US2283212A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

May 19,

J. F. JOY

MINING MACHINE Filed May 23, 1935 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 fiwen me- & ZA-Kum.

May 19, 1942. J. F. JOY 2,283,212

MINING MACHINE Filed May 23, 1935 7 Shee ts-Sheet 2 May 19, 1942. J. F. JOY 2,283,212

MINING MACHINE Filed May 23, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet a r lllu 5 lzwenzzw 15/ I W wd) Relay 4/ I M ,2 10 14 M Mil-f2 May 19, 1942. J. F. JOY 2 ,283,212

MINING MACHINE Filed May 23, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 wily Q 3k I s a I Q Li Q; "Q M Q w Ewen/0r JosqMEJog a, y

Aw; J MM- May 19, 1942.

J. F. JOY

MINING MACHINE V 1935 7 Shets-Sheet 6 Filed May 25 Patented May 19, 1942 MINING MACHINE Joseph F. Joy, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application May 23, 1935, Serial No. 23,088

Claims.

This invention relates to mining apparatus, and more particlarly has reference to improvements in coal mining apparatus of the combined cutting and loading type.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the combined cutting and loading type having improved means for cutting and dislodging the coal from the face of a coal seam and for loading the broken down coal. Another object is to provide an improved cutting and loading apparatus having improved means for cutting and dislodging the coal and for loading the broken down coal, the cutting and dislodging means being supported and actuated in an improved manner. A further object is to provide in an apparatus of the above character, improved cutting and dislodging means for cutting simultaneously a series of superimposed parallel kerfs in a coal seam and having associated therewith improved dislodging means for breaking down sections of the coal between the kerfs as cutting progresses. Yet another object is to provide, in a novel manner at the opposite sides of a conveying means, a pair of simultaneously acting cutting and dislodging devices swingable horizontally toward the conveying means for cutting and dislodging the coal and for moving, with a horizontal sweeping action, the broken down coal onto the conveying means. A

further object is to provide an improved core 80 cutting means for cutting simultaneously a series of parallel cores in a coal face and having associated therewith improved core breaker means for breaking down sections of the cores as cutting progresses. vide a pair of cutting and dislodging devices pivotally mounted at the opposite sides of a conveying means and swingable horizontally toward the conveying means for cutting simultaneously a series of parallel superimposed kerfs in the mine 40 wall to form a series of parallel horizontal cores, for breaking down sections of the cores as the devices swing horizontally inwardly and for moving, with a horizontal sweeping action, the broken coal onto the conveying means. is to provide an improved means for feeding and maneuvering an apparatus of the above character. Yet another object is to provide an improved conveying means and improved driving means therefor. novel driving mechanism and supporting structure for the cutting and dislodging means and improved adjusting means for varying the elevation of the cutting and dislodging means.

A still further object is to pro- Another object Another object is to provide a invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there is 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 mining apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the mining apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, with piping, etc. omitted.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 55 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 isa fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view showing one of: the horizontal feed cylinders.

Fig. 10--'is an enlarged detail view showing a portion of the feeding and conveying means, with parts omitted.

Fig. 11 shows in side elevation the feeding and conveying means shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view taken on line l2-I2 of Fig. 1, with parts omitted.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken on line l3-I3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view taken on line l4-l4 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view showing the improved hydraulic fiuid and control system.

Fig. 16 is a diagrammaticpplan view showing the improved mining apparatus in operating position in the mine.

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic plan view similar to Fig. 16 showing the cutting and dislodging means in a difierent operative position.

Fig. 18 is an elevational view showing the improved mining apparatus in cutting position in a mine.

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 18 showing the cutting and dislodging means in an elevated position.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there is shown a coal mining apparatus of the combined cutting and loading type for cutting and dislodging the coal from the face of a These and other objects and advantages of the coal seam and for loading the broken down coal.

The mining apparatus shown is of the floor type adapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor, although it will be evident that, if desired, the apparatus may be wheel mounted and track guided or crawler tread mounted and guided, and that various features of the improved apparatus may be embodied in mining apparatus of various other types.

In this illustrative construction there is shown a bottom skid plate I having upturned sides 2 and open ends, and this skid plate is provided with a plane bottom surface 3 adapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor. Secured as by rivets to this bottom skid plate are parallel guide members 4, 4 (see Fig. 7) providing longitudinal guideways 5 in which are slidably guided the lateral edges of a bottom plate 6 supported on the bottoni skid plate and providing a bottom sliding support for an upper frame I on which a cutting and dislodging means, generally designated 8, is supported, and also supporting a conveying means generally designated 9. For sliding the bottom plate 6,-and the upper frame I supported thereby, rectilinearly in a longitudinal direction with respect to the bottom skid plate is a pair of horizontal hydraulic cylinders III, III (see Figs. 7, 9, 10 and 11) arranged in longitudinal parallel relation between the upturned sides 2 of the bottom skid plate and the outer vertical sides of a conveyor frame ll mounted on the sliding bottom plate 6. These cylinders have their rear heads l2 secured as by welding to the bottom skid plate, and each contains a piston I3 having a piston rod l4 extending forwardly through a packed front headlS of the cylinder, the forward ends of the piston rods 14 being fixed at l6 to brackets ll secured as by welding to the sides of the conveyor frame ll secured to the sliding plate 6. As shown in Fig. 8, depending from the opposite sides of the lower portion of the upper frame I is a pair of hydraulic cylinders I8, l8 arranged in vertical parallel relation and having their top heads l9 secured as by screws to the frame 1. Each of these cylinders contains a piston 20 having a piston rod 2| extending downwardly through a bottom packed head 22 of the cylinder, these piston rods extending downwardly in parallel relation at opposite sides of the conveyor frame II in advance of the bottom skid plate and having at their lower ends abutment surfaces 23 engageable with the mine floor. It will thus be seen thatwhen hydraulic pressure is supplied to the rear ends of the feed cylinders III, the feed pistons l3 are moved forwardly to effect forward rectilinear sliding movement of the sliding bottom plateG and the frame 1, to ether with the cutting and dislodging means carried thereby. with respect to the bottom skid plate. When the extreme limit of forward feed is reached, hydraulic pressure may be supplied to the upper ends of the cylinders l8, which might be termed walking jack cylinders, to move the end abutment surfaces 23 of the piston rods into engagement with th mine floor and thereafter to raise the frame I, together with the various mechanisms supported thereby, to relieve substantially the weight thereof from the bottom skid plate. Hydraulic pressure may then be supplied to the forward ends of the feed cylinders It! to move the latter forwardly beneath the raised upper structure. thereby to move the bottom skid plate forwardly with respect to the then stationary bottom plate 6. The walking jacks l8 may then be operated to lower the frame 1 to again place the weight of this frame,

together w th the various mechanisms supported thereby, onto the bottom skid plate. It will be evident that by repeating these operations, the apparatus may be walked in steps over the mine floor. The feeding and walking jack" cylinders may not only .be employed to feed the apparatus during the actual cutting and loading operation, but also to effect maneuvering of the apparatus into different working positions. This feeding and .walking jack" structure may be similar to that disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 684,707, filed August 11, 1933, now matured into Patent No. 2,062,657, patented Dec. 1, 1936.

Now referring to the adjusting means for moving the upper frame I, together with the cutting and dislodging means supported thereby, into different elevated and tilted positions with respect to the bottom skid, sliding bottom plate 6 and the conveyor frame II, it will be noted that arranged at opposite sides of the upper frame I adjacent the forward portion of the conveyor frame II is a pair of vertical hydraulic cylinders 25, 25 having top heads 26 attached to the upper sides of the frame I and bottom heads 21 supported by brackets 28 attached as by screws to the bottom of the frame 7. These cylinders contain pistons 29 having piston rods 36 extending downwardly through packing means 3| carried by the bottom heads 21, and the lower ends of these piston rods are fixed at 32 to arms 33 mounted in brackets 34 secured as by screws to the sides of the conveyor frame structure II, as shown in Fig. 7. The lower portions of the arms 33 are formed spherical in shape at 35 to fit in cupshaped sockets formed on the brackets 34, these spherical portions of the arms 33 permitting a slight rocking movement of the arms with respect to the brackets 34. Cooperating with the hydraulic cylinders 25 is a pair of hydraulic cylinders 36 arranged at the opposite rear corners of the upper frame I and having top heads 37 attached to the rear end of the frame I and bottom heads 38 supported by brackets 39 integral with the bottom of the frame I. These cylinders 36 are similar to the cylinders 25 and have similar arms 40 having spherical ends supported within sockets in brackets 4| attached to the sides of the conveyor frame structure H in the manner shown in Fig. 2. When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the upper ends of the cylinders 25 and 36, the cylinders are moved upwardly with respect to their respective pistons to move the frame 1, together with the cutting and dislodging means 8 supported thereby, into different elevated positions with respect to the conveyor frame It and the bottom skid plate. By individually regulating the hydraulic pressure in the different cylinders the frame I, together with the cutting and dislodging means supported thereby, may be tilted into different angularly related positions. it being possible to effect tilting of the adjustable frame I about transverse and longitudinal axes to vary its angle in altitude with respect to the conveyor frame II and the bottom skid plate.

The conveying means 9, as above mentioned. includes the frame structure II, and this frame structure includes longitudinally extending, vertical side plates 42, 42 secured in parallel relation as by welding to the sliding bottom plate 6 and to which the arm brackets 34 and 4| of the hydraulic elevating devices are secured. These vertical side plates extend longitudinally along the bottom plate 6, and the rearward portions of these side plates are inclined upwardly and rearwardly as shown in Fig. 2 so that the rear discharge end of the conveying means is located a substantial distance above the mine floor. Secured as by welding to the inner sides of these plates is a horizontal plate 43 having integral upstanding guide ribs 44 near its opposite sides which cooperate with guide strips 45 supported by angle members 48 secured to the vertical plates 42 to provide a guideway on the conveyor frame structure for guiding endless side chains 41, 41 of a conveyor 48. This conveyor is preferably of the scraper bar type having secured at intervals to .the side chains transverse scraper bars 49 adapted to move along the top surface of the plate 43. The driving means for the convcyor chain comprises a motor 58 carried by the adjustable frame I, and fixed to the rear end of the power shaft of this motor is a bevel gear 52 (Fig. 5) meshing with a bevel gear 53 journaled on spaced bearing sleeves supported by a horizontal shaft 54. The gear 53 is connectible to the shaft 54 by a sliding clutch 55 having clutch teeth interlocking with clutch teeth formed on a clutch member 55 keyed to the shaft and movable into interlocking engagement with clutch teeth formed on the hub of the bevel gear 53. The operating means for this clutch 55 comprises a clutch shipper yoke 51 having an operating handle 58. The shaft 54 extends transversely of and is suitably journaled within the frame 1 and has fixed to its outer end a chain sprocket 59 connected by an endless chain 68 to a sprocket 8| fixed to a parallel shaft 82 journaled in bearings supported by adjustable brackets 83 attached to the opposite sides of the conveyor frame, as shown in Fig. 4. Keyed to this drive shaft are chain sprockets 54, 64 engaging and driving the endless side chains of the conveyor. As shown in Fig. 3, the conveyor extends from adjacent the rearward portion of the cutting and dislodging means rearwardly beneath the frame I and upwardly along the rearwardly inclined discharge end of the conveyor frame.

Now referring to the improved cutting and dislodging means 8, it will be observed that secured as by bolts 58 (Fig. 6) to the forward end of the adjustable frame I is a frame 51. This frame 61 is of a built-up construction composed of a plurality of parts bolted or otherwise secured together, and projecting laterally from the sides of this frame are upright cylindrical frame portions 68 each having formed on its upper and lower portions cylindrical bearing portions 68 and I8 supporting bearing sleeves II.

Mounted on these bearing sleeves at each side of the frame 66 are cylindrical bearing portions I2 and 13 formed integral with a pair of horizontally swingable hanger frames 14, I4. The bearing portions I2, 13 are provided with split caps I5 bolted in position and detachable for releas-- ing the hanger frames from their respective bearing mountings. Formed integral with each of the hanger frames I4 are horizontally projecting brackets I6 and I1 supporting parallel plane cutter bars I8 and I8, respectively, while secured by a bracket 88 to the bottom portion of each hanger frame I4 is a cutter bar 8|, the bars I8, I9 and 8| being arranged in superimposed horizontal spaced apart relation, as shown in Fig. 13. The bottom cutter bars 8| on the swinging bar hanger frames I4 are of substantially greater length than the two top bars I8 and I8, while the active cutting portions of the three bars on each hanger frame are substantially co-exten- HII sive. Mounted. for circulation about horizontal guideways formed about the margins of the cutter bars I8, I8 and 8| are endless cutter chains respectively designated 82, 88 and 84. These cutter chains are similar in design and each 1 comprises a series of chain blockspivotally connected together by strap links. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the chain blocks 85 are substantially U-shaped in cross section, and the arms of the U each support a lug 81 for receiving a cutter bit. The cutters on the chain blocks are arranged on the arms of the chain blocks at opposite sides of the chain, thereby to provide parallel series of cutters at the opposite sides of each chain, these parallel series of cutters as the cutter chain is circulated within its guide on the cutter bar, being adapted to cut out narrow kerfs or slots in horizontal parallel relation in the coal, and the U-shaped portion of the chain blocks being formed to provide a space on the chain between the parallel series of cutters to receive the projecting portion or core of'the coal formed between the parallel kerfs. In this illustrative construction the three superimposed cutter chains on each of the bar hangers are operative to out six parallel horizontal kerfs or slots in the coal, thereby to form five parallel horizontal coresbetween the kerfs. Mounted within each of the chain blocks 85 is a pin 8| having oppositely threaded extremities 82 each having threaded thereon a bearing washer 83. Journaled on a bearing washer of each of the pins 8| alternately on the opposite ends of the pins of different chain blocks, is a wedging roller 84 in the form of a rotary core breaker having an inner wedging surface for engaging the sides of the cores formed between the kerfs for breaking down sections of the cores as cutting progresses. As this cutter chain structure is generally similar in design to that disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 731,711, filed June 21, 1934, now matured into Patent No. 2,057,684, patented October 20, 1936, further description thereof herein is considered unnecessary.

The driving means for the cutting and core breaking chains, as shown in Figs. 3, 6, 12 and 13, comprises a longitudinal shaft I88 splined to a coupling member |8| keyed to the forward end of the motor power shaft 5|, and fixed to this shaft I88 is a bevel gear I82 having its hub journaled in a bearing supported within the frame 51. The bevel gear I82 meshes with a large bevel gear I83 keyed to a horizontal shaft I84. This shaft is arranged with its axis extending transversely of and Journaled within the frame 61, the axis of the shaft I84 being arranged at right angles to the motor power shaft axis and the pivotal axes of the swingable bar hanger frames 14. The opposite ends of the shaft I84 are formed with clutch teeth I85 connectible by sliding clutches I85 to clutch teeth I81 formed on the inner ends of alined shafts I88 and I88. These clutches are independently operable, and

are provided with clutch shipper yokes H8 and III having operating handles 2 and H3, respectively. Keyed to the outer ends of the alined shafts I88, I88 are bevel gears H4 and 5 each meshing with a bevel gear IIG keyed to the upper end of a vertical shaft III, these vertical shafts IIl being arranged with their axes alined with the pivotal axes of the hanger frames 14 for the cutting and dislodging bars. Keyed to the lower ends of the shafts III are chain sprockets I|8 engaging and drivingthe cutting and dislodging chains 84 on the bottom cutter bars 8|. Arranged at the outer extremities of Jhe bars 18, 19 and II are upstanding cylindrical bearing frames H9 and I28, the frame II9 being bolted to the adjacent surfaces of the bars I8 andv 19, while the bearing frame I28 is bolted to the adjacent surfaces of the bars 19 and 8I in the manner shown in Fig. 13. Journaled in bearings I2I, I2I supported within the bearing frames H9 and I20, respectively, is a vertical shaft I22 herein arranged with its axis parallel with the pivotal axis of its cooperating swlveled hanger frame 14. Keyed to the lower end of the shaft I22 is a chain sprocket I23 engaging the cutter chain 84 and driven by the latter, and this sprocket I23 drives the shaft I22. Keyed to the shaft I 22 are chain sprockets I24, I25 engaging and driving the endless cutter chains 82 and 83 on the cutter bars 18 and 19. It is therefore evident that the upper cutter chains 82 and 83 are driven through the bottom cutter chains 84, and when the clutches I08 are connected, the bottom cutter chains may be driven by the motor 50 through the bevel gearing I02, I03, shaft I04, shafts I08 and I09, bevel gears H4, H5, bevel gears II8, vertical shafts H1 and the chain drive sprockets II8. It will thus be seen that these superimposed chain structures comprise a pair of swinging, cutting and dislodging devices mounted at the opposite sides of the forward portion of the conveyor to swing about vertical axes, and these swinging devices are operable, upon swinging thereof, to cut and dislodge the coal in a coal seam and to move with a horizontal sweeping action the broken coal onto the conveyor, these devices being swingable across the forward end of the apparatus frame through an angle of substantially more than 90. The means for swinging the hanger frames 14 of these cutting and dislodging bars comprises a pair of horizontal hydraulic cylinders I21, I21 having their rear heads I28 pivotally mounted at I29 within brackets I30 projecting from the sides of the frame 1. These cylinders contain pistons I3I having piston rods I32 extending forwardly through packed front heads I33 of the cylinders and are pivotally connected at their forward extremities at I34 to projecting lugs I 35 integral with the bar hanger frames 14. I It will thus be seen that when hydraulic pressure is supplied to one end or the other of the cylinders I21, the pistons -I3I therein may be moved to swing the cutting and dislodging bars horizontally about their pivots in one direction or the other, and that if desired the cutting and dislodging bars may be swung independently about their pivots. By the provision of the individual clutches in the drives for the sets of chains, the latter may, of course, be independently driven.

The means for supplying hydraulic pressure to the cylinders of the various hydraulic devices comprises a pump I31 of any suitable design arranged within a tank I38 formed within the rearward portion of the adjustable frame 1, this tank containing a liquid supply. As shown in Fig. 5, the pump I31 is driven by the motor 50 through a bevel gear I39 meshing with the bevel gear 53. The hydraulic fluid and control system, as shown in Fig. 15, comprises a liquid supply conduit I40 communicating with the discharge side of the pump I31 and connected to a control valve box I mounted on the side of the adjustable frame 1. This valve box is formed with three vertical bores I42 containing rotary control valves I 43, I44 and I 45 each having a manual operating handle. The lower ends of the valve bores are connected by a horizontal supply passage I48 extending substantially across the valve box and communicating with the supply conduit I40. Arranged parallel with the passage I48 and likewise extending substantially across the valve box at the upper ends of the valve bores is a discharge passage I41 connected through a discharge conduit I48 to the tank I38. The valve I43, which controls the supply of liquid pressure to the elevating cylinders 25 and 38, has its bore connected through a conduit I49 and branched conduits I50, I5I with the upper ends of the elevating cylinders, each of the branched conduits I50, I5I provided with an independently operable control valve I52 so that the supply of liquid pressure to the elevating cylinders may be independently controlled. The bore for the valve I43 is also connected through a conduit I53 and branched conduits I54 and I55 with the lower ends of the elevating cylinders. The valve I 44, which controls the supply ofliquid pressure to the feed cylinders I0, has its boreconnected through a conduit I58 and branched conduits I51 with the rear ends of the feed cylinders, and through a conduit I58 and branched conduits I59 with the forward ends of the feed cylinders. The valve I45, which controls the supply of liquid pressure to the walking jack" cylinders I8, has its bore connected through a conduit I and branched conduits I 8I with the upper ends of the cylinders I8. Each of the branched conduits I8I is provided with an independent control valve I82 whereby the supply of liquid pressure to the upper ends of the cylinders I8 may be independently controlled. The bore of the valve I45 is also connected through a conduit I83 and branched conduits I84 with the lower ends of the cylinders I8. When the valve I43 is in the position shown in Fig. 15, hydraulic pressure may flow through the supply conduit I40, supply passage I48, a passage on the valve, conduit I49 and branched conduits I50 and I5I to the upper ends of the elevating cylinders 25 and 38, while the lower ends of these cylinders are connected through the branched conduits I54, I55, conduit I53, a passage on the valve I 43, discharge passage I41 and discharge conduit I48 to the tank I38. Supply of liquid pressure to the upper ends of the elevating cylinders 25, 38 may be independently controlled by the valves I 52. When the position of the valve I43 is reversed, the upper ends of the elevating cylinders 25, 38 are connected to the exhaust passage I 41, while the lower ends of the elevating cylinders are connected through the conduit I53 to the supply passage I48. When the valve I44 is in the position shown in Fig. 15, hydraulic pressure may flow through conduit I40, supply passage I48, a passage on the valve I44, conduit I 58 and branched conduits I51 to the rear ends of the feed cylinders I0 while the forward ends of the feed cylinders are connected to the exhaust conduit I 48 through branched conduits I59, conduit I58, a passage on the valve I44 and the discharge passage I41. When the position of the valve I44 is reversed the forward ends of the feed cylinders I0 are connected to the supply passage I48 through the conduit I58 and branched conduits I59, while the rear ends of the feed cylinders are connected to the exhaust passage I41 through conduit I58 and the branched conduits I51. When the valve I 45 is in the position shown in Fig. 15, hydraulic pressure may be supplied through the conduit I40, passage I48, a passage on the valve I45, conduit I80 and branched conduits I6I to the upper ends of the walking jack cylinders I8, while the lower ends of these cylinders are connected to discharge through branched conduits I64, conduit I63, a passage on the valve I45, discharge passage I41 and discharge conduit I48. The supply of liquid pressure to the upper ends of the cylinders I6 may be independently controlled by the valves I62. When the position of the valve I45 is reversed, the upper ends of the cylinders I8 are connected to the discharge passage I41 through branched conduit |6I and conduit I60, while the lower ends of the cylinders l8 are connected to the supply passage I46 through conduit I63 and branched conduits I64.

The mode of operation of the improved cutting cylinders I0 and I8 may be employed for rec tilinearly feeding the cutting and dislodging means with respect to the coal face, all in a manner described in my copending application Serial No. 684,707 referred to above. When the apparatus is located adjacent the working face of a coal seam, as shown in Fig. 16, the cutting and dislodging bars are swung to their outermost position with the bars projecting at substantially right angles from the sides of the frame structure as indicated in the full line position designated A. Hydraulic pressure is then supplied to the feed cylinders to feed the upper frame structure, together with the cutting and dislodging bars carried thereby, forwardly relative to the bottom skid plate to sump the cutting portions of the bars within the coal. The skid plate may, if necessary, during this operation, be jacked down by any suitable means, not shown, such as jack pipes, or mechanical or hydraulic jacks. As such a procedure is well known, details are not illustrated. When the sumping cut is completed with the bars in the dotted line position as indicated at B in Fig, 16, hydraulic pressure is supplied to the bar swing cylinder to swing the bars horizontally from the position indicated at B to a position a little closer together than the full line position indicated at C in Fig. 17. Hydraulic pressure is then supplied to the feed cylinders to retract the bars from the coal face from the position indicated at C to the dotted line position indicated at D in Fig. 17. A the bars are sumped in, swung horizontally and withdrawn from the coal face, the cutter chains cut parallel superimposed kerfs in the coal to form parallel cores, and as cutting progresses, the wedging rollers on the cutter chains break down sections of the cores, and the cutter chains act to move with a horizontal sweeping action the broken down coal onto the conveyor by which the coal is conveyed rearwardly of the apparatus to a suitable point of disposal, such as a face conveyor or a mine car. Fig. 18 shows an elevational view of the mining apparatus with the cutting and dislodging bars in the position shown in full lines at C in Fig. 17 with the bottom bars cutting at the level of the mine floor. When it is desired to vary the elevation of the cutting and dislodging bars with respect to the mine floor, hydraulic pressure may be supplied to the elevating cylinders to move the bars from their lowermost position shown at E in Fig. 18 to their raised position shown at F'fi Fig. 19. By individually controlling the supply of liquid pressure to the elevating cylinders, the cutting and dislodging bars may be tilted into any desired angular position with respect to the horizontal.

' As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved cutting and loading apparatus is provided having improved means for cutting and dislodging the coal in a coal seam and for loading the broken down coal. It will further be noted that an improved cutting and dislodging means is provided for cutting simultaneously a series of superimposed horizontal kerfs in the coal to form a series of parallel horizontal cores between the kerfs and having embodied therein improved means for breaking down sections of the cores as cutting progresses. It will further be evident that by mounting the cutting and dislodging means to swing horizontally about parallel vertical axes at the opposite sides of the conveyor, the coal is cut and dislodged and the broken down coal is moved with a horizontal sweeping action onto the conveyor in an imy proved manner. Other uses and advantages of the improved mining apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there is in this application specifically described one form which the invention may as-' sume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodiment in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

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

1. In a mining and loading apparatus, in combination a portable base, means on said base providing a longitudinal guideway, conveying means on said base including a conveyor frame mounted on said guideway-providing-means to slide longitudinally along said guideway relative thereto, a frame superimposed on said conveyor frame, means for mounting said superimposed frame on said conveyor frame for adjustment in a vertical direction relative thereto, coal cutting and dislodging means mounted on said vertically adjustable frame for horizontally cutting the coal at different elevations and for breaking down the coal and moving the broken down coal toward the receiving end of said conveying means, means for adjusting said vertically adjustable frame in e a vertical direction relative to said conveyor frame to vary the elevation of said coal cutting and dislodging means relative to the level of the mine floor, means for moving said conveyor frame along said guideway to move said coal cutting and dislodging means toward and from the coal face, and means for operating said coal cutting and dislodging means to effect their cutting and dislodging functions.

2. In a mining and loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, means on said base providing a longitudinal guideway, conveying means on said base including a conveyor frame mounted on said guideway-providing means to slide longitudinally along said guideway relative thereto, a frame superimposed on said conveyor frame, means for mounting said superimposed frame on said conveyor frame for adjustment in a vertical direction relative thereto, kerf cutting means mounted on said vertically adjustable frame for cutting a horizontal kerf in a coal seam, means for adjusting said vertically adjustable frame relative to said conveyor frame to vary the elevation of said kerf cutting means relative to the level of the mine floor, means for moving said conveyor frame along said guideway to move said kerf cutting means toward and from the coal face, and. means for operating said kerf cutting means to effect its cutting function.

3, In a mining and loading apparatus, in combination. a portable base having longitudinal guideways, a frame mounted on said base for longitudinal movement along said base guideways, means for moving said frame longitudinally along said guideways relative to said base, an endless conveyor guided on said frame, said conveyor having its receiving portion disposed near the floor level at the forward end of said frame, an adjustable supporting structure mounted on said frame and extending upwardly above the bottom of said frame, a horizontal support carried by said adjustable supporting structure at the forward extremity thereof and disposed above the receiving portion of said conveyor, means for adjusting said supporting structure relative to said frame to move said support into different horizontal positions at diiferent elevations relative to said frame, cutting and dislodging mechanism mounted on the forward end of said support for cutting the solid coal, dislodging the cut coal from the solid as cutting progresses and for moving the dislodged coal toward the receiving portion of said conveyor, said cutting and dislodging mechanism embodying means for dislodging the cut coal from the solid and comprising elongated cutting and dislodging devices pivoted at one end on said support with their ends nearer their pivots disposed in adjacency to, but with their pivot axis spaced longitudinally of the apparatus from, the receiving portion of said conveyor when said support is in its lowered position on said frame, said cutting and dislodging devices swingable horizontally in unison about their pivots relative to said support from a right angle position at one side of the apparatus to a position at the front of the apparatus for cutting parallel horizontal slots in the coal and for moving the dislodged coal toward the receiving portion of said conveyor, means for swinging said cutting and dislodging devices horizontally about their pivots relative to said support, and means for adjusting said supporting structure to position said devices to operate first to remove the upper portion of a seam and thereafter to remove the portion underlying that which was first removed.

4. In combination, in a combined cutting and loading apparatus, a base frame, a conveyor extending longitudinally of said base frame, a motor disposed longitudinally of said base frame and overlying said conveyor, driving connections between the rearward end of said motor and said conveyor, a pair of combined cutting and dislod ing mechanisms each comprising a plurality of superimposed elongated bar-and-chain type cutters provided with breaking-down devices circulating with the cutters, means for supporting said cutting and dislodging mechanisms for swinging movements about upright axes disposed at opposite sides of the forward end of said conveyor including upright pivotal mountings at the forward end of the motor, means for swinging said pivoted cutting and dislodging mechanisms laterally by power upon said pivots, and means, including transversely disposed shafts spaced above said conveyor and adjacent the forward end of the latter and driving means for said shafts driven from the front end of said motor and driving connections driven by said shafts,

for driving said cutters and breaking-down devices in their elongated orbits.

5. In a and loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable support movable relative to the floor of a mine, conveyor means mounted on said support and having its forward receiving end disposed at the forward end of the support near the level of the mine floor, two gangs of superimposed horizontal plane cutter bars each carrying, an endless cutter chain for cutting a series of superimposed horizontal kerfs in a coal seam, said gangs of cutter-chain-carrying-cutter bars being pivotally mounted on said support at the opposite sides of the forward receiving end of said conveyor means, means for elevating said gangs of cutter-chain-carryingcutter bars relative to the mine floor into positions to cut series of plane horizontal kerfs at different elevations while said conveyor means remain stationary as regards bodily movement relative to said support, means for swinging said gangs of cutter-chain-carrying-cutter bars horizontally in unison about their pivots relative to said conveyor means, means for moving said support relative to the mine floor to sump said gangs of cutter-chain-carrying-cutter bars into the coal, a motor adjustable into diiferent elevated positions with said gangs of cutter bars for driving the cutter chains in all positions of adjustment thereof, and self-adjusting driving connections between said motor and said conveyor means operative to drive said conveyor means regardless of the elevated position of said gangs of cutter bars relative to said conveyor means.

6. In a mining and loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable support movable relative to the floor of a mine, conveying means on said supp rt having its forward receiving end disposed near the level of the mine floor, series of superimposed endless chain kerf cutters mounted on said support for cutting a series of superimposed horizontal plane kerfs in a coal seam, means for adjusting said kerf cutters into different elevated positions relative to said conveying means to cut horizontal plane kerfs at different elevations, a motor adjustable into different elevated positions with said kerf cutters for driving the latter irrespective of the elevated position thereof, and self-adjusting driving connections between said motor and said conveying means for driving the latter irrespective of the elevated position of said kerf cutters.

7. In a mining and loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable support movable relative to the floor of a mine, conveying means on said support having its forward receiving end disposed near the level of the mine floor, series of superimposed endless chain kerf cutters mounted on said support for cutting a series of superimposed horizontal plane kerfs in a coal seam, means for adjusting said kerf cutters into diiferent elevated positions relative to said conveying means to cut horizontal plane kerfs at different elevations, a motor adjustable into different elevated positions with said kerf cutters for driving the latter irrespective of the elevated position thereof, and self-adjusting driving connections between said motor and said conveying means for driving the latter irrespective of the elevated position of said kerf cutters, said adjusting means for elevating said kerf cutters also deriving its power from said motor and including power operated elevating devices extending between said support and said kerf cutters.

8. In a mining and loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a support mounted on said base and guided thereon for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, conveyor means carried by said support, coal cutting and dislodging means mounted on said support for adjustment into different elevated positions with respect thereto for horizontally cutting the coal at different elevations and for breaking down the coal and moving the broken down coal towards said conveyor means, said conveyor means receiving the broken down coal and moving the same rearwardly of the apparatus, means for adjusting said coal cutting and dislodging means relative to said support to vary the elevation of said coal cutting and dislodging means relative to the level of the mine floor, means for moving said support together with said conveyor means longitudinally relative to said base to move said cutting and dislodging means toward the coal face, and means for operating said cutting and dislodging means to effect its cutting and dislodging functions.

9. In a mining and loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a support mounted on said base and guided thereon for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, conveyor means carried by said support and movable with the latter relative to said base, kerf cutting means mounted on said support for adjustment into different elevated positions with respect to the level of the mine floor for cutting horizontal kerfs at different elevations in a coal seam, means for adjusting said kerf cutting means into different elevated positions as aforesaid relative to said support, means for moving said support and said conveyor means longitudinally relative to said base to move said kerf cutting means toward and from the coal face, and means for operating said kerf cutting means to effect its cutting function.

10. In a miiiiiig and loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a support mounted on said base and guided thereon for longitudinal movement relative thereto, means for moving said support longitudinally relative to said base, a conveyor on said support and having its receiving end disposed near the level of the mine floor at the forward end of said support, cutting and dislodging mechanism mounted on said support for adjustment into different elevated positions with respect thereto for cutting the solid coal, dislodging the cut coal from the solid and for moving the disclosed coal toward the receiving end of said conveyor, said cutting and dislodging mechanism including elongated cutting and dislodging devices pivoted at one end on said support with their ends nearer their pivots disposed in adjacency to, but with their pivots spaced longitudinally of the apparatus from, the receiving end of said conveyor when said cutting and dislodging mechanism is in its lowered position on said support, said cutting and dislodging devices swingable horizontally in unison about their pivots relative to said support from a substantially right angle position at one side of the apparatus to a position at the front of the apparatu for cutting parallel horizontal slots in the coal and for moving the dislodged coal toward the receiving end of said conveyor, means for swinging said cutting and dislodging devices horizontally about their pivots relative to said supports, and means for adjusting said cutting and dislodging mechanism into diiferent elevated positions to operate first to remove the upper portion of the coal seam and thereafter to remove the portion of the seam underlying that which was first removed.-

JOSEPH F. JOY.

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