US1953325A - Apparatus for mining coal - Google Patents

Description

' April 3,- 1934. E. c. MORGAN 1,953,325

l APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Filed June 2s, 191sl 7 sheets-sheet 1 w fz for' l ,Vati/s.

April 3, l934 E. c. MORGAN 1,953,325

' APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Filed June .'25, 1915 7 Sheets-Sheet `2 April 3, 1934. E. c. MORGAN APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Filed June 23, 1915A 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 3, 1934. A E. c.Y MORGAN 1,953,3-'25 l APlARATs FOR MINING GOAL Filed June 25V, 1913 7 sheets-sheet 4 April 3, 1934. E. c. MORGAN APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Filed June 23, 1913 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 `April 3, 1934. E, c, MORGAN APPARATUS FOR MINING coAr.-

7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 25, 1913 XZ g 7l' 55.10

April 3, 1934.

E. c. MORGAN APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Filed June 2s, 1913v 7 sheets-sheet '7 Patented Apr. `3, 1934 PATENT OFFICE- APPARATUS FOR MINING COAL Edmund C. Morgan, Chicago, Ill.: Olive Eugenie Morgan, executrix of the estate of Edmund C.

Morgan,

deceased, assignor to American Morgan Company, a corporation of Delaware Application June 23, 1913, Serial No. 775,173

437 Claims.

My invention relates to method of and apparatus for mining coal or other materials, and more particularly to such as are characterized by the cutting of a plurality of kerfs for the purpose of enabling the coal or other materials to be removed in blocks or substantially regular and uniform masses.

The methods herein disclosed are described and claimed in my co-pending divisional applications Ser. No. 520,071, filed March 4, 1931, for Method of mining coal and Ser.fNo. 607,344, filed April 25, 1932, for Method of mining coal.

One of the objects of my invention is to generally improve and simplify the mining of coal or other materials and to generally simplify and improve the apparatus for carrying on such methods. Other objects of my invention will appear hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a general view in side elevation of a mining machine embodying my invention.

Fig. l represents a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in central vertical section, of Fig. 1 to show the pivotal connection between the turn table and the truck.

Figure 2 is a general top plan view of the machine shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a port-ion of Fig. 2 to show the power transmission between the motor on. the main frame and the advancing and re'- tracting beam. `Figure 3 is an enlarged elevational view of a cutting mechanism or cutter bar embodying my invention.

Figure 3n is a transverse sectional view of the cutting mechanism on the line 3\3 of Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a rear end elevation of the machine shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 6 of the mechanism for transmitting power to the cutting mechanism and for actuating the cutting mechanism.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail view of the mechanism for -retaining the control levers in their various positions. f

Figure 8 isa fragmentary view in side elevation similar to the corresponding portion of the strucfied construction.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 isa sectional view on the line 10-10 of Figure 11, similar to Figure 5 but showing the ture shown in Figure 1 but illustrating a modi` details of the modified construction illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 11-11 of Figure 10.

Figures 12 and 13 are diagrammatic views illustrating a method of mining coal.

Figure 14 is a'diagrammatic view illustrating the manner in which my improved mining machine may be employed for cutting kerfs in the coal.

Figure 15 is a view similar to 14 showing the vertical kerf out by my improved machine.

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view in section showing a number of vvertical kerfs angularly disposed with relation to each other and cut in the manner shown in Figures 14 and 15.

Figures 17 to 24 inclusive are diagrammatic views illustrating several modifications of my improved method of mining.

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the kerf-cutter adjusted to a cutting position in a horizontal piane intermediate the floor and roof for the cutting of the intermediate horizontal kerf shown in Figs. 23 and 24.

In mining various materials', and particularly coal, it is extremely desirable and important that the coal be mined with as small amount oi cuttings as possible and that it be mined in large regular shaped blocks or masses so that it may be conveniently handled, not only in removing it from the mine but for shipping it and transporting it. The desirability and advantage of taking coal out of the mines in as large blocks as l possible is aparent when it is realized that the transportation of coal is not only greatly facilitated by the ease and convenience with which the large blocks may be packed for shipment in the cars, but because of the fact that large unbroken masses of coal retain their efficiency much longer than coal which is broken'into relatively small particles when exposed to the influences of the weather. In the drawings, and particularly in Figures 12, 13, and 17 to 22, inclusive, I have diagrammaticaly illustrated my improved method of mining coal by which all of these advantages are obtained. Figure 13 illustrates diagrammaticall'y a longitudinal vertical section through a vein of coal, and Figure` 12 diagrammatically illustrates the forward end oLthe vein, that is"the end of the vein at which the` mining operations take place. In carrying out my improved method I prefer. i'lrst, to make a plurality of vertical parallel cuts orkerfs X which preferably. extend in vertical planes from the lower faces X1 of the vein and the upper faces X2 thereof. That is,

vertical kerfs or cuts extend between what is generally known as the points of cleavage between the stratum or vein of coal and the earth or ground between which the vein of coal is confined. These cuts or kerfs X are preferably as thin as possibleso as to avoid any more cuttings than is necessary, and they extend longitudinally into the vein at a distance which is found suitable or advisable under the particular circumstances and requirements. The kerfs X are likewise spaced apart at such distances as found to be best adapted to the particular conditions and requirements. I also make a plurality of long horizontalkerfs X3,X3 preferably extending from one side of the vein of coal to the other side thereof so as to divide the vein into a plurality of large blocks X4, X5, X6. These horizontal kerfs, as shown in Figure 13, lie in planes which are disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the vein. They preferably begin at points X7, X8 below or above the longitudinal center of the vein and extending angularly upward and downwardly from said respective points preferably to `the roof and floor of the mine entry; although I have found that these horizontal kerfs need Vnot extend all of the way to the roof or oor of the mine entry under certain circumstances. For instance, in Figures 17 and 18 it will be noted that the horizontal kerfs X3, which incline upwardly toward the roof of the mine entry, may terminate short of the roof and leave an uncut portion X9 which must be broken when blocks of coal are dislodged, whilethe kerfs X3', which incline downwardly toward the door of the entry, may,

if desired, extend all the way to the floor or line ofcleavage. These uncut portions X9, however, are preferably not sufficiently thick to prevent the blocks of coal being readily dislodged or broken away after the kerfs are cut. As shown in Figures 13 and 18, the series of horizontal kerfs X3 are preferably parallel with respect to each other,

`and likewise the series of horizontal kerfs X3' lie in planes parallel with respect to each other. In consequence there are left uncut portions X10 and X11 between said kerfs along the lines of cleavage both at the roof and floor of the mine, and after the kerfs have been made these blocks may be dislodged or broken away from these lines of cleavage in any suitable manner under the particular circumstances, or they may be severed by horizontal kerfs. In practice I prefer to make a series of vertical kerfs first and after these vrtical kerfs are cut I then cut the horizontal kerfs because it can readily be seen that if the horizontal kerfs X3 were made first there would be a large mass or long slab of coal suspended from the roof of the mine which, under the conditions in some mines, would be likely to fall owing to the fact that the adhesion of the slab of coal to the roof of the mine along the cleavage line X10 would not be suicient to support the slab of coal. Often this-is true even when the vertical kerfs are made rst and the horizontal kerfs afterward but ins such cases, as the horizontal kerf advances across the vein intersecting the vertical kerfs and forming the complete blocks X4, I prefer to jack up or support the blocks X11 until the horizontal kerfs are completed clear across the vein. Any suitable means for supporting these cut blocks may be employed, such, for instance, as jacks X12 of the character illustrated in Figures l2 and 13. These jacks are provided with broad bases X13 and with standards which are inclined substantially parallel to the planes of the horizontal kerfs, and the heads X14 of these jacks are formed mine.

Athe jacks may be removed and the blocks allowed to drop or be dislodged for removal from the The advantage of supporting the blocksY X4 in position until all of them have been cut is that the machine, if the machine is used, which cuts the kerfs may be moved out of the way in order to permit the convenient removal of the blocks. The cutting of the horizontal kerfs X3 and X3 is preferably done alternately with respect to each other. That is to say, after the vertical kerfs are cut a horizontal upwardly inclined cut X3 is cut. The blocks X4 may be dislodged and removed from the mine entry, thus leaving the face of the coal clear so that the next horizontal cut X3 which begins at point X8 and inclines downwardly may be cut, thus leaving the lower blocks X5 in condition to be broken along the lower cleavage line X11 and removedfrom the mine. I have not found it necessary to support the lower blocks X5 by means of jacks or otherwise, because they are resting upon the floor of the mine, so to speak, and there lis not the tendency for them to fall away or break along their lines of cleavage without the aid of a slight additional dislodging force being applied to them. Of course the vertical kerfs X should be made deep enough in advance of the cutting of the horizontal kerfs so that the blocks will be cut on all sides except along the lines of cleavage and at the portions Xg (Figure 18) when the kerfs X3 are not'extended all the way to the roof of the mine. It is to be understood, however, that the horizontal kerfs may be made before the vertical kerfs .because in some mines there is found no tendency of the slabs of coal to fall of their own weight, but this, of course, is to be determined by the conditions in the particular mine in which the coal is being cut. Figures 20 and 22 diagrammatically illustrate a modification in the angular relations of the cuts. that the horizontal kerfs X3 and X3 begin at points X15 above and below the longitudinal center of the vein; that is to say, the cuts X3 and X3 are disposed entirely above and below the longitudinal center of the mine respectively. It will also be noted that these kerfs X3 and X3 do not incline at as great an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mine as they do in Figure 13. In consequence, this allows center blocks X111' In these gures it will be noticed -a to be cut in addition to the upper and lower blocks Figure 18, but as shown in Figure 22. these cuts lll-'i may extend entirely to the line of cleavage, if desired. In'Figure 22 it will be noticed that the center blocks are completely cut on all sides; that is to say, the kerfs X3 and X3' are extended into the center blocks X16 until they intersect or meet at the point X18, thereby making complete cuts on all sides of the blocks. Figures 23 and 24 are diagrammatic views illustrating my improved method wherein I cut a plurality of horizontal parallel kerfs X19. These kerfs lie in planes "lV spaced apart but substantially parallel with the longitudinal center of thevein. Any number of the'se kerfs may be cut, depending, of course, upon the size of the vein and the particular operating conditions, although in the drawings I have illustrated only three horizontal kerfs, one being located at the upper line of cleava e of the vein, another being located at the lower line of cleavage and a third substantially in the center of the vein. The cutting of the horizontal intermediate kerf X19' shown in Figs. 23 and 24 may be effected by swinging the at chain kerf-cutter 90 from its position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 so that its upper surface will be parallel to the roof. Then by means of the worm gearing shown in Fig. 6 the kerf-cutter may be swung on the axis 81 to a position parallel to the mine track. While the arms of the support E extend upwardly as shown in dotted line positions in Fig. 1 the motor will be upright and the shaft 8l of Fig. 6 will be vertical. The kerf-cutter will then occupy a top position in a horizontal plane parallel to the mine track. Now by means oi the worm gearing 63, 64 the motor and korf-cutter may be inverted and the latter may then be swung intoy the rib or, upright wall of the entry and the intermediate kerf X19 of Figs. 23 and 24 may be produced by a longwall operation. That is to say, while the kerf-cutter is\horizontal and parallel to the bearing 52 and approximately in alinement with the lower surface thereof the whole machine may be moved along the mine track by means of the rope gearing illustrated in Fig. 2. In the same manner the motor F may be inverted from its full line position in Fig. 1 and the kerf-cutter positioned in a horizontal plane parallel to the horizontal axis of the support E and lapproximately in alinement with the upper surface of the bearing 52. The kerf-cuter may therefore be adjusted to four horizontal parallel positions, oneat the floor, one at the roof and two adjacent the horizontal axis of the support E. Furthermore, in any horizontal position whether at the floor or at the roof or intermediate the oor and the roof the self-locking Worm gearing may be used to tilt the kerf-eutter on the axis 62; the screw 12 may be relied on to adjust the elevation of the kerf-cutter within the vertical limits of the turntable gear 16 it being understood that the worm 15 should remain in mesh with the turntable gear 16 to hold the supporting framework locked to the truck during the longwall operation, while the flanged wheels 1 of the truck serve to laterally brace themining machine in co-operation with the rails 3 of the mine track. It should also be noted that when the axis 62 of Fig. 1 is vertical various shearing positions may be obtained by turningsthemotor F 'end for end and also turning the kerf-cutter end for end thereby positioning the latter intermediate the ribs or side walls of the mine entry. In other words, a kerf may be cut parallel to the horizontal axis 52 either outside of the axis 62 er inside of the same irrespectivel of the position ef the support E on the bearing 52. I also cut a plurality of preferably parallel vertical kerfs X20 extending longitudinally into the vein and intersecting the horizontal kerfs X19 seas to cut the blocks of coal on all sides except at their inner end portions X21, which portions are leftuncut. Under ordinary circumstances these uncut portions X21 will be broken by the weight of the blocks themselves and the blocks will drop one upon the other in stacks. so to speak. In lthe event that the conditions in the particular mine are such that the uncut portions will not be broken by the weight of the blocks themselves, then they' may be broken in a suitable manner by applying the suitable force thereto to break along the' uncut positions. It will be noted that I incline the vertical kerfs X20 at a slight angle with respect to a vertical line, and my object in doing this is to facilitate the cutting of the kerfs by mining machines. degree it will be noted that the breaking of the uncut portions X21 by the weight of the blocks and the dropping of the blocks will not interfere in any way with the cutting mechanism of the mining machine. In other words, the blocks will drop directly awayfrom the cutting'mechanism and allow the cutting mechanism to be withdrawn after the kerfs are made. In the method shown in Figures 23 and 24 the horizontal kerfs X19 are preferably eut first and then the upright kerfs are cut one by one in sequence beginning with the right hand kerf and proceeding with the cutting By inelining the vertical kerfs, to a slight drawings I prefer to use a flat elongated cutting bar or cutting mechanism A, shown best in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and in detail in Figures 3 and 3, because I am thereby enabled to cut comparatively thin kerfs or scuts without any considerable amount of cuttings. The details of my preferred cutting mechanism structure will .be described hereinafter. It is sufcient at this time to say that the cutting mechanism is in the form of a long at comparatively thin structure having a cutting chain B traveling preferably in one direction around its periphery so as'to form a peripheral edge, so to speak. This cutter bar is preferably comparatively narrow in width and is preferably made of such length as to meet the desired requirements as to depth. of cut, etc.

This cutter bar or 'cutting mechanism is mounted'and arranged so that it may be bodily shifted or positioned so as not only to present it edgewise and enter it at any yangle with respect to Y the material to be cut, but it may also be rotated Abodily to such adjusted position and then swung bodily in eitherdirection in suoli adjusted position so that it may sweep through a large area in a given plane. I will proceed, therefore, to describe a mechanism by which these positions and cutting movements are brought about.

The entire machine is preferably mounted-upon Va wheeled truck C, the wheels 1 of which are preferably mounted up suitable axles 2 and adapted Ito run on rails 3 laid along the floor of the mine or entry or other line of movement along which the machine .is to operate. erablyv supported by metal ties 4 transversely arranged at intervals and having up-turned ends 5. The ralis are laid on the ties `adjacent the upturned ends 5 of the ties and are prevented from spreading or shifting by means of blocks 6, disposed between the rails and the up-turned ends of the ties and by means of spikes or other suitable fastening devices 7 arranged to engage the base of the rails, as shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 4. 'I'he truck is shown as having a large The rails 3are prefi form` 10 which serves as a widely expanded turntable having a diameter'approximately equal to the width of the truck andwhich has a central vertically disposed shaft or bearing member l1 (Figure 1) rotatably sunk into the socket or bearing member 9 of 'the truck platform, whereby the turn-table 10 may be rotated about the vertical axis of its shaft or pivot member 1l. The entire mining machine is preferably mounted upon or supported by this turn-table so that it may be bodily swung or rotated about a vertical axis to position the cutting-mechanism with respect to the material to be cut. I prefer that the turntable with the mining machine mounted thereon shall be capable of bodily vertical adjustment, and for thisgpurpose any suitable mechanism may be provided. In the drawings (Figures 1 and 4) I illustrate a screw member 12 threaded through the bottom of the bearing member 9 and operating against the lower end of the shaft or pivot member 11 whereby the turn-table may be raised or lowered with respect to the truck, as desired. The turn table is provided with power actuated means comprising the worm gear 15 and the large gear` 16 and for the sake of simplicity in illustration, I have shown the worm gear 15 operated by a hand wheel 17 although it should be understood that it may be operated by means of any desired mechanism. As shown in Fig. 4 the worm gear l5 is connected to a shaft 13 which is suitably journaled in an upstanding arm or bearing 14 on the truck and having at one end a worm wheel 1 5 which meshes with gear teeth 16 on the periphery of the turn-table 10, and having at its other end a suitable hand wheel 17 by which the shaft may be conveniently rotated by an operator or attendant standing at the side of the machine. A pair of open, preferably rectangular, frames D are rigidly mounted upon the turn-table 10 in any suitable manner. These frames are parallel and are spaced apart. The upper and lower bars or members D1, D2 respectively, of each of these frames are parallel and are adapted to form guides or tracks for a pair of rsliding standards 19 and 20, respectively. These sliding standards are suitably formed at their upper and lower ends to embrace the track bars D1 and D2 of the frames to prevent displacement of the standards in any direction except along the track members of the frame. These standards are rigidly connected together at their bases by a platform member 21 so that they, in conjunction with the platform 21, constitute a sub-frame which may be rigidly shifted horizontally in the main frames D, as above described, and by means of this arrangement the entire cutting mechanism may be bodily shifted to any position within the limits of this shifting or sliding adjustment. and the mechanism supported thereby may be accomplished in any suitable manner consistent with the conditions and requirements. In the drawings I have shown power operating mechanism for this purpose. On the sub-frame plat- 4form 21 I mount an electric motor 22, the electric connections for which may be brought to the motor in the usual manner and which need n ot be described. The motor shaft is supported in a bearing 23 and carries at its outer end a pinionl 24 which drives a larger spur gear 25, the spur gear being mounted upon to drive a counter-shaft 26 supported in bearing standards 2'7. This counter-shaft carries a rotatable sleeve 28 which is provided with a .worm gear 29 and which may be connected with or disconnected from the The shifting of this sub-frame' counter-shaft 26 by any suitable clutch mechanism such, for instance, as I have shown in the drawings. It will be seen that the inner end 30 of the sleeve vis provided with notches or teeth so as to form one member of the clutch. 'I'he other member 31 of the clutch is mounted upon the shaft 26 to rotate therewith and to slide longitudinally thereof, and this member 31 may be thrown into or out of engagement with the clutch member 30 by the hand-operated lever 32 pivoted at one end to the platform 21. Hence, by operating this hand-lever the worm wheel 29 may be connected with the shaft 26 to be drivenY thereby or disconnected from said Shaft at will. 'I'he worm gear 29 meshes with and drives a worm gear 33 which is mounted upon a vertical shaft journaled in a bearing mounted upon the platform 21. The vertical shaft carries a horizontally disposed winding drum or capstan 34, and as this capstan may be used as a means for shifting the sub-frame in the main frame, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, a jack 35 may be placed at a proper position in the mine entry and a rope or cable 36 hooked thereto and run to the capstan or drum so that by permitting the cable to wind upon the drum the sub-frame may be shifted in the main frame. Any suitable anchor may be used for the end of the rope, but I prefer to use a jack 35, such as shown in Figure 4, because it may be conveniently handled and moved about from place to place. The upper portions of the standards 19 of the sub-frame carry a large heavy bar or member 40 preferably of rectangular cross section and arranged to slide or shift longitudinally in suitable bearing members 41 of the subframe standards. This bar is preferably of considerable length so that it will have quite a long range of movement. It will be noted that the line of movement of this bar 40 is disposed at right angles or transversely to the line of bodily movement of the shifting sub-frame so that by reason of this construction, in conjunction with the sub-frame, the cutting mechanism may be bodily shifted or adjusted in two directions at right angles to each other thereby allowing a wide range of bodily adjustment for the cutting mechanism. The shifting of this bar 40 is accomplished through the medium of gear mechanism interposed between the bar 40 and the driving motor 22. As shown more clearly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, it will be seen that the entire under side of the bar or member 40 is provided with a series of gear teeth 42 thereby constituting a rack bar. A driving pinion 43 meshes with these rack teeth for imparting longitudinal movement to the shifting bar 40, and the pinion 43 is mounted upon a shaft 44 which is journaled in bearings 45 depending from one of the rack bar bearings 41. The end of the shaft 44 carries a large worm wheel 46 which meshes with and is driven by a worm gear 47 similar to the worm gear 29, and which is carried upon a rotatable sleeve 48 on shaft 26 similar to the sleeve 8. This sleeve like sleeve 28, forms one member of a clutch, the other member 49 of which is rotatable with shaft 26 but slidable thereon, and this clutch member 49 is adapted to be shiftedinto and out of engagement with the sleeve 48 by the hand lever 50. Thus the movement of the shifting .rack bar 40 may be controlled at will, and by reason of the worm gearing just described the rack bar will remain locked in any position to which it is moved without the necessity of additional locking means, At one end of this rack bar 40 I provide an arm or member 51 which is disposed downwardly for a .portion` of its length and then turned horif zontally into substantial parallel relation with the longitudinal axis of the ,rack bar 40. The longitudinally disposed portion of this depending -arm forms a pivot member or stud 52 upon which a trunnion or support 'E is rotatably mounted. By reference to Figures 1 and 2 it will be noted J. that the trunnion member E has a centrally disposed bearing portion or stem lill which is rotatable upon the pivot member 52, and which may beheld in placek upon this pivot member against an annular shoulder 53 on the arm 51 by means of a removable cap 54 which is fastened to the end of the stud member 52. by means of a screw or bolt 55. Thus by this construction the trunnion member or fork support E is capable of rotary movement upon an axis -which is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of movement of the rack bar 40 and which is sub-y stantially transverse to the vertical axis of rotation of they turn-table upon which the machine is mounted. For the purpose of rotating this trunnion member E about its horizontal axis in a convenient manner I provide a worm wheel 66 on the bearing portion .E1 of the trunnion member and this worm wheel is driven by a worm gear 57 which is mounted upon a shaft 58 supported in a suitable bearing 59 outstanding from the end of' the rack bar 40. The shaft 58 has a hand wheel 60 by which it may be conveniently actuated by the operator to manipulate the -position of the trunnion member E.' It will be noted that by reason of the worm gear arrangement the trunnion member will'be automaticallylocked to any position in which it is rotated without the need of additional locking mechanism.' An electric motor F is rotatably supported in this trunnion or forked support E. In the drawings Irhave` shown a pair ol brackets 61 bolted to the motor casing F on diametrically opposite sides thereof. and these brackets carry outstanding stud or pivot members 62 arranged in alinement and suitably Journaled in the outer or `free ends of the blocks or arm members E2 of the trunnion member E so that the motor may be rotated about an axis which, as will be noted, is disposed sub- Y stantially at right angles to the axis of rotation` of the trunnion member E. It will be noted that the arms 'E2 of the trunnion member E are curved so thatthe axis of rotation ofthe motor F in the trunnion members isoif-set to a considerable, extent with respect to the axis of rotation of the trunnion member. This construction, while not necessary to some operations of the mining marange than otherwise.

chine, is -of .advantage in that it will enable the cutting mechanism to operate through a greater One of the brackets 61 carries a rigidsegmental worm gear 63 which meshes with and is driven by a worm 64. The worm 64 is mounted upon a small shaft 65 which is carried in a Journal bearing 66 extending from/ one/ of the arms E2 of the-'trunnion member E, and thed shaft also carries a hand wheel 67 by which it may be manipulated to rotate the motor aboutlits axis. The worm gearinglike in the other cases'heretofore mentioned, makes it possible to eliminate special locking means efor holding the-motor in any position in which it is rotated. l The cutting mechanism comprising the cutter bar A is carried by a frame or casing member whichsis rotatable on an axis transverse or at right angles to the axis of rotation of the motor in the trunnion member, whereby the-cutting mechanism may be -rotated in the plane of itself through a considerable range and thus permit a much wider cut or kerf to be made than if the cutting mechanism were fixed with respect to the notor which drives it. As shown in the drawings. ythe frame or casing 70 has an internal peripheral groove 71 formed at its edge and this groove fits an annular iiange '72 on the motor casing so that a bearing is provided upon which the casing 70 may rotate. A removable flange or cap ring 73 is bolted to the casing 70 to permit the parts to be readily disassembled. This casing, together with the motor casing, as will be noticed. forms a' complete enclosure for the various gears and operating parts contained therein, leaving none of these operating parts exposed to the grit and dust which necessarily results from the cutting operation. Referring more particularly to Figures 5 and 6 it is to be understood that F1 represents the field magnets of any standard or suitable motor, and F2 the armature thereof, the armature being mounted upon the motor shaft F3 and Journaled in ballbearings F* in the head or end of the motor casing F. The motor shaft F3 projects beyond the bearing and carries a spur pinion 75 which drives a larger spur gear 76 carried byl a shaft :'I'Lthe shaft having its bearing 78 in a bracket preferably formed integrally with ,the casing 70.-

This shaft also carries a spur pinion 79 which drivesthe large spur. gear 80, which latter gear is mounted upon and adapted to drive a shaft 81 Journaled in the frame or casing 70. The purpose of operating this train of gears thus described is' to reduce the relative speed of the shaft 81. The shaft 81, as willr be noticed, is lined up with the motor shaft F3 `and carries at 'its outer end a sprocket 82 aroundfwhich the cutter chain travels and by which said cutter chain is driven, as will be hereinafter described. The inner end of the shaft 81 carries a beveled gear 83 which is adapted to drive two small radially disposed shafts 84 and 86 through the medium of twosmall beveled pinions 86 which are carried by the shafts 84 and 85 and which mesh with the beveled gear 83. The other ends of the shafts A84 and 85 carry beveled pinions 87 and 88 re- ,l so

Thisworm gear meshes with an annular series of gear teeth 961formed upon the motor casing' F. Hence by driving the worm gear 96 in either direction the casing 70 may be rotated relatively to the motor on an axis which in this case is coincident Awith the axis of rotation ofthe motor shaft, and since the cutter bar A is mounted upon this casing '70 the cutter bar will be given al bodily rotation about an axis which is permanently at right angles to the plane thereof. Thus by reason of this construction the kerf-cutter comprising the cutter bar and the endless chain cutter thereon mayf be, swung in the plane oi' 1stl itself in either direction while the cutting elements on the cutter chain continuey to travel around the cutter bar in the same direction. By simply shifting one or the other ofthe clutch members. 91 and 92 it is obvious, of course, that the gears 87 or 88 may be thrown into or out of operation to drive the worm gear 96 in whichever direction is desired while the motor continues to rotate in the same direction. In Figure 5 I have shown a device by which either of these clutch members may be shifted from either of two different points. I provide a rigid lever which is centrally pivoted at 97 to the casing 70 and which has two bent arms which are connected to the clutch members 91 and.92. These -bent arms 98 project through openings 99 in the casing or frame 70y in position to be actuated by an operator for controlling the clutches. The advantage of providing two integrally connected arms 98, 98, as shown in Fig. 5, for operating these clutches, lies in the fact that the clutches can be operated only alternatively for reversing the swinging feeding movement of the kerfcutter on its right angle axis 81. One of the edges of each of the openings 99 in the casing 70 has three depressions V100 (see Figure 7) corresponding to the different positions to which the respective arm is shifted, and the arms are each provided with a slight enlargement 101 adapted to enter these notches or depressions in the edges of the casing and hold the arms in the positions to which they are shifted, the arms being made to spring slightly so that they/will be held in the notches by the tension thereon.

Referring more particularly to Figures 1, 2, 3, 3a and 6, the details of the kerf-cutter A, B will now be described. This kerf-cutter com- .prises a nat elongated frame 105 around the edge or periphery of which the cutter chain travels. The cutter frame 105, as will be noticed, lies in substantially the plane of the sprocket 82 so that the sprocket and frame will be properly lined up to accommodate thev chain. The end of the cutter frame 105 ,nearest the sprocket 82 has an off-set tail or extension 106 which is disposed substantially parallel with the frame itself but is adapted to slide in the guideway 107 formed in the frame or casing 70, this tail piece or extension being provided with a slot 108 for the accommodation of the bearing portion or journal 109 of the shaft 81; the purpose of this construction being to allow the frame 105 to be adjusted longitudinally in either direction relatively to the sprocket 82, for the purpose of tightening or loosening the cutter chain or for the purpose of shortening or 'lengthening this chain, as will be lhereinafter described- The journal or bearing portion 109 of the frame 70 carries a headed bolt or screw 110, the head 111 of which is positioned in a slot in the hub portion 109 so as to prevent novement of the bolt in either direction. This bolt extends through an opening in the end 112 of the tail piece 106 and is provided with two nuts '113, the purpose of the bolt and nuts being to hold the cutter frame 105 in any position to which it is `longi tudinally shifted. As shown more particularly in Figures 3 and 3EL it will be seen that the cutter chain is composed of a plurality of bit holding or center links 115 and a plurality of intermediate side links 116. The bit holding or center links 115 are preferably provided with removable cutting elements or cutter bits 117, and are adapted to be guided along the peripheral edge 118 of the cutter frame. The side links 116 project beyond the bit holding or center links so as to form, in a nsensej'a continuous channel on the inside of the chain, and the cutter frame has shoulders 119 formed near its edge to accommoslightly wider than the thickness of the frame and chain. I find it desirable to allow the cutter chain to travel around the outer end of the cutter frame, this being a suflicient support for the chain without adding any undue friction, but, if desired, a sprocket wheel 120 may be provided at the outer end of the cutter frame, as shown in Figures 3 and 3B.

That -the mining apparatus described and shown is universal in its adjustments and operations notwithstanding the use of only one elongated kerf-cutter in a compact unitary trackmounted machine, may readily be understood by considering some ofthe operations which may be performed in a coal mine. Not only may longwall operations be performed to cut the horizontally extending kerfs shown in Figs. 17 to 24 but also vertical kerfs of various heights may be cut as illustrated in Fig; 14. The same method of operation illustrated in Fig. 14 may be used in horizontal planes at various elevations including the intermediate horizontal kerf X19 shown in Fig. 24, by means of the same operator-controlled self -contained power-operated mechanism that isI used for cutting rvertical kerfs. The operation illustrated in Fig. 14 may also be used in various angular or intersecting planes parallel to the horizontal axis of the turnover support E.

When the axis 62 is in the position shown in Fig. 1 it is in a horizontal plane extending through the turntable V10 and when the kerf-cutter is in a horizontal plane at the mine bottom the axis 81 is Vertical and variably spaced horizontally from the vertical axis of the turntable. The machine may therefore be used to cut horizontal kerfs in an upright working face in advance of the space between the front end of the mine track and the mine vein in entries varying greatly in Width. In the wider entries rectilinear sumping and withdrawal cuts may be connected by arcuate and transverse rectilinear cuts while the guides D1, D2 of Fig. 4 are at right angles to the mine track.

Since the axis 62 is always parallel to the plane of the cutter bar it will be vertical when the vertical kerfs of Fig. 16 are cut. These kerfs are cut by means of operator-controlled self-contained power-operated mechanism while the track and supporting framework thereon are stationary on the mine track. Radial kerfs in a horizontal plane spaced above a continuous under-kerf may also be cut by the same operatorcontrolled self-contained power-operated mechanism to insert incisions each no larger in crosssection than the cross-sectional dimensions of the kerf-cutter. Such incisions may suillce to dislodge the coal veins in which the coal is almost ready to drop down of its own weight after theunder kerf has been cut. When the coal is so hard as to require blasting the machine may be adapted to many different methods of blasting because of the great variety of kerfs that may be cut from either side of the machine or in advance thereof at various elevations, slants and inclinations either horizontally or vertically or in intersecting planes.

. mine entry. Such floor and roof-kerfs may be cut on either sideof the mine track and parallelr thereto.

The machine may be used as atop cutting machine when the support E is in its dotted line position of Fig. 1 with the kerf-cutter in a horizontal plane spaced` above all other parts of the machine. However, where the overhead room in a mine vein is limited kerfs at different elevations in horizontal planes all below a horizontal plane extending through the top of the machine may be cut by inverting the motor F as illustrated in Fig. 25.

In Figures B, 9, 10 and 11 I illustrate a modi- "ication of my improved machine wherein I eliminate the motor F, which is positioned in the trun nion member E in Figs. 1 and 2, and substitute power transmission gearing therefor, which gearing is driven by the motor 22 mounted upon the sub-frame. By this arrangement I may use one motor of a larger' capacity for the purpose of driving and feeding kerf cutting,r mechanism and also for bodily shifting the parts. The shaft of the motor 22 carries a pinion 125 which drives a large gear 126 mounted upon a suitable shaft which is supported in the bearing standards 127 on the sub-frame platform 21. This large gear 126 in turn meshes with and drives one of two intermeshing gears 128Xof equal size, these gears 128 being mounted on separate parallel shafts 129 and 130 which are supported in suitable bearings 131 on the platform 21. These shafts also carry worms 132 and 133 which drive two4 large worm gears 134 and 135, respectively, mounted to rotate upon the shaft 44 which carries the pinion 43 for Y shifting the rack bar40. the shaft 44 being supported in suitable bearings which are altered in accordance with the changes of construction in this'modiflcation. The gears 128 rotate in opposite directions and in consequence drive the large worm wheels 134 and 135 in opposite direction. these gears being free to rotate upon the shaft 44. Between the two gears 134 and 135 I provide a shiftable clutch member 136 which may be shifted on the shaft in either direction in the usual manner to connect one or the other of the gears 134 and 135 with the shaft 44 to drive said shaft in either direction and thereby reciprocate or shift the rack bar 40 in either direction without reversing the motor 22. The shaft 140 upon which the large gear 126 is mounted. is preferably of substantially the length ofthe shifting or reciprocating rack bar 40 and parallel therewith. This shaft is arranged so' that it will slide longitudinally with respect to its' bearings and the gear 126 in accordance with the movement of the rack bar. It is preferably squared or otherwise formed, so that it will be rotated by thegear 126 at 'any position in Jwhich it is shifted. This shaft which is made round at this point. extends through a bearing formed in the horizontal or pivot portions-52 of the depending arm 51 and projects into the space between the two arms or parts E2 of the rotary trunnion member and carries a beveled pinion 141 on this projecting end. It also carries a collar 142 which takes the place of the cap member 54 to prevent the trunnion from being displaced with respect to the pivot portion 52 but toallow it to be rotated `about its axis in the same manner and preferuably by similar hand-operated means to that shown in Figures land 2. The beveled pinion 141 meshes with and drives a larger beveled gear 143 which is rotatably mounted upon a xed shaft 144, the longitudinal axis of which lies at right' angles to the axis of rotation of the rotary trunnion member in the same manner that the axis of rotation of the motor E of Figure 1 bears with respect to said trunnion axis. This shaft has its bearings 145 in the ends of the trunnion arms E2. Between the beveled gear 143 and one of the journals 145 is an arm146 having its hub 147 pivotally mounted upon the shaft 144 so that the arm 146 may be swung or rotated about the axis of the shaft 144. This arm 146 and its manner of mounting may be said to correspond to the I motor F (Figure 1) in so far as the movements thereof on rectangularly related axes are concerned. The outer end of uthis pivoted arm has a bearing 148 and a large head or flange 149 (Fig. 11) which may be said to correspond to the .flange 72 of the construction shown in Figures 5 and 6. The casing 70' is mounted to rotate upon the flange or head '149 in the saine manner as in the `construction shown in Figures 5 and 6 and the detalls of this casing and its cutter mechanism carried thereby are similar to the construction previously described and the descriptions thereof need not be repeated. The shaft 8,1'

which carries the cutter chain sprocket 82' is similar to the corresponding shaft of'Figures 5 and 6 except that it is not driven from a series of reducing gears within the casing 70 but instead it passes directly through the head 149 and is journaled in the bearing 148,. On its inner end it carries a beveled pinion 150 which meshes with and is driven by the large beveled gear 143 and in this way receives its motion direct from the main moto'r 22 on the sub-frame platform. The arrangement of the beveled gears 141. 143 and 150 thus permits the cutter chain shaft 81' to berotated. regardless of the angle or position in which lthe arm 146 is rotated about its axis. I employ a hand wheel 67 and worm and segmental worm gears 64 and 63 respectively. of the construction shown in the preceding Figures for rotating or positioning the arm 146. except that` the segmental gear in this case is mounted upon the hub 147 oi the arm 146. The operation of the mechanism for rotating the casing 70' and the cutter mechanism about its axis is identical in principle and the arrangement' of the parts similar to the construction shown inFigures 5 and 6. except that I employ worm and spiral gearing on the shafts 81'. 84' and 85' instead of the beveled gears 83. 86. 8'7. 88. 93 and 94 of Fig. 5. The annular series of gear teeth96 in Figs. 10 and 11. with which the worm gear 95 meshes. is mounted onthe face of the head ofthe flange member 149.v

Both in the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and in the form shown in Figs. 8 and 9. 'the elongated chain kerf-cutter is Iconnected on. rectangularly related axes 81 and 62 to the outer end of the support or head E which is adapted to be turned over on the horizontal axis of the bearing 52. .The axis 81 is permanently at right angles to the plane of the cutter bar. In Figs. 1 and 8 the axis 82 is -permanently at right angles to the horil zontal axial line of the turnover support E but in Fig. 1 the. axis 62 is spaced from such axial line while in Fig. 8 the axis 62 intersects such axial line. The said horizontal axis is confined to a fixed elevation relative to the supporting framework mounted on the turntable. The axis 62 is confined to adjustment in a vertical plane spaced from the boundaries of the truck and the supporting framework.

When the kerf-cutter is adjusted toa plane parallel to the horizontal axis of turnover of the support E the axis 81 will be at right angles to such horizontal axis. When the kerf-cutter is in such parallel plane it may be operated by operator-controlled self-contained power-operated mechanism solely supported by the truck for sumping the kerf-cutter reetilinearly, feeding the same arcuately and withdrawing the same rectilinearly to cut a parallel ribbed kerf having a depth substantially equal to the active length of the kerf cutter. Such kerfs may be cut in horizcntal planes, vertical planes and inclined planes in the upright face of the mine vein from either side of the mine track and in advance thereof While the truck is held stationary on the mine track by any suitable and well-known means. I have previously mentioned that the above described apparatus or machine is capable of and adapted to cut the various kerfs at their various angles in order to carry out my improved method of mining above described. In Figure 14 I have diagrammatically illustrated the manner in which the machine may be manipulated to produce the vertical kerfs heretofore described. When it is desired to cut a vertical kerf in :the vein of coal the cutter bar A, by reason of its numerous adjustments, may be positioned so that it will lie in a vertical plane. When the kerf -cutter is in. a vertical plane or shear cutting position self-contained power-operated mechanism comprising the rack` bar 40 may be relied on to feed the kerf-cutter reetilinearly in various directions into the ribs of the mine entry or into the face extending across the space in advance of the mine track.'v It should be particularly noted that the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is such that adjustments may be so made on spaced apart vertical axes, one of which is at.

' Such shearing positions include a vertical plane midway of the mine track rails and parallel Ythereto. The rangeof such adjustments in parallel-is'm and in parallelism to the mine track and the ribs may be increased by turning over theV kerf-cutter on the horizontal axis of the bearing 52, Since the height of the vein of coal is generally considerably greater than the width ofthe cutter baul prefer to start the kerf by lpcnitioning the Cutter bar so that it nes in a l mechanism advances into the vein in the direction of the arrow Yl and while in its angularly adjusted position. The advancement of the cutvting mechanism is preferably accomplished by shifting the rack bar 40, as previously described. The advancement in this direction is continued until the cutter bar has enteredthe vein to the required depth or distance, and since its chain is traveling during this advancement it cuts along the upper line of cleavage. When it has 4reached the limit of its advancement the cutter bar may be swung or rotated downwardly in the direction of the arrow Y2 but still in the plane of itself until its outer end reaches' the lower line of cleavage, whereupon with a suitable cutting speed'it may be withdrawn from the vein while in this last mentioned adjusted position, the direction of withdrawal being that indicated by the arrow Yf. In other words, to cut avertcal kerf of greater height than the width of the cutter mechanism the cutter mechanism may be moved in three or more directions 1all in the same plane. It will be observed that I have provided a mining machine construction wherein the cutting mechanism is universally movable 0r adjustable; that is to say, it may be placed in any position at any angle at which it is desired to cut aikerf.

` It should also be understood that when the trunnion arms E2 are in the position shown in on the trunnion 62 by operating the wheel 67.

In this way, the cutting mechanism or cutter bar A may be swung aroundso as to occupy a position in a horizontal plane at or near the floor of the mine. After the cutterbar has been brought to this position in the horizontal plane, it may be swung on its pivotal connection with the casing 70 110 by operating theelectric motor within the casing F. Power may be transmitted from this motor to swing the cutter bar in one direction or the `other on its pivotal connection with the casing 70 by operating the lever 98 at one side or the other 115 ing movements of the cutter bar A. By throwing in the clutch 49, the electric motor 22 may be connected to the feed mechanism at will, and by reversing the electric motor the feed mechanism may be reciprocated whenever desired.F Obviously, therefore, the cutter bar A, while occupying a horizontal position, may be swung at an angle and then moved bodily forward by the feed mechanism while the cutter chain is ir operation, thereby producing a. cut in the mine wall. Furtheremore, after this cut has been produced to the required depth, the cutter bar may be swung laterally while the cutter chain is operating, and at the same time the rear portion of the cutter bar may be retracted until the cutter bar occupies a position substantially at right angles to the body of the truck on which the mining machine is mounted. Upon continued swinging movement of the cutter bar, the feed mechanism may be reversed so that the rear portion of the cutter bar will be fed forward during continued operation. .'By means of this operation, the forward portion of the cutter bar travels over a path which is approximately a straight line.

After the cutter bar has been swung in the opposite direction as far as desired, the/ swinging movement may be discontinued, andi'while the cutter bar still occupies the position at an angle to its pivotal connection to the casing 70, the motor 22 may be reversed-so as to cause the feeding mechanism to be drawn back while the cutter bar mine wall, each side of which is approximatelyY a straight line, as well as the base of the cut. The

forward end of the cutter bar, during the swinging movement, tends to move over an arc of a circle determined by) the angle of the swing, but the reciprocation ofy the pivot of the cutter bar causes a resultant movement of the outer end of the cutter bar along the chord of such arc of a circle.

The cutat or near the floor of the mine has been referred to merely by way of illustration, and it should be understood that a similar cut can be made at or near the roof of the mine and also at each side wall of the-mine, or even at any angle to such cutsfwith the exception that w enever such cuts areproduced each must be in a plane parallel to the line of the path of travel of the i feed bar 40, so as to prevent binding of the cutter bar in the cut.

`It should be noted that'the mining apparatus above described and shown in the drawings is track mounted and when the rails are extended up to a position near the face of the mine wall the mining apparatus may be swung around by the turntable mechanism to a position where the cutter B may cut a horizontal-kerf extending across the front of the mining apparatus from one side of the track tothe other. The ytruck frame 8 constitutes a rigid base frame having supporting wheels which rest upon and are braced by the track, as shown in Fig. 1. The base frame carries a laterally movable cutter arm which extends from the base frame in elevated horizontal planes above the other parts of'the apparatus. When the frame E is swung to the dotted line position shown in Fig. l, the kerf cutter may easily be swung to horizontal positio'n in a plane elevated with respect to the other parts of the apparatus. There may be a Iplurality of such elevated horizontal lanes because the screw threaded bolt 12 may ,l ey used to lift and lower the frame D on the truck frame 8. When lthe kerf cutter is in such horizontal plane its endless cutter chain is movable .along the cutter arm in a path horizontal* throughout. Furthermore, when the kerf cutter is in its highest position, the motor F is a chain driving motor positioned below the cutter arm and iixedly connecked thereto to move bodily therewith whenever the adjusting mechanism 63, 64,' is operated. Also, when the kerf cutter is inA its uppermost -position the power transmission between the.

kerf cutter and the motor constitutes power actuated means below the arm or frame of the chain cutter for causing such arm and the chain cutter to move laterally to cutl a horizontal kerf in the elevated plane extending transversely from one side to the other' of the track. Although the track mounted mining apparatus cuts a horizontal kerf extending across its front from one side of the track to the other, the supporting wheels l which rest upon the track are braced by the track by means of the tendency of the 'feed to twist the frame. .The anges of the wheels however, resist this twisting tendency and therefore the feeding operation can be effected. Of course the kerf cutter B may be moved to a horizontal vposition from its full line position shown in Fig. l so as to occupy its lowermost plane. But Whether the kerf cutter is in a relatively low cutting 'plane or in a relatively high plane, the bolt 12 constitutes means for adjusting the cutter arm vertically. .in parallelism, and such near the roof thereof.

bolt 12 in combination with the gearing mechanism 63, 64, 56, 57, constitutes means for bodily adjusting the cutter arm vertically in parallelism to move thecutter chain lfrom one set of relatively low cutting planes to another set vof relatively high cutting planes. It isalsoobvious that the power actuated means shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is constructed andj arranged to cause the arm and the chain ^to move laterally`to cut a horizontalA kerf at any one of several elevations and extending transversely from one vside to the other of the` track. When the kerf cutter is in its uppermost horizontal plane or in its lowermost horizontal plane the bolt 12 may be relied upon for vertically adjusting the motor and the cutting mechanism in horizontal parallelism and to hold it either where it will form a kerf in relatively low horizontal planes or where it will form a kerf in other horizontal planes relatively higher than those aforesaid. In other Words, the bolt 12 constitutes means for adjusting the otor and the cutter frame vertically for the forming of horizontal kerfs in either of several different horizontal planes. The forward feed of the mining machine along the track to new positions may be effected by the power driven reel shwn at 34 in Fig. 4, this reel being then movable horizontally with the cutter frame. The cable 36 when anchored, as shown in Fig. 4, and connected to the reel is adapted to cause the forward movement, bodily, of the cutting apparatus.

It should also be observed that the mining machine illustrated in the drawings may make horizontal kerfs at `theiloor of the mine chamber and horizontal kerfs at the roof of the mine chamber while being moved along the track as a long wall mining-machine, the parts being arranged as shown in Fig.' l except thatv the cutter B is moved to its lowermost horizontal position and uppermos'; horizontal position. Kerfs may also be made spaced back from the face of a long wall by adjusting the plane-of the kerf cutter to a vertical plane. 'Ihe machine may also be operated by making vertical kerfs at right angles to the face of the mine wall in which horizontal kerfs and kerfs spaced backfrom the mine wall have already been produced thereby cutting out large blocks of material from the wall in their entirety.

The operations illustrated in Fig. 14 may also be made substantially horizontally either at or near the floor ofthe mine chamber or at or By referring to Fig. 1 it` will be seen that the cutter chain B may be adjusted to a new position at or near the floor. By means of the motor 17 the moving frame mounted on the truck may be given an annular motionjn a plane substantially parallel with the surface upon"which the machine is supported; that is to say, the cutter chain may be given a movement in a plane substantially parallel with the oor and over a long arc so that the inner end of the cut near the arrow Y2 of Fi`g"g14 may be straighter than Vwhen the cutter is swung on the shaft 81 of Figf as a pivot. 'When it is desired to feed the cutter along such l means of the boit 12 shown m 1: The cutterl B which forms a part of the cutting element projects eccentrically from the cutting element because when in horizontal position it is in a plane spaced from the horizontal axis of reversing movement; that is to say, parallel to the axis of the bearing 52. Since the cutter projects eccentrically it may be quickly adjusted rfrom a low position near the floor to a high position near the roof, and further adjustment secured by the`bolt 12.

It should therefore be noted that when the cutter arm is in its uppermost position it projects from the top of the cutting element, assuming that the cutter is in its horizontal position near the roof. It will be observed that the framework mounted on the truck is sup-l ported at various places and said framework may be moved up and downalong said supports to vary the point at-which the cutter B engages the material to be cut, particularly when the cutter is in a horizontal position. The cutting element, as above explained, may be inverted to a position near the floor so that the cutter arm then projects from the bottom of th cutting element.

It should also be noted that the machine shown in Fig. 1 includes a feeding mechanism comprising the flexible element 36 which may be anchored outside of the moving frame, as shown in Fig. 4. By means of this feeding mechanism the cutter may be moved forward substantially parallel to itself when it occupies a horizontal position ahead of the track on which the truck is mounted. Another feeding mechanism for the cutter comprises the rack and pinion 42, 43 of Fig. 1, which may be used to move the cutter forward along the line Y1 of Fig. 14 so as to bring the cutter into new angular positions until it occupies the proper angular position for movement of the cutter along the direction Y2. The

single motor 22 operates both of these feeding mechanisms.

When the structure shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is substituted for that shown in Fig. 1 and the rack bar 40 is turned so as to extend parallel to the track, the part designated E may be considered as constituting a rotatable neck which is horizontal and parallel to the machine path. The wheel 60 Aand the worm gearing to which it is connected constitutes means for actuating said neck. The mechanism comprising the worm 64 constitutes screw mechanism acting on the axis of the shaft 65 transversely to the axial line of the neck E for supporting the cutting tool A on the neck E for movement on the latter toward and from the axial line of the neck E. The cutting tool may also be swung toa horizontal position parallel to the oor where the upright axis 81 shown in Fig. 6 will be forward of the neck E and perpendicular to the neck axis. Fig. 6 also showsl the means for actuating the cutting tool, including not only the driving of the cutting chain B, but also the swinging thereof on the .axis 81 by means of the feeding mechanism comprising the worm 95. ferring to Figs. 8 and 9 it will be seen that the rotatable neck E has an axis which is fixed in elevation relative to the frame D, and horizontal and parallel to the machine path, when the cutter 105 is extended in advance of the mine track. The screw mechanism comprising the worm 64 is carried by the neck and acts transversely to the axial line of the neck for supporting and at the will of the operator moving' the cutting tool 105 on the neck E' toward and from the Apath by rotation of the neck E. the wheel 67 the cutter may be adjusted to va- By reaxial line of the neck; that is, from the floor to the position shown in Fig. 8. The motor 22 is seated on the body of the machine and mechanism provided for transmitting motion from this motor to the tool comprising the cutter bar 105 and the driving sprocket shown in Fig. 8. In the construction shown in Fig. 1 the cutter may be swung on an upright axis which is'forward of the neck E and perpendicular to the neck axis when the cutter is in a plane parallel to the axis of the neck. In both the construction shown in Fig. 1 and in the construction shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the cutter may have a swinging movement on the upright axis of the turntable mechanism which is mounted on the truck.

In the construction shown in Figs. 8 and 9 there is a group `of members bodily rotatable on the main horizontal relatively stationary axis of the neck E. This group of members comprises a head 148'journaled on an axis which is perpendicular to the main horizontal axis. A transmission shaft is connected to the chain driving sprocket. The casing for supporting the shaft carrying the sprocket wheel constitutes guiding and supporting means distinct from and parallel and adjacent to the'perpendicular axis. The cutting means is applied to this guiding and supporting means and is adjusted thereon toward and from the main horizontal axis by being capable of being swungby means of the wheel 67. The actuating means for the cutting mechanism comprises the beveled gears 141, 143 and 150.

It should also be noted that both in the construction shown vin Fig. l and in the construction shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the cutter may be swung bodily by means of the wheel 60 and the gearing connected thereto. y In this manner the cutting tool may be carried through an orbital By means of rious distances from the axis of the neck E', the maximum distance being when the cutter is in horizontal position. That is to say, by movement of the cutting tool toward and from the axial line the distance of the cutting tool from the axial line may be varied and therefore the radius of the orbital path of the cutting tool will be varied. In the structure 'shown the elongated cutting tool may be carried from the position parallel to the axial line of the neck E for orbital movement around said line and also for movement from and toward said line, and said cutting tool may also be swung in a plane which is parallel to said axial line when the cutter is in a position parallel to said axial line.

The turntable together with the frame D constitutes a body turntable horizontally by 4means of the wheel 17 as shown in Fig. 1. The support for the cutting tool A is rotatable on a horizontal axis at the center of the cylindrical bearing 52. By means of the worm gearing 63, 64 thev cutting tool is movable toward and from such axial line. By referring to Fig. 8, it will be seen that the Worm gear 63 extends along a sufficient arc to permit movement of the driving sprocket to a prdsition where its axis will be vertical and since the cutter may be moved through a complete circle, it may be located in an elevated position extending forwardly. With the gear 63 of Fig. l extended zsufficiently and while the arms,r E2 are depended the cutting tool may occupy a position intermediate the oor andthe roof to cut the kerf in the approximate mid-position shown in Figs. 23 and 24.

Figs. 23 and 24 also show the cutting of a kerf at the level of the iioor on which the track is laid. By referring to Fig l it will be seen that the machine. includes a wheeled track guided truck provided with a base with a pivotal mounting thereon for a cutter bar, this mounting being pivoted to swing on the center of the turntable. Both in the form shown in Fig. 1 and in the form shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the cutter bar is pivoted on this mounting to swing about the vertical axis of the, shaft 81, when the kerf cutter is in a horizontal position at the level of the floor. By referring to Fig. 14 and considering the same as a plan view it will be seen that the cutter bar may be disposed in a transverse planeV beneath the top of themine track 3. 'Ihe turntable permits a wide lateral swinging movement of the supporting framework for the cutter so that it may occupy a position wholly at either side of the mine track for rectilinear feeding movement parallel to the mine track and so that when desired it may be fed arcuately across the end of the track as indicated by the arrow Y? in Fig. 14. By reason of the worm gearing 95, 96 the cutter bar may be `held with its longitudinal axis in a vertical plane that includes the vertical axis of the turntable.

When held in such position a sumping cut may be made by a rectilinear feeding movement as indicated by the arrow Y1 in Fig. 14. ,e

'The chain cutter comprises cutting elements 117 which circulates around the cutter bar in an orbit within which the pivot 81 is disposed. The Iupright pivotal support 81 may be shifted laterally by the. apparatus for turning the turntable, and such'apparatus as above stated may be power operated. That is to say, the upright axis 81 may be swung laterally relatively to the truck on the upright axis at the center of the Aturntable. The worm gearing y63, 64 holds the pivot 81 in upright position when the kerf cutter is operating at the floor level. The worm gearing 56, 5'7 holds'the tool support in an orbit around the horizontal axis of the bearing 52.

It should be understood that power may be connected to-swing the cutter bar on the axis 81, and such connection may be controlled by operating either lever 98 connected to the clutches 91. The angular relation between the cutter bar and the supporting framework,y may therefore be adjusted whenever desired. For instance, while the tip or extreme outer end of the cutter bar remains stationary the vertical axis 8l may be swung laterally by the turntable and the means for swinging the cutter bar on the axis 81 operated at `the same time to effect such a relation of the cutter bar to the framework that its major axis Willmake a less angle with the line of the track than is made by a line extending from the center of the turntable to the outer end of the major axis. This arrangementis particularly desirable when operating in a narrow entry so Pthat a sumping cut may be made by rec'- tilinear-forward movement parallel to the track, while the kerf cutter is at the fioor level and the rear end of the cutter bar is wholly at oneside of the track. That is to say, a sumping cut may be made in a narrow entry by a rectilinear forward feed while-the kerf cutter cuts at the mine 'oor level with the pivot 81 at one side of the mine track. Lateral swinging feeding movement may then be effected while the kerf cuter is `at the floor level in advance of the mine track. The cutter bar may then again be adjusted in its angular relation by simultaneously operating the turntable against movement and the worm gearing 95, .96 to bring the vertical pivot 81 entirely to the other side of the mine track. Reverse rectilinear feeding movement may then be made along such other side of the mine track. It should also be understood that the overhanging arm of the structure may occupy a central position in advance of the mine track and the kerf cutter so adjusted in angularposition that it may rst be given a rectilinear for-r ward feeding movement as indicated at Y1 in Fig. 14, then the cutter may be swung across the end of the track as indicated by the arrow Y2, and finally withdrawn rectilinearly as indicated by the arrow YS, which is areverse feeding movement parallel to the mine track.

Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as dei-ined by the claims hereto appended, and I wish, therefore, not to be limited to the precise construction herein disclosed.

Having thus shown and described an embodiment of the invention what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:-

1. In a. mining machine, the combination with `an elongated traveling chain cutter, of a support therefor around which said chain cuttertravels, a motor, means for carrying saidsupport entirely from said motor, mechanism carried entirely by said support for transmitting power from said motor to said chain cutter, and a universally adjustable support for the self-contained kerf cutting unit comprising said motor, said chain cutten, said iirst named support, and said intermediate power transmitting mechanism.

2.. In a track mounted mining apparatus adapted to cut a horizontal kerf extending across its front from one side of the track to the other, the combination with a rigid base frame, of` supporti ing wheels therefor resting upon and braced by the track, a laterally movable cutter-arm carried by the base frame and extending horizontally therefrom, an endless chain-cutter movable along the cutter-arm in a horizontal path, -a chain driving motor connected to said cutter-arm to move bodily therewith, means for bodily moving the said Harm to a cutting plane near the upper portion of the apparatus and for moving the arm to a relatively low cutting plane near the lower portion of the apparatus, means for bodily adjustthe elevation of the upper cutting plane and to adjust the elevation of the relatively low cutting plane, and power-actuatedmeans constructedI and arranged to cause the arm and the chain to move laterally to cut a horizontal kerf at any one of several elevations near the vupper portion of the apparatus and to cut a horizontal kerf at any one of several elevations near the lower portion of the apparatus,'such kerfs extending transversely from one side to the-other of the track.

3. In a mining machine, the combination with kerf-cutting mechanism, of means for actuating said kerf-cutting mechanism in the plane of itself, means for supporting said cutting mechaitc cutting mechanism in any of' the planes in which it is positioned.

4. In a mining machine, the combination with a chain kerf cutter, of a support therefor, a motor connected directly to the latter to drive said cutter and carry the chain support entirely, and a universally positioned support for the motor operable to adjust the position of the cutting mechanism so that its plane of operation will lie at any angle with respect to the material to be cut.

5. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, cf a supplemental frame, an elongated chain Keri-cutter, means for supporting said kerf-cutter on said supplemental frame in planes substantially at right angles to the upright face of the mine wall, means for rotating said supporting means on said supplemental frame to vary the inclination of the plane of said kerf-cutter while remaining substantially at right angles to the mine Wall, means for advancing and retracting said supplemental frame relatively to said main frame to eifect a rectilineal movement of said kerf-cutter in a plane substantially at right angles to the mine wall, and means for feeding said kerf-cutter in an arc after being fed into the mine wall, said retracting means effecting a withdrawal of the kerf-cutter from the mine Wall while being fed in a rectilineal path spaced from the first-named rectilineal movement.

6. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a supplemental frame, a traveling chain kerf-cutter, a support for said kerfcutter rotatably mounted on saidsupplemental frame and holding the kerf-cutter in planes distant from the line of movement of said supplemental frame but parallel to such line of movement, means for adjusting the position of said support to Vary the -inclination of said kerf-cutter while remaining in planes substantially perpendicular to an upright mine wall, means for advancing and retracting said supplemental frame relatively to said main frame and in a straight line movement to effect rectilineal feeding movements of saidkerf-cutter, means for feeding said kerf-cutter in an arcin its own plane, and means for actuating said traveling chain kerf-cutter during rectilineal feed thereof and during arcuate feed thereof.

'7. In a coal cutting machine, the combination with a movable base frame, of supporting track .ing track Wheels, means wheels therefor, cutter apparatus movable as a unit with respect to the base frame about a normally vertical axis and comprising a motor and a continuously acting kerf-cutting mechanism driven by the motor and extending outward beyond the base frame along normally horizontal lines, means for adjusting the position of said Keri-cutting mechanism to extend along such horizontal lines near the uppermost plane of the machine and near the lower portion of the machine, the said cutter mechanism being movable across one end of the machine about the said vertical axis through an arc extending at each side beyond the vertical plane of the correspondfor locking the cutter apparatus to the base frame at any of several angles, and continuously operable devices con` nected with the motor for turning the Ycutter apparatus about the said vertical axis while in operation, or for moving the machine bodily on its wheels while the cutting apparatus is in operation and locked against turning.

8. In a mining machine, the combination with a flat elongated cutter frame, of a traveling endless chain -cutter mounted upon and disposed Within the plane of said frame, a rotary support rigidly connected to said cutter frame, an additional support to which said rotary support is pivotally connected on an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of said cutter-f rame, automatic means for rotating said rotary support on said additional support to eiect arcuate feed of said chain-cutter, means for actuating said chaincutter during the feed thereof, a bifurcated frame pivotally connected'to said additional support on an axis transverse relatively to said rstnamed axis, and means for adjusting the position of said additional support relatively to said bifurcated frame to vary the angular relation of said cutter-frame and chain-cutter with respect to the material to be cut.

9. In a mining machine, the combination of a cutting mechanism comprising an Lelongated frame and an endless chain cutter disposed in a plane of said frame, a support upon which said frame is rotatable in the plane of said chain cutter, an additional frame pivotally connected to said support, a longitudinally shiftable frame, a connection between said additional frame and said longitudinally shiftable frame, said additional frame being rotatable about its longitudinal axis by reason of such connection, said frame support being rotatable upon anaxis transverse to said longitudinal axis, and means formoving said longitudinally shiitable frame for adjusting the cutting mechanism.

10. In a mining machine, the combination with an elongated Keri-cutter, of a frame connected thereto to move bodily therewith, a rotary support upon which said frame and said cutter are rotatable in the plane of said frame, automatic mechanism carried by said support for actuating said cutter and for feeding the same, means for bodily rotating said support about an axis angularly disposed with respect to the axis of rotation of said frame to adjust said cutter arcuately transversely toits plane, a portable base frame, and a longitudinally shiftable mounting thereon for said support to adjust the cutter rectilinearly relative to said base frame.

ll. The combination of an elongated frame, a cutting mechanism mounted thereon and arranged in the plane thereof, a rotary support upon which said frame and cutting mechanism are rotatable in the plane of said frame, driving mechanism carried by said support for actuating said cutting mechanism, means for bodily rotating said support about an axis angularly disposed with respect to the axis of rotation of said frame, a second rotary support for said iirst rotary support, means for rotating said second support about an axis angularly disposed with respect to the axis of rotation of said rst support, and a longitudinally shiftable mounting for said supports to advance the cutting mechanism along the vein.

12. The combination of a traveling truck, a turn-table mounted upon said truck, va longitudinally and transversely shiftable frame supported by said turn-table and rotatable therewith, a rotary supporting device muntedon said frame, a supplemental deviceNmounted upon said supporting device for bodily rotation therewith and arranged for rotary movement upon an axis disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of said supporting device, and an elongated' cutting mechanism carried by said supplemental device and rotatable about an axis lol) vcarried by said base frame and mounted to turn lin relation thereto in normally horizontal planes,

a shiftabl supplemental frame mounted on said rotary frame, continuously acting cutter devices carried by said supplemental frame and adapted when said rotary frame turns to cut a horizontal kerf extending transversely across the track on which the machine stands, means for turning the rotary frame, a motor for actuating the turning means, said motor being mounted to move bodily with the turningmeans, and means for shifting said supplemental frame to secure rectilinear feed of said cutter devices relatively to said base frame and the track on which said wheels are mounted.

14. In a-mining machine, the combination with a at elongated kerf-cutter, of a rotary frame for supporting said kerf-cutter, a second frame for pivotally supporting said rotary frame, automatic mechanism for rotating said first-named frame relatively to said second frame to feed said cutter in the plane of itself, driving mechanism associated with said rst-named frame for actuating said cutting mechanism during such feed thereof', spaced-apart trunnions mounted on'said second-named frame to have an axis of rotation independent of the axis of rotation of said rstnamed frame relatively to said second-named frame and substantially parallel to the plane of said kerf-cutten` and a third frame pivotally connected to said trunnions.

Fx15. In a mining machine, the combination wit an elongated chain kerf-cutter, of driving mechanism therefor, a frame for supporting said4 chain kerf-cutter, means for pivotally supporting said frame on an axis -parallel to tire plane of said chain kerf-cutter and spaced therefrom, means for supporting and adjusting said axis of rotation for movement bodily in an arc spaced from the axis of the adjusting means, and means for adjusting said kerf-cutter on said first-named -axis to intersect a une. extending through the axis of said adjusting means.

16. In a mining machine, the combination with an elongated chain kerf-cutter, of means for operating the same including feed thereof in its own "plane, a frame for supporting said chain s kerf-cutter, a rotary support for pivotally supporting said frame on an axis parallel to the vplane of said chain kerf-cutter and spaced therefrom, means for positively rotating Vsaicl rotary support to bodily shift said frame and said chain Jkerf-cutter to `various positions, and means/ for adjusting said frame and said chain kerf-cutter on said iirst-named rotary support for varying the angle at which said cutter is presented to the material to be cut including positions where the path of feeding movement of said cutter or the korf produced byfsaid cutter intersects aline extending througlr the axis of said shifting means. 17. In a mining machine, the combination with an electric motor, of kerf-cutting mechanism, power transmission mechanism between said electric motor and said cutting mechanism for operating said kerf-cutting mechanism including feeding movement thereofV in an arc in its own plane, and a universally adjustable support for said-motor to enable the plane of operation of said cutting mechanism to be varied from positions perpendicular to the face of an upright mine wall, substantially parallel thereto and at any angle between such perpendicular and par- .allel positions.

18. In a mining machine, the combination with an elongated chain kerf-cutter, of means for operating the same including arcuate'feed thereof on an axis of rotation near the rear end of said` kerf-cutter, a portable frame, a supplemental frame`movably^mounted on said portable frame, a reciprocable support for said kerf-cutter and mounted on said supplemental frame, means for moving said supplemental frame relatively to said portable frame to adjust the said reciprocable support in parallelism with the walls of a mine chamber, and means for controlling the reciprocation of said support to eifect rectilinear iced of said kerf-cutter relatively to said portable rame.

19. In a system of coal mining devices of the ics jacent the roof of the mine chamber, a power driven reel movable horizontally with the cutter frame, and a cable connected thereto and adapted to cause the forward movement, bodily, of the cutting apparatus along such horizontal planes.

20. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, oftrack supporting `lwheels therefor, a chain kerf-cutter, means for operating said kerf-cutter, alframe for supporting said cliain kerf-cutter on an axis parallell to the plane of said cutter and spaced therefrom, means for rotating said frame on an axis transverse tol said parallel axis, a supplemental frame mounted on said main frame and carrying said transverse axis, and means for moving said supplemental frame relatively to said main frame to secure rectilinear movement of saidkerf-cutterin a di- Y rection parallel to said transverse axis.

. 21. In a track mounted mining machine adapted to cut a horizontal kerf extending across its front from one side ofN the track to thel other, the combination with a rigid supporting frame, of supporting wheels therefor resting upon and braced by the track, a laterally movable cutter arm carried by the supporting frame and adjustable to positions extendingfrom said frame in elevated horizontal planes vspaced above a horizontal plane lextending along the top of said frame and also adjustable to positions extending from said frame in horizontal planes below the plane extending through the top o1' the said frame, an endless chain-cutter movable along said cutter-arm in a path horizontal throughout, a

chain driving motor connected to said cutter arm

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