US1968769A - Mining machine - Google Patents

Description

July 31, 1934. M, P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Filed Aug. 5, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l 45 @Myx Jly 31, 1934. M P, HQLMES- 1,968,769

-MINING MACHINE Filed Aug` 5, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 3l, i934 UNITE STATES AEN MINING Mamani i; 1

Morris P. lllolmes, Claremont, lil. ll., assigner to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts This invention relates to mining machines, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to improvements in mining machine feeding mechanisms of the type which is employed in the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type of mining machines and which employs a flexible feeding element.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining machine. Another object is to provide an improved mining machine feeding mechanism. A further object is to provide improved fiexible feeding means for a mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type. Still another object is to provide an improved feeding mechanism particularly adapted for use in mining machines of the longwall type. Yet another object is to provide an improved ilexible feeding means for a coal mining machine wherein a feed operating member cooperating with a flexible feeding element is employed and driven by improved plural speed transmission mechanism, whereby the feed operating member is driven in an improved manner in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means at either a relatively low cutting speed or a relatively high machine moving speed. A still further object is to provide improved plural speed transmission mechanism for a mining machine feeding mechanism wherein a comparatively small number of moving parts are employed, and which is both rugged and compact. Another object is to provide an improved plural speed transmission mechanism for the actuation of the feed operating member of a mining machine, in which variable speed drive and wide range of cutting speeds are obtainable. Still another object` of the invention is to provide an improved variable speed driving mechanism for the feed operating member of a mining machine employing but few parts and yet providing a range of feeding speeds from zero to the maximum speed for which the mechanism is designed.- These and other objects of the invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear in the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, in which there is shown, for purposes of illustration, one form which the invention may assume in practice,-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a. longwall mining machine having embodied therein the illustrative form of the feeding mechanism;

Fig. 2 is an emerged horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 2 2 of Fig. 3 and illustrating the improved plural speed transmission mechanism and associated controlling means;

Fig. 3 is an approximately central longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on the broken line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4.-;

Fig. 6 is a vertical `transverse section taken substantially on the line 6 6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary view, partially in elevation and partially in section, showing portions of the transmission mechanism shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a transverse section on line 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical section substantially on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7.

In the illustrativeembodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the improved tienible feeding means is shown embodied in a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting, longwallI type, generally comprising a frame 1 having a bottom plane surface 2 and adapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor. Pivotally'mounted at 3 for horizontal swinging movement about a vertical axis is a cutter bar 4 carrying on its margin a usual endless cutter chain 5. As is common in mining machines of the type disclosed, the cutter bar 4 is swingable into different angular relations to the machine frame and is adapted to be locked. in its different positions, herein by a rotary locking pin 6 carried by the cutter bar and engageable with notches 7 formed in the outer periphery of a flange 8 integral with the frame 1.

The machine is fed over the mine floor at a relatively high machine moving speed or at a number of relatively low cutting speeds by means of a usual feed operating member, herein a haulage or cable winding drum member 9 arranged for rotation upon a vertical axis and having wound thereon a usual flexible feed rope or cable -10. Arranged at opposite sides of the drum 9 are guide sheaves 11 for guiding the feed cable relativelyv to theV feed drum during the various operations of the machine. The feed cable is connectible to the locking pin 6 in a usual manner, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and when the locking pin is released the feed cable may be wound in by the haulage drum to effect swinging of the cutter bar about its pivot. During feeding of the machine along the coal face, the feed cable is extended from the haulage drum 9 in the manner indicated in full lines in Fig. 1, and is connected at its free end to a suitable anchpr or jack located in advance of the machine adjacent the coal face; and as the cable is wound in, the machine is fed bodily over the mine floor in a manner well understood in the art.

The cutter chain 5 and the haulage drum 9 are driven by a motor 12, which is herein shown as of the reversible electric type, having its power shaft 13 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine, the motor being indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1. Through connections `,not shown, but which may advantageously take the form disclosed in my Patent No. 1,815,872, Julyl 21, 1931, the rearward end of the motor shaft 13 may drive, at the will of the operator, the cutter chain 5.

Now referring ,tov the improved plural speed transmission mechanism4 between the motor power shaft 13 and the haulage drum 9, it will be, noted that keyed to one end of the motor power shaft 13 is a spur pinion 14 meshing, as shown in Fig. 6, with an elongated gear 16 suitably journaled within the machine frame and meshing with a spur gear 18 keyed at 19 to a transmission shaft 20. The shaft 20 is horizontally disposed and is arranged with its axis parallel with the axis of the motor shaft, as shown in Fig. 2, and is journaled in bearings 21, 22 carried by the machine frame and arranged, -respectively, at the rearward end of the shaft and adjacent the front end of the latter, the rearward bearing cooperating with a hub 23 on the gear 18. A worm 24 surrounds the shaft 20 and is rotatablewith respect thereto. Its driving connections, which provide for worm rotation at a predetermined relatively high speed and at a predetermined relatively lowspeed, and intermittent rotation at a number of still lower mean rates, will be shortly hereinafter described. The worm 24 meshes with and drives a worm wheel 25 rotatable in bearings 27 and 28 carried by the machine frame. Journaled within the worm wheel 25 is a vertical shaft 29 carrying apinion 30 at its lower end. The pinion 30 meshes with an internal gear 31 formed within the winding drum 9. Connection of the worm wheel 25 with the vertical shaft 29 may be effected by movement of a clutch element 33 which is annular and formed adjacent its upper end with a cam surface 34. Projecting within the interior of the clutch element 33 are interlocking clutch plungers 35 slidably mounted in the radial chambers 36 formed in a portion of the mounting of the Worm wheel 25. Each of these plungers is grooved at its opposite sides, as at 37, to provide recesses Y within which coiled' springs 38 are arranged,

the latter tending to hold the clutch plungers in their outermost or released position. The inner ends of these plungers, when in their inner, power transmitting position, engage slots or grooves 39 formed in the shaft 29. Each-of the clutch plungers is provided with an inclined surface 40 complementary to the cam surface 34 on the clutch member 33. Downward movement of the clutch member 33 obviously, through interaction between the cam surface 34 and the cam surfaces 40, will cause inward movement of the clutch members .35, and locking together in driving relation'of the worm wheel -25 and the shaft 29 which supports the driving pinion 30. The operating mechanism for the clutch member 33 will be hereinafter described. Obviously when the worm wheel 25 is rotating and the vclutch members 35 are connecting the same in driving relationwith the pinion 30, the winding drum 9 will be rotated. A

Fast speed rotation of theworm 24 is effected herein by direct connection of the worm with weave@ thegear 18, the rearward end of the worm 24 being provided herein with an integral sleeve portion 42 carrying a series of ribs 43 which cooperate with the members 44 of a friction clutch 45. The other members 46 of the friction clutch are connected in non-rotative relation to the gear element 18 and are housed within a sleeve portion 47 of the latter. A ball bearing clutch applying ring 48 is operative to transmit the pressure of a clutch shipper element 49, which is pivotally supported at 50 on the machine frame, to effect loading of the friction clutch 45 and thereby to effect connection between the gear 18 and the worm 24. Continuous'I rotation of the Worm 24 at a slow speed and intermittent rotation at a number of different still slower mean speeds, is effected herein by the following mechanism. The front end of the shaft 20 carries a worm 51 keyed thereto at 52 and meshing with a worm wheel 53 having a hollow shaft 54 journaled at 55, 56 in the machine frame. The upper end of the shaft 54 has keyed thereto at 57 a driving pinion 58 which meshes with a gear 59 keyed at 60 to the upper end of a worm 61 rotatably supported at 62, 63 in the machine frame. The worm 61, which rotates on a vertical axis parallel to the axis of the worm wheel 53, engages and drives a worm wheel 64 rotatably supported by,a ball bearing 65 upon the shaft 20 near the bearing 22. The worm wheel 64 has a sleeve portion 66 to which discs 67 of a friction clutch 68 are connected in non-rotative relation. The other discs 69 of this clutch are secured in non-rotative relation to a sleeve 70, herein formed integral with the forward end of the worm 24. A ball bearing clutch applying element 72 is movable by a clutch shipper 73 to apply pressure to the friction clutch 68 and effect drive of the worm 24 by the worm wheel 64. The shipper 73 is pivotally supported at 74 on the machine frame.

At its forward end the worm wheel member 64 is provided with a cam surface 76 (see Fig. 7) which is adapted to cooperate with a hardened pin 77 slidably supported in a bore 78 in the cap member 79 which positions the bearing 22. At its forward end the pin 77 is pivotally connected at 80 with one end of a lever 81, whose opposite end 82 is plvotally connected to a threaded member 83 which receives the forward end of a threaded rod 84. The rearward end of the rod 84 is provided with an enlargement 85 forming a shoulder 86, and a spring 87 is compressed between a nut 88 cooperating with the threaded forward end of the rod 84 and a collar 89 slidably mounted upon the rod 84 adjacent the rearward end of thelatter and normally engaging the shoulder 86. The enlarged rearward end of the rod 84 passes through a trunnion device 91 supported by the shipper member 73 which carries, at its opposite side from its pivots 74, clutch applying elements 92. It will be evident from lthe foregoing description that movement to the left of the rod 84 in Figs. 2 and 7 will rel sult in the transmission of no pressure to the clutch shipper member 73 until the sliding collar 89 engages the end of the trunnion device 91; but that further movement to the left, in these gures, of the rod 84 will thereafter impart a load to the shipper member 73 which will be determined by the extent of the movement of the rod and the degree of compression of the spring 87. The pin 77 may be held against sliding movement in the bore 78 when desired, bymeans of any suitable device, such as, herein, a setscrew 93 threadedly supported in the top of the cap l ra , member 79. A movable fulcrum for the lever 81 is provided by trunnion devices 94 which are held upon a longitudinally movable rod 95 between a shoulder 96 on the latter and a collar 97 pinned to the rod.

The rearward end of the longitudinally movable rod`95 carries a nut 98 which on forward movement of the rod applies pressure to trunnion devices 99 surrounding the rod 95 and pivotally mounted in the outer end of the shipper member 49. The rod 95 also carries, at a point between the clutch shipper members, a collar 101 splined thereto at 102 and connected by a link 103 with a shipper member 104 pivotally supported at 105 by the top plate of the machine frame and carrying a fork 106 provided with elements 107 engaging in an annular groove 108 in the clutch member 33.

The rod 95 extends through a sleeve 111 which is secured in a bore 112 in the front end of the machine frame in a manner to permit rotation but to preclude longitudinal movement. The rod itself has a sliding connection with the sleeve 111 by means of a key or spline 113 and keyway (not shown). Rotation 'of the sleeve 112 may be effected by means of a handle 114 carrying a pin 115 which is engageable in a'series of openingsv 116 arcuately arranged in the front end of the machine frame. Movement ofthe handle 114 upwardly transmits rotation to the rod 95 and, through the collar 101, link 103, lever 104, etc., applies a downward pressure to the clutch member 33 and forces inwardly theclutch members 35 to connect the worm wheel in driving relation with the pinion 30. Obviously, opposite movement will release the drive betweenv vthe worm wheel 25 and pinion 30. Movement of the shaft 95 longitudinally is effected by means of a nut member 117 provided with a grasping portion 118 and threadedly connected at 119 with the front end of the rod 95. A groove 120 cooperates with a lip 121 carried by the sleeve 111, to hold the nut member v117 against longitudinal movement while permitting ready rotation thereof in opposite directions. Rotation of the nut member in a direction to cause movement of the rod 95 toward the right in Figs. 2 and 7 results in loading of the friction clutch and driving of the Worm 24 directly by the gear 18. Rotation of the nut 117 in a direction to effect movement of the rod 95 toward the left in Figs. 2 and 7 moves the fulcrum 94 of the lever 81 toward the left, and thereby moves the pin 77 into engagement with the cam 76; and upon movement of the fulcrum sufiiciently far to the left the other end of the lever 81 will have suiiicient throw so that the shoulder 86 will pass inside the trunnion devises 91 and permit the collar 89 to contact with the trunnion devices and the spring 87 to load the friction clutch 68. Obviously, when the spring 87 is under sufficient compression so that it will yield only when a pressure adequate to effect power transmission through the discs of the friction clutch` 68 is applied to the collar 94, the adjustment of the fulcrum device 9.6 may effect rotation of the worm 24 at a slow speed by the worm Wheel 64 for any desired part of each revolution of the latter. When the rod 95 is moved to the left so far that the collar 89 continuously presses, under the pressure of the spring, against the fulcrum device 91, continuous rotation of the worm 24 will take place and the spring 87 will compress during each rotation of the worm wheelr 64 an amount substantially equal to the full throw of the cam 76; but since the load of the spring is desirably above the minimum necessary to effect power transmission through the friction clutch/discs, there will be no release even when the lowest point in the cam 76 is opposite the pin 77. However, by moving the rod 95 graduated amounts toward the right in Figs. 2 and 7, the period of drive during each rotation of the worm wheel 64 may be progressively reduced until it is entirely discontinued.

Obviously, if the setscrew 93 is used to lock the pin 77 in a position where it is not engaged by the cam 76 at all, there will be no variation in the speed transmitted, but there will ybe a definitely limited pressure applied through the spring 87 to the friction clutch 68, and a predetermined slow speed drive adapted to slip on overloading will be available. Obviously, if desired, the cam 76, pin 77, etc. may be omitted and a fixed fulcrum provided at the point and a solid, unyielding connection instead of the yielding connection through the spring 87 substituted so as to permit any desired loading of the low speed friction.

From the foregoing description the mode of operation of this mechanism will be clearly apparent, and as the use of longwall coal mining machines of the type disclosed is well understood by those skilled in the art, a detailed redescription of the mode of operation would be a needless repetition. The machine may be moved from place to place by the'proper loading of the clutch 45. It may be fed at any desired speed from its maximum slow speed down to zero, by proper adjustment of the fulcrum 94. The bar may be swung under the coal by the feed rope 10, and the machine fed along the face by the feed rope under complete control of the operator through manipulation of the hand rotatable nut ,117, overloading will be prevented, in the illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings, bythe presence of the spring 87. The feed drive may be `disconnected merely by rotation of the lever 114.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved mining machine feeding mechanism is provided which is of a rugged and compact character, and which is particularly adapted to use in coal mining machines of the longwalltype wherein the special dimensions are restricted to a minimum and wherein at times substantial variations in feeding speed are of importance. 1,25

It will further be noted that by arranging the fast and slow drive trains and arranging the main feed clutch in the manner disclosed, a very convenient and simple operating mechanism for all of the clutches used in the control of the feed of the machine is made possible. It will further be noted that a continuous slow feed and an intermittent slow feed are both available by the same mechanism, permitting in a single machine either type of feed if there is any choice under peculiar circumstances. Further advantages will be ap-` pa'rent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application specifically described one form which my invention may assume 1 in practice, and certain modifications thereof, it will be understood that these are shown for purposes of illustration only, and that the invention may be further modified and embodied in various vother forms without departing from its spirit or with flexible feeding means, and motor operated 15 driving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatable on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member and motor operated predetermined fast and variable slow speed drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a variable speed device separate and distinct from said fast speed drive.

2. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with'flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member and motor operated predetermined fast and variable slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a variable speed device separate and distinct from said fast speed drive.

3. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a worm, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member, and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial with said first mentioned worm and driving connections between said worms.

4. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member and ymotor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a worm gear and a second worm both coaxial with said first mentioned worm.

5. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member, and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial with said first mentioned worm and variable speed driving connections between said worms.

6. In a. mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member. including a worm, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member, and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial with said rst mentioned worm and selective continuous or intermittent driving connections between said worms,

7. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving'means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said worm and said feed operating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial with said first mentioned worm and selective continuous or variable intermittent driving connections between said worms.

8. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving connections therefor including a worm and motor operated driving means for said worm including a gear coaxial with said worm at one end of the latter, means for connecting the worm directly thereto, and worm gearing disposed at the opposite end of said worm and operatively connectible in driving relation with the last mentioned end thereof.

9. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving connections therefor including a worm and motor operated driving means for said worm including a gear coaxial with said worm at one end of the latter, means for connecting the worm directly thereto, and worm gearing driven by said gear and disposed at the opposite end of said worm and operatively connectible with the last mentioned end thereof.

l0. In a mining machine, in` combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a driving worm operatively connected therewith and driving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxial therewith and rotatable relative thereto, said worm gear being connectible to said worm to effect drive thereof, releasable means for connecting said worm gear to said worm, and driving means for said worm gear including a worm coaxial therewith.

11. In a mining machine, in combination, a fee-d operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a driving worm operatively connected therewith, and driving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxial therewith and connectible thereto to effect drive thereof, driving means for said worm gear including a worm coaxial therewith, and means for effecting intermittent or continuous connection between said worm gear and first mentioned worm.

l2. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a driving worm operatively connected therewith, and driving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxial therewith and connectible thereto to effect drive thereof, driving means for said worm gear including a worm coaxial therewith, and means for effectingintermittent or continuous connection between said worm gear 'and first mentioned worm, said means for effecting intermittent connection including a cam coaxial with said worm wheel.

13. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a driving worm operatively connected therewith and driving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxial therewith and dconnectible thereto to effect drive thereof, driving means for said worm gear including a worm coaxial therewith, and means for effecting liti incarne intermittent or continuous connection between said Worm gear and first mentioned worm, said means for effecting intermittent connection in cluding a cam coaxial with said worm wheel and rotating therewith.

la. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including a yielding connection, and means for intermittently or continuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extent sumcient to effect drive of said feed operating member including means controllable to provide automatically repeated intermittent tensionings to the extent specied.

l5. In. a. mining machine, in combinatioma feed operating member adapted to cooperate di-n rectly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including a yielding connece tion, and means for intermittently or continuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effect drive of said feed operating member including a cam, a lever arranged for actuation thereby and operatively connected to said yielding connection, and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary the range of actuation thereof.

16. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with nexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including a yielding connection, and means for intermittently or continuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effect drive of said feed operating member including a cam, a lever arranged for actuation thereby and operatively connected to said yielding connection, and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary the range of actuation thereof, said shifting means providing a range of adjustment permitting constant ten` sioning of said yielding connection.

17. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including a yielding connection, and means for intermittently or continuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effect drive of said feed operating member including a cam coaxial with said clutch, a lever arranged for actuation by said cam and operatively connected to said yielding connection, and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary the range of actuation thereof.

, 18. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including aworm, driving elements for said worm coaxial therewith and rotating at dif-l ferent speeds, friction clutches for respectively connecting said driving elements with said worm, and means for effecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device and means for intermittently'or continuously maintaining said device under load.,

19. In a mining machine of the class described, feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving, and controlling means for said member including feeding speed controlling clutch mechanism, -a feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatory movements, means operated thereby on rotary movement to operate said feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, and means operated thereby on translatory movement for controlling said feeding speed controlling clutch mechanism.

20. In a mining machine of the class described, feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with nexible feeding means, and driving and controlling means for said member including a plurality of feeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms, a feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatory movements, means operated thereby on rotary movement to operate said feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, and means operated thereby on opposite translatory movement for effecting alternative connection of said feeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms.

2l. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feedingmeans, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a tubular driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor op Sti lll@

erated fast and slow speed drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a driving element extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

22. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a tubular driving element rotatable on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a driving element extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

23. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a. tubular driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor operated predetermined fast and variable slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a driving element extending centrall through said tubular driving element. j

24. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a. driving gear rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said driving gear and said feed operating member including a gear meshing withsaid gear and motor operated predetermined fast and variable slow speed drives arranged aft and connectible with opposite ends of said driving gear.

operating member including a. gear meshing withy lid said gear and motor operated fast and slow speed drives arranged at and connectible with opposite ends of said driving gear, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said driving gear and driving connections between said driving element and gear.

26. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate di rectly with exible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving gear rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said driving gear and said feed operating member including a gear meshing with said gear and motor operated fast and slow speed drives arranged at and connect= ible with opposite ends of said driving gear, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said driving gear and driving connections between said driving ele:- ment and gear.

27. 'in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate di rectly with iiexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said iced operating member including a driving gear, driving connections between said driving gear and said feed operating member including a gear meshing with said gear and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving gear, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said driving gear and variable speed driving connections between said driving element and gear.

28. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with ilexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving gear rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said driving gear and said feed operating member including a gear meshing with said gear and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving gear, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said driving gear and variable speed driving connections between said driving element and gear. f

29. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a second relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said rst mentioned driving element and selective continuous or 4intermittent driving connections between said driving elements.

3o. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of `said driving element, said slow speed drive including a second relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said first mentioned reeavee l driving element and selective continuous or variable intermittent driving connections between said driving elements.

31. ln a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the ma= chine, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor operated. fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a second relatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said iirst mentioned driving element and selective continuous or variable intermittent driving connections between said driving elements.

32. "in a mining machine, in combination, a :leed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving connections therefor including a tubular driving element and motor operated driving means for said driving element including a gear coaxial with said driving element at one end of the y latter, means for connecting said gear directly thereto, gearing disposed at the opposite end of.

said driving element and operatively connectible in driving relation with the last mentioned end thereof, and a drive shaft for said latter gearing arranged coaxially with and extending through said tubular driving element.

33. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving connections therefor including a tubular driving element and motor operated driving means for said element including a gear coaxial with said driving element at one end of the latter, means for connecting said driving element directly thereto, gearing driven by said gear and disposed at the opposite end of said driving element and operatively connectible with the last mentioned end thereof, and a drive shaft for said latter gearing arranged coaxially with and extending through said tubular driving element.

Eli. In a mining machine, in combination, 'a feed operating member adapted to` cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a tubular driving element operatively connectible therewith and driving means for said driving element including a gear coaxial therewith and connectible thereto to edect drive thereof and driving means for said gear including a gear coaxial therewith and a drive shaft extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

35. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a driving element operatively connectible therewith and driving means for said driving element including a gear coaxial therewith and connectible thereto to eifect drive thereof and driving means for said gear including a gear coaxial therewith and means for effecting intermittent or continuous connection be tween said nrst mentioned gear and said driving element.

36. In a mining machine, in combination, a

feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a. driving element op-l eratively connectible therewith and driving means for said driving element including a gear coaxial lill@ lili@ lill@ lill therewith and connectible thereto to effect drive thereof and driving means for said gear including a gear coaxial therewith and means for effecting intermittent or continuous connection between said rst mentioned gear and said driving element, said means for effecting intermittent connection including a cam coaxial with said first mentioned gear;

37'. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a driving element operatively connectible therewith and driving .means for said driving element including a gear coaxial therewith and connectible thereto to effect ldrive thereof and driving means for said gear including a gear coaxial therewith and means for effecting intermittent or continuous connection between said iirst mentioned gear and said driving. element, said means for effecting intermittent connection including a cam coaxial with said first mentioned gear and rotating therewith.

38. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means for said clutch including a yielding connection and means actuated by a moving element of said driving means and operative selectively for either :function while said element is in motion, for intermittently or continuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effect drive of said feed operating member.

39. In a mining machine, in combination, a feedoperating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a worm, driving elements for said worm coaxial therewith and rotating at different speeds, friction clutches for respectively connecting said driving elements with the opposite ends of said worm and means for effecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device.

40. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a worm, driving elements for said worm coaxial therewith and rotating at different speeds, friction clutches for respectively connecting said driving elements with the opposite ends of said worm and means for effecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device, and means driven by-an element of said driving means for effecting intermittent loading of said device.

41. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including a yielding connection, and means for variably tensioning said -yielding connection including a cam, a lever arranged for actuation thereby and operatively connected to said yielding connection and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary the J range of actuation thereof.

42. In a mining machine, in combination, a

-feed operating member adapted to cooperate dinected to said yielding connection and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary the range of actuation thereof, said shifting means providing a range of adjustment permitting'constant tensioning of said yielding connection.

43. Inv a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including a yielding connection, and means for variably tensioning said yielding connection including a cam coaxial with said clutch, alever arranged for actuation by said cam and operatively connected to said yielding connection and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary the range of actuation thereof.

A 4a. In a mining machine, of the class described, in combination, a rotatable feed member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for effecting rotation of said member at either a high or a low speed including a high speed gear train, a low speed gear train driven through an element of said high speed gear train, said low speed gear train having a friction controlling clutch through which power is transmitted to effect drive of said member at a low` speed, and means actuated by an element of said low speed gear train for effecting intermittent application and release of said friction clutch to effect rotation of said feed member intermittently in winding direction at a low speed.

r4,5. In a mining machine of the class described, in combination, a rotatable feed member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for effecting rotation of said member at either a high or a low speed including a high speed gear train, a low speed gear train driven through an element of said high speed gear train, said low speed gear train having a friction controlling clutch through which power is transmitted to effect drive of said member at a low speed, means actuated by an element of said low speed gear train for effecting intermittent application and release of said friction clutch to effect rotation of said feed member intermittently in winding direction at a low speed, and means operable at will for rendering said last mentioned means inoperative to effect rotation of said feed member in winding direction at a continuous low speed slightly higher than said intermittent low speed drive.

46. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for saidv feed operating member including a worm rotatable on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said Wworm and said feed operating member, a motor operated fast speed drive and a separate and distinct motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said worm.

47. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding 'means and motor operated driving means for said feed operating ymember including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating membera motor operated fast speed drive and a separate and distinct motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said driving element. A

48. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element disposed on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, a motor operated fast speed drive and a separate and distinct motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said driving element.

49. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means'for said feed operating member including a driving element disposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, a motor operated fast speed drive and a separate and distinct motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said driving element. A

5G. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, a predetermined high speed drive for said element, and a variable low speed drive for said element whose maximum driving speed is substantially less than said predetermined high speed, said low speed drive including a friction clutch and means actuated by an element of said driving means for intermittently effecting application and release of said clutch to effect unidirectional intermittent low 'speed operation of said driving element.

operated driving means for said feed operating member including a feeding speed controlling clutch mechanism and a feed connecting and disconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for controlling said mechanisms including a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatory movements and having connections with said clutch mechanism respectively effective to operatethe feed connecting and disconnecting clutch mechanism on rotary movement of said member and to effect operation of the feeding speed controlling mechanism on translatory movement of said member, means for eecting rotary movement of said primary operating member to effect operation of said feed connecting and disconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for imparting to said primary operating member a translatory movement to effect operation of the feeding speed controlling clutch mechanism.

52. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a plurality of feeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms, a feed connecting and dise connecting clutch mechanism, and means for controlling said mechanisms including a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatory movements and having connections with said clutch mechanisms respectivelyeffective to operate the feed connecting and disconnecting aeearee clutch mechanism on rotary movement of said member and to eect operation of the feeding speed controlling mechanisms on translatory movement of said member, means for effecting rotary movement of said primary operating member to effect operation of the feed connecting and disconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for effecting translatory movement of said primary operating member in opposite directions to effect operation of said feeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms.

53. In mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member inclnding a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, and a motor operated fast speed drive and a motor operated intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively with. opposite ends of said driving element, each ofsaid drives including a controlling clutch, one clutch disposed at one end of said driving element and the other clutch at the other end thereof, smd driving connections connected to said driving element between said clutches.

54. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directlyv with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element rotatable on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, and a motor operated fast speed drive and a motor operated intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said driving element, each of said drives including a controlling clutch, one clutch disposed at one end of said driving element and the other clutch at the other end thereof, said driving connections connected to said driving element between said clutches.

55. Ina mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, and a motor operated predetermined fast drive and a motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, and each including a controlling clutch, one clutch disposed at one end of said driving element and the other clutch at the other end thereof, said driving connections connected to said driving element between said clutches.

56. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, and a motor operated fast speed drive and a motor operated intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed driveA including a relatively rotatabley driving gear coaxial with said driving element, and driving connections between said w.

driving gear and said driving element.

57. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operatedl driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element rotatable on -an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving gear coaxial with said driving element, and driving connections between said driving gear and said driving element.

58. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member, and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving gear coaxial with said driving element, and variable speed intermittent driving connections between said driving gear and said driving element.

59. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said driving element and said feed operating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving gear coaxial with said driving element and variable speed driving connections between said driving gear and said driving element.

d0. In a mining 'machina in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, a driven element, driving connections between said driven element and said feed operating member, and driving connections between said driving and driven elements including a frictional transmission device, said plurality of driving connections operative when said frictional transmission device is loaded above the slip point to effect rotation of the feed operating member irrespective of the direction of rotation of said driving element,

and means actuated by an element of said latter driving connections for automatically applying and releasing said frictional device to effect intermittent variable speed rotation of said driven element.

' and driving connections between said driving and driven elements including a frictional transmission device, and means actuated by an element of said latter driving connections for automatically applying and releasing said frlctional device toY effect intermittent variable speed rotation of said Vdriven element, said third mentioned element arranged coaxially with said driven element and transmitting motion in a direction longitudinally of the axis pf said driven element.

62. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted-to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member'including a driving element, a driven element, driving connections between said driven element and said feed operating member, and driving connections between said driving and driven elements including a frictional transmission device, and means actuated by an element of said latter driving connections for automatically applying and releasing said frictional device to effect intermittent variable speed rotation of said driven element including a spring loaded actuating lever pivotable upon a xed fulcrum and means for -varying the tension of the spring thereof.

63. In a mining machine, in combination, a

feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a driving element, a driven element, driving connections between said driven element and said feed operating member, and driving connections between said driving and driven elements including a frictional transmission device, and means actuated by an element of said latter driving connections for automatically applying and releasing said frictional device to effect intermittent variable speed rotation of said driven element, said means including a rotatable cam, an element engageable therewith and actuated thereby, and means for varying the angle of cam rotation during which there is engagement of said cam engaging element with said cam.

6d. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a shaft having a gear thereon, a gear meshing with said gear and operatively connected with said feed operating member, fast speed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at one end thereof and at one side of said first gear, and an intermittent slow speed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at the opposite en d thereof and at the opposite side' of said .rst gear and means for intermittently applying and releasing said slow speed clutch.

65. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a shaft having a gear thereon, a gear meshing with said gear and operatively connected with said feed operating member, fast speed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at one end thereof and at one side of said first gear, slow speed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at-the opposite end thereof and at the opposite side of said first gear, and means for only alternatively applying said clutches, said slow speed clutch applying means automatically intermittently actuated by an element of said slow speed driving means.

66. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving 'means for said feed operating member including a shaft having a gear thereon, a gear meshing with said gear and operatively connected with said feed operating member, fast speed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at one end thereof and at one side of said first gear, slow speed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at the opposite end thereof and at the opposite side of said first gear, means for only alternatively applying said clutches, said slow speed clutch applying means automatically intermittently actuated by an element of said slow speed driving means, and means for varying the time intervals of application and release of said slow speed clutch.

67. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means therefor including a driving gear, driving elements for said gear coaxial therewith and rotating at different speeds, friction clutches for respectively connecting said driving elements with said gear, means for eecting selective loading of said clutches one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device, and means for inintermittently or continuously maintaining said device under a feed effecting load.

68. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedl to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including a shaft having a gear thereon, driving elements for said shaft coaxial therewith and rotating at different speeds, said gear arranged on said shaft between said driving elements, friction clutches for respectively connecting said driving elements with the opposite ends of said shaft, means for effecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device, and means for effecting intermittent loading of said device.

69. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including a shaft having a gear thereon, driving elements for said shaft coaxial therewith and rotating at different speeds, said gear arranged on said shaft between said driving elements, friction clutches for respectively connecting said driving elements with the opposite ends of said shaft, means for eiecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device, and means driven by an element of said driving means for effecting intermittent loading of said device.

MGRRS HOLMES.

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