US2269781A - Coal mining apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 13, 1942. c. F. osGooD COAL MINING APPARATUS 13 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed Dec.

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GOAL MINING .'&P}:"ARI\.IUS

Original Filed Dec. 14, 1936 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 Jan. 13, 1942. c. F. osGooD 2,269,781

COAL MINING APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 14, 1936 15 Sheets-Sheet 13 7W Z- A V/ Patented Jan. 13, 139424 I Charles F. Osgood, (laremont, N. ll., assigner to Sullivan Machinery Company. a corporation of Massachusetts Continuation of application Serial o. 115,687, This application March 8, 1940, Serial No. 323,033

December 14, 1936.

3Clalms.

This invention relates to coal mining apparatus. and more particularly to improvements in apparatus for cutting and dislodging the coal from a mine wall and for loading the broken down coal.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus of the combined type for cutting, disiodging and loading the coal. Another object is to provide improved instrumentalities for cutting and breaking down the -coal and having an improved adjustable supporting structure whereby the cutting and breaking down instrumentalities may be readily adjusted with respect to the mine wall. Anotherl object is to provide an improved core cutting and disiodging mechanism. A further object is to provide an improved combined cutting and loading apparatus having improved means for loading the broken downcoal. Another object is to provide an improved cutting and loading apparatus having improved means for cutting and disiodging the coal and improved means for conveying the broken down coal from the coal face to a suitable point of disposal. Still another object is to provide an improved core cutting and core breaking means for cutting cores in a mine wall and breaking down sections of the cores as cutting progresses. A still further object is to provide improved deflector means extending between the conveyor and core cutting and dislodging mechanism, for deilecting the broken coal from the paths of the cutters and directing the broken coal toward the conveyor. Other objects and advantages of the invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

This application is a continuation of my application Serial No. 115,687, nled December 14, 1936.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes of illustration two forms which invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view oi.' one illustrative embodiment of the improved cutting, dlslodging and loading apparatus.

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

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on line I-I of Fig. l.

Fig, 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. l.

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Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially 0n line t--t of Figs. 2 and 8.

F18. 7 is an enlarged plan view oi' the improved core cutting and disiodging mechanism.

Fig. l8 is an enlarged view in longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on line 3-6 of Fig. 1 f

Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view with parts shown in plan, taken substantially on line .-9 QI F18.' 8.

Fig. 10 is a detail verticalsectional view taken substantially on line l-ll of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line I I- I I of Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing the improved hydraulic iluid system and its associated control means.

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the improved cutting, dislodging and loading apparatus in operative position in a mine entry with the cutting and disiodging means shown in diil'erent positions.

Figs. 14 and 15 are diagrammatic elevational views showing the improved apparatus in a mine entry and illustrating several cutting positions of the cutting and dislodging means.

Fig. 16isaviewsimilartoFlg.1showinga modiiled form of cutting, dislodging and loading apparatus.

Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged view in longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on line IB-II of Fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on line i9--I9 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on line 26-20 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 2l is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on line ZI--ZI of Fig. 18.

Fig. 22 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 22-22 ci Fig. 17.

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view showing the hydraulic iluid system and its associated con- 1 trolling means.

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the improved cutting, disiodging and loading apparatus in operative position in the mine entry with the cutting and dislodging means shown in diierent positions.

Figs. 25 and 26 are diagrammatic elevational views showing the improved apparatus in amine entry and illustrating several cutting positions of the cutting and disiodging means.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to l5, inclusive, the improved cutting, dislodging and loading apparatus,

generally designated I, comprises a portable base 2, herein in the form of a truck frame, mounted on wheels 3 adapted to travel along a mine trackway 4. Mounted on the forward portion of the truck frame above the truck wheels is a horizontal turntable having supported thereon the improved core cutting and dislodging means generally designated 6. Associated with the cutting and dislodging means is a front elevating or loading conveyor means 1 for conveying the broken down coal rearwardly of the apparatus to discharge within al hopper 8 associated with the turntable 5. Receiving the broken down coal discharged from the hopper 8 is a rear discharge conveyor 9 for conveying the broken down coal rearwardly of the apparatus to discharge at a suitable point of disposal, such as a mine car or other suitable receptacle.

Now referring to the improved cutting and dislodging means generally designated Ii, it will be noted that formed integral with the turntable frame are parallel vertical projections III, IIJ on which' is pivotally mounted at II a vertically swingable, elongated arm structure or boom I2. Arranged in longitudinal guideways I3, I3 within the upper portion of the arm structure I2 is an endless front elevating or= loading conveyor I4 of the conveying means 1 comprising endless side chains I5, I5 having secured thereto transverse scraper bars I6 adapted to move the material to beloaded along a bottom supporting plate I1 over which the scraper bars are dragged. The turntable 5 has an upstanding segmental frame I8 cut away at I9 for receiving the rearward portion of the front loading conveyor, so that as the broken down coal is conveyed rearwardly along theA top of the arm structure, it is discharged within the hopper 8 of the turntable frame. Pivotally mounted at on the forward extremity of the vertically swingable arm structure or boom I2 on an axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis is a series of vertical cutter bars 2| rigidly secured together for vertical swinging movement in unison about the pivotal axis 20, and each of these bars has mounted thereon for circulation thereabout an endless cutter chain 22 carrying parallel rows of cutters for cutting parallel, relatively thin kerfs in the coal to form a relatively wide core between the kerfs. These cutter chains are similar in design, and each comprises a series of chain blocks 23 pivotally connected together by strap links 24. As shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the chain blocks 23 are substantially U-shaped in cross section, and the arms of the U each support a lug 25 for receiving a detachable cutter bit 26. 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 cliain, these parallel series of cutters, -as the cutter chains are circulated within their guides on the cutter bars, being adapted to cut narrow kerfs or slots in vertical parallel relation in the coal, and the U- shaped portions 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 paralle1 kerfs. In this illustrative construction, the six vertical cutter chains are operative to cut twelve parallel vertical kerfs or slots inthe coal, thereby to form eleven parallel vertical cores between the kerfs, although it will be evident that any desired number of cutter chains may be employed. Mounted within each of the chain blocks 23 is a cross pin 21 having Oppositely threaded extremities 28, each having threaded thereon a bearing washer 29. Journaled on a bearing washer of each of the pins, alternately on the opposite ends of the pins of different chain blocks, are wedging rollers 30 in the form of rotary core breakers having inner wedging surfaces for engaging the sides of the cores formed between the kerfs for breaking sections of the cores as cutting progresses. As this cutter chain and core breaker structure is generally similar in design to that disclosed in the patent to one Joseph F. Joy, Patent No. 2,057,684, patented October 20, 1936, further description of the detail structure thereof is herein unnecessary.

The driving means for the cutting and core breaking chains, as shown in Figs. 3, 4, Band '1, comprises a relatively powerful motor 35 mounted on the lower portion of the vertically swingable arm structure or boom I2 and preferably having its power shaft 36 extending longitudinally of the arm structure. Keyed to the forward end of the motor power shaft is a clutch element 31 connectiblerby a sliding clutch element 38 to a clutch element 39 xed to a longitudinally extending shaft 40, herein arranged in axial alinement with the motor power shaft and suitably journald within the arm structure frame. The' sliding clutch element 38 has any suitable operating means. Keyed to the forward end of the shaft 40 and driven thereby is a bevel gear 4I meshing with a large bevel gear 42 keyed to a horizontal shaft 43, herein extending transversely of and suitably journaled within the frame of the arm structure. Keyed to the shaft 43 at the opposite ends thereof and driven thereby are chain sprockets, 44 connected by endless drive chains 45 to chain sprockets 46, 4G keyed to a cutter chain drive shaft 41. This shaft 41 extends transversely of the arm structure and is suitably journaled within the frame thereof and is arranged with its axis coincident with the pivotal axis 20. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 38 is connected, the cutter chains may be simultaneously rapidly circulated within their guideways about the margins of the cutter bars by the motor 35 through the bevel gearing 4I, 42 andthe chain and sprocket connections 44, 45, 46. The cutter bars are supported on a-hanger frame 48 journaled within bearing sleeves 49 in turn supported within vertical projections 50 formed integral with the forward portion of the arm structure frame, and the cutter bars may swing vertically with respect to the arm structure about their pivotal axis 20 within the bearings 49. Mounted on the arm structure is a forward receiving plate 52 slotted at 53 to provide clearance for the cutter chains and having projections 54 extending within the spaces between the rows of cutters, so that as the cores are broken down by the wedging rollers and carried laterally from the mine wall by the endless cutter chains, the projecting plate portions 54 deilect the broken coal from the paths of the cutter chains onto the receiving plate from `which the coal is discharged onto the front loading conveyor 1. edges upstanding retaining walls 55 for retaining the coal on the plate and for directing the coal onto the front conveyor. Also fixed to the shaft 43 is a chain sprocket 56 which drives through an endless chain 51 a chain sprocket 58 fixed to a transverse shaft 59 journaled within The receiving plate has at its outer the arm structure. Fixed to and driven by the shaft 99 are chain sprockets 99 which engage and drive the endless side chains I9 of the front conveyor.

The means for the arm structure I9 vertically about its pivot relative to the turntable. in this instance, comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 9| pivotally mounted at 99 on depending frameportions 99 integral with the vertical projections I9, I9, and each of these cylinders contains a reciprocable piston 94 having the forward extremity of its piston rod 99 pivotally connected at 96 to a transverse 'rod 91 supported at its ends within depending bosses 99 integral with the lower portion of the arm structure frame. 'Ihe means for swinging the series of cutter bars vertically with respect to the arm structure comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 99 pivotally connected at 19 through a transverse rod 1| -supported at its ends within depending bosses formed integral with the lower.

portion of the arm structure frame. Each of the cylinders- 99 contains a reciprocable piston 12 having its piston rod 19 pivotally connected to'projecting arms 14 formed integral with the bar hanger frame 49. It will thus be seen that when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the cylinders 9| and 99, the arm structure may be swung vertically about its pivot with respect tothe turntable, and the series of cutter bars may be swung vertically about their pivots with respect to the arm structure. By trapping the liquid within the cylinders, the arm structure and cutter bars may be locked against movement on their respective pivotal axes.

The turntable comprises an annular bottom frame journaled within bearing sleeves 19 supported within a bearing annulus 11 secured to the top of the truck frame. The annular portion 15 of the turntable has secured thereto an annular retaining plate 19 underlying the lower bearing sleeve and supporting ring for retaining the turntable in position within its bearing annulus. The means for rotating the turntable relative to the truck frame, in this instance, comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 19, 19" mounted on the top of the truck frame at the opposite sides of the discharge conveyor 9, in the manner shown in Fig. 1, and each containing a reciprocable piston 99 having its piston rod 9| extending rearwardly through the packed rear head of the cylinder. Journaled within brackets 92 secured at the rear ends of the piston rods are sheaves 99. Attached to the turntable frame and guided within an arcuate rope guiding groove 94 formed on the turntable periphery is a rope 95 having its ends passing around the guide sheaves and attached at 96 to the inner sides of the cylinders. It will thus be seen that when hydraulic pressure is supplied to one or the other of the cylinders 19, 19 one piston may be moved rearwardly to deflect its associated end portion of the cable so that the turntable may be rotated in one vdirection or the other with respect to the truck frame. By trapping the liquid within the cylinders 19, 19, the turntable may be locked in its adjusted position.-

Supported within the forward portion of the truck frame between the truck wheels is the frame 99 of the rear discharge conveyor 9, and this frame has guideways 99 in which are mounted for circulation the endless side chains 99 of the discharge conveyor. Secured to these side chains are transverse scraper bars 9| adapted to move along a bottom supporting plate 92, and

when the broken down coal is discharged through the center of the turntable onto the discharge conveyor, these scraper bars 9| move the coal rearwardly along the plate 92. The rearward portion of the frame of the rear discharge conveyor 9 is pivoted at 99 to swing in a vertical direction relative to the truck frame so that the rear discharge end oi the conveyor may be disposed at diilerent elevations, and the means for vertically swinging the rear conveyor frame portion comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 94 pivotally mounted at 99 at the opposite sides of the conveyor frame on brackets 99 supported on the top of the truck frame. Each of the cylinders contains a reciprocable piston 91 having the upper extremity of its piston rod pivotally connected at 99 to the lower portion of the conveyor trame. When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the cylinders 94, the pistons 91 may be moved to swing the rear end of 9he conveyor either upwardly or downwardly, as desired. By trapping the liquid within the cylinders 94 the rear conveyor portion may be held in its adiusted position.

Now referring to the mechanism for driving the truck wheels for propelling the apparatus along .the mine trackway through a wide range of low speeds appropriate for cutting and at a high transport speed, it will be noted that supported within the rearward portion of the truck frame beneath the rear conveyor is a motor |99 having its power shaft |9| horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the truck frame. 'I'he motor power shaft is connected by a conventional coupling |92 to an alined shaft |99 suitably journaled within a portion of the truck frame providing a gear housing. Keyed to the shaft |99 and driven thereby is a spur gear |94 meshing with a large spur gear |99 having its hub Journaled on bearings supported by a horizontal transmission shaft |99 herein arranged parallel with and below the shaft |99 inthe manner shown in Fig. 8. "Ihe gear |95 is connectible to the shaft |99 by a multiple disc clutch |91 of a usual design. Formed on the hub of the gear |99 is a spur gear |99 meshing with a spur gear |99 (see Fig. 11) fixed to a countershaft ||9 arranged parallel with the shaft |99 and likewise suitably journaled within the truck frame. Secured to and driven by the shaft |l9 is a spur gear meshing with a large spur gear Ill herein arranged coaxial with the gear |95 and likewise having its hub journaled on the shaft |99. The gear ||2 is connectible to the shaft |96 by a multiple disc clutch ||9 of a usual design. 'I'he gear |95 constitutes a high speed terminal driving gear for the shaft |99, while the spur gear ||2 constitutes a low speed terminal driving gear for the shaft. Operating means for the clutches |91 and |I9 is provided, whereby the clutches may be selectively applied, comprising a clutch shipper ring ||4 surrounding the shaft between the clutches and operated by a shipper yoke lever H5. Means, to be now described, are provided for actuating the shipper yoke to effect application of the clutches, embodying means for effecting variable intermittent application and release of the low speed clutch ||9 to attain a variable low speed drive of the truck wheels.

'I'he mechanism for operating the high and low speed clutches, and more particularly, the mechanism for effecting variable intermittent application and release of the low speed clutch, comprises a cam ||9 secured to the rear face of the low speed terminal gear I2, and a plunger ||1, guided in a bore ||8 formed in the gear housing, engages the cam face. The rear end of this plunger (see Figs. 8 and 10) is pivotally connected at ..||9 to a lever |20, in turn pivotally connected at |2| to a plunger-like rod |22. The lever is pivotally mounted by trunnion blocks |23 (see Fig. 6) on an adjusting rod |24, the

trunnion blocks having convex surfaces slidingly engaging the cylindrical periphery of the rod |24 and, when in the position shown in Fig. 10, abutting spaced collars |25 fixed to the rod |24. The shipper yoke lever ||5 is pivotally mounted at |26 and is pivotally connected by trunnion blocks, similar to the trunnon blocks shown in Fig. 6, to the rod |22, these trunnion blocks having convex surfaces slidably engaging the cylindrical rod surface. Threaded on the forward end of the rod |22 is a nut |28, and encircling the rod and engaging the nut is a washer |29. Surrounding the rod |22 and acting between a nut |30 threaded to the rod and a washer |3| is a coil spring |32, this spring holding the trunnion blocks of the yoke lever l5 against the washer |29. The operating rod |24 is mounted for axial movement within the gear housing and is splined at |33 against rotation, and the rearward portion of this rod is threaded at |34 for threaded engagement with a nut |35 formed within the hub of a worm wheel |36. Meshing with this worm wheel is a worm |31 xed to an operating shaft |38 having at its opposite ends, at the opposite sides of the truck, operating handles |39. It will thus be seen that when the worm gearing |36, |31 is rotated, the rod |24, through the nut and threads, is moved axially to vary the location of the fulcrum pivot of the lever |20. When the gear ||2 is rotated, the cam ||6 thereon eects reciprocation of the plunger ||1, thereby oscillating the lever |20 about its fulcrum, reciprocating axially the rod |22, and, through the coil spring |32, yieldingly loading the clutch shipper lever ||5 to effect application of the low speed clutch I3 at timed intervals. By adjusting the rod |24 axially to vary the fulcrum point of the lever |20, the time intervals of application and release of the low speed clutch ||3 may be varied, as desired, it being possible to so adjust the parts as to effect continuous loading of the low speed clutch, no clutch loading, or any desired intermediate loading of the clutch between full load and no load. By moving the adjusting rod |24 axially rearwardly, the low speed clutch ||3 may be entirely released from the influence of the cam operated mechanism, and the high speed clutch |01 loaded. When the high speed clutch |01 is loaded, the shaft |06 may be driven at a relatively high speed from the motor |00 through the gearing |04, |05, and when the low speed clutch ||3 is loaded, the shaft |06 may be driven at a relatively low speed from the motor |00 through the gearing |04, |05, |08, |09, and ||2. By adjusting the rod |24 to vary the fulcrum point of the lever |20 to vary the intervals of application and release of the low speed clutch ||3, the transmission shaft |06 may be driven through a wide range of low speeds between zero and a predetermined maximum low speed. This high and low speed transmission mechanism is similar to that described in a copending Joseph F. Joy application, Ser. No. 20,826, filed May 10, 1935, now matured into Patent No. 2,229,087, granted January 21, 1941.

In this construction, keyed to and driven by the transmission shaft |06, as shown in Fig. 11, is a bevel gear |40 meshing with reverse bevels |4| and |42 journaled on a horizontal transversely extending shaft |43, herein arranged at right angles to the shaft |96 and suitably journaled within the gear housing. The bevel gears |4|, |42 are connectible by multiple disc clutches |44, |45, respectively, to the shaft |43. The operating means for the clutches |44, |45 comprises a clutch applying collar |46 surrounding the shaft |43 between the bevel gears |4|, |42, and engaging this collar is a pivoted shipper yoke |41 connected at |48 an operatingrod |49. The outer end of this operating rod is pivotally connected at |50 to a lever |5| in turn pivotally connected at |52 to a piston rod |53 of an operating piston |54 contained in the horizontal cylinder |56. This cylinder has its outer head |56 attached to the adjacent side of the truck frame. When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the cylinder |55, the piston |54 may be moved in one direction or the other to apply one or the other of the disc clutches |44, |45, thereby to eiect rotation of the drive shaft |43 selectively in either of opposite directions. Fixed to one end of the shaft |43 is a chain sprocket |51 connected by an endless chain |58 to a chain sprocket |59 fixed to the rear truck wheel axle. The front and rear truck wheel axles are connected in driving relation by means of a chain and sprocket connection |60. It will thus be seen that the truck wheels may be driven in either of opposite directions through a wide range of relatively low cutting speeds or at a predetermined high transport speed.

The mechanism for driving the rear discharge conveyor 9, in this instance, comprises a spur gear |6|` keyed to an elongation of the transmission shaft |03 and meshing with a large spur gear |62 fixed to a. shaft |63 and herein arranged in alinement with the shaft |06. The shaft |63 is suitably journaled within bearings supported within the gear housing, and has keyed thereto and driven thereby a bevel gear |64 keyed to the forward end of the shaft |63 and meshing with a bevel gear |65 connectible by a conventional jaw clutch to a horizontal transmission shaft |66. This transmission shaft, as shown in Fig. 11, extends transversely of the gear housing and is suitably journaled therein -and has keyed thereto a chain sprocket |61 driving, through an endless chain connection |68, a sprocket |69 (see Fig. 9) keyed to a shaft |10. This shaft extends horizontally of the discharge conveyor frame and has xed thereto and driven thereby chain sprockets |1|, |1| engaging and driving the endless side chains of the rear discharge conveyor.

Now referring to the hydraulic pump and associated control means, it will -be observed that arranged within the truck frame at the rear end of the motor |00 is a tank |13 for containing a liquid, preferably oil, and arranged in this tank is a conventional pump |14 driven by the power shaft of the motor |09. As shown in Fig. 2, mounted on one side of the truck frame is a horizontal valve box |15 having formed therein, as shown in Fig. 12, a series of vertical valve bores |16 containing, respectiveLv, rotary control valves |11, |18, |19, |86 and |8| for controlling the flow of hydraulic pressure to the various hydraullc devices. The lower ends of the valve bores are connected by a horizontal supply passage |82 extending substantially across the valve box and communicating with a supply conduit accenni 5 |99 in turn communicating with the discharge sideof the lpump |14. Arranged parallel with the passage |92 and likewise extending substantially across the valve box at the upper ends of the valve bores is a horizontal discharge passage |94 connected through a discharge conduit |95 to the oil tank |19. The valve 9|, which controls the supply of liquid pressure to the swinging cylinders 99 for the series of parallel cutter bars, has lts bore connected through a conduit |99 with the lower ends of the cylinders 99. The bore for the valve |9| is also connected through a conduit |91 to the upper ends of the ycylinders 99. The valve |99. which controls the supply of liquid pressure to the cylinders 9| for swinging the arm structure, has its bore connected through a conduit |99 with-the rear ends of the cylinders 9| and through a conduit |99 with the forward ends of the cylinders. The valve |19, which controls thesupply of liquid pressure to the cylinders 94 for vertically swinging the rearw-ard portion of the discharge conveyor, has its bore connected through a conduit |99 to the lower ends of the cylinders 94. The bore of the valve |19 is also connected through a conduit|9| with the upper ends of the cylinders 94. The valve |19, which controls the supply of liquid pressure to the cylinder |55 of the 4 reverse clutch operating-means, has its bore connected through a conduit |92 to one end ofthe cylinder |55 and through -a conduit |99 to the opposite end of the cylinder. The valve |11,

` which controls the supply of liquid pressure to the cylinders 19 for rotating the turntable, has its bore connected through a conduit |94 with the forward end of one cylinder 19 and through a conduit |95 to the forward end of the other cylinder 19. The rea-r end's of the cylinders 19 are connected through conduits |99, |99 and a conduit |91 to the tank |13, so that any leakage past the pistons'may be conducted back tothe oil tank. From the foregoing description, it will be evident that the cutter b ars and arm structure may be independently swung about their respective pivotal axes either upwardly or downwardly under the control of the control valves |99 and |9| and that the turntable may be rotated, the rear end of the rear discharge conveyor elevated and the reverse clutches operated under the control of the control valves |11, |19 and |19. f

The general mode of operation of this illustrative embodiment of the improved mining and loading apparatus is as follows: The apparatus may be propelled about the mine at a high transport speed by the motor |99 under the control of the high speed friction clutch |91. Whenthe working place is reached and it is desired to cut and break down the coal from themine wall andto load the broken down coal, the cutting and dislodging bars are moved into the sumping position shown in Fig. 2, with the lower ends of the'` bars in adjacency to ther mine door at the coal face. Hydraulic pressure is thensupplied to the cylinders 99 and the cutting and dislodging bars are swung abouttheir pivotal axis with respect to the arm structure or boom from the'full line position indicated at A in Fig. 14 to the dotted line position indicated atB inthat figure, the cutter bars assuming at that time a position in substantial alinement with the longitudinal axis of the arm structure. When the bars have been sumped into the coal, h draulic pressure is supplied to the cylinders 9| efectswinging of the arm structure upwardly about its pivotal axi u relative to the turntable to move the cutting an dislodging bars upwardly in a vertical direction in an arcuate path about the pivotal axis of thel arm structure until the bars assume the dotted line position indicated at C in Fig. 14. Hydraulic pressure is then supplied to the cylinders 99 to effect swinging of the bars about their pivot relative to the arm structure until the bars assume` the dotted line position indicated at D in Fig. 14, and as shown in full lines in Fig. 15, thereby withdrawing the bars from the coal face. As the cutting and dislodging bars are sumped in. swung upwardly andwithdrawn from ,the coal face, a series of relatively thin parallel vertical kerfs or slots are cutin the mine wall to form a series of vertical cores, and as cuttingl progresses the wedging rollers on the cutter chains act on the sides of the cores between the kerfs to break down sections of the cores. The dislodged coal is thrown rearwardly by the rapidly moving cutterchains over the receiving plate and onto the front conveyor I4 by which it is conveyed rearl tudinally of theapparatus to a suitable point of disposal, such as a mine car or other suitable receptacle. In other words, as the bars are sumped in, swung vertically and withdrawn from the coal face, the cutter chains cut parallel vertical kerfs in the coal to form parallel cores, and as cutting progresses the wedging rollers on the cutter chains periodically break down sections of the cores and the cutter chains act to move with a sweeping action the broken down coal onto the front conveyor. B'y supplying hydraulic pressure to the cylinders 19, the turntable may be rotated to move the cutting and dislodging bars horizontally into various angular positions relative tothe base, it being possible to swing the cutting and dislodging bars to a right angle position at either side of the trackway, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 13. By supplying hydraulic pressure tothe cylinders 94, the rear end of the vrear discharge conveyor 9 may be elevated as desired; Y

In the modied'iorm of the invention shown in Figs. 16 to 26, inclusive, the. mining andloading apparatus is generally the same as that described above, with the main exceptions that the cutting and dislodging bars are mounted to swing downwardly during the cutting and dislodging operation, and that the front conveyor is supported and adjustable independently of the arm structure or boom, and the turntable hopper is omitted. 'Iliis form of the invention comprises a portable base 299, herein in the form of a truck frame supported on wheels 29| adapted to travel along a mine trackway 292. Mounted on the upper front portion of the vtruck frame above the truck wheels is a horizontal turntable 293 having supported thereon an upstanding frame structure 294. Pivotally mounted at 295 on this frame structure is a vertically swingable elongated arm structure or boom 299, in turn havcharge conveyor 2l1 for receiving the coal discharged from the front elevating conveyor. The rearward portion of the discharge conveyor is pivoted at 2|! for vertical swinging movement of their piston rods pivotally connected at 25| to links 252 in turn pivotally connected at 253 to brackets 254 attached to the cutter bar hanger frames. The means for swinging the front con- 5 veyor support 2|0 vertically about its pivot comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 255 likewise pivotally mounted ,on the cross bar 246 and arranged between the hydraulic cylinders 245 beneath the front conveyor support 2|0. These cyl- 1o inders 255 contain reciprocable pistons having the forward extremities of their piston rods pivotally connected at 256 to brackets 251 attached to the bottom of the front conveyor support 2 I0. It will thus be seen that by supplying hydraulic preswith respect to the non-tiltable forward portion sure to the cylinders 245, 250 and 255, the arm thereof.

The core cutting andrdislodging bars 2|9 and the endless cutting and core breaking chains 220 guided thereon are the same as those in the form of theinvention above described. The driving means for the endless chains comprises a relatively powerful motor 22| (Fig. 18), the casing of which forms an intermediate portion of the arm structure 206, and the power shaft 222 of this motor is preferably arranged with its axis extending longitudinally of the arm structure. Fixed to the forward end of the motor power shaft is a clutch member 223 connectible by a sliding clutch member 224 to a clutch member 225 xed to a shaft 226, herein'arranged with its axis alined with the motor power shaft axis. The sliding clutch member 224 has any suitable operating means. Fixed to and driven by the shaft 226 is a bevel gear 221 meshing with a large bevel gear 228 (Hg. 21) keyed to a horizontal shaft 229. The shaft 229 extends transversely of the arm structure and is suitably journaled therein. Keyed to the opposite ends of the shaft 229 and driven thereby-are chain sprockets 230, which drive, through endless chains 23|, chain sprockets 232 fixed to a drive shaft 233 for the cutter chains. Also fixed to the shaft 229 and driven thereby is a chain sprocket 234, vwhich drives, through an endless chain 235, a sprocket 236 (see Fig.,20). Formed integral Awith and driven'by the sprocket 236 is a chain sprocket 231, and the sprockets 236, 231 are journaled on a bearing sleeve 238 supported by a transverse shaft 239, in turn supported by the upstanding l 50 associated end portion of the cable so that the frame structure 204. The chain sprocket 231 drives, through an endless chain 240, a chain sprocket 24| keyed to a horizontal transversely extending shaft 242, herein arranged parallel with and below the shaft 239 and likewise journaled within the upstanding frame structure 204. Keyed to the shaft 242 are chain sprockets 243, 243 which engage and drive the endless side chains 2I3 of the front elevating conveyor.

The means for swinging the arm structure or boom 206 vertically about its pivot with respect to the turntable comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 245 pivotally mounted on a cross bar 246 supported by depending portions 241 of the upstanding frame structure 204, and these cyllnders each contain a reciprocable piston having its piston rod 248 pivotally connected at 249 to structure or boommay be swung vertically relative to the turntable, the cutting and dislodging bars may be swung vertically about their pivot relative to the arm structure, and the front con- 2'0 veyor support may be swung vertically about its pivot. By trapping the liquid within these cylinders.- the parts may be maintained in their adjusted position.

The turntable 203 is journaled in bearing 25 sleeves 260 supported within a bearing annulus 26| secured to the top of the truck frame. A retaining annulus 262 secured to the turntable frame underlies the bottom bearing sleeve and the bearing annulus 26| to retain the turntable 30 in position. The means for rotating the turntable within its bearing annulus with respect to the truck frame comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 263, 263 mounted on the top of the truck frame at the opposite sides of the latter and beneath the rear discharge conveyor in the manner shown'in Figs. 16 and 17, and each cylinder contains a reciprocable piston having its piston rod 264 extending rearwardly through the rear packed head of the cylinder. Journaled within 40 brackets 265 secured to the rear ends of the piston rods are sheaves 266. Attached to the turntable frame and guided within an arcuate rope guiding groove 261 formed on the turntable periphery is a rope 268 having its ends passing 5 around the guide sheaves 266 and attached at 269 turntable may be rotated in one direction or the other with respect to the truck frame. By trapping the liquid within the cylinders the turntable may be locked in its adjusted position. The' discharge conveyor 2|1, as previously stated, is, ini

this embodiment of the invention, mounted for horizontal swinging movement with respect to the turntable, and the pivotal mounting structure therefor comprises a swivel frame 21| havn ing a peripheral flange 212 journaled in bearing sleeves 213 supported by a bearing annulus 214 attached to the top of the turntable frame. Secured to the bottom of the swivel frame 21| is a plate 215 on which is supported a motor 216.

55 The motor power shaft 211 has keyed thereto a `chain sprocket 218, which drives, Ithrough an endless chain 219, a chain sprocket 280 keyed to a horizontal shaft 28|. The shaft 28| extends transversely of the conveyor frame and is suitably journaled thereon, and keyed to and driven by the shaft are chain sprockets 282 which engage and drive the endless side chains of the rear conveyor. It will thus be seen that the motor 216 is capable of driving the rear conveyor reciprocable piston having the forward ends 76 irrespective of its horizontally swiveled position with respect to the turntable. Any suitable locking means may be employed for lockingthe swivel frame against movement relative to the turntable frame. as for instance a locking pin receivable in locking apertures formed in the swivel frame ange 212.

able portion of the rear conveyor frame. It willthus be seen that hydraulic pressure may be supplied to the cylinders 285 to vary the elevation of the rear discharge end of the discharge conveyor. If desired, a hydraulically operated swinging mechanism. similar to the rotating mechanism for the turntable, may be mounted on the turntable frame to effect swinging of the discharge conveyor horizontally relative to the turntable.

T he truck wheel driving mechanism driven by the motor |00 mounted on the rearward portion of the truck frame is the same as that described above, and. in a similar manner, this motor |00 drives a pump arranged within an oil tank for supplying hydraulic pressure to the various hydraulically operated devices of the apparatus.

As shown in Fig. 17, mounted on the side of the truck frame is a horizontal valve box 29| (see also Fig. 23) having formed therein a series of vertical valve bores containing. respectively, rotary control valves 232, 233, 234, 285. 296 and 281. This valve box is similar in design to that disclosed in Fig. 12 and has similar liquid pressure intake and discharge passages, the intake passage connected. as above described, by a conduit |83 to the intake of the pump |14, and the discharge passage connected by a conduit |85 to the oil tank.l The valve 291 has its bore ccnnected by conduits 298 and 299 to the opposite ends of the cylinders 255 for elevating and depressing the front conveyor support. The valve 296 has its bore connected through conduits 300 and 30| to the opposite ends of the cylinders 250 for swinging the series oi' parallel core cutting and dislodging bars about their pivotal axes relative to the arm structure or boom. The bore for the valve 295 is connected by conduits 302 and 303 to the opposite ends of the cylinders 245 for swinging th'e arm structure or boom vertically relative to the turntable. The bore of the valve 284 is connected by conduits 304 and 305 to the opposite ends of the cylinders 285 for vertically swinging the rearward portion of the rear discharge conveyor. The bore of the valve 293 is speed by the motor |00 under the control of the high speed friction clutc |01. When the working place is reached, and t is desired to cut and dislodge the coal from lthe mine wall and to load the broken down coal, the cutting and dislodging bars are moved into the sumping position as shown in Figs. 24 and 25, with the upper ends of the bars in adjacency to the mine rooi'. at the coal face. Hydraulic pressure is then lsupplied to the cylinders 250 and the cutting anddislodging bars are swung downwardly about their pivotal axis with respect to the arm structure or boom from the full line position indicated at A in Fig. 25

1B to the dotted line position indicated at B in that connected by conduits 306 and 301 to the opposite ends of the operating cylinder |55 for the truck drive reverse clutches, and the bore of the valve 282 is connected by conduits 308 and 308 to the forward ends of the cylinders 253 for rotating the turntable. As in the form of the invention above described, the rear ends of the cylinders 263 are connected to the oil tank through conduits 3|0, 3i i. so that any oil leaking past the pistons may dow back'to the oil tank.

'I'he general mode ot operation of the modied form of the improved mining and loading apparatus is as follows: As in the form of the in- `vention above described, the apparatus may be propelled about the mine at a high transport figure, the cutter bars assuming at that time a position in substantial alinement with the longitudinal axis ofthe arm structure. Whe'n the bars have been sumped into the coal, hydraulic pressure is supplied to the cylinders 245 to effect swinging of the arm structure downwardly about its pivotal axis relative to the turntable to move the cutting and dislodging bars downwardly in a vertical direction in an arcuate path about the Pivotal axis of the arm structure until the bars assume the dotted line position indicated at C in Fig. 26. Hydraulic pressure is then supplied tothe cylinders 250 to eil'ect swinging of the bars -about their pivot `relative to the arm structure until the bars assume the full line position indicated at D in Fig. 26, thereby eiecting the withdrawal cut. As the cutting and dislodging bars are sumped in, swung downwardly and withdrawn from the coal face, a series of relatively thin, parallel vertical kerfs are cut in the mine wall to form a series of vertical cores, and as cutting progresses, the wedging rollers on the cutter chains act on the sides of the cores between the kerfs to break down sections oi.' the cores. The dislodged coal is moved rearwardly by the rapidly moving cutter chains onto the receiving nose of the front conveyor by which it is fed rearwardly onto the rear discharge conveyor. the coa-l being moved by the latter rearwardly longitudinally of the apparatus to a suitable point of disposal, such as a min'e car or other suitable receptacle. It is accordingly evident that as the core cutting and core breaking bars are sumped in, swung vertically and withdrawn from the coal face, the cutter chains cut parallel vertical kerfs in the coal to form parallel cores, and as cutting progresses the wedging rollers on the cutter chains periodically break down sections of the cores and the cutter chains act to move, with a sweeping action, the broken down coal lonto the front conveyor. By supplying hydraulic pressure to the cylinders 255 the receiving nose oi' the iront conveyor may be elevated from the mine iioor, and by supplying hydraulic pressure to the cylinders 263 the turntable may be rotated to move the 'cutting and dislodging bars horizontally into various angular positions relative to the base, it

being possible to swing thecutting and dislodging bars to a right angle position at either side of the trackway, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 24. By supplying hydraulic pressure to the cylinders 286 the rear end of the rear discharge conveyor may be elevated as desired, and the rear dischargeconveyor may be swung horizontally relative to the turntable into the dotted line positions indicated at 24 or any desired intermediate

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