US1875340A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

7 Sept 6, 1932. M. P. HOLMES 1,375,340

MINING MACHINE Filed March 20, 1930 5 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Z 20 114 Zf 3 4643 5 j? Z 30 41 1' I 28 I 62 f 66 64 7 LJ fizz/anion" morrwfifi al wdfi M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Sept. 6, 1932.

2 Sheets-Sheet .2

Filed March 20, 1930 I OJJ E Patented Sept. 6, 1932 PATENT ori ice 1 IHORRIS P. I-IOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR. TO SULLIVAN MA- CHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS mechanism is obtained.

MINING MACHINE "Application filed March 20, 1930. Serial No. 437,368.

his invention relates to improvements in mining machines and more particularly to improved feeding means for a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved feeding meansfor a coal mining machine, and more particularly an improved flexible feeding means for a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type. Another object is to provide an improved flexible feeding means for a coal mining machine of the room and pillar type whereby the machine may be fed and controlled in a more efiicient and advantageous manner. A still'further object is to provide an improved flexible feeding means for a coal mining machine wherein relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members are employed for feeding and guid ing the machinathe feed operating and con trolling members and the driving mechanism therefor being arranged inan improved man- 'ner whereby an extremely compact "feeding is to provide an improved flexible feeding means of th aforesaid character wherein the feed operating and controlling members are arranged within the lateral limits of the machine and driven in animproved manner, there being provided improved transmission mechanism whereby the feed operating and controlling members may be driven either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively low speed or at relatively high speed to suit different mining conditions. Yet another object is to provide feeding mechanism of the aforesaid character having I embodied therein improved controlling mechanisiuwhereby the feed operating and con trolling members may rotate in a direction to pay out their respective feeding means under various degrees of operator-controlled frictional resistance or without such resistance. These and other objects willhereinafter more fully appear in the course of the ensuing description and as more particularly pointed out the appended claims.

l In the accompanying drawings there is till another object shown for purposes of illustration one form.

which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the illustrative embodiment of the improved coal mining machine. a

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view illustrating the structural details of the improved flexible feeding means.

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinally extending vertical sectional View taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig.4 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line H of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the operating means for the feed control clutches.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention the improved feeding means is shown incorporated in a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting, room and pillar type although obviously the various novel features of the improved feeding means may be embodied in mining machines of various othertypes in an equally effective manner. The mining machine generally comprises a low compact machine frame orbody 1 having a smooth plane bottom surface 2 upon which the machine is slidably supported for movement over the mine bottom. Projectingforwardly lengthwiseof the machine frame and rigidly secured thereto is a usual plane cutterbar 3 carrying on its margin a usual endless cutter bit carrying cutter chain 4. In the present construction, arranged in a novel manner at the'end of the machine frame remote from the cutter bar are relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling erably of the reversible electric type, having its power shaft 10 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine. Any suitable type of transmission means may be provided between the front end of the motor shaftlO and the cutter chain for circulating the latter about the margin of the cutterbar, for instance, transmission means similar to that disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 179,357, filed March 29, 1927, now matured into Patent No. 1,815,873, patented July 21, 1931. The feed and controlling drums 5 and 6 are operatively connected to the rear end of the motor shaft 10 through improved transmission means to be hereinafter described. Arranged at the rear end of the machine frame are suitable guide sheaves 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, while located at the opposite sides of the front end of the machine frame are guide sheaves 16 and 17, and the feed cables after passing around any preferred guide sheaves may be extended in any preferred direction from the machine and attached to suitably positioned anchors in the manner which is well understood in the min-- ing machine art.

Now referring to the improved feeding means, and more particularly to the improved driving means therefor, it will be noted th keyed to the rear end of the motor shaft 1 is a spur pinion 18 meshing with an intermediate gear 19 which in turn drives a spur gear 20 fixed to a horizontal shaft 21. This shaft extends longitudinally of the machine and is suitably journaled within the lower part of the feed frame section. Fixed to the rear end of the shaft 21 is a worm 22 meshin with a fast speed worm wheel 23 connectible by multiple disc clutches 24 and 25 of a usua design, to aligned shafts 26 and 27 respectively. These shafts are arranged on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine and. suitably journaled within the feedframe section. Each of these clutches includes interleaved clutch elements certain of'which are carried by the worm wheel while others are carried by a clutch element keyed to the shaft. Fixed to the outer ends of the shaft 26, 27 are spur pinions 28 and 29 respectively meshing with internal gears 30 and 31 preferably formed integral with the feed drums 5 and 6. W hen the clutch 24 is applied and clutch 25 released the feed drum may be driven in winding direction at a relatively high haulage speed by the motor 9 through gearing 18, 19, 20, shaft 21, worm gearing 22, 23, shaft 26 and the pinion 28 meshing with the internal gear secured to the drum... When the clutch 25 is applied and clutch 24 released the feed drum 6 driven from the motor in winding direction at a similar speed through similar gearing.

Now referring to the slow speed drive for the feed drums, it will be noted that fixed to the shaft 21 adjacent its forward end is a worm 32 meshing at its opposite sides with. and driving, worm wheels 33 and 34 disposed on vertical axes at opposite sides of the central longitudinal median line of the machine. these worm wheels being so arranged that the worm 32 effects rotation thereof in opposite directions. The worms 33 and 34 are fixed to vertical shafts 35 and 36 respectively suitably journaled Within the feed frame section and having fixed thereto Worms 37 and 38. These worms mesh respectively with slow speed worm wheels 39 and 40 arranged in coaxial relation and rotatably supported on aligned horizontal shafts 41 and 42 respectively. These shafts, in the present instance, are arrangedon a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine in parallelism with and in front of the aligned shafts 26, 27. Fixed to the outer ends of the shafts 41 and 42 respectively are spur pinions 43 and 44 meshing with the internal gears 30 and 31 secured to the drums. The worm wheels 39 and 40 are connectible with their respective shafts 41, 42 by multiple disc clutches 45 and 46. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 45 is applied and clutch 46 released the feed drum 5 may be driven in winding direction at arelatively slow speed appropriate for cutting,,through gearing 18, 19, 20, worm gearing 32, 33, 37, 39, and spur pinion 43 meshing with the internal gear secured to the drum. When the friction clutch 46 is applied and clutch 45 released, control drum 6 may be driven in winding direction at a similar speed through a similar train of gearing. It will also be noted that the drums may be rotated in winding direction either separately or simultaneously and that the sets of friction clutches 24, 45, and 25, 46 may be so released as to permit the feed and control drums to rotate in unwinding direction under various degrees of operator-controlled frictional resistance and that upon release of the clutches the feed drums may be entirely relieved from any action of the friction clutches.

The operating means for the sets of friction clutches will now be described. Cylindrical plane pressure plates 47 and 48, having fingers projecting through apertures in the end plates of the Worm wheels 39 and 40 into engagement with the adjacent end discs of the friction clutches 45 and 46, are employed for controlling these clutches. Pivoted shipper yokes 49 and 50 equipped with rollers engaging the plane surfaces of the pressure plates 47,48 respectively are employed for actuating these pressure plates. Similar pivoted shipper yokes 51 and 52 are provided for actuating the pressure plates 53 and 54 for controlling the friction clutches 24 and 25. To prevent simultaneous application of the friction clutches 25 and 46 controlling the feed drum 6, there are provided connections between the shipper yokes for these clutches, herein including arms 55 and 56 on the shipper yokes and connected by a transverse link 57, this link being pivotally connected at its ends to the arms. The shipper yoke 50 is fixed to a vertical shaft 58 having secured thereto at its upper end an operating lever 59. Similar link connections 60 and operating lever 61 are employed for the shipper yokes 49 and 51. It will therefore be seen that only one clutch of each set can be applied atone time.

As above referred to, the feed drums 5 and 6 are arranged within the lateral limits of the machine frame and in the present instance are disposed within recesses or chambers 62 and 63 formed Within the opposite sides of the feed frame section. The bearing structure for both drums isthe same instructure and herein comprises stub shafts 64 project-- ing laterally from the sides of the feed frame section. Supported by these stub shafts are anti-fricti0n hearings on which the drums are rotatably mounted, thedrums being composed of two parts detachably secured to-' gether to form an'internal chamber 66 within which the bearing structure is housed. Various modes of operation of the improved feeding means will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art, and as the method of use of a room and pillar mining machine is well-known a description of the general mode of operation of the machine is thought unnecessary.

As a result of this invention it will be noted that an improved feeding means is provided for a coal mining machine wherein the feed and controlling members and the driving mechanism therefor are arranged in an extremely compact manner whereby the lateral and vertical limits of the machine are materially reduced. It will further be noted that an improved flexible feeding means is provided for a coal mining machine of the room and pillar type whereby the machine is fed and guided in a more flexible and eliicient manner. It will further be evident that im r ved driving and controlling mechanism is provided for the feeding members whereby the latter may be rotated either separately or simultaneously in winding di rection relatively low speed or at relatively high speed, or may rotate in unwinding direction under various degrees of operator-controlled frictional resistance or without such resistance, as conditions may require, thereby materially improving the operation and control of the machine, These and other advantages of the improved feeding means will'bo clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there is in this application speciii-c means, and motor operated driving means therefor including afast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, each train having a final rotatable driving element and said elements rotating about fixed axes offset from the feed member axis and having driving engagement with said spaced points.

2. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a. rotatable feed member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means therefor including a gear secured to said feed member, a .1 speed gear train and av slow speed gear train, each train having final driving gear and said final driving gears meshing with said feed member gear at spaced points.

3. A minins machine feeding mechanism including a rotatable feeding member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means therefor including an internalgear secured to said feed member, a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, each train having final driving gear and said final driving gears meshing with said feed member gear at spaced points.

4. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means therefor including a fast speed gear train and a slow speed mechanism, said feed member at train and mechanism each having final rotatable drive elementsrotating about fixed axes ofiset from the feed member axis and each having one of its final rotatable drive elements having driving engagement with each of said feed members, the final rotatable drive elements havingengagement with each feed member having driving engagement therewith at spaced points.

5. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means therefor including a gear secured to each feed member, a fast speed gear train and a slow speed mechanism, said train and mechanism each having final driving gears and each having one of its final driving gears meshing with each of said feed member driving gear meshing with each of said feed member gears, the final driving gears meshing with each feed member gear meshing with the latter at spaced points.

7. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means therefor including a slow speed gear mechanism having coaxial driving elements and a fast speed gear train having a single driving element rotating on an axis parallel to theraxis of said coaxial elements, and clutch mechanism for connecting one of said feed members to one of said slow speed driving elements and the other feed member to said other slow speed driving element and for connecting either feed member in dr ring relation with said fast speed driving element, each of said driving elements having an element coaxial therewith in driving engagement with a feed member.

8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotataole feed memb each adapted .to cooperate directly with fie, ble feeding means, and motor operated driv ing means for said members including three terminal worm wheels, two of which are slow speed worm wheels While the other is a fast speed worm wheel, friction clutches for connecting one feed member to one slow speed worm wheel and the other feed member to the other slow speed worm wheel and friction clutches for connecting either of said feed members in driving relation with said fast speed worm wheel.

9. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including three terminal worm wheels, two of which are slow speed worm wheels while the other is a fast speed worm wheel, two being coaXially arranged while the third rotates on a parallel axis, friction clutch s for connecting one feed member to one slow speed worm wheel and the other feed member to the other slow speed worm wheel and friction clutches for connecting either of said feed members in driving relation with said fast speed worm wheel.

10. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a separate and distinct slow speed worm gear train for each feed member and a separate fast speed worm gear train common to the drive of both feed members.

11. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated drivtrains, one individual to each feed member,

respectively having final driving gears engaging the gears .on said feed members and a fast speed gear train common to the drive of both members having final driving gears also engaging said feed member gears.

13. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a gear secured to each feed member, slow speed gear trains, one individual to each feed member,

espectively having final driving gears engaging the gears on said feed members and a fast speed gear train common to the drive of both members havmg final driving gears also engaging said feed member gears, said final driving gears of said respective gear trains rotating on parallel axes and engaging said feed member gears at spaced points.

14-. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members disposed at the same end of the machine and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed members including coaxial worms, worm wheels driven respectively thereby, driving connections between one of said worm wheels and one of said feed members and driving connections between said other worm Wheel and said other feed member.

15. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed members including coaxial worms, two worm wheels meshing with one of said worms, a third worm wheel meshing with said other worm, driving con nections between said two worm wheels and said feed members respectively and driving connections between the said third worm wheel and both of said feed members.

16. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed members including coaxial worms, two worm wheels meshing with one of said worms, a third worm wheel meshing with said other worm, driving connections between said two worm wheels and said feed members respectively, driving connections between the said third worm wheel and both of said feed members, and friction clutches for selectively connecting said feed members in driving relation with their respective worm wheels.

17. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed members including coaxial worms, two worm wheels meshing with one of said worms, a third worm wheel meshing with the other worm and disposed on an axis lying in a plane at right angies to the axes of said other worm wheels, driving connections between said two worm wheels and said feed members respectively, driving connections between said third worm wheel and both of said feed members, and friction clutches for selectively connecting said feed members in driving relation with their respective worm wheels.

18. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly withflexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed members including coaxial worms rotating on longitudinally ex tending axes, two worm wheels meshing with one of said worms, a third worm wheel meshing with said other worm, driving connections between said two worm wheels and said feed members respectively, and driving connections between the said third worm wheel and both of said feed members.

19. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feed members each adapted to cooperate directly with fiexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed members including coaxialworms rotating on longitudinaly extending axes, two worm wheels meshing with one of said worms, a third worm wheel meshing with said other worm, driving connections between said two worm wheels and said feed members respectively, driving connections beflexible feeding means, and motor operated flexible feeding means, and motor operated connections therewith, means for driving sai the axes of said other worm wheelsgdriving connections between said two worm wheels and said feed members respectively, driving connections between said, third worm wheel and both of said feed members, and friction clutches for selectively connecting said feed membersin driving relation with their respective worm wheels.-

21. A miningmachine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including separate and distinct slow speed worm gear train for each feed member, and a separate fast speed gear train common to the drive of both feed members.

22. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with driving means for said members including a separate and distinct slow speed gear train foreach feed member, and a separate fast speedworm geartrain common to the drive of both feed members, said worm gear train being inoperative to drive said members duringdriving of the latter through said first mentioned gear trains.

23. A mining machine feeding mechanism includingrelatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a pair of alined shafts one connected to each member, a second pair ofv alined shafts one connected to each member, the shafts connected to each member havingmutually distinct 'connections. therewith, and driving.

'drivingmeans for said members including member, a second pair of alined shafts one connected to eachmember, the shafts connected to each member having mutually distinct shafts of one pair at one speed, and means for i driving said shafts of said other pair at a different speed.

25. A mining machine feeding mechanism flexible feeding'means, and motor operated driving means for said members lncluding a pair of-alined shafts one connected to each i d lli including relatively rotatable feeding mem- ,bers each adapted to cooperate directlywith a pair of alined shafts one connected to each "member, a second pair of alined shafts one tinct connections therewith, separate slow speed driving means for the shafts of one pair and a common fast speed driving-means for said shafts of said other pair.

26. A mimng machinefeeding-mechanismincluding relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to'cooperate directly withflexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members for effecting rotation thereof either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including a horizontal longitudinal extending shaft, worms secured to said shaft and driven thereby separate driving connections between one of said worms and said members, and driving connections common to both members between said other worm and said members.

27. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members for effecting rotation thereof either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relative- 1y high speed or at relatively low speed in cluding a motor shaft, a horizontal longitudinally extending shaft driven thereby, sep' arate and distinct slow speed drivingconnections between said shaft and said feeding members, and a common fast speed driving connection between said shaft and said feeding members. r

28. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatablefeed members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding'means, and motor operateddriving means for said members for effecting-rotation thereof either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including a motor shaft, a horizontallongitudinal-ly extending shaft driven thereby, separate and distinct slow speed driving connections between said shaft and each feed member, and a: common fast speed driving connection between said shaft and said feed members, and friction clutches for operatively connecting either member to either driving connection.

29. A mining machine feedingmechanism including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible. feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members for effecting rotation thereof either separately or simultaineously in; a direction to. draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including; separate and distinct gear trains for each member, said gear trains including terminal gears arranged in, coaxial relation, a gear train common to. the drive of both members and including a terminal gear disposed with its axis parallelto the axes of said first mentioned terminal gears, and clutches for connecting said members in driving relation with said terminal gears;

30. A mining machine feeding mechanism r including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly withflexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a horizontal longitudinally extending shaft, 7 worms secured to said shaft-and driven thereby, worm wheels meshing with one of said worms, a worm wheel meshing with said other worm, clutch devices for connecting said members in driving relation with said first mentioned worm wheels respectively, and clutch devices for connecting said memb ers. in driving relation with said last mentioned worm wheel. A

31. A mining machine feeding mechanism 33 including relatively rotatable feeding members each'adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including alined shafts one connected to each member, a separate slow speed driving mechanism for each shaft, alined shafts parallel with said shafts and connected to said members respectively, and a fast speed driving mechanism for said last mentioned alined' shafts. 32. A miningm-achine feedingmechanism including a rotatable feed member .arranged with its axis lying in a transverse vertical plane and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated drivingmeans for said member including a gear secured to said member, a fast speed gear train incl-udin a gear meshing with said feed member gear, and a slow speed gear train including a gear also meshing with said feed member gear. 33. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rota-tabl'e'feed member arranged with its. axis lying in a transverse vertical plane and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said member including a gear secured to said member, a plural speed transmission mechanism including worm wheels rotating on parallel axes, and gears driven by said worm wheels respectively and meshing with said feed member gear.

34. A mining machine feeding mechanism includinga rotatable feed member adapts cooperate directly with flexible feeding i and motor operated driving means for member including a gear secr ed to said member, a. plural speed transm including worm wheels rota axes lying in transverse vertical plane gears driven by said worm wheels re iectively and meshing with said feed member gear.

35. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotatable feed member arranged with its axis lying in a transverse vertical plane and adapted to f cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said member includ ing a gear secured to said member, a plural speed transmission mechanism including worm wheels rotating on parallel axes, gears driven by said worm wheels respectively andmeans, and motor operated driving means for said member including worms rotating on horizontal axes extending longitudinally of the machine, worm wheels driven therebyand rotating on parallel axes, gears arranged coaxially with said worm wheels respectively, a gear secured to said feed member andwith which said last mentioned gears mesh, and clutches for connecting saidworm wheels respectively in driving relation with the gears driven thereby. 1

37. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotatable feeding member .ed to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said member including coaxial worms rotating on horizontal axes extending longitudinally of the machine, worm wheels driven thereby and rotating on parallel axes, gears arranged coaxially with said worm wheels respectively, a gear secured to said feed memher and with which said last mentioned gears mesh, and clutches for connecting said worm wheels respectively in driving relation with the gears driven thereby.

S8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feeding members arranged in coaxial relation and each adapted to cooperate dire tly with fl xible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a slow speed mechanism including alined shafts one operatively connected to each feeding member, and a fast speed mechanism including anned shafts arranged parallel to said first mentioned shafts and likewise respectively connected to said members.

39. A mining machine feeding mechanism including relatively rotatable feeding members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said members including a gear secured to each feed member, a slow speed driving mechanism for each member including gears meshing with said feed member gears respectively, and a fast speed driv- With said feed member gears respectively.

40. A mining machine feeding mechani m including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members of the same size mg mechanism including gears also meshing diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds and either capable of acting as feed member and a controlling member, flexible feeding means cooperating with said members, and plural speed driving mechanism for sa members for rotating the latter in a direction to draw in their respective fleJiblc feed ng means at relative"; lngli spee or relat "ely low speed including a separate and distinct slow speed mechanism for each memher and a fast speed driving mechanism coiumon to both members, each of said fast and slow speed'mechanisms including fast and slow speed friction controlling clutches individual to each member. I

o 4-1. A. mining machine feeding mechanism includingrelatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds and either capable of acting as a feed member and a controlling member, flexible feeding meanscoopcrating with said members, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective lexible feeding means at relatively high 386d or at relatively low speed includ ng aseparase and distinct slow speed mechanism for eachmember and a fast speed driving mechanism common to both members, each of said fast slow speed mechanisms inclu ingfast and slow speed friction controlling clutches individual to each member.

42. A mining machine feeding mechanism eluding relatively rotatable feed op :ating and controlling members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at .ike peripheral feds, flexible feeding means cooperating withsaid members, a plural speed driving means for s id members for rotating the lat ter either separately r simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means including a separate and dis tinct slow speed mechanism for each member and a fast speed driving mechanism commonto both members, each of said fast and slow speed mechanisms including fast and slow speed friction controlling clutches in dividual to each member, and means for con necting each member to its respective mechanism at will.

' A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating controlling members of the same size and diameter and rotatable at like peripheral speeds, flexible feeding means cooperating directly w th said members, and a plural ing means for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneouslyin a direction todraw in their respective flexible feeding means including a separate and distinct frictionally cont. lled slow speed mechanism for each member, a frictionally controlled fast speed driving '5] mechanism being entirely inoperative during drive of said members through said slow speed mechanism.

4.4. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means including a separate and distinct slow speed mechanism for each member each having a terminal driving element, and a fast speed driving mechanism having a terminal driving element common to both members, said fast speed driving mechanism being inoperative to drive said members during driving thereof by said slow speed mechanisms.

45. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including a separate and distinct slow speed gear train having a terminal driving gear for each member, and a fast speed gear train having a terminal driving gear common to both members and alined shafts one connected to each member and driven by said fast speed terminal gear.

means for connecting each member to its respective mechanism at will, said fast speed driving mechanism being inoperative to drive said members during driving thereof by said slow speed mechanisms.

47. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a directionto draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed including a separate and distinct slow speed gear train having a terminal driving gear for each member, a fast speed gear train having a terminal driving gear common to both members and alined shafts one "connected to each member and driven by said fast speed terminal gear, and means for connecting each member to its respective gear trains at will.

48. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving means for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means including a separate and distinct frictionally controlled slow speed mechanism for each member each having a terminal driving gear, a frictionally controlled fast speed driving mechanism having a terminal driving element common to both members, friction controlling means ineach mechanism for connecting each member to its respective mechanisms at will, and operating means for said controlling meansf'or preventing connecting of said members to said fast speed driving mechanism while said members are connected to said slow speed mechanisms.

49. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling'members each adapted to cooperatedirectly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mecha nism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means or to'permit said members to rotate in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance including a separate and distinct frictionally controlled slow speed mechanism for each member each having a friction controlling clutch, a frictionally control-led fast speed driving mech anism common to both members and including a friction controlling clutch individual to each member and distinct from said first mentionedcontrolling clutches, and operating means for said clutches for precluding application of said fast speed controlling clutches when said slow speed controlling clutches are applied and vice versa.

50. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and'controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means, to permit said members to name:

rotate in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance or Without such resistance including a separate and distinct frictionally controlled slow speed mechanism for each member and a frictionally controlled fast speed driving mechanism common to both members, said fast speed driving mechanism including friction controlling clutches one individual to each member for connecting said members thereto, said fast speed driving mechanism being entirely disconnected from said members during drive of said members by said slow speed mechanisms.

51. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mecha; nism for said members for rotatingthe latter in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or i at relatively low speed or to permit said members to rotate in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means un' der various degrees of frictional resistance including a separate and distinct frictionally controlled slow s eed gear train for each member, a frictiona ly controlled fast speed gear train common to both members, and friction controlling clutches operable at will for connecting either member to its respective gear trains and including a fast speed friction controlling clutch and a separate slow speed friction controlling clutch, said fast speed gear train beingentirely disconnected from said members during drive of said members by said slow speed gear trains.

52. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feedlng means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members'for rotating the latter in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means either separately or simultaneously at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed and whereby said members may rotate in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feedingmeans under various degrees of frictional'resistance or without such resistance including a separate and distinct frictionally controlled slow speed gear train for each member, a frictionally controlled fast speed gear train common to both members, and friction controlling clutches operable at will'for connecting either member to their respective gear trains and including a fast speed friction controlling clutch and a separate slow speed friction controlling clutch, said fast speed gear train being entirely disconnected ing: and controllingmembers each; adapted to. cooperate directly with flexible feeding mcans,and a plural speed driving mechanism for-said members;for rotating thelatterieithet separately or simultaneously: in a vdirection:

to; (ilRWviHI-thGlP respective flexible feeding:

means atrrelativelyhigh speed orat relatively low speed 'includingza separate and distinct slow'tspeed gear-train and friction controlling clutclr for each member, and a frictionally controlled fastrspeed gear train common te both members and includinga friction clutclr individual itO each member 1 for connecting saidniemberseto said fast speed'gearitrmin, said fast speed; gear; being entirely disconnected fromisaizd ;1I16!Ilb.81$- duringdriveofwsaidqmembers by said slow speedxgear trains. f

' 5a,. .Aeminiing machine feeding mechanism com-prising relatively rotatable feed operat-- ing and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexible feeding means at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed and whereby said members may rotate in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance including a separate and distinct slow speed gear train and friction controlling clutch for each member, and a frictionally controlled fast speed gear train common to both members and including a friction clutch individual to each member for connecting said members to said fast speed gear train, said fast speed gear I train being entirely disconnected from said members during drive of said members by said slow speed gear trains.

55. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding, means, and a plural speed driving mechanism for said members for rotating the latter either separately or simultaneously in a direction to draw in their respective flexiblefeedingmeans at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed and whereby'said membersmay rotate in a direction to pay out their respective flexible feeding means under various degrees of frictional resistance or without such resistance including a separate and distinct slow speed gear train and friction controlling clutch for each member, and a frictionally controlled fast speed gear train common to both members and including a friction clutch individual to each member for connecting said members to said fast speed gear train,

said fast speed gear train being entirely disconnected from said members during drive of said members by said slow speed gear trains.

I 56. A mining machine feeding mechanism comprising relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a plural speed driving mecha- 12 nism for said-members including a slow speed geartrain for one member, a separate and distinct slow speed gear train for the other member, a fast speed gear train, a friction controlling clutch for each member for coni necting each member toits respective slow speed gear train, a plurality of friction controlling clutches one for each member for connecting each member to said fast speed gear train, and operating means for said 0 clutches for precluding application'of said fast speed clutches when said slow speed clutches are applied and vice versa.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

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