of chain guiding members 226, 220 having endless chains 221, 221 guided for orbital movement thereabout, are mounted on the upper side of said plate and extend along opposite sides of and forwardly of said conveyer. Spaced gathering arms 228, 228 project, laterally from said chains, for picking up material from the ground and moving it along the front end of said apron onto said conveyer (see Figures 1 and 2).

Each gathering chain 221 is driven from a sprocket 230, mounted on the upper end of a shaft 23I, journaled for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane of inclination of the plate 225. A spur gear 233 is keyed on said shaft, adjacent the lower end thereof, and meshes with and is driven from a spur pinion 234 on a shaft 235. A bevel gear 236 on the lower end of said shaft serves to drive said shaft and is driven from a bevel pinion 231 on the forward end of a longitudinally extending shaft 238. Said shaft is journaled in a gear housing 239, which forms a bearing support for the shafts 2-3I and 235, and a housing for the gears 233, 234, 235 and 231. A universal coupling 240 is connected to the rear end of said shaft, and has connection with a universal coupling 24I at the rear end of the inclined elevating portion of the conveyer by means of a rearwardly projecting splined shaft 242, which slidably engages a forwardly projecting internally splined sleeve 243, connected at its rear end with the universal coupling 24I. Said last mentioned universal coupling is connected to and driven from a longitudinally extending shaft 244, journaled in the swinging frame I81, in suitable bearing support members 245, 245,. A sprocket 246 is mounted on said shaft between the bearing support members 245, 245, and serves to drive said shaft (see Figures 8 and 11). lhe right hand drive sprocket 245 is driven f1 cm a sprocket 241, journaled on a longitudinal shaft.

249, by means of drive chains 250, 250. The left hand sprocket 245 is driven from a parallel sprocket 25I by means of drive chains 252, 252 (see Figures 8 and 11). The sprockets 241 and 25! are connected together by means of a pair of spur gears 253, 253, mounted on the hubs of said respective sprockets.

The drive sprocket 25I is journaled on its hub in the swinging frame I01 on ball bearings 254, 254 and is selectively driven from a coaxial longitudinal shaft 255 by means of an over-load release clutch 255, herein shown as being of a friction slip type of disk clutch (see Figures 3, 8 and 16) The friction ciutch 255, as shown in Figure 16, includes a helical gear 250 mounted on the forward end of the shaft 255. Said helical gear engages with internal helical teeth formed Within the inner periphery of a driving member 26I. Driving and driven friction disks 264, 264 are interposed between said driving member and a driven member 265. Said driven member is keyed to the hub of the sprocket 25L A compression spring 266 engages an engaging member 261 with the end disk 254, and holds said disks in driving connection with each other. Said compression spring engages the inner side of an adjustable spring housing, 238 at its end opposite from said engaging member. Said housing is threaded within a forwardly projecting: portion 259 of the. driven member 285,. for: adjustment.

Upon overload. of the gathering mechanism,

the driving member 26! will; move outvmrrfly along the teeth of the helical gear 260: and move the engaging member 261 against the compression spring 256, to permit. disengagement ofifihc clutch.

The" clutch 256 is positively disengaged by means of a fluid cylinder 210 having a piston rod2'H extensible therefrom (see Figure'8) Said piston rod haspivotal connection with an arm of a clutch yoke 2T6. Said clutch yoke is pivoted intermediate its ends and engages aclutch collar 211 on the end of a clutch rod m, slldably mounted in the housingfll, and extending outwardly therefrom. An enlarged inner portion 219, of a semi-spherical formation, is provided on the inner end of said rod and engages the inner side of the-engaging member 261', topositively release said clutch, upon the admission of fluid under'pressure to said cylinder; Fluid under pressure is suppliedto said cylinder by the pump 11, through suitable piping (-not shown).

The shaft 256 is driven from the motor I! through the forward end of theshaft 21'; said shaft'extends longitudinally forward of the bevel pinion 2|, through the casing 21 and beyond the forward end thereof (see Figures 3 and 8); The forward end of said shaft 21 extends within an internally splined sleeve 280', journaled within a bearing member 281' mounted at the forward end of the casing 23. A. flanged forward end of the splined sleeve 280 is connected with a flanged yoke 282' of a universal coupling. 283, by means of nutsand bolts 284, 2841 Said flanged yoke is pivotally connected with a cross 288: of said. coulpling, for universal pivotal movement with respect thereto about a pair of perpendiculat axes, and the opposite end of said cross is universally pivotally connected to av yoke 286; for pivotal movement about a pair of perpendicular axes.- Said last mentioned yoke is herein shown. as having an internally splined sleeve 281. projecting forwardly therefrom", whichiis journaled in. alaterally swinging bearing support member 283 on ball bearings 290, 290 (see Figures 3, 8 and 9). Said. bearing support member is pivotally connected adjacent its rear end withthemainframe III by means of a pivotal pin 291 (see Figure 3). Said bearing support member extends forwardly and over the lower portion of said laterally swinging frame and is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 292, open. towards. its forward end, which has engagement withthahead of a pin 293 projecting upwardly from the: lower portion of said frame.

A. splined shaft 294is slid'abl'y' mounted with.- in the internally splined sleeve 281, and is herein shown as being formedintegral; with ayoke: 295 of a universal coupling 296, similar tothecoupling 283'. Said-universal coupling is provided with another yoke 291 connected to the cross thereof, and having a splined shaft 299 projecting forwardly therefrom and slidahly engaging. a splined sleeve 390, journaled in a bearing supportmember 301, on ball bearings 302,302. Said splined sleeve has driving, engagement with the splined rear end of the shaft 255,- for' driving: said shaft.

It may be seen from the. foregoing that the bearing: support member 289 moves? in. a can'- troiled path, upon laterally swinging movement of the swinging frame l0.|,.and holdsthe-splined sleeve. 2811 in such apcsition as to split the angles between the. universalrjoints m and: 298,. intodues: the angidarity of the yokeslotthe two joints with respect to each otheaso the drivesprockets Band 241 may bedriventhrough saiduniversal couplings upon. all positions or lateral swinging movement. of said gathering mechanismwith nespectto' thet'ruck 10; This arrangement permits the: gathering mechanism to beeflicientiy driven when swung: 50' degrees toeachside of the longitudinal. center line of the machine and forms a simple and efllcient form. of direct drive, taking up a minimum amount of vertical height and eliminating the usual. bevel gear train necessary to drive a. laterally movable gathering mechanism from a stationary motor.

While I. have herein shown and described one formiinwhich my invention may be embodied, it will be understood that the construction thereof and the arrangement of the various parts may bealtered without departing from the. spirit and scope thereof. Furthermore, Ido not wishvto be construed as limiting. my invention to the. specific embodiment illustrated, excepting a it may be limited in the appendedciaims.

I claim as my'invention;

1. In a loading device. of the class described, a track mounted truck including a main frame, a motor mounted on: saidv main frame, a swinging frame projecting forwardly from the forward end of said main frame and mounted on said main frame for lateral. swingin movement about a vertical. axis, a conveyor mounted on. said swinging frame. and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground in an inclined direction, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forward: end of. saidconveyer, for picking up loose material from the: ground and. movingit onto said conveyor, and" drive connections from said motor! to said gathering elements including a longitudinally extending shatt. mounted on said swinging frame, adjacent the forward end thereof, a bearing support member pivotally mounted on said. main frame, adjacent. the forward end thereof, acontrolling cormection between the forward end ofv saidbnaring: support member and said swinging frame, for pivotally moving said bearingsupport member in. a; controlled path, upon swinging movement of said swinging frame, a drive member joumaled in said bearing support member, a universal coupling connecting said motor with saiddrive member, and another universal'coupling connecting said drive member with said longitudinally extending shaft.

2; In aloading device of theclass described, a track mounted truck including a mainframe, a motor mounted on said main frame, a swinging frame-mounted on and projecting forwardly from the forward endof said main frame, said swingingframe being laterally movable about avertical axis, a conveyor mounted on said swinging frame and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground in an inclined direction, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forwardend of said conveyor, for pickingup loose material from the ground and-moving it onto said conveyer, and drive connections from said' motor to said gathering elements including alongitudinally extending shaft mounted on said swinging frame, adjacent the forward end thereof, a drive member mounted on said main frame, for transverse swinging movement with respectthereto, a universal coupling connecting said moizrr with said drive member, another universal coupling connecting said drivemember withsaid longitudinal shaft, and a transversely movable bearing support member for said drive member, adapted to support said drive member in such a manner as to move said drive member across the axis of swinging movement of said swinging frame, upon movement of said frame from one extreme position to another, and said bearing support memher having pivotal connection with said'main frame and overlapping said swinging frame.

3. In a loading device of the class described, a track mounted truck including a main frame, a motor mounted on said main frame, a swinging frame mounted on said main frame adjacent the forward end thereof and projecting forward]?! from the forward end of said mainframe, said swinging frame being laterally movable about a vertical axis, a conveyer mounted on said swingin frame and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground in an inclined direction, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forward end of said conveyer, for picking up loose material from the ground and moving it onto said conveyer, and drive connections from said motor to said gathering elements including a longitudinally extending shaft journaled in said swinging frame, adjacent the forward end thereof, drive member mounted on said main frame, for transverse swinging movement with respect thereto, a universal coupling connecting said motor with said drive member, another universal coupling connecting said drive member with said longitudinal shaft, and a transversely movable bearing support member for said drive member, said bearing support member having pivotal connection with said main framev and overlapping said swinging frame, and a guiding connection between said swinging frame and said bearing support member to cause said bearing support in nber to move said drive member across the of swinging movement of said swinging fra 1e, upon movement of said frame from one extreme position to another.

4. In a loading device of the class described, a track mounted truck including a main frame, a motor mounted on said main frame, a swinging frame mounted on said main frame adjacent the forward end thereof and projecting forwardly from the forward end of said main frame, said swinging frame being laterally movable about a vertical axis, a conveyer mounted on said swinging frame and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground in an inclined direction, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forward end of said conveyer, for picking up loose material from the ground and moving it onto said conveyer, and drive connections from motor to said gathering elements including a longitudinally extending shaft journaled in said swinging frame, adjacent the forward end thereof, a drive member mounted on said main frame, for transverse swinging movement with respect thereto, a universal coupling connecting said motor with said drive member, another universal coupling connecting said drive member with said longitudinal shaft, and a transversely movable bearing support member for said drive member, said bearing support member having pivotal connection with said main frame and overlapping said swinging frame, and a guiding connection between said swinging frame and said bearing support member including a pin on one of said members engageable with a slot on said other member, for moving said bearing support member and drive member across the axis of swinging movement of said swinging frame, upon movement of said frame from one extreme position to another. 7 j 1 5.: A loading machine of the class described having in combination a track mounted main frame, a motor on' said main frame, a swinging frame projecting forwardly from the forward end of said'main frame'and mounted on said main frame for lateral swinging movement about a vertical axis, an. inclined conveyer mounted on said swinging frame and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forward end of said inclined conveyer, for packing up loose material from the ground'and moving it onto said conveyer, and drive connections-from said motor to said gathering elements including a longitudinally'extending shaft mounted on said swinging frame, adjacent theforward end thereof, a-pair of drive sprockets mounted forrotation about laterally spaced longitudinal axes on the upper portion of said swinging frame, adjacent opposite sides thereof, flexible geared drive connections extending along opposite sides of said conveyer for driving 'said gathering elements from said sprockets, and chain and sprocket drives from said longitudinal shaft to said sprockets. a

6. A loading machine of the class" described having in combination a track mounted'main frame, a motor on said main frame, a swinging frame projecting forwardly from the forward end of said main frame 'and mounted on said main frame forlateral swinging movement about a vertical axis, anfinclined conveyer mounted on' said swinging frame and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forward end of said inclined conveyer, for picking up loose material from the ground and moving it onto said conveyer, and drive connections from said motor to said gathering elements including a longitudinally extending shaft mounted on said swinging frame, adjacent the forward end thereof, another shaft parallel to said shaft and driven therefrom, two laterally spaced drive sprockets mounted on said swinging frame adjacent the upper end thereof for rotation about parallel longitudinal axes, flexible geared drive connections extending along opposite sides of said conveyer, for driving said gathering elements from said sprockets, and individual chain and sprocket drives from said longitudinal shafts to said sprockets.

'l. A loading machine of the class described having in combination a track mounted main frame, a motor on said main frame, a swinging frame projecting forwardly from the forward end of said main frame and mounted on said main frame for lateral swinging movement about a vertical axis, an inclined conveyer mounted on said swinging frame and extending forwardly therefrom to the ground, gathering elements extending along opposite sides of the forward end of said inclined conveyer, for picking up loose material from the ground and moving it onto said conveyer, and drive connections from said motor to said gathering elements including a longitudinally extending shaft mounted on said swinging frame, adjacent the forward end thereof, another shaft parallel to said shaft and driven therefrom, two laterally spaced drive sprockets mounted on said swinging frame adjacent the upper end thereof for rotation about parallel longitudinal axes, flexible geared drive connections extending along opposite sides of seid conveyo io dri inx said anthems: soloments from said sprockets, individual chain 1nd sprocket drives from s id lon it dinal sha ts to aid p ockets, and w sowed mt roonoeoted un ersa ouplin s oonnectins s d motor with said fir m ntion d lon itud nal. strait and coran ed o d ive said lonzitud naish fl irons said moto in al os t ons o swi min vfmuxe and smlined oonrvever withresnoot tosaid motor.

A lo din ma ine r the class described ha in in o mbimtion a tack mounted main am a motor n said main a am p ojecting io word v from the forward and o said main f ame and m nnted on said mai f ame to lateral swin n movement about a vertical axis, an inclined .oonveyer mounted on sa d sw ngin irons: and extend n forwa dly her f om to the ound, atherin elements exend a on oppos te sides of the fo ward end of. said nclined conveyor, f r pickin no oose materiel trim the a ound and moving it onto said onveyo and drive connecti ns t am said m to -to mid isoth rms e ments includin a 10n itudinaliv extendin shaft on said swin in fr me. adiaocnt th iorsv nd end thereo another shaft para lel t said shaft and driven therefrom, two laterally spaced drive, sprockets on sa d swin in frame adjacent the Honor end thereof for rotation about parallel longitudinal mics, flexible seared drive connections cxtendim along opposite sides of said conveyer, for drivin said gathering elements from said sprockets, individual chain and sprocket drives from said bnmudinal shafts to said sprockets, g, drive member mounted on said main frame, tor transverse, swinging movement with respect thereto, .a universal coupling connecting said motor with said drive member, another universal coupling connecting said drive member with first mentioned longitudinal shaft, and a transversely movable bearing support for said drive member said bearing support being pivotal-1y mounted on said main frame and overlapping a lower portion of said swinging frame, and having guiding connection with said swinging frame whereby said swinging frame will move said bearing support and drive member in a controlled path, upon swinging movement of sold frame.v

9. In a loading machine of the class described having in combination a track mounted truck, an inclined elevating conveyer projecting forwflddly H0 11 the forward end of said truck, athonne mechanism extending along opposite sides of said cenveyer, adjacent the forward end thereof, and a supporting connection for said elevating .conveyer on said truck including a swinging frame iournaled on said truck for m men b ut .a vertica a is a d proie t ns iorwdly thereirom, a shaft extending longitudinalhl of said frame. adjacent the lower end thereofi, said frame having a for-ward vertically unendin widen d. ort on d sp sed in advance ofsgid truck and having said conveyor journaled thereon for transverse pivotal movement with thereto, and a pair of sprockets driven from shaft and iournalcd in opposite sides of said widened portion, for rotation about longitudinal axes, and disposed beneath the con veyer and forming a drive means for said gathqring FRANK CABTIJDGE.

Images