US1664666A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

a 6 WN W ..0 m, m ,mm y 6, w@ w. Pvx/ c nu n\ www 9.- m m m, m 5. @WJ D M m E. m n um w M d i L C M E l DNN. n .flullir/l fZ ww hw hwx am S 9 1 D NN NN, i QN QN Nw M. NN,

April 3, ,1928.

c. E. DAvls MINING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 5, 1922 jaa/72270:- /erg if@ IIII'IIIIIHIA:

.und

' April 3, 1928.

1,664,666 C. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed June 5. 1922 6 sheets-s116664 y April 3, 19213.`

c. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed June 5. 1922 6 Sheets-Sheet v5 IIIIIIIIIIIHIHIIIIH Ag lll.

vApril 3, 1928. 1,664,666

c. E. DAvls MINING MACHINE Filed June 5. 1922 s sneets-sngt e lPatented Apr. 3, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT oi-Fice CHARLES .'E. DAVIS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR IO GOODMANk MANUFACTKURP ING COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

Y'irriniive MACHINE,

Application med June 5, v1922. seran No. 566,154.

This inventionrelates to improvements in lierf cutting mining machines particularly adapted for use in the room and pill-ai system of mining, although also adapted for use in other systems of mining, as for instance the longwall or panel systems.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a new and improved machine' of` the character described having power actuated traction devices capable of propelling the machine along the ground, both for mov ving from place to place in the mine and for guiding and controlling the y the workingface to cut a continuous lrerf.

In carrying outmy invention, I utilizey as the principal features of my machine, a body portion provided witha swivelled cutting element and av plurality of power actuated traction devices adapted'to support and propel the machine andcutting` element. rEhe cutting element comprises a cutter bar which is swivelled centrally of the machine,

and is adapted to beautomatically swung in a substantiallyhorizontal plane'into various positions with respect to said body portion. rThe traction devices are arranged so that one or more may be raised to permit the Vcutter bar to move thereunder and thereafter may be returned into supporting` engagement with the ground under certain conditions as will hereinafter appear. Auxiliary supporting means for. the body portion are also provided to afford stability to 4the machine when one or more of the traction ldevices is out of supportingengagement with the ground. .Means are also provided when desirable whereby a flexible draft rope or its equivalent may be used to assist in feeding the machine to the coal.

The invention may vbest be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of amachine einf bodying the various features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevatiouof the machine shown in Fig. 1 with portions thereof broken. away to show details of the operating mechanism.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the machine lool@ ing from the riO'ht of Figs. 1 and 2, with a portion of the mechanism for swivelling the .cutter bar Shown in section.

machine along bearing ring 15a, as shown in Fig. 6.

F'g. el is [a longitudinal cross-section of the machine taken on line 1 -4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 i-s a detail in horizontal cross-section taken on line 5`5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 isa transverse cross-section taken onk line 7--7 of Fig. 2 drawn to a somewhat larger scale than the preceding iigures.

Fig. 7 is a transverse cross-section taken :on line 8%-8 of, Fig. 2 shown in the rsame scale as Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 .is a detail in perspective showing the elevating mechanism for the traction devic at one side of the machine. y

9, 10 and 11 are details showing parts ofthe power transmission gearing.

'Figs 12,713, lll, 15 and 16 are diagrammatic views showing the machine in various positions'duringl the cutting operation.

Fig. 17 isa diagrammatic view showing the application of supplemental draft means tothe machine.

Referring now to details of the kembodiment illustrated in the drawings, 10 indicates a main frame ony which is mounted a motor casing 11 enclosing a suitable prime mover such as an electric motor. The machine is supported on a plurality of traction devices, preferably comprising rotatable wheels v12, 12 with traction studs of yany Vsaid wheels are four in number and positioned at the corners ofthe machine'. 13 indicates a cutter arm-which is provided with Y ari-.endless cutter chain 13l of the usualconstruction. l In. the fo "m of my invention illustrated, this cutter arm .is pivotally mounted under the central portion of the mainframe 10 and arranged to cut a llrerf I near the mine floor. The inner end of said cutter arm is supported on a'suitable bracket [14, which depends from ahorizontally disposed turntable 15 rotatably mounted on an annular portion 10a forming a partof the main frame 10 and retained thereon by a etails of the mechanism for operating this turntable will hereinafter appear.

An auxiliary supporting device preferably comprising a pan 16 is mounted underneath land spaced 4,fromfthe turntable'l and rigidly connectedl therewith by' suitable supports 17, 17.' This pan preferably extends laterally under the vinner endof thecutter cated in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

arm as shown in Fig. 4. Under certain conditions, it adapted to rest in sliding and supporting engagement with the. ground. The lateral margins 18, 13, of the pan 16 are preferably turned iupwardly, as shown, so that vthe pan may readily move ovei uneven floor. The pan is open on all sides, however, so as to permit the cuttings carried rearwardly by the cutter chain 13a to be readily discharged therefrom.

Tn oi'der to allow the cutter arm to be swung from a position in which it extends from one end. of the machine as shown in Fig. 12 to a position in which it extends from the side of the machine such as in Fig. 15, l provide means for ten'i'iorarily raising the wheels 12, 12, so as to allow the cutter arm to pass thereunder, and thereafter said wheels may be lowered again into engagement with the ground. In the form of machine illustrated, l have elected to show one in which the cutter arm may be swung on all sides of the machine, and to this end all four of the wheels 12, 12, are provided with means actuated by the motor whereby they may be raised and lowered. The arrangement is such thateach wheel may be actuated independently of the other wheels.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the wheels with respect to the frame will now be described in detail. Referring first to the wheel which appears adjacent the motor casing 11 in Fig. 2, it will be seen that this wheel has its aXle 20 journaled at the outer end in an arm 21 and at the inner end in an ai'm 22 (see Fig. 8). These arms are pivotally mounted 0n a transverse shaft 23 mounted at the side ofthe main frame-10. A pair of upright actuating arms 24, 24, are connected to the pivoted end of the arm 21. In the preferred form, aiins 24, 24, are integral with arm 21 as shown and form therewith in effect a bell crank lever by which the wheel may be pivotally swungI about the shaft 23 to-be raised and lowered as indi- Tlie upper end of the arms 24, 24, are actuated by mechanism driven by the motor, which in the embodiment illustrated comprises a longitudinally disposed screw member 25 having one end in threaded engagement with a worm gear 26 and having its opposite end enlarged as indicated at 27,and extending into a horizontally disposed guide block 23 carried on the frame. A pair of pivoted links 29, 29, connect end portion 27 of screw 25 and the ends of the arms 24, 24. The

worin gear 26 is mounted on a support 30l and is meshed with a worm 31 mounted on a transverse shaft L32. This worm 31 has operative connection with the motor through the following` gear train which will now be traced beginning with the motor 11. Referring to Fig, 4, it will 4be seen that the motor driving pinion 35 drives a gear 36 on ashaft 37 which extends centrally and longitudinally to one end of the machine. A worin 38 on this shaft drives a worm gear 39 carried on a shaft 4() arranged above and at rright angles to the shaft 37. The driving mechanism on the two sides of the machine being. similar, as before set forth, the same mechanisms indicated wi-ll be duplicated on opposite sides of the machine. A reversing clutch 41 of a usual typel is feathered on the shaft 40 between a pair of oppositely disposed mitre gears 42, 42, both of which are meshed with a mitre gear 43. This clutch may be thrown into engagement with one or the other of the mitre gears 42, 42, so that the gear may be driven in either direction,

these devices is the shaft 45 carrying the mitre gear 43 just mentioned. A sun gear 46 is keyed on the shafty 45 and ismeshed with a planetary'gear pinion 47 rotatably mounted in a cage 48.` There may be a plurality of such planetary gear pinions, as desired. The cage 43 comprises a pair of oppositely disposed plate members 43 and 48" connected by a bolt 48 or the like and rotatably mounted on the shaft on opposite ,sides of the sun gear as shown in Fig. 9. The

outer periphery of planetary pinion 47 is meshed with an internal gea-r carried by` a casing 49 mounted free to rotate with respect to the other portions of the transmission device. Adjacent the planetary pinion 47 and uiiitai'y therewith is a. planetary pinion 50 of aflesser pitch. diameter. This planetary pinion 50 is meshed with an internal gear carriedby a driven member 51. A gear member 52 is mounted to rotatev with driven member 51. A friction band 53 of any suitable construction is mounted on the casing 49 and is provided with a handle53", by which the rotation of said casing 49 may be controlled under certain conditions as will hereinafter more fully appear. Means also provided for locking the cage 43 against rotation which comprises a longitudinally movable gear segment 54 adapted to engage a. toothed periphery 55 formed integral with the outer plate 43a of said cage. In Figs. 10 and 11 it will be seen that each of the two planetary transmission devices are provided with locking devices Y54, 54,

supported on the frame and movable inde-` inea-,cee

at low speed, the locking member 54 is thrown out of engagement with the geared periphery 55 of the cage 48 so as to allow said cage to rotate freely. Friction band 53 on the casing 49 is tightened so as to restrain said casing from rotation. The planetary gears will, when driven by the sun gear, rotate about thev axis of the latter. The planetary gear 50, which rotates on its own axis with the gear`47, is meshed with the internal gear member '51, b-ut being of less pitch diameter than the gear 47, the internal gear member 51 and driven gear 52 are rotated at a greatly reduced speed. This reduction in speed depends upon the difference in pitch diameters of the planetary gears 47 and 50. Variation in driving` speeds may be obtained by loosening the friction band 53 so as to allow the casing 49, which is under a constant torque caused by the pinion 47 meshed therewith, to rotate slowly in the opposite direction. rllhis will cause a proportionate reduction in the effective driving speed transmitted to the driven gear 52. lf the friction band 53 is entirely released, the casing 49 will rotate freely and no driving torque will be transmitted to the gear 52.

`When it is desired to drive at high speed, the locking member 54 is engaged with the toothed periphery 55 of cage 48 so as to restrain said cage from rotation. The friction band 53 is released and the sun gear 46 then drives the gear 52 through the medium vof planetary gear members 47 and 5() and internal gear member 51. Through this driving connection there is a slight gear reduction in driving speed, but not nearly as great as the reduction caused at low speed in which the cage 48v is free to rotate as has been above described.

From the above description it will be seen that each of the planetary devices 44, 44,

'provides variable speed transmission to the driven members'52, 52. At low speed the cage 48 carrying the planetary gears is free to rotate, and a wide variation in effective driving speeds varying from zero to the maximum of the low speed gearing may be provided by varying the tension on the brake band 53 which controls the rotation Aof the casing 49. At high speed the cage 48 is locked against rotation and there is a relatively slight reduction in the driving speed between. driving member 45 and the driving gear 52.v

The driven gear is meshed with a'gear 5G keyed on a longitudinally disposed shaft 57. A bevel gear 58 on said shaft is meshedL with a bevel gear 59 on a. transverse jack shaft 60 (see Fig. 7 and Fig.'9). A gear 6l is mounted to rotate with bevel gear 59 and drives the gear 627on the transverse shaft 32 which carries the worm 31 associated with worm 26 of the elevating mechanism heretofore described. A sliding clutch 64 is feathered on said shaft and is adapted to throw the elevating mechanism into and out of engagement with the motor. From the foregoing description it will be seen that the wheels may be raised or lowered at will by engaging-clutch 64 with worm 31 and setting the reversing vclutch 41 to drive in the direction desired. The clutch 21 will manifestly be moved at a slow speed, as it is actuated through the several gear reductions described.

Mechanism of similar nature is provided for raising and lowering the other wheel of the pair at one side of the machine. The bell crank lever `69 connecting the second wheel with the frame is provided with an upper arm 70 which, in the present construction, is curved in order to avoid interference with the shaft 32, as shown in Figs. 2 and 8. This arm is actuated by a screw member 71 threaded at one end in a worin gear 72 and supported at the other end in a guide block 73. vThe screw member is connected to the arm 70 by a single pivoted link 74. The worm gear 72 is actuated by a worm 75 through clutch 7 6 on the shaft 312.

The mechanism for controlling and driving the traction wheels 12, 12, also has operative connection with the motor 11. Each pair of wheels at one side ofthe machine is preferably driven and cont-rolled as a unit, and in the form shown, these units are similar, so that a description of the mechanism at one side will serve to show the construction and operation of both of said units.

From the foregoing description it will appear that gear 59 on transverse shaft GO is adapted to be reversibly actuatedv at various speeds through the transmission device 44. A drive gear 8O is also mounted on shaft d0 and has a toothed periphery 81 adapted to engage a rack 82 arranged about the periphery of one of the wheels 12. The gear 8O is further meshed with an idler or lreach gear 83 on shaft 83"L which in turn is meshed with a gear 84 mounted on the shaft 23. The gear 84l is meshed with the raclr85 formed en the periphery of tl e opposite wheel 12 at the motor end of the casing. The driving gears 8O and 84 are thus driven in unison', and in the same direction. Said driving gears are also mounted concentricl with their respective wheel supporting arms G9 and 21, so that they are .in driving engagement with their respective wheels in all positions of the latter. Driif'ing gears 8O and 84 may be thrown into and out of operative connection with' the motor oy means of a shifting clutch 88 feathered on the huh portion 87 of the driving gear 59.

A brake for controlling each of the driving units is provided which comprises a drum 88 keyed on idler gear 88Vand having means such as two oppositcly acting worin devices 89a, 89a, associated with an operating handle 89", adapted to extend laterally trom the side ot the inacaine in position to be readily controlled by the operator.

The mechanism tor actuating the cutter chain is Ishown in Figs. 1 and 6. A bevel pinion 90 is carried on the shatt 37, which has already been described as being operatively connected to the motor 11 through the gear o6 and armature pinion 35. 'l'he bevel pinion 90 is meshed with a horizontally disposed bevel gear 91 mounted on a vertical shaft 92 extending concentricaliv through the turntable 15 which supports the critter arm. A clutch ring 93 is mounted on said shaft and is adapted to be engaged by a. plurality of clutch members 94. 94, carried by a vertically movable clutch sleeve 95 and adapted to ex'end through apertures 96, 96, in the gear member 91 to engage the clutch jaws 97, 97, carried by said clutch ring` 93. A chain driving` sprocket 100 is mounted at the lower end ot the shaft 92, and is adapted to drive the cutter chain supported on the cutter bar. vBy means ot' the arrangement just described, the cutter' chain may be connected to the motor or disconnected theretrom by means ot the clutch 95 and may be driven in either direction, it desired, by reversing the direction ot rotation ot the motor in the usual manner.

lThe mechanism it'or swingingl the turntable and cutter arm carried thereby coinprises a gear 110 (see Figure 2) rotatably mounted at the outer end ot the shatt 37 and adapted to be clutched to said shatt by suitable ineans such as a cone clutch v111. A gear 112 on the end ot a longitudinally disposed shaft 113 is driven by gear 110 through an idler gear 114-. The shaft 113 entends forwardly underneath the motor casing 11 and has a worm 115 thereon which engages a worm gear 116 mounted to rotate on a verticalanis. This worin and worm gear is preferably ot the self-locking type, that i-s to say, the pitch ot worm 115 is such that the associated mechanism for driving the turntable 15 is locked against rotation unless positively driven by the motor. By means ot this arrangement, the turntable and cutter arm carried thereby may be locked in any desircdposition, as tor instance, when the cutter arm is extending laterally troni Ythe tra/nie in position to make a cut along the working tace as shown in Fig. 15.

In order that the turntable may be ro vtated at a relatively slow speed suitable for teeding the cutter arm to the coal, gear re duction mechanism is provided, as tor instance, a planetary transmission device, de tails ot which are shown in Figs. 3, 4t and 5. A casing 117 is integral with the main iframe 10 and has a centrally disposed stud 118 in which is journaled a shaft 119. The driving worm gear 115 has an upwardly `extending hub portion 120 journaled about this stud and provided at its upper end with a pinion 121 which terms the `sun gear ot the planetary. A plurality ot planetary gears 122, 122, are rotatably mounted on studs 123, 123,

carried by a plate 1211 fixed to the casing 117.

rlhese planetary gears are nieshed at their inner peripheries with the sun gear 121 and at their outer peripheries vwith the internal gear 125 carried by a gear member 126 which is keyed to the upper end ot shatt 119. A cover 127 provided to enclose the top ot the casing 117 and provide bearing for the upper end ot shaft 119 and gear member 126. A driving pinion 130 is carriedat the end ot the shaft 119 which extends' through the Casing 117, said pinion being meshed with the .toothed periphery 131 et' the turntable 15.

By means ot the planetary mechanism ust described, the turntable 15, may be rotated by power to swing the cutter arm into any desired angular position and to feed the cutter arm to the coal.

Under certain working conditions, as for instance when the cutting is hard and the mine tloor is ot such a nature that suiticient traction yis not afforded to the traction wheels, means supplemental to the traction devices may be provided for teeding or controlling the machine, comprising a draft rope 1410, indicated in dotted lines in F ig. 1 and in tull lines in Fig. 17. This draft rope maybe detachably connected to the periphery of the wheel by any suitable means,

such as a hook 1111 at one end voit the rope having engagement in a suitable aperture 142 `formed in the periphery ot theV wheel, as shown in Fig. 1. The tree end ot the rope is anchored as indicated at 143 in Fig. 17 and the ropel is then wound upon thewheel adjacent the rack 82 as themachine advances. By means of this arrangement the rate o1 advanceot the machine caused by the dra-ft rope 140 will be equal to the nor* mal peripheral speed ot thewheel 12 to which the draft rope is attached.

In Fig. 17 it will benoted that the draft rope 140 is applied to the forward wheel adjacent the working face ot the mine and is acting to feed the machine to the coal. 1t is obvious that a similar draft ropa may be attached to the other wheels, as rfor instance under certain conditions, such as will hereinafter appear, in which it may be desirable to utilize such a rope in connection with one et the wheels on the opposite side ot' the ktrame and extending in a direction opposite to that in which the machine is moving.

In order to tacilitate transportationV otV the machine overV tracks in the entries, I

provide the wheels 12, 12, with iianges 1115 for engaging the track in the usual manner. rllhese flanges are preferably placed adjacent the racks 82 and 85, so as to prevent the cable 140 from being accidentally injured by the drive gears 8() and 811, respectively, when said cable, is applied to the periphery.

The use andl operation ot a cutting inachine constructed as above described may best be described in connection with the dia-` grams appearing in Figs. 12 to 17, inclusive.' f Y The machine is normally supported by the traction wheels 12, 12, which ar-e power ac tuated so as to propel the machine from place to place in the mine andare iianged to be guided yon the mine tracks, when desired. `Wliile being moved along the entry or into the room preparatory to cutting, the traction wheels are preferably positioned at their` lowest position respective to the main trame, as shown in Fig. 1, so as to provide clearance for the auxiliary supporting pan16 and the cutter arm 13. Said cutter bar 13 is arranged longitudinally of the inacliine while being so transported. The machine is capable ot being steered when operating on the mine ioor, inasmuclrasltwo pairs ot traction wheels at the oppositesides of the trame are adapted to be driven at diferent 'speeds' and controlled independ-I ently of each other through the two setsot controlling'mechanisms on opposite sides oit machine may thus be guided to the place wher-e it is desired to make a cut. The machine is particularly adapted tor use in the room and pillar system of mining in which the working tace at one end of the room is advanced by making successive transverse cuts trom one side or ri.b-ot thev room to the other. Referring now to Fig. 12, the'machine is shown as moved into position. at one corner of a'room,with the macliine'parallel to the working tace'indicated at 150 and with the cutter arm extending from one endthereof into Contact with the right hand wall or rib 151. In this position the machine is sumped, that is to say, it is given its initial cut into the worli g lare.

As is theV case with the reoni and pillar systeni ot mining, it is desirable to extend the lateral walls of theroon'is'in a substantially straight line and to this end myv machine is suinped inv the following manner. The machine is lowered on the supportingwheels until Athe cutter arm 13 is vat the desired height trom the floor, and the pan 16 is in substantial engagement with the ground.

rlie cutter chain 13 on the lcutter arm 13 is put into opera-tion and the turntable 15 is then rotated so as to swing the cutter arm about its' aXis'to feed'the cutter arm to the n coal as shown in Fig. 13. Simultaneously, the traction devices are driven slowly to advance the machine bodily to the right and toward therib 151,y so thatv during the movement of the machine from t-he position wheels has been hereinbetore shown in Fig. 12 to Fig. 13, the outer end of the cutter arm is moved substantially in alignment with the Wall 151. lVhile this cutting movement is taking place, it is necessary to lift the traction Wheel 12 appearing at the upper right hand corner of the ma'- cliine in Fig. 12, so as to permit the cutter arm 13 to swing thereunder. Mechanism for raising this wheel independent-ly of the other described. lVhile the machine is being supported and propelled on the three wheels remaining in contact with the ground, iroper equilibrium is provided by means of the auxiliary support or pan 16 lwhich is normally adapted to have sliding contact with the ground and moves with the cutter arm. This supporting pan 16 is arranged to extend beyond the center of gravity of the machine so thatfthe equilibrium of the latter is maintained at all times. i Furthermore, while one of the wheelsr ing cut, so that under most conditions,this v reaction of the cutter bar Vis sui'iicient to stabilize the machine irrespective'of the support afforded by the pan 16.

In Fig. 14: the sumping cut is shown as completed and the machine body has been moved to the right into close proximity with the right wall 151. rlhe cutter arm extends almost at right angles with the longitudinal axis of the machine. From this position the cutter arm may be urtherrotated into a substantially right angled position with respect to the machine` as shown .in Fig. 15.A The raised wheel 12 Ymay then vbe lowered into itsv normal supporting en- '.gagement with the ground.. Thereafter the entire machine is propelled along the wall to leut a continuous hert, as indicated in Fig. 15, with the cutter arm locked against piv etal movement by reason.otr-the",self-lochA ingf7 worin gear drive associated vwith the turntable, as hereinbeiiore described.

During the transverse cutting movement illustrated in Fig. 15,`tliere is an enormous pressure on the cutter arm as it is being 'lied to the coal, which tendsl to twist the machine out ot'parallelisin with the working tin That is to say, the outer side of the machine which is farthest away frointhe workingl face has a tendency to advance faster than the inner side.

sidesot' the frame are independently controlled in such a manner as to maintain the machine in the desired angular postion with respect tothe working face. In order to `accomplish this purpose, the f traction unit nearer the mine wa-llis used primarily as the feeding means, that is to say, it is driven at In order to overcome this tendency, the two traction unitsat opposite the desired feeding speed, while the opposite or outer unit is controlled so as to counteract any tendency to twist the machine. The

`outer traction unit is therefore utilized to retard the movement of the outer side lrespective to the inner side. VThe amount of retardation necessary will obviously vary greatly according to cutting conditions. I ior this purpose, various methods of con. trolling the retarding unit may be used, depending upon working conditions. The pieferred method of control is to disconnect the outer traction vunit from the motor by. throwing out clutch 86 associated therewith, and then control thev brake band 89 manually by means of the handle 89". This brake is operative through the idler or reach gear 88 which di'ives gears 82 and 811-, to retard f the forward movement of the twowheels 12,

. the outerunit will be positively driven at a slightly lower speed than the inner unit, and

there will be a resulting drag on the outer unit, which tends to retard the latter with respect to the inner or feeding unit. rllhe outer unit may also be reversed to drive in an opposite direction with respect to the feeding unit, it' desired, by n'ieans'of the reversing mechanism described.

Under conditions where sufficient traction for feeding the machine to the coal cannot be secured a su lemental draft device 140 7 l may be connected with one of the inner trac-y tion wheels 12 in the manner,hereinhefore set forth in connection with the description of yFig. 17. Under these conditions also, the outer traction unit may be utilized as a retarding device and ordinarily will be sutilcientto maintain the desired angular po* sition with respect tothe wall, but. under extraordinary conc'iitions, a second cuoio ma y be used in connection with one of the wheels of the retarding unit and trained in a direction opposite to the feeding cable 140.

fis the machine approaches the end ot' the cut at the left hand side of the room shown in Fig. 1G, the cutter arm and turntable are again actuated and swung at an angle to the machine until the outer end of the cutter arm is substantially in alignnient with the left hand wall 1F Q. The finishing cut is then made by lifting the wheel 12 appearing in the upper left hand corner ofA the machine in Fig. 1G so as to allow theicutter arm to swing thereunder, while the machine is simultaneously moved bodily to ther-ight so that the cutter arm finishes the cut in alignment with the wall 152, as indicated in dotted lines in this ligure. The machine is then withdrawn from the room and moved to the next place to'be cut.

So far as the general features of my invention are concerned, it is obvious that the machine might be successfully used for most purposes if constructed` to cut at one side only, that isto say, if the cutter arm were limited to swing only from one end to the other through an arc of 1809. In this. case,

.the inner traction unit on the cutting side would manifestly be utilized mainly as a feeding element, and the outer traction unit would be utilized mainly as ai retarding element. A machine ofv this character couldy be constructed somewhat simpler than the formV both sides of the machine and provided with duplicate, independently controlled traction units. vThis reversibility feature 'may be eX- plained as follows: Inmaking the one cut across the. face illustrated in Figs. 12 to 16,

the cut-ter arm swings through an arc ofV approximately 180.. In the initial position shown in Fig. 12 the. cutter arm extends from the end adjacent the motor 11, and in Fig. 16 it extends from the oppositel end. @wing to the construction of the machine, by which the cutter arm has a rangeofBtOO, vand the traction units on opposite sides of the machine being similar, the initial'or sumping cut maybe made from either end, so that when one cut is completed, as for instance as shown in. Fig.` 16, the machine may then be moved tothe next cutting place in a. reversed position, i. e. turned end-to-end with respect to i s position in starting the last cut. Therefore, with the preferred form shown, itis not necessary to return thev cutter arm to its initial position for each cut, but the machine may be moved to the next. cutting place and be presented lto the work with the side which was previouslyv the outer side placed adjacent the working face. In making the next cut, the traction unit which rwas previously the feeding unit then Vbecomes the retarding unit, and vice versa', and the cutter armV swings through approximately 18,0c at the other side of the machine. Vhen operated in this `manner, the. cutter arm moves in a complete circle Vfor every twoL cuts. i

The machine may be used advantageously in various systemsf of mining, as .f0r,1nstance,

the longwall'or panel systems or for cutting ent-ries, inasmuch as it is readily propelled and guided and is capable of cutting either at the end or at the sides thereof.

Among the principal advantageous features of my invention is the provision of a unitary structure, including the cutting element and propelling and guiding mechanism therefor, which may be moved over the mine floor Withoutrequiring tracks, such as are necessary With cutting machines of the overcutting or arc-Wall type, or of a track supported truck such as are used for transporting continuous cutting machines of the shortv/all type.A 'l' he machine fui'ther recommends itself particularly for use Where the coal is to be gathered by a scraper or drag line system, in Which it is undesirable to have tracks extending into the mine room or adjacent the Working place.

Another novel feature of myV invention is the application of a traction unit for use as a retarding device on a laterally movable cutting machine. As far as the broad aspect of this feature is concerned, it is obvious that the power for advancing the machine laterally to feed it to the coal may be applied to the inner side of the machine by any means, such as a traction unit as in Fig. l5, or by the sole means of a flexible draft device, in the manner suggested by thev modified form illustrated in I? ig. 17. Such a retarding traction device is therefore not limited to a traction-fed cutting machine, but can be applied to other types of machines, as for instance to cable-fed machines of the vfell known types of continuous cutting or shortwall machines. This traction unit includes a brake or its equivalent for controlling the speed of the retarding traction unit, and also is provided with reversible driving connections with the motor, independent of the feeding means, for positively swinging the outer end of the machine in either direction with respect to the inner or feeding end.

Although I have shown as apreferred construction. a single mot-or having operative connection with the various n'iechai'iisms, it is manifest that a plurality of independently controlled motors might be utilized for actuating the various mechanisms, if desired,

VWithout departing from the broad features of my novel invention. Other specic features of construction might also be changed in many details Without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not therefore Wish to be understood as `limitiifig myself to the specific embodiment of the various novel features presented, excepting jin so far as particularly set forth in the 'following claims.

I claim as` my invention:

l. In a mining machine, a motor, a frame having a pair of traction devices spaced longitudinally of one side of said frame and normally in supporting engagement with the ground, and means for operating the same, a cutting element pivotally connected .to said frame intermediate said traction dehavingV a pair of traction devices spaced longitudinally at one side of said frame and normally 1n supporting engagement with the ground, and means for operating the saine, a cuttingl element pivotally connected.

to said frame intermediate said traction devices to swing in a horizontal plane, means operated by said motor for elevating said traction devices in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of said frame to permit said cutting element to pass thereunder, and auxiliary supper `ing means earried by said cutting element and adapted to support a portion of said frame when either o f said traction devices is in elevated position. f

3. In a mining machine, a motor, a frame having a pair of traction devices spaced longitudinally of one ide of said frame and normally in supporting engagement withv the ground, a cutting element pivotally connected to said frame intermediate said trac-. tion devices to swing in ahorizontal plane, means for elevating and lowering said traction devices to permit said cutting element to pass thereunder and driving connections between said motory and said traction devices permitting the latter to be selectively raised and instantaneously resume their 'tractive elfort when lowered.

1i. In a mining machine, a motor, a frame having a pair of traction devices spaced longitudinallyl at one side of said frame and normally in supporting engagement with the ground, a cutting element pivotally connected to said frame intern'iediate said traction devn, means for raisino; and loiver said traction devices t-o permit said cutting element lo pass thereunder. driving connect ions between said motor an( said traction devices permitting the latter to be selectively raised and instantaneously resume their tractive cti'ort when lowered, and auxiliary supporting means carried by said cutting element arranged to support a portion of said frame when the other of said traction devices is in elevated position.

5. In a miningmachine, a frame, a motor, a pair of traction devices spaced along one side of said frame Vand normally in supporting engagement with the ground, a cutting element pivotally connected to said frame on a vertical axis Within the boundaries of said traction devices, means affording independent vertical movement of said traction lil devices to permit said cutting element to pass thereunder, said last named means having operative connection Wit-h the motor to return said traction devices, when in raised position, into normal supporting engagement with the ground.

(S. in a mining machine, in combination, a frame, a motor, plurality oft supporting members movable vertically with respect to said iframe and normally adapted to support the latter, a cutting element pivotally supported on said trame within the boundaries defined by said supporting mlen'ibers and adapted to extend beyond said boundaries, and mea-ns driven by said motor for inde-l pendently operating said cutting element and said supporting means to permit the cutting element to pass thereunder.

7. ln a mining machine, in combination, a trame, a plurality of supporting members movable vertically with respect to said frame and normally adapted to support the latter, a cutting element pivotally supported on said frame within the boundaries deiined by said supporting members and adapted to extend beyond said boundaries, means for independently operating said supporting means to permit the cutting element to pass thereunder, and an auxiliary supportwithin the boundaries defined by said supporting means as aforesaid, but extending beyond the center of gravity orn said machine in a direction toward one of said supporting means When the latter is out of supportengagement with the ground.

8. ln a mining machine, in combination, a iframe, a plurality of supporting members movable vertically with respect to said iframe and normally adapted to support the latter, a cutting element pivotally supported on said frame Within the boundaries dclined by said supporting members and adapted to extend beyond said boundaries, means ior independently operating said supporting means to permit the (uitting elei'nent to pass thereunder, and an auxiliary support within the boundaries detined by said supporting means aforesaid, but extending beyond the center ot' gravity of said machine in a direction toward one oit said supporting means when the latter is out 'of supporting engagement With the ground, said auxiliary support being movable with said cutting mechanism.

9. ln a mining machine, a trame, a motor, pair oi longitudinally spaced traction devices normally in supporting' engagement with the ground, and having operative connection with said motor, a cutting element pivotally connected to said trame intermediate said traction devices, means allerding vertical movement of one or more of said traction devices to permit said cut-ting elementto pass thereunder, said last-named means having operative connection with the motor to return said traction device, when in raised position, into normal supporting engagement with the ground.

lO. ln a mining machine, the combination of a frame, a motor, a traction device having operative connection with said motor and normally adapted to engage the ground,

a cutting element pivotally mounted on said frame and extending beyond said traction device, means operatively connecting said motor with said cutting element, power devices driven by said motor affording vertical movement ot said traction device relative to said cutting element to permit the latter to swing on opposite sides oi said traction device, means associated With said last named power devices adapted to return said traction device into normal supporting engagement with the ground, and an auxiliary support adapted to engage the ground While said traction device is in elevated p0- sition, said auxiliary support being movable with said cutting element.

ll. In a mining machine adapted for room and pillar mining, the combination of a frame, a. kerf cutting element pivotally mounted centrally or' said ira-me and adapted to laterally project from the inner side of said frame, a pair ot' power driven traction units operable for feeding said machine along the lace ot the coal and disposed at the inner side of said frame, and on advance and receding sides oi said cutting element when the latterI is in laterally extending position, and an independently controlled traction device at the outer side of said frame operable for equalizing the reaction on the cutter bar during its feeding movement and thereby maintain the machine at the desired angular' relation to the mine iace.

l2. In a mining machine adapted for room and pillar mining, the combination of a frame, a keri cutting element pivotally mounted centrally oit said iframe and projecting at the inner side or said vframe, a pair oi power driven traction units operable ior feeding said machine along the lace of the coal and disposed at the inner side of said trame, and on the advance and receding sides of said cutting element When the latter is in laterally extending position, and an independently controlled differentially operable traction device at the outer side of said frame operable for equalizing the reaction on the cutter' bar during its 'feeding movement and thereby maintain the machin@ at the desired angular relation to the mine floor.

13. In a mining machine adapted for room and pillar mining, the combination of a frame, a keri` cutting element pivotally mounted centrally of said frame and projecting at the inner side of said frame, a pair of power driven traction units operable i'or feeding said machine along the face of the coal and disposed at the inner sidel of lee 1,664,666 i f 9V said frame, and on the advancing and receding sides of said cutting element when the latter is in laterally extending position, and an independently controlled traction device at the outer side of said frame operable for equalizing the reaction on the cutter bar during its feeding movement and thereby maintain the machine at the desired angular relation to the mine face, and a friction brake for controlling said last named traction device.

14;. In a mining machine, a frame, a cut'- ting element extending laterally from said frame. a. traction ldevice for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a lrerf, and supplemental feeding means comprising aI draft cable Wound on the periphery of said traction device and adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine.

15. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending laterally from said frame, a traction device adjacent the inner or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a kerf, and supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable Wound -on the periphery of said traction device and adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine.

16. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending'laterally from -intermediate the ends of said frame, a traction device. adjacent the inner or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a. kerf, supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine and'vvound on the periphery of said traction device, and means voffset from said feeding means for retarding the movement of the outer end of the machine.

17. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending laterally from intermediate the ends of said frame, a'traction device adjacent the inner or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a kerf, supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted to be anchored to a fixed' support in advance of the machine and Wound on the periphery of said traction device, a power-driven traction device Offset from said feeding means, and means independent of said feeding means for controlling said last named traction device.

18. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending laterally from intermediate the ends of said frame, a traction device adjacent the inner or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a lrerf, supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted 'to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine and Wound on the periphery of said traction device, a

ktraction device offset from said feeding piemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted to be anchored to a fixed sup-l port in advance of the machine and Wound on the periphery of said traction device, a traction device offset from said feeding means and manually operated retarding kso means for controlling the movement of said last named traction device independent of said feeding means.

20. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending laterally from intermediate the ends of said frame, a traction device adjacent the inner 'or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a kerf, supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine and Wound on the periphery of said traction device, a traction device offset from said feeding means, and a brake for controlling the movement of said last named traction device independent of said feeding means.

21. In a mining machine, a frame, acutting element extending laterally from intermediate the ends of said frame, a traction device adjacent the inner or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily valong, the face of the `coal to cut a kerf, supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of themachine and Wound on the periphery of said traction device, a powerdriven traction .device-offset from said feeding means, and means for varying the driving speed of said last named traction device independent of the vfeeding means.

22. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending laterally from intermediate the ends of said frame, a traction device adjacent the inner or cutting side thereof for feeding the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cnt a kerf, supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine andWound on the periphery of said traction device, a powerdriven traction device offset from said feeding means, vand means for reversing said traction device respective to said feeding means, whereby they may be driven either in the same or opposite directions.

23. In a mining machine, a frame, a ino- ,.tor, a ,plurality ot traction wheels'adjustable vertically in several supporting positions respective to said trame and having continuous operative connection -vvitli said motor in the several permissible positions thereoi", a

Ohorizontally disposed turntable rotatably iiiountedon said traine wit-hin said wheels,

La` horizontally disposed cutter 'trame beneath said turntable, an auxiliary supporting pan beneath the inner end ot said cutter arm,

and normally maintained out ot supporting engagement with the ground by said traction Wheels, said turntable, cutter arin and pan being rigidly connected together.

24. In 4a mining machine, a traine, a inoltor, a plurality oiC traction Wheels adjustable ,vertically in several supporting positions respective to said traine, andv having continuous operative connection ivith .said motor in the several permissible positions, a hoi-i- Zontally disposed turntable rotatably mounted'on said 'traine Within said Wheels, a hori- Zontally disposed cutter arm beneath. said turntable, a sprocket shaft extending concentrically through said turntable, a chain sprocket on said shaft adjacent the inner end ot said cutter arm, a cutter chain and an auxiliary supporting pan beneath the inner end ,of said cutter arm and said sprocket and-normally maintained out of supporting engagement With the ground by said traction Wheels, .said turntable, cutter arm and pan being rigidly connected together.

25. In a mining machine, a traine, a inotoi, a plurality oi traction Wheels adjustable independently oit said'last named means for swinging said turntable angularly With respect to the frame to feed the cutter arin to the coal.

26. In a mining machine, a frame, a motor, a plurality of traction Wheels adjustable vertically in several supporting positions respective to saidfraine, a horizontally disposed turntable rotatably mounted on said frame Within said supports,a horizon- 4tally disposed cutter arm beneath said turntable, .a sprocket shaft extending concentrically through said turntable, a chain sprocket on said shaft adjacent the inner end of said cutter arm, ay cutter chain, apan beneath the kinner end of said cutter arm and said sprocket, said turntable, cutter arm and pan being rigidly connected together, gear'- ing operatively connected Withsaid motor V,for actuating said cutter chain, Aand Iother gearing operatively connected With said motor for swinging said turntable angularly at a lower speed to feed the cutter -arm to the coal.

27. In a mining machine, a frame, Aa horilzoiit'ally disposed cutter arm movable into `various positions to cut at one side and at opposite ends ol said trame, a pair oit longitudinally spaced rotatabletraction devices capable ,of being driven in' either direction adjacent the inner or cutting side of said frame adapted to feed the ,cutter arin to the coal, said traction devices being movable vertically with respect to said cutter arm to vperinit the latter to pass thereunder, andan independently controlled traction unit capable vof being driven in either direction offset and spaced laterally from said p airof traction devices.

2S. In a mining machine, a frame, `a hori- Zoiitally disposed cutter arm movable into various positions to cut at one side and at opposite ends of said frame, a pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable traction 1devices capable ot being driven in either direction' adjacent ther inner or cutting side of said trame adapted to feed `the cutterarm to the coal, said traction devicesbeing movable vertically With respect to said lcutter arm to permit the latter tov pass thereunder, `a traction unit capable of being driven in either direction offset and .spaced laterally from said pair of traction devices, and controlling 4means associated WithsaidA traction unit for retarding the outer end of the machine While it isbeing ted tothe coal.

29. In a mining machine, a traine, a horizontally disposed vcutter arm ymovable into various positions to cut at one side and at opposite ends ot said trame, a pair ot longitudinally spaced rotatable traction devices capable of being' driven iii' eitheivdirection adgacent the inner or cutting side of said frame adapted to feed the cutter arin to the coal, said traction devices being movable vertically with respect to saidcutter arm to permit the latter to pass thereunder, a traction unit capable of being driven in either direction oitiiset and spacedlaterally from said pair of traction devices, and maiiually controlled brake mechanism associated .With said traction inuit` for .retarding the outer end ot the machine While it is being ted to the coa-l. d

30. In a mining machine, a traine, a hori- Zontally disposed cutter arm movable into various positions to cut at one sideand at opposite ends of said trame, a pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable traction devices capable of being driven in either direction adjacent the inner or cutting side of said frame adapted to feed the cutter arm to the ino coal, said traction devices being movable vertically with respect to said cutter arm to permit the latter to pass thereunder, a traction unit capable of being driven in'either direction offset and spaced laterally from said pair of traction devices, and driving means for said traction unit controlled independently of said feeding tract-ion devices.

3l. In a mining machine, a frame, a horizontally disposed cutter arm movable into various positions to cut at oneV side and at opposite ends of said frame, ak pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable traction devices adjacent the inner or cutting side of said frame adapted to feed the cutter arm to the coal, said traction devices being movable vertically with respect to said cutter arm to permit the latter to pass thereunder', a tractionunit offset and spaced laterally from said pair of traction devices, and reversible driving means for said traction unit controlled independently of said feeding traction devices.

32. In a mining machine, a frame, a hori- Zontally disposed cutter arm movable into various positions to cut one side and at opposite ends of said frame, a pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable traction devices adjacent the inner or cutting-side of said frame adapted to feed the cutter arm to the coal, said traction devices being movable vertically with respect to said cutter arm to permit the latter to pass thereunder, a traction unit capable of being driven in either ydirection offset `and spaced laterally from said pair of traction devices, and differential driving` means for said traction unit controlled independently of said feeding traction devices.

33. In a mining machine, a frame, a horizontally disposed cutter arm movable into various positions to cut at one side and at opposite ends of said frame, a pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable traction devices adjacent the inner or cutting side of said frame adapted to feed the cutter arm to the coal, said traction devices being movable vertically With respect to said cutter arm to permit the latter to pass thereunder, a traction unit offset and spaced laterally from said pair of traction devices, and an auxiliary support movable with said cutter arm and adapted to maintain the equilibrium ofV the machine .While one of said traction devices isin elevated position.

34. In a mining machine, a frame, a hori- Zontally disposed cutter arm movable into various positions to cut at one side and at opposite ends of said frame, a pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable traction devices adjacent the inner or cutting side of said frame adapted to feed the cutter arm to the coal, said traction devices being movable verticallyy with respect to said cutter arm to permit the latter to pass thereunder, a traction unit oifset and spaced laterally from said pair of traction devices, and a shoe movable With said cutter arm and adapted to have sliding engagement with the ground to maintain the equilibrium of the machine While one of said traction devices is in elevated position.

35. Ina mining machine, a frame, a motor, a horizontally disposed cutter arm pivot-l ally mounted on said frame to swing in a complete circle and cut at both ends and sides of said frame, a plurality of traction devices for supporting and propelling said machine, each of said traction devices being adjustable vertically invseveral positions with respect to said cutter arm to permit the `latter to pass thereunder, and driving connections between said motor and said traction devices permittingthe latter to be selectively raised and instantaneously` resume their tractive effort when lowere 36. In a mining machine adapted for use in room and pillar mining, a frame, a horizontally disposed cutter varm pivotally mounted on said frame adapted to extend a substantially equal distance in advance of both ends thereof, means for simultaneously feeding said cutter arm angularly to the coal, and means for feeding and guiding the machine bodily along the Working face, said last namedrmeans being reversible .to Withdraw the machine from the face after the cutter .arm has been moved from one end to the other through an angle of approximately 180 degrees in making a-vcut at one side of the machine, and to feed and guide the machine in the opposite direction for the next cut, With the cutter arm at the other side of the machine.

37. In a mining machine adapted for use in room and pillar mining, a frame, a horizontally disposed cutter arm pivotally mounted on said frame adapted to extend in cutting position on all sides thereof, means for feeding said cutter arm angularly to the coal, and a plurality of laterally spaced, in-

dependently controlled traction devices for feeding and guidingy the machine' bodily along the Working face, said traction devices being reversible to Withdraw the machine from the face after the cut-ter armr has been moved from one end to the `other through an angle of approximately 180 degrees in making a cut at one side of the machine, and

to feed and Guide the machine in the o `osite direction for the next cut with the cutter arm at the other side of the machine and means for moving each of said traction devices vertically to permit said cutter arm to pass thereunder.

38. In a mining machine, a frame, a motor, a-horizontally disposed cutter bar pivotally mounted intermediate the ends of said frame to extend from both ends and at intermediate points about saidy frame, a pair liso of rotatable traction devices adjacent vthe .cutting side of said frame and having their axes spaced longitudinally of the pivotal point of said cutter arm whereby the latter, when positioned transversely of the frame,

,extends laterally between within the vertical limits of said traction devices, and reversi- .ble connections between said motor and said .traction devices for driving the latter in .extend from both ends thereof and to cut at intermediate points about said frame, four rotatable traction devices at the corners of `said frame, each pair of said traction devices having their aXcs spaced longitudinally of .thepivotal point of said cutter arm on op posits sides thereof whereby the latter eX- tends between `within the vertical limits of l.each adjacent pair of traction devices when positioned at the sides or ends of said frame, and reversible connections between said motor and said traction devices for driving the latter in either direction. A

40. In a mining machine, a frame, four .vertically rmovable traction devices at opposite corners of said frame, a motor adjacent one vend of said frame between two of said traction devices, a turntable rotatably mounted centrally of said frame and extending beneath said motor, a cutting element -carried by said turntable, speed reducing gearing at the endof the machine opposite said motor, said speed reducing mechanism having operative connection with said traction devices.

41. In a mining machine, a frame, four vertically movable traction devices at opposite corners of said frame, a motor adjacent `carried by said turntable, speed reducing gearing at the end of the machine opposite said motor, said speed reducing mechanism having operative connection with said traction wheels, and having an independently `controlled connection with said turntable to rotate the latter.

42. In a mining machine, a traine, iour vertically movable traction devices at opposite corners of said frame, a motor adjacent one end of said frame between two of said traction devices, a turntable rotatably .mounted centrally of said frame and extending vbeneath said motor, a cutting clement carried by said turntable, provided with a cutter chain, a drive shaft and sprocket for 4.said chain mounted concentrically of said turntable and operatively connected with said motor, speed reducing gearing at the .end of the machine opposite said motor, said incassa speed reducing mechanism havingvoperativo connect-ion with said tractioiiwheels, and having an independently controlled connection with said turntable to rotate'the latter.

lf3. ln a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element extending laterally from said frame, a traction wheel for feeding .the machine bodily along the face of the coal to cut a lreif, and supplemental Vfeeding means comprising a detachable draft cable Wound on the periphery of said traction` wheel and adapted to be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine. dei. In a mining machine, a frame provided with suitable cutting mechanismifoi cutting a lrerf, a traction wheel for feeding the machine bodily along the face; of ,theV

coal, a motor, and a spur gear mounted in said frame and meshed with .a rack Vformed in the outer periphery of said traction wheel, said gear having operative connection'with the motor, and vertically adjustablesup-V porting means for said tractionwheels pivotally connected to said frame concentric with said gear.

45. ln a mining'inachine, a frame provided with suitable cutting mechanism ,for cutting a lreif, a traction wheel y,for feeding the machine bodily along theface ofthe coal, a motor, a spur gear mounted in .said frame and meshed with a. rack formed in the outer periphery of said traction wheel, said gearing having operative connection with the motor, and supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable adaptedto be anchored to a fixed support in advance of the machine and wound on the outer periphery of said traction wheel adjacent said rack.

46. ln a mining machine, a frame .provided with suitable .cutting meehanismf-for cutting a kerf, a traction wheel for feeding the machine bodily along the face ofV the a rack formed in the periphery of said traction wheel and ineshed with .said gear, a

series of projections also formed about said coal, a driving gear mounted in said frame,

periphery, and supplemental feeding means comprising a draft cable wound about said periphery adjacent said racl and said `series of projections and adapted to be anchor-ed to a fixed support in advance of the machine.

4.7. In a mining machine, a frame, .a plurality of traction wheels, means for controlling said. traction wheels to guide the mining machine during its cutting operation, and a draft cable detachably connectedr to and wound about the periphery of one vot said traction wheels and adapted tofafiford additional draft to the latter.

48. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mountedvbeneath said frame to cut a substantially horizontal keif adjacent the mine fioor,.a plurality of power actuated traction wheels and an intermediate auxiliary support adapted to engege'the lli ground during a portion of the cutting operation, and means for raising and lowering said frame with respect to said wheels to permit increased clearance of said cuttingv element and support with respect to the mine floor while the machine is being transported from place to place.

49. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted beneath said frame to cut a substantially horizontal lrerf adjacent the mine floor, a pan iii-:ed beneath the inner end of said cutting element and adapted to provide an auxiliary support for said frame during a portion of the cutting operation, a plurality of power actuated traction wheels adapted to support said machine, and means for raising and lowering said frame with respect to said wheels to permit increased clearance of said cutting element and said pan with respect to the mine floor while the machine is being transported from place to place on said traction wheels.

50. In a mining machine, a motor, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted beneath said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, a plurality of supporting arms pivotally mounted on axes arranged transversely of said frame to swing on a vertical plane, traction wheels journaled in said arms, and means for pivotally swinging said arms to selectively move said traction wheels vertically above the level of said cutting element, and power connections between said motor and said traction wheels in all permissible positions thereof.

5l. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted beneath said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, a plurality of supporting arms pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in a vertical plane, traction wheels journaled in said arms, and motor driven means for pivotally swinging said arms to move said traction wheels vertically above the level of said cutting element.

62. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted beneath said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, aV plurality of supporting arms pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in a vertical plane, traction wheels journaled in said arms, means for pivotally swinging said arms to move said traction wheels vertically above the level of said cutting element, and motor driven gears for driving said traction wheels mountedy to rotate concentrically with said pivoted arms, and having operative connection with said traction wheels in all positions of the latter. y

58. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted beneath said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, a pair of traction units on opposite sides of said frame, each comprising a pair of arms pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in a vertical plane, a traction wheel journaled on each rotatably mounted concentric with one f of said arms and having operative connection with its respective wheel, both of said spur gears beingV connected to drive rthe wheels at uniform rspeed and in the saine direction.

54. In a mining machine, a frame7 a cutting element pi'votallyv mounted on said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, a pair of traction units on opposite sides of said frame, each comprising a pair of arms pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in a vertical plane, a tractionvwheel journaled on each of said arms, power actuated mechanism for swinging each of said arms independently of the others to move its respective traction wheel vertically respective to said frame, and other power actuated mechanism for driving said traction unit including a pair of gears each rotatably mounted conceny tric with one of said arms, and having operative connection with its respective wheel, both of said gears being connected to drive the wheels at uniform speed and in the same direction.

55. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, a pair of traction units on opposite sides of said frame, each comprising a pair of longitudinally disposed arms' pvotally mounted on said frame to swing in a vertical plane, a traction wheel journaled on each of said arms, power actuated mechanism'for swinging each of said arms independently of others to move its respective traction wheel vertically respective to said frame, and other traction unit controlled independently of the other unit, and including a pair of gears each rotatably mounted concentric with one of said arms, and having operative connection with its respective wheel, both of said gears being connected to driveA the wheels at uniform speed and in the saine direction.

56. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, a cutting element pivotally mounted beneath said frame, a plurality of power actuated traction devices adapted normally to propel the machine along the mine floor, means for raising and lowering said traction devices vertically relative to said frame an auxiliary, centrally disposed support carried by said frame, and means on said traction devices adapted to engage a track.

57. In a mining machine adapted for room power actuated mechanism for driving said Y and pilla'r mining, a frame',` a motor, a kerf cutting element pivotally mounted`- centrally of said frame to' swing in a horizontal pla-ne, a plurality of traction devices adapted to support the machine and feed the cutting LeeaeeeV ed to support the machine and feed; the cut-` ting element to thefcoal by tractiveieffort While the machine is being moved bodily, along the Working face, Vpower connections between said motor and said traction devices including change-speed transmission devices aiiording selective movement of said machine at a predetermined cutting speed orat a higher moving speed for transporting the machine from place to place in the mine', and'means driven by said motor 'for selec-4 tively raising said traction devices out of: supporting engagement with the ground to permit said cutting element to swing. thereunder. f.

Signed at Chicago,- in thecounty oi'l Cook: and State of Illinois, this secondf'dayoV June, 1922. ,i CHARLES DAVIS;

Images