US1725141A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Aug. 20, 1929.

Original Filed Aug. 3l, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheetl l www km@ Augzo, 1929.

M. F. HOLMES MINING MACHINE original Filed Aug. 31.1925 :s sheets-sheet 2 7477517 35 F .4. 4 y .flgzy/ 50.5 i?

HH Il H l 172226222024: MriziYPHaZ/wa y/f Aug. 20, 1929. M. P. HOLMES 1,725,141

MINING MACHINE original Filed Aug. 51, 1925 :s sheets-Sheet 3 N [23216722071- MaizlsyPHoZizes.

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Patented Aug. 20, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MORRIS I. HOLMES, OF CLAREIVIONT7 NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE.

Application led August 31, 1925, Serial No. 53,518. Renewed April 21, 1928.

This .invention relates to mining machines and more particularly to mining machines of the longwall type.

Mining machines employed in longwall cutting now regularly comprise mechanism adapted not only to effect cutting movement along a face and bar swinging movement during sumping, but also to move them at a much more rapid rate when moving to the place where Va out is to be begun or on similar occasions. Preferably also provision must be made to permit the flexible feeding member to be drawn out easily and quickly and led off to a point towards which the machine is to be moved. A very low and narrow machine is desirable and controlling means of the simplest and most easily operable variety is also sought.

A primary object of Vthe present invention is to provide an improved machine of the type mentioned having improved feeding mechanism adapted to provide machine movement through operation with a flexible feeding member at a plurality of speeds one a predetermined sumping and cutting speed and another a much higher predetermined machine moving speed; and also providing means whereby the flexible feeding member may be readily drawn out. A more specific object is to provide improved controlling means for feed operating mechanism wherein a single control member may be capable, by different manipulation thereof, of controlling both a clutch and a speed changing mechanism. From this aspect of the invention, a more specific object is to provide in a machine having a plural speed transmission gearing including transmission elements of the self-locking typek and a clutch between said elements and a feed operating member, means for controlling said clutch and said transmission gearing having a common controlling member which may be differently manipulated to effect control of said clutch and of said transmission means, and adapted to perform its various control functions with respect to either irrespective of its precise cooperation with the other. Other objects and advantages will presently appear.

In a preferred embodiment the invention may be embodied in a preferred form in a machine comprising a machine frame, preferably disposable during cutting with either of two opposed surfaces in Contact with a effecting movement of the machine. "The driving motor for the cutting and feedingV mechanisms preferably substantially determines the height of the machine and is preferably arranged between the cutting and feeding mechanisms. The feeding mechanism preferably includes transmission means for effecting rotation of the feed operating member by power from the motor or for freeing it for rotation by traction on a flexible feeding member. y The transmission means is preferably of the plural speed type, self-locking, and preferably friction controlled, in a preferred form comprising a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis, a worm engaging the worm wheel and rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and plural speed driving means for said worm including a plurality of friction clutches coaxial with the worm. A clutch is preferably arranged between thc worm wheel and feed operating member to free the latter foi` ready drawing out of the flexible feeding member.

From another aspect the invention comprises improved transmission means and controlling means therefor adapted to provide plural speed power transmissison or complete disconnection from the major portions of the transmission means. Preferably the transmission means employs gearing of the self-locking type, whereby simplicity in the Vreduction trains is secured, and the importance of the disconnecting feature is enhanced. The transmission means preferably comprises a plurality of clutches having common actuating means. The controllingy means preferably comprises a single primary control element mounted for a plurality ofmovements, as for rotary and translatory movements, and means respectively cooperating therewith upon its different movements to effect control of different devices, preferably a plurality of clutches, and preferably a plurality of clutches controlling the different transmission speeds are controlled by movements of one type.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice, and in these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view with parts broken away and with cover plate removed and parts omitted to show details of construction;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; l

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view on a horizontal plane including the section line 3 3 of Fig. 2, certain parts above the plane lbeing shown in elevation;

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view on the plane of the line 5-5 of Figs. l and 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 7 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

In the illustrative embodiment a machine, generally designated 1, comprises a frame 2 made up of three parts: a central motor section 3, a front or feeding mechanism section 4, and a rear or 'cutting mechanism section 5. Each of these sections is provided with plane upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface of each of the sections lying in a common plane and the same being true of the lower surfaces of the sections, whereby the frame 2 as a whole is provided with a bottom plane surface 7 and a top plane surface 8 upon either of which the machine may be supported and slide over the mine bottom during cutting. The cutting mechanism section 5 is provided with a pivoted cutter bar 10 having a circulating cutter chain 11 whose links 12 carry cutter bits 13. The cutter chain may be actuated in any usual or desired manner and as applicants invention resides primarily in the feeding mechanism per se and in its relations to the remainder of the machine, the specific cutter chain driving transmission mechanism need not be, and is not, illustrated. JLt may be said, however, that the motor 14 mounted in the section 3 is adapted to drive the cutter chain during cutting or at any other time at the will. of the operator and through connections with its power shaft at the end of the latter nearer the cutter bar. A suitable type of transmission is shown in my application Serial No. 619,839, tiled Feb. 19` 1923, now matured into Patent No. 1,670,155, patented May 15, 1-928.

The motor 14 is provided with an armature'shaft 15 which at its front end carries a driving pinion 1'6 which constitutes a driving element for the feeding mechanism. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention feed is accomplished by means of a flexible feed cable or rope 17 which is connected at one end to a winding drum 18 and adapted to be wound thereon to draw the machine toward the other extremity of the cable 17. The drum 18 is disposed in horizontal planes including the cutting mechanism and rests substantially upon the bottom plate 19 of the feed section and is journaled as shown in Fig. 4 on anti-friction bearings 2O surrounding a stub shaft 21 which passes through the bottom plate 19 and into a recess 22 in a partition 23 of the frame section 4, being held in position by a bolt 25. he drum 18 is provided with internal gear teeth 26 which are engaged and driven by the teeth of a spur pinion 27 keyed to the lower end of a vertical shaft 28 whose axis of rotation like that of the drum 18 is disposed in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine. The shaft 28 is journaled at its upper and lower ends in anti-friction bearings 29 and 36 respectively and is formed adjacent the bearing 29 with an enlarged portion having a series of clutch teeth 31 radially extending thereon. Between the pinion 27 and the clutch teeth 31 the shaft 28 is surrounded by and provides a journal for a worm gear 32 carried upon a sleeve 33 whose upper portion is provided with clutch teeth 34 of a construction corresponding to the teeth 31 and adapted to be connected to the latter by an internal toothed clutch sleeve 35 slidablo longitudinally upwardly relative to the shaft 28 to connect the worm wheel in driving relation to thel shaft and so to the pinion 27. Suitable operating mechanism is provided for moving the clutch sleeve 35 and will be described later.

rl`he worm wheel 32 is engaged by a worm 37 rotatable upon a longitudinally extending horizontal axis and journaled at one end in a bearing 38 removably secured to the frame section 4. At its opposite end the worm is provided with a reduced shank having formed thereon a series of radially eX- tending teeth 39 which cooperate with internal teeth 40 upon the forward extremity of a longitudinally extending shaft 41, which is journaled at its opposite ends in bearings 42 and 43. The shaft 41 is rotatable at different speeds in the saine direction through gearing actuated by the pinion 16 and including a plurality of members rotatable upon parallel, horizontal, longitudinally ef;- tending axes. The shaft 41 has lteyed thereon at longitudinally spaced points two sleeves i5, 47 and has journaled thereon an intermediate sleeve 46. The sleeve at its end adjacent the motor section 3 of the frame is surrounded by a bushing 48 upon which a spur gear 49 is journaled. rlhis .gear is provided with a sleeve like portion 50 coaxial with the shaft 41 and having radially inwardly extending ribs 51 formed thereon and cooperating with a series of friction clutch discs 52. Interleaved with the clutch discs 52 is a cooperating series of discs 53 which are held in nonrotative relation to a plurality of radial outwardly extending ribs 54 upon a cylindrical sleeve like portion 55 formed upon the sleeve 45. A perforated end plate 56 is arranged within the open end of the sleeve like portion 5U and has iiiterlocking connection with the ribs 51. Through slots in this plate lingers 57l carried upon a pressure applying disc 58 extend into contact with the end disc of the series 52, 53. The member 49 also provides an abutment 59 against which the opposite end disc may re-aet.

rllhe intermediate sleeve 46 is keyed to the end plate 56 and carries a spur pinion 60 which meshes with and drives a spur gear 61 supported on and keyed .to a shaft 62 which is mounted in spaced anti-friction bearings 63 upon the machine frame. The shaft 62 is coxial with the armature shaft and accordingly lies in the same vertical longitudinally extending plane with the axes of rotation of the drum 18 and drum driving pinion 27. At its forward end the shaft 62 carries a driving pinion 64 which meshes vith and drives a substantially larger spur gear 65 mounted coaxially with the sleeve 47. The gear 65 and sleeve 47 are provided with friction clutch mechanism generally designated 66 for connecting them together, the construction of these parts being substantially identical with the construction of the elements for connecting the sleeve 45 and gear 49 save in that the member 67, corresponding to the member 56, is free to rotate relative to the gear 65 and is simply circular, and in that the relative positions of the parts are reversed so that t-he pressure applying disc 68 is arranged at the side of the parts adjacent the pressure plate 58 and is disposed for engagement by mechanism which can selectively apply pressure to the plate 58 well.

Means for loading the friction clutches 52, 53 and 66 comprises a yoke 70 pivotable about a vertical axis and supported on pin members or bosses 71' in the upper and lower plates of the machine frame. The yoke member 7 O has arms 72 carrying rollers 73 engageable alternatively wit-h the discs 58 and 68 along diametrical lines, and according to the direction of pivoting about the axes of the bosses 71 either of the friction clutches may be loaded. At its side opposite the arms 72 the yoke 70 has outwardly project-ing arms 74 between which a link 75 is pivoted. At is forward end the link 75 is secured to a slide member 76 threadedly engaging a screw member 77 and guided for longitudinal movement along said screw by a stationary guiding rib 78 which engages in a longitudinal slot 76 in the periphery of the member 76. The screw 75 is secured to a shaft 79, which is rotatable in a bearing providing member 80, which in turn supports the rib 78. At its opposite end the shaft 79 carries a spur gear 81, which is rotatable to effect rotation of the screw 77 with resultant longitudinal movement of the slide 76 and swinging movement of the yoke 70. A rack bar 82 is mounted for sliding movement transversely of the frame as shown in Fig. 6 and has rack teeth 83 cooperating with the pinion 81 and other rack teeth 84 engaging with elongated teeth 85 formed upon a longitudinally extending shaft 86. The teeth 85 upon the shaft 86 are of substantial length so that the shaft may undergo longitudinal movement without disengaging the teeth 85 from the rack 84. A handle 86 at the rear end of the shaft 86 permits rotation of the shaft in either direction to effect through the mechanism described the loading of either of the friction clutches.

The shaft 86 also carries in fixed longitudinal relation thereto a sleeve member 87 to which a curved link 88 is pivotally secured by means of oppositely disposed pins 89. At its other end the link 88 is connected to a pin 90 mounted in the forwardly projecting arm 91 of a clutch shipping member 92 `whose rearwardly extending spaced arms 93 carry means 94 engaging a groove 95 in the clutch member 35, with the result that the longitudinal movement of the shaft- 86 may control the position of the clutch element 35. More specifically, it will be apparent that traction exerted upon the shaft 86 in a direction away from the cutting end of the machine will cause clockwise swinging movement of the arms of the shipper 92 and upward movement of the clutch 35, with resultant connection of the teeth 81, 84 by the clutch Shaft 86 extends at the front end of the frame through a sleeve 96 having an eccentric port-ion 97 and the sleeve may be withdrawn partially from the recess 98 in which it is carried and turned to lock the rod 86 in forward position. The handle 86 is so positioned upon the shaft 86 that when `he shaft is allowed to assume its extreme rearward position the handle 86 abuts a surface 98' upon the sleeve 96 and prevents lowering of the clutch sleeve 35 substant-ially further than the amount necessary to effect disconnection with the teeth 31. It will be noted that shaft 86 and handle 86 are capable of two generically different movements, rotary, and reciprocatory or translatory, and that these generically different movements control different clutch mechanisms.

The machine frame may be provided with two or more guiding rolls 99 arranged at the extreme foiwvard end of the machine frame and adapted to permit the cable 17 to be guided by them during feeding movenient.

From the description of the mechanism which has been given the mode of operation of the illustrative embodiment of the invention will be clearly apparent. When it is desired to swing the bar under the coal, the cable i7 may be led around the roll 99 adjacent the face and then forward and connected to the cutter bar in a well lrnown inanner to cause the bar to swing under the coal while cutting a path for itself. During this swinging movement the slow speed drive may be employed. This is effected by rotating the hand wheel 86a in a counterclockwise direction (looking towards the cutter bar). This effects transverse movement of the rack bar to the left in Fig. 6 and movement of the crossliead or slide 76 to the left in Figs. 3 and 7. Accordingly the drum 1S will be driven through the train including pinion 16, gear 49, pinion 60, gear 61, pinion 64, gear 65, worm 37, worin wheel 32, pinion 27 and internal gear 26, and will draw in cable 17 at a slow speed. When suinping is completed the clutch may release the drum for .free rotation and the cable be drawn off and led away to a jack at a distance along the face. The clutch 35 being again connected, slow feed may once more be begun and the machine moved along the face during cutting. Faster movement of the machine may be obtained when desired by turning the hand wheel 86a clockwise. This will move the rack bar 82 to the right in Fig. 6 and rotate the shaft 79 to cause the cross head 76 to move towards the right in Figs. 3 and 7. The clutch discs 52, 53 will accordingly be forced into engagement and the gear 49 connected directly to the shaft 41. The worin 37 will therefore be rotated in the same direction as before, but at a much faster rate, so that the drum 18 will wind in the cable 17 faster. The other operations and manipulations of the controlling mechanism will be clearly apparent from those described.

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

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

1. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame having a projecting cutter bar, a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of operation of said bar, a driving member for said feed operating member transmitting rotation directly thereto and rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter, and plural predetermined speed driving means for said driving meinber including but a single worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said frame and a manually controllable friction clutch coaxial with said worin and through which the worm is driven.

2. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame having a projecting cutter bar, a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of operation of said bar, a driving member for said feed operating member rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter, and plural speed driving means for said driving meinberincluding but a single worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said frame and a plurality of friction clutches coaxial with said worm and through which the worm is driven.

8. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine, a motorintermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between the adjacent end of said motor and said feed operating member for rotating the latter at different predetermined speeds including a gear rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a friction clutch coaxial therewith, and but a single worm rotatable on loading of said clutch and coaxial with said gear.

4. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a driving pinion carried by said motor, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis anddriven by said worm, direct driving connections between said worm wheel and said feed operating member including intermeshing teeth connected in fixed relation respectively to said wheel and member, and clutch means for connecting said worm and gear.

5. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapt-ed to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said operating member including a driving pinion cairied by said motor, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical s and driven by said worm, direct driv g' connections between said worm wheel and said feed opera-ting member including intermeshing` teeth connected in fixed relation respectively to said wheel and niember, and friction clutch means for conneizting said worm and gear.

6. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end t ereof a pivoted cutte` chain carrying cutterl bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said feet operatii f member including a driving pined by said motor, a gear meshing yi i and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally ef said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and driven ly said worm, direct driving connections between said worin wheil and said feed operating' membeA ylading intermeshing teeth connected in fixed relation respectively to said wheel and member, and clutch means for connectine' said worm and Y. In a mining machine, a machine frame h ving at one end triereef a Vpivoted cutter chain larrying cutter' bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate direftly with flexible feeding means, a' motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections `etween said motor and said feed operatingl member including` a drivin@r pinion carried by said meter, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending' longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and driven by said worm, direct driving connections between said worm wheel and said feed operating member including intermeshing teeth connected l relation respectively to said wheel in fixed and member, and friction clutch means ror connecting said worm and gear.

8. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a plurality of coaxial friction clutches having controlling means precluding simultaneous loading thereof and through either of which said member may be actuated separately only.

9. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member' and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing' for said actuating member including a plurality of coaxial friction clutches having controlling means precluding simultaneous loading thereof and through either of which said member may be actuated separately only.

10. In a mining machine, a machine slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertifal axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and saidY bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a worm and a plurality of coaxial friction clutches having controlling means precluding simultaneous loading thereof and through either of which said worm may be actuated separately only.

ll. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor kintermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a worm and a plurality of coaxial friction clutches having controlling means precluding simultaneous loading thereof and through either' of which said worm may be actuated separately only.

12. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting` and having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine .frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a plurality of coaxial frictions arranged with their axes extending longitudinally of the machine frame through either of which said member may be actuated separately only, said clutches having controlling means precluding simultaneous loading thereof.

13. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a Vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperatec irectly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuatc said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member rotatable on avertical axis nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating memberfincluding a plurality of coaxial frictions arranged with their axes extending longitudinally ofthe machine frame through ither of which said member may be actuated separately only, said clutches having controlling means precluding simultaneous loading thereof.

14. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at. one end "hereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutrer bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and actuating means for said operating member including a worm and a plurality of coaxial frictions arranged with their axes extending longitudinally of the machine frame through either of which said worm may be actuated separately only.

15. In mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a worm and a plurality of coaxial friction clutches arranged with their axes extending longitudinally of the chine frame through either of which said worm may be actuated separately only.

16. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its ends a motor, and at its other end a feed operating' member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including a worm rotating on a horizontal axis and plural predetermined speed driving mcans for said worm comprising a plurality of elements all of which rotate at all times on stationary axes parallel to a line parallel to the worm axis.

17. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bot-tom over the mine bottoni during cutting and having at One end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its ends a motor, and at its other end a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including an actuating member for said feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis nearer the motor than the axis of said feed operating member, a worm rotating on a horizontal axis and constituting actuating means for said actuating member, and plural predetermined speed driving means for said worm comprising a plurality of elements all of which rotate at all times on stationary axes parallel to a line parallel to the Worm axis.

18. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its ends a motor, and at its other end a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted lto cooperate directly With fiexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including a Worm rotating on a horizontal axis and driving means for said Worm comprising a plurality of gear' elements all of Which rotate at all times on stationary axes parallel to a line parallel to the Worm axis and a plurality of Which are coaxial with said Worm.

19. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its ends a motor, and at its other end a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including an actuating member for said feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis nearer the motor than the axis of said feed operating member, a worm rotating on a horizontal axis and constituting actuating means for said actuating member, and driving means for said Worm comprising a plurality of gear elements all of which rotate at all times on stationary axes parallel to aline parallel to the Worm axis and a plurality of which are coaxial with said Worm.

20. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over thek mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its ends a motor, and at its other end a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including a Worin rotating on a horizontal axis and driving means for said Worm comprising a plurality of elements all of which rotate at all times on stationary axes parallel to a line parallel to the Worm axis and a plurality of which are coaxial with said Worm, certain of said last mentioned elementsbeing selectively connectible to said Worm to drive the latter.

2l. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and having at one end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its end-s a motor, and at its other end a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and ad( 'ted to cooperate directly With flexible feec ing means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including an actuating member for said feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis nearer the motor than the axis of said feed operating member, a Worm rotating on a horizontal axis and constituting actuating means for said actuating member, and driving means for said Worm comprising a plurality of elements all of which rotate at all times on stationary axes parallel to a line parallel to the Worm axis and a plurality of Which are coaxial With said Worm, certain of said last mentioned elements being lselectively connectible to said Worm to drive the latter.

22. In a mining apparatus, the combination including a machine frame slidable upon and over the mine bottom during cutting, cutting mechanism and feeding mechanism including a member rotatable to effect movement of translation of said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate directly With v flexible feeding means, a first shaft, gearing connecting said shaft With said rotatable member including a Worm coaxial with said shaft, two gear members loosely surrounding said first shaft, a second shaft, means for transmitting motion from said second shaft to one of said members, means for transmitting motion from said member to the other of said members, and clutch mechanism for engaging either of said members to compel the rotation of the first shaft.

23. In a mining apparatus, the combination with a frame slidable onA the mine bottom during cutting and supporting cutting mechanism, of feeding mechanism including a member rotatable to effect movement of translation of said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a first shaft, gearing connecting said shaft With said rotatable member including a Worm coaxial with seed shaft, a Worm Wheel, a member coaxial with said Worm Wheel constituting a driving element for said rotatable member, two gear members loosely surrounding said first shaft, a second shaft, means for transmitting motion from said second shaft to one of said members, means comprising two Vspeed reduction for transmitting motion from said member to the other of said gear members, and clutch mechanism for engaging either of said members to compel the rotation of the first shaft substantially as described.

24. Mining apparatus including a'frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom, cutting mechanism carried thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame and swingable across the end thereof, and means for effecting movement of said frame including a shaft on said frame, a Worm coaxial With lsaid shaft, a member rotatable to effect feeding of said frame and adapted to oooperate direct-ly with flexible feeding means, a Worm Wheel, a member coaxial With said worm wheel constituting a driving element gears rotating on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of said shaft connecting said first mentioned gears for rotation at difiercnt speeds, meal for effecting rotation of one of said fir.A mentioned gears to cfVA rotation of both of 'the same, and means foi oued "ively connecting said first to said shaft. ln a mining machine, a machine frwne slidable on its bottom over the mine i ittoni, a motor jihereon wh 5e axis of rota-ion eiends longitudinally of aid frame, a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to effect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of s "l member including worm gearing comprising a worin 'rotating on a horizontal axis, and change speed ng for effecting rotation of said Worm -t dii erent speeds in the same direction inlcluding a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapte-d to constitute driving elements therefor.

26. in a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom, a motor thereon whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to efl'ect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding i means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal. axis, a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constitute driving elements therefor, means for effecting rotation of one of said gears by power from said motor, means for connecting said gears whereby said motor driven gear may drive said other gear at a different speed in the same direction, and clutch means Y for selectively connecting either of said gears in driving relation to said worm.

27. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a pivoted cutter bar provided with a circulating cutter chain, a motor on said frame whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, said motor having a driving pinion, and feeding means operable by said driving pinion including a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to effect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including Worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal axis, and change speed gearing for effecting rotation of said worm at different speeds in the same direction includ.- ing a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constitute driving elements therefor.

28. In a mining machine, 4a machine frame slidable onits bottom over the mine bottom, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a pivoted cutter bar provided with a circulating cutter chain, a motor on said frame whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, said motor having' a driving pinion, and feeding means operable by said driving pinion including a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to eect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal axis, a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constitute driving elements therefor, means for effecting rotation of one of said gears by power from said motor, means for connecting said gears whereby said motor driven gear may drive said other gear at a different speed in the same direction, and clutch means for selectively connecting either of said gears in driving relation to said worm.

29. In a mining apparatus, the combination including cutting mechanism and feeding mechanism including a member rotatable to effect movement of translation of said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a first shaft extending longitudinally of said frame, gearing connecting said shaft with said rotatable member including a worm coaxial with said shaft, two gear members loosely surrounding said first shaft, a second shaft, means for transmitting mot-ion from said member to the otherrof said members, and clutch mechanism for engaging either of said members to compel the rotation of the first shaft.

30. In a mining apparatus, the combination with cutting mechanism, of feeding mechanism including a member rotatable to effect movement of translation of said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a first shaft extending longitudinally of said frame, gearing connecting said shaft with said rotatable member including a Worm coaxial with said shaft, a worm wheel, a member coaxial with said worm wheel constituting a driving element for said rotatable member, two gear members loosely surrounding said first shaft, a second shaft, means for transmit-ting motion from said second shaft to one of said members, means comprising two speed reduction for transmitting motion from said member to the other of said members, and clutch mechanism for engaging either of said members to compel the rotation of the first shaft substantially as described.

31. Mining apparatus including a frame, cutting mechanism carried thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame and swingable across the end thereof, and means for effecting movement of said frame including a shaft on said frame extending longitudinally thereof, a worm coaxial with said shaft, a member rotatable to effect feeding of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a worm wheel, a member coaxial with said worm wheel constituting a driving element for said member and engaged by said worm, a plurality of gears coaxial with said shaft and selectively connectible thereto to drive the same at equiangular rates therewith, gears rotating on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of said shaft connecting said first mentioned gears for rotation at different speeds, means for effecting rotation of one of said first mentioned gears to effect rota` tion of both of the same, and means for selectively connecting said first mentioned gears to said shaft.

32. In a mining machine, a machine frame, a motor thereon whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to effect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and change speed gearing for effecting rotation of said worm at different speeds in the same direction including a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constituteldriving elements therefor.

33, In a mining machine, a machine frame, a motor thereon whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to effect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constitute driving elements therefor, means for effecting rotation of one of said gears by power` from said motor, means for connecting said gears whereby said motor driven gear may drive said other gear at a different speed 1n the same direction, and clutch means for selectively connecting either of said gears in driving relation to said Worm.

34. In a mining machine, a machine frame, cutting mechanism supported therey including a pivoted cutter bar provided with a circulating cutter chain, a motor on said frame whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, said motor having a driving pinion, and feeding means operable by said driving pinion including a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to effect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally'of said frame, and change speed gearing for effecting rotation of said worm at different speeds in the same direction including a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constitute driving elements therefor.

In a mining machine, a machine frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a pivoted cuter bar provided with a circulating cutter chaih, a motor on said frame whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally of said frame, said motor having a driving pinion and feeding means operable by said driving pinion including a member rotatable upon a vertical axis to effect feeding movement of said frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said member including worm gearing comprising a worm rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a plurality of gears coaxial with said worm and selectively adapted to constitute driving elements therefor, means for effecting rotation of one of said gears by power from said motor, means for `connecting said gears whereby Said motor driven gear may drive said other gear at a different speed in the same direction, and clutch means for selectively connecting either of said gears in driving relation to said worm.

36. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of clutches respectively controlling the rate of feed and its occurrence, and controlling means therefor including a single operating member mounted for a plurality of generically different movements and means operatively connecting the same to said clutches and transmitting' force to one of the same only upon one of said movements and to the other only on a different kind of movement.

37. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of clutches respectively controlling the rate of feed and its occurrence, actuating members therefor, a primary Vcontrol element i'nonted for a plurality of generically different movements, and means operatively connecting the same to said actuating members permitting actuation of one of the same on one movement and of another on a different kind of movement, -said connecting means permitting either of said movements while the actuating member not responsive thereto remains unaffected.

38. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism includinga plurality of clutches respectively controlling the rate of feed and its occurrence, an actuating` member for a plurality of said clutches, an actuating meinbei for another clutch, either of said plurality of clutches being arranged t0 transmit power to the last mentioned clutch, a primary operating member mounted foi` a plurality of generically different movements, and means operatively connecting the saine to said actuating members permitting actuation of either of the same wholly independently of the other on appropriate movement of said primary operating member.

39. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of clutches respectively controlling the rate of feed and its occurrence, actuating members therefor one of which controls a plurality of clutches each adapted to transmit power to the same drive, a primary operating member mounted for a plurality of generically different movements, and means operatively connecting the same to said actuating members permitting actuation of either of the same wholly independently of the other on appropriate movement of said primary operating member.

40. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of clutches respectively controlling the rate of feed and its occurrence, actuating members therefor, a

primary operating member mounted -for ro tary and for translatory movements, and means for connecting said last mentioned member to said actuating members transl mitting movement to one of the same on such rotary movement and to another on such translatory movement.

4l. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of clutches respectively controlling the rate of feed and its occurrence, actuating members therefor, a primary operating member mounted for rotary and for bodily reciprocatory movements, and lmeans for connecting said last mentioned member to said actuating members transmitting movement to one of` the same on such rotary movement and to another on such reciprocatory movement.

42. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a feeding speed changing clutch, a feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatory movements, and means connecting the same to said clutches to effect operation of one on rotary movement and of the other on bodily reciprocatory movement.

43. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a feeding speed changing clutch, a feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatory movements, and means connecting the same to said clutches to effect operation of the first on rotary movement and the other on bodily reciprocatory movement.

44. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottoni during cutting and including a motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating member `axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating member including coaxially arranged fast and slow speed gears rotatable on horizontal axes, a worm coaxial with said gears and adaptedV to be driven thereby at a plurality of speeds, and aiworm vgear meshing with saidv Worm and rotatable on a vertical axis.

46. In a mining machine, a frame slidable 0n its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and including a motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating niember including coaxially arranged fast and slow speed gears disposed on horizontal axes, a worm arranged coaxially with said gears, means for alternatively connecting said gears in driving relation with said worm to drive the latter at a plurality of speeds, and a Worm gear meshing with said worm and rotatable on a vertical axis.

47. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and including a motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with fiexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating member including coaxially arranged fast and slow speed gears disposed on horizontal axes, a worm arranged coaxially with said gears, means for alternatively connect-ing saidgears in driving relation with said worm to drive the latter at a plurality of speeds, a Worm gear meshing with said worm and rotatable on a vertical axis, a gear arranged coaxially with said worm gear and driven thereby, and a gear rotatable with said feed operating member and meshing with said last mentioned gear.

48. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and including a motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and plural Speed driving gearing for said feed operating member including coaxially arranged fast and slow speed gears disposed on horizontal axes, a worm arranged coaxially with said gears, means for alternatively connecting said gears in driving relation with said worm to drive the latter at a plurality of speeds, a worm gear meshing with said worm and rotatable on a vertical axis, a pinion arranged coaxially with said Worm gear, a clutch arranged coaxially with said worm gear and including a vertically movable element for connecting said pinion with said worm gear, and a gear rotatable with said feed operating member and meshing with said pinion.

49. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and including a motor having a motor pinion, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating member including coaxially arranged fast and slow speed gears rotatable on horizontal axes, one of said gears meshing with said motor pinion, a worm arranged coaxiallywith said coaxial gears, means for alternatively connecting said coaxial gears in driving relation with said worm to effect rotation of the latter at a plurality of speeds, and a worm gear meshing with said worm and disposed on a vertical axis.

50. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom during cutting and including a motor having a motor pinion, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing'for said feed operating member including coaxially arranged fast and slow speed gears, one of said gears meshing with said motor pinion, reduction gearing between said coaxial gears including a pinion arranged coaxially therewith, and a gear rotatable on a parallel axis, a worm arranged coaxially with said coaxial gears, means for alternatively connecting said coaxial gears in driving relation with said worm to effect rotation of the latter at a plurality of speeds, and a worm gear meshing with said worm and disposed on a vertical axis.

51. In a mining machine, t-he combination with machine feeding mechanism including a plurality of speed controlling clutches providing different predetermined feeding speeds and a main feed controlling clutch to which power is transmissible through each of said speed controlling clutches, of controlling means for selectively actuating said clutches including a common controlling element movable at will to connect or disconnect said main clutch or to selectively engage said different speed controlling clutches to rotate said main clutch at different speeds.

52. In a mining machine, the combination with machine feedingV mechanism including a. plurality of speed controlling clutches providing different predetermined feeding speeds and a main feed controlling clutch to which power is transmissible through each of said speed controlling clutches, of controlling means for said clutches including a common controlling element movable in different planes respectively to control said main clutch and to selectively engage said different speed controlling clutches to rotate said main clutch at different speeds.

In testimony whereof I. affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HCLMES.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent N0, 1,725,141, Granted August 20, 1929, to

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 3, line 57, for the word "is" first occurrence, read "its"; page 4, line 50, for the misspelled word "fo" read "o"; page 5, line 106, claim 10, after the word "machine" second occurresce, insert the word "frame", and line 108, strike out the word "frame"; page 7, line 107, claim 23, for the Word "seed" read "said"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 15th day of October, A. D. 1929.

M. J. Moore,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

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