US1456991A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

May 29, 1923. 1

v E. C. MORGAN MINING MACHINE Original F led Se pt.

jfz

May 29, 1923.

E. c. MORGAN MINING MACHINE on inal 1 t s Sheets-She-t 2 E. c. MORGAN- MINING MACHINE May 29, 1923.

O igi Filed Sept. 5, 4 3 Sheets-$heet 5 w w fl a w Patented EDMUND C. MORGAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MINING MACHINE.

Application filed September 5, 1914, Serial No. 860,370. Renewed December 11, 1919. Serial No. ,111.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, EDMUND O. MORGAN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New York. inthe county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mining Machines, of which the following is a specification.- My invention relates to improvements in mining machines, and has more particular reference to improvements in machines of the character which completely sever or out sections or blocks from the wall of a mine.

One of the objects of my invention is'to provide an improved machine of this character which will be simple, durable and reliablc in construction, and effective and efficient in operation;

Other objects of my invention will appear hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings- Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a mining machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation of said machine, parts of the breaking belts and ring being broken away to disclose other parts of the machine;

Fig. 3 is a transverse View substantially on the lines 33 of Fig. 2, a portion of the breaking ring being broken away; and

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view of Fig. 1.

The machine shown in the drawings is arranged to completely out or severa section, preferably a crescent-shaped section, of coal from the wall of a mine, break or divide said section into a plurality of smaller sections and convey or carry the smaller sections away from the mine wall to a point where they may be conveniently discharged from the machine, or otherwise handled. This machine is supported or carried upon a base having two upstanding arms 1, one at each side. Pivoted upon the upper ends of the arms 1 are adjustable anchoring members or jacks 2 which are adapted to engage the upper wall of the mine in such manner as to firmly anchor the base of the machine against rearward movement during the cutting op erations. The machine has a large flat plat-' form 3 which is substantially circular in shape and which has a rearwardly extending portion 4 positioned between the side members 1 of the base. This platform extension has upstanding members 5 at its sides which are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the arms 1 in such manner that the machine may be swung in a vertical plane to increase its cutting range. The upstanding arms 5- supportat their top a flat triangular shaped frame 6. This general frame construction, which carries the cutting mechanism, breaking mechanism and drivin adapted to be swung about its pivotal points and fastened in any of its adjusted positions. Adjacent the arms 1 the platform 3 carries upstanding threaded adjustment rods 7 which are pivoted on the platform 3 at their lower ends, and which pass through suitable bearings in the ends of outstanding arms 8 on the arms 1, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 4. Above the hearings in the arms 8 the threaded rods carry suitable hand wheels 9 by which the frame may be raised or lowered as desired. Rising from substantially the center of the circular platform 3 is a vertical shaft 10 which passes up through and is supported by the forward end of the triangular upper frame 6. The machine employs two independent cutting mechanisms which embody continuous .loo chains 11 adapted to travel around the ad acent edges of supporting frames 12. The cutting chains ma be of any suitable type for the purpose. n this construction they have a plurality of cuttin bits 13 projecting from their edges (Fig: 1%

mechanisms, is

in such a manner to cut a kerf in the mine be swung 1n a horizontal plane. The bearings 16, at the upper ends of these U-shaped members, are elongated and the inner one extends above the outer one so that each may carry a driving sheave 17 and 18, these sheaves being independent of each other so that the cutting mechanisms may be rotated independently. These sheaves-are positioned as is seen above the trian lar upper frame 6 and each one is connecte to an independent driving mechanism by means of belts or ropes 19. One end of each rope is attached to the sheave and given a portion of a turn around the periphery of its sheave. The other end of each rope is similarly attached to an independent sheave or drum 20 at the rear end of the machine. Each of these driving drums or sheaves 20 are loosely mounted u on the upper end of a vertical shaft 21. ertical shafts 21 are positioned at the rear corners of the frame as clearly shown in Fig. 1, and each of them carries a clutch member 22 at its upper end above the respective sheave 20. These clutch'members 22 are keyed to but slidable on the shafts 21. They have teeth which engage corresponding teeth in the face of their respective sheaves, and by this means the sheaves may be connected with or disconnected with their respective shafts at will. Any suitable mechanism Well known in the art may be employed for shifting these clutch members. The vertical'shafts 21 are driven from a horizontal shaft 23 at the rear of the machine. This shaft carries Worms 24 which drive worm wheels 25 keyed to the veltical shafts 21. The horizontal shaft 23 is adapted to be driven by an electric motor 26. This motor carries a pinion 27 which drives a spur gear 28 on the shaft 23. It is thus seen that while the cutting mechanism may be operated entirely independently of each other they are preferably intended to be rotated simultaneously toward each other by their operating mechanisms to cut or sever a crescent shaped block or section of coal from the wall of the mine. In the drawings the machine is shown as having already cut a.

complete section from the upper portion of the mine room, and in the act of cutting a portion of the section, but it is, of course, understood that the manner in which the machine is operated to cut the sections from the wall dependsupon the particular conditions, and is at the discretion of the operator. After the cutting mechanisms meet, so to s eak, intermediate the ends of the crescent s aped section, as shown in Fig. 1, the block or section must be removed and discharged from the machine. before removing the block from its relative position with respect to the mine wall, I prefer to break or divide the section into a lurality of smaller sections, and I do this y means of belts 30, and mechanism for applying tension to these belts. The belts are attached at 31, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, to the outer ends of the cutting mechanism frames, hence as the cutting mechanism proceed toward each other the belts will be drawn into the kerfs around the outside, so to s ak, of the section of coal. I provide a brea ing or abutment member 32 against which the belts 30 pull the sectionto break it. In the present construction this abutment member 18 in the form of a ring sha ed band which is concentric with the sha 10 and of considerably less diameter than thearc of the kerf. This abutment ring need only be semi-circular or long enough to break the coal around it, but I extend it around in a complete ring so as not only provide convenient fastening means but also so that it will serve as a guide for the broken section of coal. This abutment ring is positioned preferably nearest to the section of coal at a point substantially midway of its ends, which in the present case coincides with the meeting point of the two cuttin mechanisms. Thus it is seen that the en s of the section of coal are normally at a considerable distance from the abutment rin 32, hence when the belts 30 are tensioned an the cutting mechanisms held against reverse rotation the ends of the section will be pulled or forced against the abutment ring. This, of course, reduces or tends to reduce, the arc of the section of coal, and the section necessarily breaks at some point or points intermediate its end. The break is most likely to occur, however, at the oint where the cutting mechanisms meet an the abutment ring is closely adjacent the section. This abutment ring is stationary, and it may be fastened in any suitable manner as by means of the several brackets or supports 33 upstanding from the platform at the rear side of the ring. In the present case the means for tightening the belts 30 consists of drums 34 loosely mounted on the vertical shafts 21 and adapted to be connected with or disconnected from said shaft by clutch members 35 (Figs. 2 and 4) corresponding to the clutch members 22 and adapted to be operated in any suitable manner. After the belts have been tightened to an extent sufiicient to break the section of coal, a further winding up of the belts on ieir drums 34 will pull thebroken or semi-crescent shaped sections along the curved surface of the breaking or abutment ring 32. Of course the cutting mechanisms during this removing operation must be released so that the belts may be returned. The belts of course operate to pull the cutting mechanisms back to their original or starting position.

' The releasing of the cutting mechanisms may be accomplished by simpl disconnecting the sheaves 20 by means 0 the clutches 22. As the section of coal is broken the end portions are pulled over the platform, so

to speak, and during the removing of the broken sections they will gradually drop on to the platform 3. At the rear side of the machine the platform extension 4 carries an upstanding curved deflector C which directs the broken sections of coal from the rear end of the machine and keeps them clear of the conveyor driving mechanism and other parts. As shown in Fig. 1 a portion C of the deflector is hinged at C to the remaining portion of the deflector and the end of this hinged portion is yieldably maintained against the belt 30 by a spring are keyed to shafts 52.

C This flexible or yieldable portion of the deflector will thus alwa s remain in proper position against the belt regardless of the shift of the belt. The platform 3 and its extension 4 have an elongated central trough or channel which extends forward beyond the shaft 10. This trough is formed by providing an inclined rib or elevated portion 37 on the platform, as clearly shown in the drawings. This trough or channel is arranged to accommodate a horizontally positioned flight conveyor which comprises a continuous chain 38 having a plurality of flights or risers 39 distributed at intervals around its length. The forward end of this chain travels around a sprocket 40 on the lower end of the vertical shaft 10 and the rear end of the conveyor travels around the corresponding sprocket 41 on the lower end of a vertical shaft 42. This shaft is journalled at its lower end in the platform extension 4 and at its upper end in an arm 43 outside from the rear end of the frame 6. Loose on the shaft 42 is a worm wheel 44 which is driven from a worm 45 on the horizontal shaft 23. The worm wheel 44 is adapted to be connected with and disconnected from'the shaft 42 by means of a clutch member 46, similar to the previously described clutches 22. In this manner the conveyor may be stopped or started as desired, as shown in Fig. 2. The conveyor extends almost to the forward portion of the platform 3 and is adapted to carry away or remove the fine particles and dust incident to the cutting of the kerfs. This dust is thrown upon the platform 3 as the cutting mechanisms proceed, and when the sections are moved around the platform. as previously described, the dust is thrown up the incline 37 and into the conveyor trough, from which it is carried to the rear end of the machine and discharged by the, conveyor. The forward conveyor sprocket 40 carries a large spur gear which meshes with and'drives two small pinions 51 which These shafts are journalled in brackets 53 outstanding from the cutting mechanisms frame members 15. Each shaft loosely carries a worm 54 which is extended through the lower bearing 53 and is adapted to be connected or disconnected from its respective shaft by means of a clutch member 55. These clutches 55 are similar to those previously described and need no further description. The worms 54 drive worm wheels 56 on the ends of horizontal shafts 57 journalled in suitable bearings on the respective cutting machine frame portion 15. The other ends of these shafts 57 carry sprockets 58 around which the cutting chains 11 travel and by which said chains are driven independently and may be controlled independently of each other. The hearings in which the shafts 57 are journalled are flat sided and the cutting mechanism frames 12 have extensions 60 which are slotted so as to embrace the bearings of shafts-57 whereby the frames 12 may be adjusted with respect to the shafts 57 in order to ti hten or loosen the cutting chains as desire As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3' the bearings of shafts 5.7 have outstanding threaded studs 61 which pass through suitable openings in the inner ends of the frame extensions 60. Nuts 62 are threaded on to these studs a inst the ends of the extensions 60 for t e purpose of fastening thev frames 12 in any position to .which they are adjusted. The platform 3 carries on its upper surface a large flat plate 63 which has an elongated central opening conforming to the shape of the conveyor trough. The inner edge of this elongated opening, however, is arranged, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 4, to fit beneath the inclined ribs 37. This large plate 63 is adapted to be shifted by any suitable means on the platform 3 in order to extend, so to speak, the forward end of the platform to position it relatively to the cutting mechanisms and as close as possible to the wall of the mine so that the platform will catch the dust and particles incident to the cutting of the kerfs. The auxiliary plate may be shifted, if desired, vby means of crowbars applied atopposite rear portions or opposite forward portions thereof, according to whether the same is to be moved forwardly or backwardly.

It should be observed that the movements of the loose chain cutter frames are always under the direct observation of the operator, and as soon as the chain cutters reach positions in close proximity to each other, as shown in Fig. 1, the clutches 22 may be thrown to neutral or releasing position. If, however, the clutches are not thrown before the cutters l3 opposing each other come into contact, no damage will be done be cause the chain cutters are operating in the same direction at substantially the same speed and the strain on the chain cutter frames will produce an overload on the electrio motor '26, and therefore blow a fuse and stop the motor in a well-known manner. However, to avoid the possibility F of the chain cutters coming into contact with each other, one chain cutter frame may be stopped 'before it completes its out and partially theother used alone together with the flexible belt for breaking up the material into smaller blocks and removin them toward the rear of the platform and into the path of the' conveyer flights 39. However, the double loop cutting apparatus is preferable because the crescent-shaped piece of material can be cut out in substantially half the time and the material can be broken up and moved to loading position in less time. If one cutting device alone is used, the machine will be particularly adapted for long wall work by cutting semi-crescent-shape-d pieces of material successively and loading them as previously described.

It should also be understood that when two cutting devices are used as shown in the drawings, and the crescent-shaped piece of material B is about to be broken up and moved to position for loading, the entire piece of material may be moved circumferentially away from the mine wall by pulling on the right hand belt 30, as viewed in Fig. 1, and by swinging the other cutter frame toward the right. While the belt 30 at the right breaks the material by prying it against the cylinder 32, it also slides the material toward the conveyor while the frames 12 of the cutting mechanism carry the material. The left hand frame 12 may be retracted after the left hand end .of the piece of material B reaches the position occupied by the cutters 13 in Fig. 1, when the left hand belt 30 will engage the cylinder 32 and not tend to break the material B. While the right hand end of the material Bis being held by the right hand belt 30, the left hand frame 12 may be retracted under the material and then moved forward again to assist in moving the remainder of the material B toward the conveyer.

It should also be noted that the belts 30 occupy positions extending below the cylinder 32, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, so that when the cuttings are to be moved onto the conveye the belts may be so operated as to slide over the platform and up the inclines 37 which bound the conveyer trough. The connection of the belts 30 in such lower positions also decreases the friction between the blocks of coal and the cylinder 32, while the belts 30 retain a firm grip on the material while being moved toward the conve er.

claim:

1, The combination of a pair of rotary cutting mechanisms having a common center of rotation and movable toward each other for cutting a section from the wall of a mine, and means for breaking the section into smaller sections and for returning the cutting mechanisms.

2. The combination of a pair of loop shaped cutting mechanisms bodily rotatable toward each other about a common cenmea er tor for severing a section from the wall of a mine, and means attached to each of said cutters for breaking the section into smaller sections and carrying the smaller sections away from the wall of the mine.

3. The combination of two independent loop chain cutting mechanisms pivotally mounted upon a comlnon center, independent means for rotating said cutting mechanisms toward each other to cut a crescent shaped section from the wall of a mine, independent belts attached to said cutting mechanisms, and means for. operating said belts to first break the section in smaller sections, and to carry the sections to a point beyond the mine wall,

4. The combination of two independent loop chain cutting mechanisms pivotally mounted upon a common center, independent means for rotating said cutting mechanisms toward each other to cut a crescent shaped section from the wall of a mine, independent belts attached to said cutting mechanisms, means for operating said belts to first break the section in smaller sections and carry the sections to a point beyond the mine wall, and a deflector for directing the broken section from the machine at a point remote from the mine wall.

5. The combination of two independent cutting mechanisms rotatably mounted upon a common center and adapted to completely sever a crescent shaped section from the wall of a mine, means associated with each of said cutting mechanisms and independent of each other for rotating said cutting mechanisms toward each other in the cutting direction, a common fixed curved member and independent belts attached to said cutting mechanisms for compressing the crescent shaped section against said curved member to break it into small sections.

6. The combination of two independentcutting mechanisms rotatably mounted upon a common center and adapted to completely sever a crescent shaped section from the wall of a mine, means associated with each of said cuttingmechanisms and independent of each other for rotating said cutting mechanisms toward each other in the cutting direction, a common fixed curved member, independent belts attached to said cutting mechanisms for compressing the crescent shaped section against said curved member to break it into small sections, and independent mechanisms for pulling upon said belts to break the section, return the cutting mechanisms to normal position and carry the broken sections away from the mine wall.

7. The combination of two independent cutting mechanisms rotatably mounted upon a common center and adapted to completely sever a crescent shaped section from the wall of a mine, means associated with each of said cutting mechanisms and independent of each other for rotating said cutting mechanisms toward each other in the cutting dibers to break it into small sections, inde-,

pendent mechanisms for pulling upon said belts to break the section, return the cutting mechanisms to normal position and carry the broken sections away from the mine wall, and a deflector at the rear of the machine directing the broken sections therefrom.

8. The combination of two independent loop cutting mechanisms rotatably mounted on a common center and arranged to meet midway. of the ends of the section which they sever from the mine wall, a fixed curved abutment member of less diameter than the arc of the kerf cut by said cutting mechanisms and positioned so as to be nearest the section substantially at the meeting point of said cutting mechanisms, an independent belt attached to each of said cutting mechanisms and adapted to be drawn into the kerf cut by said cutting mechanisms, and means for pulling upon said belts to pull the ends of the section toward said fixed abutment member to break a section into smaller sections,

9. In a mining machine, the combination with a loop chain cutter, of means for operating the same to sever a section of material from the mine wall, a supporting frame, a cylinder fixed rigidly to said frame, a belt connected to the outer end of said chain cutter, and means for pulling said belt to cause the severed section of material to be bent against said cylinder and broken into smaller pieces.

10. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, core-cutting mechanism mounted on said frame in position to operate on an upright mine wall, means for operating said core-cutting mechanism, an upright drum secured rigidly to said sup orting frame, and means mounted on said Frame for moving the core material along the exterior surface of said drum while the latter acts to direct the material toward loading position.

11. In a mining machine the combination with cutting mechanism, of a belt connected to said cutting mechanism, means for exert ing'a pull on said belt to retract said cutting mechanism together with the severed material, and a deflector engaging said belt to direct the material to a predetermined loading position.

12. In a minin machine the combination with cutting mec anism, of a flexible member connected thereto, means for exerting a pull on said flexible member to retract said cutting mechanism together with the severed material, and a deflector comprising a spring-pressed pivoted section engaging said flexible member.

13. In a mining machine, the combination with a loop chain cutter, of means for operating said chain cutter to sever a section of material from the mine wall, a flexible belt connected to said loop chain cutter, means for exerting a pull on said belt to retract said chain cutter together with the material severed thereby, an abutment for directing the material circumferentially, and a deflector comprising a spring-pressed pivoted sec tion enga ing said belt to direct the severed material rom said abutment to a predetermined loading position.

14. In a mining machine, the combination with two independent cutting mechanisms,

of means for operating said cutting mechanisms to sever a section of material from the mine wall, a common fixed curved member, and independent belts attached to said cutting mechanismfor compressing the severed material against said break into smaller sections.

15. In a mining machine, the combina tion with'a supporting frame, of a plurality of se arate cutting mechanisms mounted on said rame in position to cooperate with each other to sever a section of material from a mine wall, independent means for operating said cutting mechanism including the feed of each, a common abutment mounted on said frame, and means for compressing the severed material against said abutment to break it into smaller sections.

16. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame having aplatform adapted to be located adjacent an up right mine wall, core-cutting mechanism mounted on said frame in position to cut a core adjacent the forward portion of said platform, an abutment rigidly secured to said frame, and means for moving the core from the mine wall over said platform and against said abutment to break the core into smaller pieces.

17. In a mining machine, the combination. with a supporting frame, of a loop chain cutter, means for operating the same to sever a section'of material from the mine wall, a curved abutment interlooping said loop chain cutter and fixed to said frame against movement relatively thereto, and

means for compressing said severed section of material against said abutment to break said material into smaller pieces.

18. In a mining machine, the combination with a loop chain cutter. of means for operating the same, a cylindrical abutment, a belt connected to said loop chain cutter and movable under said abutment, means for exerting a pull on said belt, and a supporting frame comprising a platform under said abutment.

curved member to 19. A mining machine comprising a sup-' tively to said supporting frame for adjusting the height of said cutter, and means for operating said cutter to sever cores of material simultaneously and en bloc from a mine wall.

20. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of kerfcutting devices mounted on said frame and movable toward and from each other, ropegearing on said frame and connected'to said cutting devices for moving them in feeding direction toward each other, a pair of flexible members respectively connected to said cutting devices, and means mounted on said frame for exerting pulls on said flexible members to retract said cutting devices by pulling them away from each other.

21. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of core-cutting mechanism mounted thereon for feeding movement relatively thereto on an upright axis, means for 0 rating said corecutting mechanism inclu ing arcuate feed thereof on such upright axis to cut a core of material from an upright mine wall, a platform on said supporting frame in position to receive the dislodged core of material, a cylindrical abutment mounted on said frame in an elevated position relative to said platform to provide a space beneath said abutment for movement of material, a belt connected to said core-cutting mechanism and movable under said abutment, and means for exerting a pull on said belt to move dislodged material against said abutment, when said core is of a predetermined height, and to move the core under said abutment when its height is less than the height of said abutment above said platform.

22. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of core-cutting mechanism mounted thereon, a belt connected to said core-cutting mechanism in position to act on a core cut by said corecutting mechanism, means for exerting a pull on said belt to move the core from the mine wall, and a curved abutment mounted on said frame in position to be out of the range of movement of said belt.

23. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of swinging cutter-frames pivotally mounted on said supportin frame and each having an unobstruc core-opening therethrough, said cutter-frames being movable to positions immediately adjacent one another and into parallel relation with the unobstructed coreopenings in said cutter-frames registering with each other, cutter-chains on said cutterweasel frames having their cutter-bits bridging the gap between said cutter-frames when the latter are in parallel relation, means for swinging said cutter-frames from diverging to parallel relation, and means for driving said cutter-chains during such swinging movement to effect the cutting of a crescentshaped core of material from a mine wall.

24. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of two cutterframes mounted on said supporting frame for swinging movement relativelythereto and in opposite directions, each of said cutter-frames having an unobstructed core opening therethrou h, separate cutter-chains one for each of sai cutter-frames, swinging means for swinging said core-cutter-frames contemporaneously in opposite directions respectively, a single motor, and means on said supporting frame and connected to said outter-frames and said cutter-chains for driving the latter and operating said swinging means to effect the cutting of a crescentshaped core of material from a mine wall.

25. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of two pivoted cutter-frames each provided with a cutter chain, means for swmgingsaid frames con-.

temporaneously in opposite directions respectively and simultaneously operating said chains, said swinging means including a motor operatively connected both to one of said frames and its chain, and loading apparatus mounted on said supporting frame in position to receive the material directly from the position where severed by said cutter-chains and more such material toward loading position.

26. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of two cutter frames each provided with a cutter-chain,

swinging means for swinging said cutterframes contemporaneously in opposite direct1ons,. a. single motor, a conveyer connected to said motor to be driven thereby.

means connected between said conveyor and said cutter-chains and swinging means for driving said cutter-chains and operating said swinging means, and disconnecting means for o ratively disconnecting one of said cutter.- rames from said power-transmitting conveyer.

27. In a mining machine, the combination .with a supporting frame, of a lurality of pivoted cutter-bars thereon, en less cutterchains carried bv said cutter-bars. means for swinging said bars from diver ing relation in opposite directions towar one an other, means-for driving said chains, a single motor, a. chain connected between said motor and the said swinging means and the said chain-operating means, and conveyor flights on said connecting chains in position on said supporting frame for transferring toward loading position material dislodged by said cutter chains.

28. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, having an upright post at its forward portion, of independently operable chain-cutting devices pivotally mounted on said post and each comprising a cutter-frame and an endless chain-cutter,

means for independently controlling the driving of said chain-cutter, and means for feeding said chain-cutting devices independently of each other.

29. In a mining machine, the combina tion with a supporting frame, of two independently operable chain-cutting devices pivoted on the same upright axis on said supporting frame and each comprising a cutter-frame and an endless cutter-chain, means for independently controlling the driving of said cutter-chains, and means for independently controlling the swinging of said chain-cutting devices to effect feeding thereof independently of each other.

30. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of loop chain corecutters each having an unobstructed opening extending laterally therethrough, means for driving said chain-cutters, means for swinging said cutters about an upright axis to feed said cutters relatively to said supporting frame, and a flight conveyor mounted on said supporting frame in position .to travel along an arcuate path to receive the cuttings from said cutters as the latter are swam in their feeding movement about said uprig 1t axis. Y

31. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of kerf cutters pivotally mounted on said frame, means for swinging said cutters toward one another to sever sections of material from the mine vein, and means for removing the combination with a supporting frame, of a traveling conveyer mounted thereon, means at the rear portion of said frame for operating said conveyer, a gear mounted on the forward ortion of said frame and connectedto sai conveyer for power transmission therefrom, a pair of loop chain core-cutters each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough and each mounted for swinging feeding movement, and power transmission mechanism between said gear and both of said loop chain core-cutters for driving the latter.

34. In a mining and loading machine, the combination with a supporting frame of a traveling conveyer mounted thereon, a motor mounted on the rear portion of said frame, power transmission mechanism between said motor and the rear portion of said conveyer for driving the latter, a gear mounted on an upright axis and connected to the forward portion of said conveyer to receive driving power therefrom,-a pair of loop chain core-cutters each havin an unobstructed core-opening therethroug and each mounted to swing on the upright axis of said gear, and power transmission mechanism between said gear and both of said loop chain core-cutters to drive the-latter from said conveyer.

35. In a mining and loading machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a conveyer comprising a forward sprocket, an upright bearing shaft extendin upwardly from said sprocket, a loop 0 ain core cutter having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and mounted on said 11 right shaft to swing on the axis thereo and means for operating said core cutter including swinging feeding movement on such axis.

36. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, ofa supplemental frame adjustably mounted on said main frame, an upright bearing shaft, a hub having end bearing portions on said supplemental frame connected to said upright shaft, 3.

cutter frame rigidly connected to said hub and extending radially therefrom and. having an unobstructed core opening at its outer portion, a chain cutter mounted on said cutter frame and extending from one side thereof, and means for operating said chain cutter including partial rotation of said hub and swingin movement of said cutter frame to effect t e feed of said chain cutter transversely to the path of travel of said chain'cutter while being driven.

37. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of an upright axle secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom, a gear journaled' on the lower ortion of said axle, a supplemental frame JOIIIIlfilBd on said axle at upper. and lower portions thereof, a cutter frame mounted on said supplemental frame and having an unobstructed core opening therethrough, an

endless chain cutter mounted on said cutter frame, power transmission mechanism between said gear and said cutter chain, means for rotating said gear to operate said power transmission mechanism and drive said cutter chain, an extension from said main frame to the upper portion of said supplemental frame to form a b'earin for such upper portion, and means for swinging said supplemental frame to secure feeding movement of said chain cutter on the upright axis of said axle.

38. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of an upright axle secured thereto, a pair of supplemental frames journaled to upper and lower portions of said axle, driving sprockets mounted on said supplemental frames adjacent said upright axle, an extension from said main frame to the upper portions of said supplemental frames to form a bearing for said supplemental frames, loop chain core cutters mounted on said supplemental frames, and means for operating said core cutters.

39. In a mining machine. the combination with a supporting frame, of an upright axle, an extension from said main frame to form a bearing concentric with said axle, a pair of supplemental frames having telescoping sleeves in said bearing and on the upper portion of said axle, said supplemental frames being also journaled to the lower portion of said axle, loop chain core cutters mounted on said supplemental frames, and means for operating said core cutters.

40. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a Supplemental frame movably mounted thereon, multiple corecutting mechanism mounted on said supplemental frame, and means for operating said core-cutting mechanism to cut at the back and sides of a body of material at an upright mine wall to form a plurality of cores of material extending transversely of the mine heading.

41. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of an upright axle. a supplemental frame having a sleeve journaled on the upper portion of said axle, cutting mechanism mounted on said supplemental frame, means for driving said cut ting mechanism, a rope drum mounted on said sleeve, and means for rotating said ro e drum to secure feeding movement of said cutting mechanism.

42. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame having a bearing in the upper portion thereof, of a supplemental frame comprising an upright sleeve fitting in said bearing, cutting mechanism mounted on said supplemental frame. means for driving said cutting mechanism. a rope drum mounted on said sleeve, and means for rotating said rope drum to secure feeding movement of said cutting mechanism.

43. In a mining machine. the combination with a main frame having a bearing in the upright portion thereof, of an axle mounted on said main frame and extending concentrically through said bearing, a pair of supplemental frames having telescoping sleeves mounted on the upper portion of said axle and extending concentrically to said hearing, cutting devices mounted on said supplemental frames, means for driving said 611tting devices, separate rope drums mounted respectively on said telescoping sleeves, and means for rotating said rope drums to secure swinging feeding movement of said cutting devices.

44. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame. of a pair of-core cutters mounted on said supporting frame to swing on an upright axis independently of each other. driving mechanism for said core cutters, means for controlling said driving mechanism to secure the driving of said core cutters each independently of the other,

mechanism for swinging said core cutters to feed the same, and means for controlling the operation of said swinging means independently to secure independent swinging of said core cutters.

45. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame having a bearing in the upper portion thereof, of a supplemental frame journaled in said bearing and provided with an annular shoulder fitting against said supporting frame at said bearing, a rope drum secured to the upper end of said supplemental frame and fitting on said supporting frame at said bearing to lock said supplemental frame against up or down movement relatively to said support-- ing frame while permitting free rotation thereof on an upright axis. cutting mechanism mounted on said supplemental frame, means-for driving said cutting mechanism, and means for rotating said rope drum to secure swinging feeding movement of said cutting mechanism.

L6. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and each mounted on said supporting frame to swing on an upright axis. separate power transmission mechanisms for operating said core cutters, and means for independently controlling said core cutters to secure operation of either independently of the other.

47. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of apair of loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and mounted to swing on the same upright axis on said supporting frame, and mechanism for operatin said core cutters each independently of the other.

48. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core cutters each having a unobstructed core opening therethrough and each mounted on sald supporting frame to swing on an upright axis, separate clutches for independently controlling the driving of said chain cutters and means comprising additional separate clutches for controlling the swinging feeding movements of said chain cutters independently of each other.

49. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and each mounted on said supporting frame to swing on an upright axis, means for driving said loop chain core cutters independently of each other, separately cont-rolled rope winding devices for swinging said chain cutters in feeding directions independently of each other, and separately controlled flexible winding devices for retracting said core cutters independently of each other.

50. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and mounted to swing on the same upright axis on said supporting frame. separate rope drums connected to the respective core cutteis, separate winding devices connected to said rope drums to swing said core cutters in feeding directions independently of each.-

other, and additional separate winding devices connected to said core cutters to retract the same independently of each other.

51. In mining apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of core-cutting mechanism having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and mounted on said frame to swing on an upright axis, an abutment, means for operating said core-cutting mechanism to out a core in a mine wall, a flexible device connected to said core-cutting mechanism to enter the mine wall back of the kerf, means for exerting a pull on said flexible device to cause the core to be moved against said abutment to break such core into smaller pieces, and means for supporting said abutment in position to permit said flexible device to move under such abutment.

52. In a mining machine. the combination with a supporting frame, of loop chain corecutting mechanism having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and mounted on said supporting frame to swing on an upright axis, a cylindrical abutment mounted on said supporting frame. a flexible belt connected to said loop chain core-cutting mechanism in position to move under said abutment. and means for exerting a pull on said flexible belt to move the core against said abutment to break the same into smaller pieces and move the broken pieces under said abutment.

53. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of core cutters movable in opposite directions to cut a core of material, of conveyer mechan sm, and means for transmitting power through said conveyer mechanism to said core-cutters to effect the driving of the latter.

54. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of upright loop chain core cut ters, of a supporting frame, means for swinging said loop chain core cutters on an upright axis on said supporting frame to secure feeding movement thereof to cut a core of material, a conveyer mounted on said frame in a plane transverse to the planes of the loo chain core cutters, means for operating tiie conveyer, and means intermediate the conveyer and the loop chain core cutters and associated with the axis of swinging movements of said loop chain core cutters for driving the latter.

55. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plane conveyer mounted thereon, loop chain core cutters mounted on said supporting frame for swinging feeding movement towardfeach other on an upright axis, means for swing in g said loop chain core cutters to secure feeding movement thereof, mechanism intermediate the conveyer and said loop chain corecutters to effect transmission of power to the latter from said conveyer, and means for transmitting power direct to said conveyer.

56. The combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core cutters mounted for swinging feeding movement on an upright axison said supporting frame, means operable on the return stroke of said core cuttersfor removing the cut material from its original position along lines of movement of said core cutters, and a receiving structure in osition relatively to said core cuttersfor directing the dislodged material from the core cutters.

57. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of core cutters mounted on said frame. means for operatin said core cutters including the feed thereo? in feeding directions toward each other, and separate means connected to the outer portions of the core cutters remote from said frame for movin the core cutters respectively in reverse irections.

58. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of core cutters mounted thereon, rope gearing for each of said core cutters for moving the same in feeding directions but incapable of moving the same in the reverse directions, flexible members connected respectively to said core cutters for movement into the rear kerfs produced thereby, and means for exerting pulls on said flexible members to retract said core cutters and guide the core material away from the mine wall when moved therefrom by being engaged by the back sides of said core cutters.

59. A mining machine comprising a pair of loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough, means for operating said core cutters to cut a core by connecting and registering kerfs, rope drives for effecting the feedindg of said loop chain core cutters, said rope rives being ineffective for return movement of said core cutters, flexible members connected to the outer ends of said core cutters to be drawn into the kerf back of the core, and means for exerting pulls on said flexible members to retract said core cutters, said flexible members iding the core material to a predetermined position and assisting in the withdrawal of the core material from the mine wall.

60. A mining machine comprising a pair of core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough, means for operating said core cutters each to cut a core with one end remaining integral with the mine wall, means fore driving said core cutters, rope caring for feeding said core cutters while nected to the outer portions of said core cutters to enter the kerfs back of the cores, and means for exerting pulls on said flexible devices to break off portions of said cores and reverse the movement of said core cutters to cause the back sides thereof to engage the broken off pieces of the cores and move the same away from the mine wall while said flexible devices assist in directing the dislodged core pieces to a predetermined position 5 aced back from t e mine wall.

61. n a mining machine, the combination with a pair of core cutters, of belts connected to said core cutters, means for exerting pulls on said belts to retract said core cutters together with the severed material, and guides for directing the material to a predetermined loading position.

62. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame comprising a platform extending across a mine wall in a horizontal direction, of a pair of loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and each mounted on said supporting frame in an upright plane with its lower run adjacent said platform, a conveyer mounted on said frame and extending to a forward position near the lower runs of saidloop chain core cutters, and means for operating said loop chainrore cutters to cause the same to cut alining cores in the mine wall and to emerge therefrom along the lower runs to cause the cuttings from said core cutters to move over said platform onto said conveyor.

63. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of chain cutters each comprising an upright frame mounted on said supporting frame. means for driving said chain cutters with their lower runs traveling toward said supporting ing driven, flexible devices con:

ma am frame after emerging from the mine wall adjacent said supporting frame, and a conveyer mounted on said supporting frame adjacent the lower runs of said chain cutters in position for removing the cuttings delivered to it by said lower runs.

64. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of core cutters mounted on said frame, and mechanism mounted on said frame and extending there from in position to reachback of the cores and break up the latter from the unmined mass.

(35. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of core cutters mounted on said frame for severing a crescent-shaped section of material from a mine wall adjacent said frame, means mounted on said frame and extending therefrom in position for moving sections of dislodged material from the mine wall along opposite sides of said frame, and mechanism mounted on said frame to coact with said moving means for breaking up such sections of material while movement thereof toward loading position is continued.

66. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of core cutters, of means for operating the same to sever cores of mate rial from a mine wall, a supporting frame, an abutment mounted on said frame, and means for bending the cores of material against said abutment to break the same into smaller pieces.

67. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of loop chain core cutters, of means for operating the same to sever cores of material from a mine wall, a curved abutment interlooping said loop chain core cutters, and means for compressing the severed cores of material against said abutment to break said material into smaller pieces.

68. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of supplemental frames each mounted on said supporting frame to swing on an upright axis. loop chain core cutters each having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and each comprising a cutter frame, and means for separately and independently adjusting the position of each of said cutter frames on its respective supplemental frame to enable the radial length of each loop chain core cutter to be varied independently of the radial length of the other core cutter.

69. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of core cutters each mounted on said supporting frame for swinging movement on an up right axis, means for operating said core cutters, and means for adjusting the radial length of each core cutter independently of the other. i

A mining and loading machine comprising a pai of loop chain core cutters and conveyer mechanism all an larly movable in an up and down direction, mechanism acting on the cut cores for dislodging the same directly from its native position in the unmined mass, and a platform for the conveyer mechanism in position for receiving from above the material dislodged by said dislodging mechanism.

71. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame having a platform. of means comprising flexible belts mounted on said frame for movement in arcs in opposite directions about an upright axis in position to enable said flexible belts to engage dislodged material in advance of said frame, and mechanism for operating said arcuately movable means to cause said flexible belts to engage dislodged material in advance of said frame and move such material alongspaced-apart arcuate paths, onto said platform.

72. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of kerfcutting devices each mounted on said supporting frame for arcuate feeding movement on an upright axis, such axis being.

inclined away from the upright face of the mine wall in an upper direction towardthe roof of the mine chamber to secure the cutting of kerfs by said kerf-cutting devices leaving the roof arch-shaped, and means for operating said kerf-cutting devices including arcuate feeding movements thereof to Secure such arch-shaped roof.

7 3. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of kerf-cutting devices each mounted on said frame to swing on an upright axis relatively thereto. means for operating said kerf-cutting devices ineluding arcuate feed thereof, and means for adjusting said supporting frame to tilt such axis of each kerf-cutting device to a position to efiect the cutting of an arch-shaped roof in the mine chamber.

74. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of core cutters each having on unobstructed core opening therethrough and each mounted on said frame for arcuate feeding movement on an upright axis each inclined rearwardly toward the roof of the mine chamber, and means for operating said core cutters including arcuate feeding movements thereof in a general horizontal direction across the mine wall and along the roof of the mine chamber to cut cores of material in the mine wall and leave an arch-shaped supporting roof between the walls of the mine chamber.

75. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame,'of a pair of kerfcutting devices mounted thereon each for arcuate movement relative thereto through an angle of approximately 90 degrees on an upright axis to out a plane kerf approxa pair of core cutters each mounted on said frame for arcuate movement on an upright axis, means for operating said core cutters including'arcuate feed thereof relatively to said platform and along such arcuate edge thereof, a conveyer having its receiving end at the rear portion of said platform, and means for moving severed material directly from the mine wall over the forward arcuate edge of said platform and along opposite sides thereof to the receiving portion of said conveyer.

77. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of asupplemental frame having a substantially horizontal platform at its outer forward end for location adjacent an upper mine wall, means for moving said supplemental frame about a horizontal axis on said main frame to adjust the elevation of said platform, a pair of core cutters mounted on said platform each for arcuate movement about an upright axis, and means for operating said core cutters including arcuate feeding movements thereof relatively to said platform while the latter occupies a position adjacent such mine wall.

78. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame comprising a platform, of a pair of loop chain'core cutters mounted on said frame each in an uprightplane' and each having a lower run extending above said platform to cause the cuttings from said core cutters to be deposited on said platform, and a conveyor movable over said platform to gather the cuttings where deposited by both of said core cutters and transfer such cuttings toward the rear portion of said supporting frame.

79. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame comprising a bed plate, of a pair of core cutters mounted on said frame, a trough on said bed plate adjacent the emerging runs of both of the said core cutters, and a conveyer movable along said trough to transfer the cuttings received by said trough automatically from both of said core cutters.

80i In a mining machine, the combination with a frame comprising a lateral bed plate, of a conveyer having flights movable over the surface of said bed plate, a pair of upri ht chain core cutters each arranged to discharge the cuttings formed thereby onto the forward end of said bed plate, and a rib extending upwardly from said bed plate adjacent the path of movement of said flights and the forward end of said conveyer and to prevent escape. of the cuttings formed by said core cutters, out of the path of movement of said flights.

81. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a receiving structure mounted thereon, a pair of core cutters mounted on one end of said receiving structure, means for guiding said core cutters respectively along paths of travel enclosing spaces in alinement with opposite sides of said receiving structure, and means for operating said core cutters including the feed thereof along such paths of travel to cut a core of'material symmetrical relative to said receiving structure.

82. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a core cutter having an unobstructed core opening therethrough and mounted on said frame for swinging feeding movement relatively thereto, means for operating said cutter to cut a core leaving one end integral with the unmined mass, additional cutting mechanism, and means for operating said additional cutting mechanism to sever said core from the unmined mass.

83. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame having a platform, of supplemental frames mounted on said main frame each for movement in an are about an upright axis in position to move back of dislodged material in advance of said main frame, and mechanism for operating said arcuately movable supplemental frames to engage such dislodged material and move the latter along spaced-apart arcuate paths onto said platform.

84. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of core-cutters each having an unobstructed core-opening and each mounted on said supporting frame for arcuate feeding movement relatively thereto on an upright axis, such axis being inclined away from the upright face of the mine wall in an upward direction toward the roof of the mine chamber, and means for operating said corecutters including arcuate feeding movem'ents thereof to entirely sever material from the mine vein leaving an arch-shaped roof.

85. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of core-cutting devices each mounted on said frame to swing on an upright axis relatively thereto, means for operating said core-cutting devices including arcuate feed thereof to sever material entirely from the mine vein, and

mea er means for adjusting said supporting frame to tilt such axis to a position to effect the cutting of an arch-shaped roof in the mine chamber.

86. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of chain cutters each comprising a frame and a chain traveling about the periphery thereof man upright plane, means for driving said chain cutters in upright planes with the lower runs emerging from the mine wall to deliver cuttings to said supporting frame adjacent said lower runs, and a conveyer on said supporting frame with its path of travel adjacent the positions of the lower runs of said chain cutters where they emerge from the mine wall.

87. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of loop chain core-cutters each having an unobstructed opening extending laterally therethrough, means for driving said chain cutters, means for swinging each of said cutters about an upright axis to feed said cutters relatively to said supporting frame, and a flight conveyer mounted on said supporting frame in position to travel along an arcuate path to receivethe cuttings from said cutters as the latter are swung in their feeding movement about said upright axis.

88. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame comprising a platform, of a dislodging mechanism mounted on said frame for operation on a mine wall above the plane of said platform, an adjustable extension on said platform adapted to be moved relatively to said platform to abut against the mine wall to close the gapbetween the forward end of said platform and said mine wall, a pair of loop chain .core-cutters each having an unobstructed opening therethrough and each with its lower runs adjacent said platform and said extension. and means for operating said core-cutters including feeding move ment thereof relatively to said platform.

89. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of swinging frames each having an unobstructed opening therethrough, of separate cutting mechanism mounted on said swinging frames, means for operating said cutting mechanisms including the swinging of said frames in an arcuate path in a mine wall, and flexible draft devices acting on the outer ends of said frames to swing the same back toward initial position.

90. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of loop chain core-cutters, of means for swinging said core-cutters about upright axes, a base plate over which said cutters move. a conveyor arranged to travel over said base plate and having horizontally extending flights secured thereto. the path of said conveyer being arranged adjacent the path of the ends of the return runs of said cutters as the latter move about their axes, and a ridge formed on said base plate extending around the periphery of the path of said conveyer to prevent the escape of material from said conveyer.

91. In a mining and loading machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of core-cutters each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough and mounted on said supporting frame in position for entirely severing from a mine wall a crescent-shaped block of material, means for operating said cutters including feed thereof, and means mounted on said supporting frame ipQposition for moving the dislodged material from the mine wall along said frame toward loading position.

92. In a mining and loading machine, the combination with a plurality of loop chain cutters, of a frame for supporting said'loop chain cutters in position for operating on an upright mine wall in advance of said frame, means for operating said chain cutters including the feed thereof to effect the dislodgment of material from such upright mine wall, and power operated mechanlsm mounted on said supporting frame in position to act on the material where dislodged and move such dislodged material along said frame toward loading position while said frame remains stationary.

93. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of cutting devices mounted on said frame for movement to and from each other, means for operating such cutting devices including feed thereof toward each other to effect the dislodgment of a section of material from an upright mine Wall, and means on said supporting frame in position to act on the material to move the same from its native position along said frame toward leading position.

94. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of ioop chain cutters mounted on saidframe in position to operate on an upright mine wall, means for operatin said chain cutters including feed thereo relatively to said supporting frame to effect the dislodgment of a section of material from such upright mine wall, and means in osition on said frame for acting on the dis iodged material at the mine wall and moving such material from the mine wall along said frame toward loading position.

95. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of loop chain core-cutters each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough and mounted on said frame for feeding movement toward each other, independent means for operating said chain cutters each to produce a U shaped kerf in a mine wall, and means mounted on said supporting frame to act on the material in the position assumed thereby after being dislodged and move such swing toward and from each other, means pivotally mounted on said supporting frame,

endless chains for said cutter frames provided with cutting devices for making cuts in the face of the coal, means for driving said chains around the unobstructed coreopenings of said cutter frames, and means for swinging said cutter frames from a' diverging position to a substantially parallel position while said chains are being driven.

98. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a; pair of corecutting devices each comprising a cutter frame having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough and each mounted on said supporting frame, means for initially advancing said core-cutting devices into the work while driving said core-cutting devices, and means for subsequently imparting movement to each of said cutter frames in opposite directions respectively and in directions transverse to'the direction of their initial advance while continuing in opposite directions.

99. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of core-cutters each comprising a cutter frame and a cutter chain, means for swinging said cutter frames contemporaneously in o posite directions respectively and relative y to said supporting frame, and disconnecting means for operatively disconnecting one of said cutter frames from said swinging means to enable the cutting of a single core with one of said core-cutters.

100. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of swinging cutter frames pivotally mounted on said supporting frame and each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough, said cutter frames being movable to positions immediately adjacent one another and into parallel relation with the unobstructed core-openings in said cutter frames registercutter frames having their cutter bits between said cutter frames when the latter are in parallel relation, means for swinging said cutter frames from diverging to parallel relation, and means for driving said cutter chains during swinging movement to effect the cutting of a crescent-shaped core of ma terial from a mine wall.

101. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plurality of chain cutters each having relatively upper and lower runs, means for driving said chain cutters with their lower runs emerging from the mine wall adjacent the forward end of said supporting frame to effect the delivery of cuttings from the mine wall to said supporting frame, and a single conveyer mounted on said supporting frame for movement along the forward portion thereof in position to receive the cuttings from the lower runs of said chain cutters as said lower runs emerge from the mine wall and remove such cuttings toward loading position.

102. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a plurality of loop core-cutters each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough and mounted on said frame in position to cut a core section in a mine vein, means also mounted on said frame in position for breaking said section into smaller parts, and means for operating said cutting means and said breaking means to dislodge from the mine vein a core section divided into smaller parts.

103. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of loop core-cutters each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough and each mounted on said frame for lateral swinging movement relatively thereto, means for operating said cutters to cut a core section in a mine vein adjacent said frame, and means also mounted on said frame in position to transversely divide the core section into separate parts.

104:. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of means mounted thereon for cutting a core section in a body of material easily broken, and means for engagim half portions of the mass of cut materiaI and moving such half portions oppositely over different paths toward loading position.

105. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core-cutters mounted thereon and each comprising a chain cutter and a frame for supporting said chain in loop formation, means for operating said cutters including feeding movement thereof by swinging the said cutter frames toward one another to sever a core section from a mine vein of material readily broken, and two aprons one attached to one of said cutter frames and the other attached to the other of said cutter frames, and means for pulling said aprons to break the core material in two and move the respective portions rearwardly toward loading position.

106. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, two chain core-cutters mounted on said frameand each comprising a cutter frame having an unobstructed coreopening therethrough and an endless cutter chain mounted thereon, and means for opframes, means for driving said chain cutters along said cutter frames, and means for swinging said cutter frames contemporaneously in opposite directions respectively during the driving of said chain cutters to cut arcuate sections of the core in a mine wall in arcuate alinement with each other.

108. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of multiple loop core-cutting mechanism mounted thereon, means for operating said multiple loop core-cutting mechanism to sever material en bloc from a mine wall adjacent said supporting frame, and means for adjusting the height of said multiple loop core-cutting mechanism.

109. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of core-cutters mounted on said frame in position for entirely severing from a mine wall a crescent-shaped block of material adjacent said frame, means for operating said cutters to sever such crescent-shaped block of material, and power mechanism mounted on said frame in position for engaging the material in cut position and move the same back from the mine wall toward loading position.

110. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plurality of loop chain core-cutters mounted on said frame each in a position to cut a section of an entire core in a mine wall adjacent said frame, means for operating said core-cutters to dislodge such an entire core in a mine wall adjacent said frame, and means for engaging the severed material in the position assumed thereby after being dislodged and moving such severed material back from the mine wall.

111. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame. of a pair of cutting devices mounted thereon, means for operating said cutting devices including the feed thereof toward each other, and means separate from said cutting devices in position on said supporting frame for receiving the cuttings from said cutting devices and transferring such cuttings back from the mine wall.

112. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of cutting devices mounted thereon for feeding movement relatively thereto, means for operating said cutting devices including feeding movement thereof toward each other, means for reversing the movements of said cutting devices to engage the cut material and move the same away from its out position, and mechanism connected to said cutting devices and coacting with portions of said supporting frame to constitute spacedapart chutes'on opposite sides of said frame to direct the dislodged material from the mine wall toward loading position.

113. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, a pair of swinging cutter frames pivotally mounted on said supporting frame, endless cutter chains for said cutter frames provided with cutting devices for making cuts in the face of the coal, means for driving. said chains, means for swinging said cutter frames from a diverging position to a forwardly extending position in close proximity to each other, and mechanism mounted on saidsupporting frame in position for removing the severed material from the face of the coal where cut, toward loading position.

114. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, two cutter.

frames mounted on said supporting frame for swinging .movement relatively thereto, cutter chains one mounted on each of said cutter frames, means for swinging said cutter frames contemporaneously in opposite directions respectively, means for controlling said swinging means to stop the swinging of one of said cutter frames, and apparatus mounted on said supporting frame in posi tion for taking the severed material directly from the position assumed thereby after being severed and moving such material toward loading position. i

115. A mining machine comprising a supporting frame, a cutter bar pivotally mounted on said supporting frame at the front end thereof, cutting devices carried by said cutter bar, means for actuating said devices, a second cutter bar pivotally mounted on said supporting frame adjacent the firstnamed bar, cutting devices carried by said second cutter bar, means for actuating the last-named cutting devices, means for swinging said bars whereby they may be swung in opposite directions to feed the cutting devices into the coal while tending to neutralize feeding strains, and means mounted on said supporting frame in position for removing thereto, endless chainsfor said cutter frames provided with cutting devices for making a cut in the face of the coal, means for driving said chains, means for swinging said cutter frames from a diverging position to a substantially parallel position, and loading apparatus mounted on said supporting frame in position for effecting the transfer of dislodged material along said supporting frame toward loading position from the position assumed by said material immediately after being dislodged.

117. A mining and loading machine comprising a supporting frame, two chain cutters. each comprising a cutter frame and a cutter chain, swinging means for swinging said chain cutters contemporaneously in oppositev directions respectively, disconnecting means for'operatively disconnecting one of said chain cutters from said swinging means, and loading apparatus mounted on said supporting frame in position for removing the severed material toward loading position directly from the position assumed thereby after being severed and while said supporting frame remains adjacent the coal face operated on.

118. In a mining machine, a pair of loop chain core cutters each mounted for pivotal movement, and means for operating said core cutters including simultaneous feeding movements toward each other to cut core pair of core cutting devices, a pair of supports one for each of said cutting devices, and means for initially advancing said core-cutting devices into the work whileoperating said core-cutting devices and for continuing such movement of said cutting devices in opposite directions respectively and in directions transverse to the direction of their initial advance while continuing to operate said cutting devices.

121. A mining machine comprising two cutter frames each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough, chain cutters one for each of said cutter frames, pivotal mountings for said cutter frames, and means for contemporaneously swinging said cutter frames on said pivotal mountings in opposite directions while operating both of said chain cutters.

122. A mining machine comprising two cutter frames each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough, chain cutters one for each of said cutter frames, and means for swinging said cutter frames contemporaneously in opposite directions respectively while operating said chain cutters respectively.

123. A mining machine comprising two cutter-frames each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough, means for supporting said cutter frames with their openings opposite each other, chain cutters one for each of said cutter frames, means for swinging said cutter frames contemporaneously in opposite directions respectively, and means for operating said chain cutters while thus beingfed to entirely sever from a mine Wall oppositely extending cores.

124. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of loop chain core-cutters, of a frame on which said core-cutters are mounted for movement toward each other, means for operating said core cutters including the feed of each toward the other for cutting a section from the wall of the mine, and means for separating the section into smaller sections.

125. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair of loop chain core cutters,

of a frame for carrying said core cutters for movement toward each other, means for operating said core cutters including teeding movements toward each other to sever a section of material from a mine wall, and means for breaking the section into smaller sections. a

126. In a mining machine, the combination with a pair. of core cutters, of means for operating said core cutters to cut oppositely extending core sections in a mine wall, and means for breaking the core sections into smaller sections and for returning said core cutters.

127. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a pair of loop chain core cutters, movable on said frame toward each other, means for operating said core cutters including feed toward each other to cause each to produce a U-shaped kerf in a mine wall, and means mounted on said frame in position for moving back from the mine Wall the material severed by said cutters.

128. A mining machine comprising two pivoted cutter frames each having an unobstructed core-opening therethrough, chain cutters one mounted on each of said frames, means for swinging said frames contemporaneously in opposite directions respectively and simultaneously operating said chain cutters to cut oppositely extending cores in a mine wall, and means for effecting the retraction of said cutter frames and moving the dislodged material toward loading position.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 2d day of September, A. D. 1914.

EDMUND C. MORGAN.

Witnesses:

CHARLES H. SEEM, EDGAR FRANCIS Bl-iawemu.

Images