US2030065A - Mining apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 11, 1936. M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 4- Mum. azq

Q 3 i 3 N Feb. 11, 1936. M. P; HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 may.

Feb. 11, 1936. M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Fiied Feb. 27, 1953 6 Shgets-Sheet 3 Feb. 11, M P HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 r QNN v wfl a 3 4 v 0 N M m3 ,O 0 V N x a 8% n g v 5 Q 2 a O Q. n n l; @V M M1 m m 1 I m 7 N H 0 i Ii 0 3 .al Q n NM fi Q v mi MQLQN O SN NNN Q n 3 m L5 fizverziar:

Feb. 11, 1936. M. P. HOLMES MINING APPARATUS Filed 'Feb. 27, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Feb. 11, 1936. HOLMES 2,030,065

MINING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Feb. 11, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MINING APPARATUS Massachusetts Application February 2'7, 1933, Serial No. 658,802

62 Claims.

This invention relates to mining apparatus, and more particularly pertains to coal mining apparatus of the wheel mounted, track supported and guided, bottom cutting type.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus. Another object is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the Wheel mounted, track supported and guided, bottom cutting type. A further object is to provide in a mining apparatus of the above character, an adjustable kerf cutter mechanism and improved and simplified means for adjusting the kerf cutting mechanism. Still another object to provide improved means for pro-pelling the apparatus along the mine trackwa-y both during the cutting operation and transport. Still another object of this invention is to provide in. a mining apparatus of the above character, improved kerf cutter swinging and adjusting means having associated therewith improved means for propelling the apparatus, the aforesaid means including improved variable speed driving means for eifecting drive of the kerf cutter swinging and adjusting means and the propelling means at variable speeds to suit different mining condie ter adjusting and actuating means, the improved means herein being of the plural motor type wherein a plurality of motors are employed for driving the various mechanisms of the apparatus. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will, however, hereinafter morefully appear.

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

In the drawings- 1 is a plan view of the improved mining apparatus.

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

Fig. 3 is an enlarged central longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional View taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. {1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 6-45 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view ofv the cuttter frame shown in Fig. l with parts shown in horizontal section to illustrate structural details.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 8 -8 of Fig. '7. 5

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional View taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional View of the control rod shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a detail sectional View taken on line 10 ll-Il of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view taken on line l2--l2 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 13-! 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 14 is a detail sectional view taken on line Fig. 15 is a detail sectional View taken on line I5I5 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary detail view showing a a portion of the control means for the cutter bar tilt and control clutches.

Fig. 17 is a detail sectional view taken sub stantially on line llil of Fig. 4.

Fig. 18 is a detail sectional view taken on line I8-l8 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a detail sectional View taken substantially on line l9l9 of Fig. 5.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there is shown a coal mining apparatus of the wheel mounted, track supported and guided, bottom cutting type generally comprising a selfpropelled base I having mounted thereon an adjustable kerf cutting mechanism, generally designated 2. The base I is herein in the form of a wheeled truck comprising a low compact truck frame 3 adjustably mounted in the manner as hereinafter described on truck wheels 4 adapted to run along a usual mine trackway 5 laid on the mine bottom. Mounted in superimposed re lation on this truck frame 3 for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto about a vertical axis at 6 and overhanging the forward end of the truck frame is a horizontal arm structure "I, said arm' structure in turn having pivotally mounted thereon at 8 on the overhanging extremity thereof for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto the elongated plane cutter bar 9 of the kerf cutting mechanism. Carried at the rear end of the truck frame is a motor III for driving the cutting mechanism and a pair of motors ll, ll herein directly connected together to operate in unison for driving the mechanisms for swinging and adjusting the cutter and for 55 propelling the apparatus along the mine trackway.

Now referring to the kerf cutting mechanism 2, and more particularly to the cutter driving means, it will be noted that the cutter driving motor iii, which is herein preferably of the constant speed, reversible electric type, has its power shaft horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the apparatus and fixed to an alined transmission shaft 52 suitably journaled at its rearward end within the front motor head. and at its forward end within a bearing 53 supported within a bracket M herein formed integral with the truck frame. Keyed at E5 to the forward end of the transmission shaft I2, as shown in Fig. 3, is a bevel pinion i5 meshing with a large bevel gear i'l journaled for rotation about and supported on a vertical shaft I8 herein arranged with its axis coincident with the pivotal axis ii of the arm structure 5. Formed integral with and driven by the bevel gear ii is a bevel gear Ii meshing with a bevel gear 2% keyed to a transmission shaft fE herein arranged with its axis extending radially with respect to the pivotal axis of the arm structure 7 and suitably journaled within the arm structure in the manner shown in Fig. 6. Alined with the shaft 25 and likewise suitably journaled within the arm structure and connected to the shaft 2E by a sleeve coupling 22 is a shaft 23. Keyed to the shaft 2 at its forward end, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8, is a bevel pinion 2 2 meshing with a large bevel gear 25 rotating about a vertical axis at the outer extremity of the arm structure and keyed at 26 to a tubular drive shaft 2']. This tubular drive shaft is suitably journaled within the cutter frame 28 of the kerf cutting mechanism, and is herein arranged with its axis alined with the pivotal axis 3 of the cutter bar S. Keyed at 29 to the upper reduced end portion 3% of the tubular shaft 2'! is a vertical shaft 3! herein formed with longitudinal splineways 32 extending a substantial portion of its length and splined at 33 to the upper end of and having telescopically arranged therein a tubular drive shaft 34. This drive shaft has herein formed integral therewith a chain sprocket 35 which engages and drives a usual endless cutter chain 36 mounted for orbital movement about the margin of the cutter bar 9.

The cutter bar 5 is mounted on the rotatable cutter frame 28 for swinging movement therewith about the bar pivot axis 3 and is adjustable into different elevation positions relative to the cutter frame, as will now be described. The cutter frame 28 is rotatably mounted within upper and lower bearing sleeves 3'0, 3'1 encircling the cutter frame and supported by a rigid annular frame 38 rigidly secured to the forward end of the arm frame 39 and constituting the outer overhanging extremity of the arm structure '3. Formed integral with the cutter frame 28 are laterally projecting guides it, ii! received in vertical guideways 4!, ii formed on an arcuate frame portion 2 integral with a cutter bar hanger 43 by which the cutter bar 9 is carried. These guideways are provided with adjustable bearing plates secured by screws to the guide portions M of the hanger frame, as shown in Fig. 7. The bar hanger E3 is provided with a bearing portion 45 carrying bearing sleeves 4E, 45 interposed between a flange on the shaft and the chain sprocket 35, and the lower end of the shaft 34 is journaled within these sleeves. It will thus be seen that the cutter bar 9 is swingable with the cutter frame 28 relative to the annular frame 38 of the arm structure and that the cutter may be adjusted into different elevated positions relative to the cutter frame 28 by adjustment thereof along the vertical guides 45, 49.

The mechanism for adjusting the cutter bar vertically along the guides 46, 40 relative to the cutter frame 28 herein comprises a spur gear rotatably mounted on the tubular shaft 21 and connectible in driving relation with the shaft by a multiple disc clutch 5| of a. usual design. Herein arranged parallel with the shaft 2? in advance of the latter and likewise suitably journaled within the cutter frame 28 is a tubular shaft 53 having formed integral therewith at its lower end a nut 54 having internal threads meshing with the external threads of a vertical screw 55. The screw 55 is herein non-rotatable, and is pivotally connected at 56 at its lower end to a transverse pin 51 supported at. its ends within spaced depending webs 58 integral with the cutter bar hanger 43. Formed integral with the shaft 53 is a spur gear 59 meshing with a spur gear 60 journaled on a vertical shaft 6| carried by a swingable gear mounting 62. This gear mounting is provided with an arcuate guiding portion 63 rotatably mounted within an arcuate bearing portion 64 herein formed integral with the cutter frame 28, the mounting being swingable horizontally about the axis of the tubular shaft 53. As shown in Fig. 9, the spur gear 6% meshes with a spur gear 35 journaled on a vertical shaft 66 arranged parallel with the shaft 5! and likewise mounted within the swingable gear mounting 62.

When the mounting B2 is in the position as shown in Fig. 9, the spur gears 63 and are both out of mesh with the teeth of the spur gear 59, but when the gear mounting is swung in one direction, the teeth of the gear 60 are brought into mesh with the gear 56, while when the gear mounting is swung in the opposite direction, the gear 65 is brought into mesh with thegear 50. thus be evident that, depending upon. the position of the swingable mounting 52, the gear 59, and consequently the nut 56, may be rotated in one direction or the other, thereby to effect adjustment of the cutter bar upwardly or downwardly along the guideways 40, 40 relative to the cutter frame 28.

The means for applying the clutch 5| and for swinging the mounting 52 for the reversing gears 60, 65 will now be described. As shown in Fig. 7, journaled within the cutter frame 28 is an operating rod 51 having pivotally mounted thereon at 68 an operating lever 69. The inner end of the rod 61 is transversely slotted at l0, 70 to receive arms 1|, ll integral with a rotatable operating member #2 herein surrounding the reduced end 38 of the tubular shaft 21 and supported for rotative movement on the upper operating plate 13 of the clutch 5|. Also formed integral with the member 12 is a. tooth-like pr jection M fitted within a notch 15 formed on a projection. 76 integral with the swingable reverse gear mounting 52. It will thus be seen that when the rod 61 is moved axially in one direction or the other, the operating member 12 is rotated, thereby shifting the reverse gear mounting 52 in one direction or the other to bring either the gear 663 or the gear 65 in mesh with the drive gear 59. Upon rotative movement of the rod 61, the sides of the slotted portions 10 act as cams to effect swinging of the operating member 12 downwardly about its fulcrum 18, thereby to apply the disc clutch 5 I. In this instance, interlock- It Will ing means is provided for preventing application of the clutch 5I prior to meshing engagement of one or the other of the gears 60, S5 with the gear 50 and comprises arcuate grooves I9 and formed on the rod 6i and connected by a longitudinal groove BI. Cooperating with these grooves is a pin 82 secured to the cutter frame. When the rod i5! is in the position shown in Fig. 9, rotative movement thereof is prevented by the pin 82 engaging the sides of the longitudinal groove 8I. When the rod 61 is slid either inwardly or outwardly to bring either the gear 69 or the gear 65 in meshing engagement with the drive gear 5b, the pin 82 is brought into registry with one or the other of the arcuate grooves 19, 80, thereby permitting rotation of the rod 61 to' effect application of the disc clutch 5I.

Now referring to the mechanism for swinging the arm structure and cutter bar about their respective pivots, it will be observed that the motors I I, II, which are herein preferably of the reversible variable speed electric type, are arranged with their power shafts 85, in axial alinement on axes extending transversely of the machine and at the rear of the arm structure I as shown in Fig. l. The motor power shafts have respectively fixed thereto bevel pinions 86 and 81', as shown in Fig. 4, both meshing with a large bevel gear 83. It will thus be evident that the two motors II, II are directly connected togather and during operation act as but a single motor, the two relatively small motors being provided instead of a single large motor merely to reduce the vertical dimensions of the apparatus. The bevel gear 88 is keyed to a tubular shaft 89 herein journaled within a gear housing and arranged with its axis alined with and surrounding the transmission shaft I 2. The shaft 89 is clutched at ti at its forward end to a tubular worm shaft 92 which is in turn clutched at 93 to a tubular shaft 9%, the shafts 92 and 9 likewise arranged with their axes coincident with and surrounding the transmission shaft I2, as shown in Fig. 4. Formed integral with the shaft 94 is a spur gear meshing with a spur gear 99 keyed to a longitudinally extending shaft 9'! herein arranged parallel with the shafts 89, 92, 9A and suitably journaled within the truck frame. Fixed to the shaft 9'I is a worm 98 meshing with a worm wheel 99 keyed to the lower end of the vertical shaft I8, as shown in Fig. 3. Formed on and driven by the shaft I8 is a worm I69 meshing with and driving in opposite directions worm wheels I9! and I62, as shown in Fig. 6. In the present construction, these worm wheels are rotatably mounted on parallel shafts I93 and I94, respectively, arranged at opposite sides of the shaft IS on longitudinally extending axes and spaced equidistantly from the axis of the shaft It. These worm wheels are connectible to the shafts I93, I04, respectively, by multiple disc clutches I55 and I95. The shafts I93, I94 are suitably journaled within the arm frame 39, and are connectible by couplings Iill, iii! to alined screw shafts I88 and I99, respectively. Threadedly engaging the screws I98, I39 are trunnion nuts H9 and II I, respectively, mounted within longitudinal guideways I I2 formed in the arm frame and pivotally connected at H3 and H4, respectively, to pairs of link members I i5 and I I6 and the link members I5 are pivotally connected at I I! with a rotatable cutter frame 28, while the link members I I6 are pivotally connected at I It to a lug II9 formed integral with a frame member I 20 secured to the frame of the truck. The arm frame 39 is provided with a circular guide flange I2I mounted within an arcuate guideway I22 formed in the frame I20, and is supported for rotative movement by a bearing sleeve I23. The arm structure I is guided during its swinging movement relative to the truck frame, by an arcuate guide I24 integral with the front portion of the truck frame and engaging an arcuate guideway IZ5 formed on the frame 39 of the arm structure. It will thus be seen that when the clutch I65 is applied, the screw shaft I98 may be rotated in one direction or the other, depending upon the direction of rotation of the motors II, II, thereby to swing the cutter bar 9 in either direction about its pivot through the trunnion nut and link connection H9, H5. It will also be seen that when the clutch I96 is applied, the screw shaft I {39 may be rotated in one direction or the other depending upon the direction of rotation of the motors I I, I I thereby to effect swinging of the arm structure I in either direction through the sliding trunnion nut and link connection I I I, I I6. By varying the speed of the motors II, II the swinging speed of the cutter bar and arm structure may be varied as desired.

The operating means for each of the clutches I95, I96 is identical to the operating means for the other clutch, and therefore a description of one will sufiice for both. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, pivotally connected at I29 to an operating member I29 is a shipper yoke I30. This operat-' ing member is threadedly connected at I3I to a rod I32 having an operating handle I33. The shipper yoke I39 is fulcrumed at I34 against the forward face of the bearing bracket I35 for the rear shaft bearings and engages at I36 a pres sure plate I37 for applying the clutch. The member I29 projects within and is guided by a longitudinal slot I38 formed on the frame of the arm structure, as shown. It will thus be seen that when the handle I33 is rotated, the shipper yoke I38 is swung about its fulcrum I35 thereby to move the pressure plate I3! axially to effect application of the clutch. It will thus be seen that the clutches I95, I35 may be independently or simultaneously applied at the will of the operator.

The improved mechanism for effecting truck wheel drive to propel the apparatus along the mine trackway both during cutting and transport, herein comprises a worm I49 formed on the worm shaft 92, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and meshing,'as shown in Fig. 13, with a worm wheel I I'I surrounding the rear axle I42 of the truck. This worm wheel is keyed to a clutch housing I 43 connectible by a discclutch I44 to the axle I42. Keyed to the opposite ends of the axle I 42 are chain sprockets I45, I45 connected by endless chains I56, M5 to sprockets I47, I41 secured to the front truck wheels 6. It will thus be seen that when the clutch I44 is applied, the truck wheels may be driven at the desired speed and in either direction by the variable speed motors II, II through the gearing 86, El, 88, shaft 89 and worm gearing use, MI. The truck wheels may be braked by a braking clutch I48 comprising discs connected to the rear axle I42 and interleaved with discs fixed to a brake housing I49 keyed to the gear housing 9t. Operating means are provided for the clutch and brake so that when one is applied, the other is released, and comprises pivoted levers I58 and I5I for the brake and clutch, respectively. The lever I5I is fulcrumed at I52 and engages the pressure plate I53 for the clutch M4, while the lever I5!) is fulcrumed at I 54 and engages the pressure plate I55 for the 1' of an operating rod I 59.

- dinal shaft 91.

brake clutch I48. The upper ends of these levers are pivotally connected at I56 to operating members I51 and I58, respectively, these members being threadedly connected to the opposite ends Engaging this operating rod is a pivoted operating lever I58. It will thus be seen that when the handle of the lever I68 is swung downwardly, the rod I59 is moved axially to the right as viewed in Fig. 13, thereby to apply the clutch I44 and release the brake I48. When the lever I68 is moved in the opposite direction the brake I 48 is applied and the clutch I 44 is released.

As mentioned above, the truck frame is adjustably mounted, and to afford such adjustment thereof the gear housing 98 is provided with bearing portions I65 and I66 mounted within bearing sleeves I61 carried within bearing supports I68 and I69 formed on the truck frame, as shown in Fig. 4. This bearing mounting on the gear housing 98 permits rocking movement of the truck frame about a longitudinal axis, 1. e., the axis of the transmission shaft I2. The gearing housing 98 for the truck frame is also provided with journals I18, I18 within which the rear truck wheel axle I42 is rotatably mounted, and these journals form a pivotal mounting for the truck frame to enable tilting of the truck frame about a transverse axis, i. e., the axis of the rear axle I42. The improved mechanism for effecting such tilting movement of the truck frame to vary the angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism, herein comprises the gear 96 meshing with the gear 95, and the longitu- Also meshing with the gear 95 is a gear I1I keyed to a longitudinally extending shaft I12 herein arranged parallel with the shaft 91 and at the opposite side of and equidistantly spaced from the axis of the vertical shaft I8, as shown in Fig. 4. The shafts 91 and I12 are respectively connectible by disc clutches I13 and I14 to alined shafts I15 and I18, respectively. In this instance, these shafts are connected by sleeve couplings I11 to alined screw shafts I18 and I19, respectively. These shafts are suitably journaled within the truck frame and respectively engaging the screw shafts I18 and I19 are non-rotatable, axially movable nuts I88 and I8I, respectively, in turn respectively engaging the bifurcated arms I82 and I83 of bell-crank levers or arms I84. These bell crank levers, respectively, are connected to axles I85, I86 on which the front truck wheels 4 are journaled and each comprises spaced arms I81 and I88 having a common hub I89 keyed to a shaft I98 to which the lever I82 is also keyed. It will thus be seen that when the clutches I13, I14 are applied, the screw shafts I18, I19 may be rotated at the desired speed and in the desired direction by the motors I I, I I, thereby tilting the truck frame either upwardly or downwardly about the axis of the rear truck wheel axle. By releasing one or the other of the clutches I13, I18, one of the wheel levers may be swung while the other is stationary, thereby effecting tilting of the truck frame within its journal I65, I85 about a longitudinal axis. It is accordingly evident that by suitable adjustment of the levers connected to the front truck wheels the truck frame may be tilted relative to the horizontal, and as a result the angle in altitude of the cutter bar relative to the horizontal may be varied, it being possible to tilt the cutter bar about transverse and longitudinal axes thereby to enable the bar to accommodate itself to a rolling bottom or pitching coal seam. The drive chains I46, I46 for the front truck wheels are maintained under tension by spring pressed guide plates or shoes I95, I96 slidably engaging the upper and lower runs of the chains and maintained under tension by coiled springs I91, the spring pressed plates I95, I96 maintaining the chains at all times under tension during adjustment of the front tilting arms for the truck frame.

The operating means for the clutches I13, I14 will now be described. The operating means for both clutches are identical and therefore a description of one will suffice for both. Pivotally connected, as shown in Figs. 4, l6, and 17, to a vertical shaft I98, is a lever I99. The shaft I98 has fixed thereto by a pin 288, a cam member 28I engaging, as shown in Fig. 18, a horizontal operating rod 282. The forward end of this operating rod abuts at 283 a projection 284 integral with a shipper yoke 285 (see also Fig. 19). This shipper yoke is pivotally mounted on a pin 286 carried within the bearing bracket 281 for the forward bearing in which one of the shafts 91 or I12 is journaled. This shipper yoke engages the pressure plate 288 for the clutch. It will thus be seen that when the shaft I98 is rotated by the lever I99, the cam 28I effects axial movement of the rod 282, thereby to swing the shipper yoke 285 about its pivot, and as a result the pressure plate 288 is moved axially I,

to apply the clutch. It will thus be seen that the clutches I13, I14 may be independently or simultaneously applied at the will of the operator.

Power may be supplied to the motors I8 and II, II through a power conductor cable Wound, in the usual manner, on a cable reel 2I8 under the control of a control apparatus 2 mounted on the truck frame. This control apparatus has a control lever 2I2 for controlling the motor I8 and a control lever 2I3 for controlling the variable speed motors II, II. The cable reel 2 I8 may be driven in any suitable manner, herein preferably by an independent driving motor having suitable control apparatus, not shown.

The operation of the improved mining apparatus is as follows: The apparatus is propelled along the mine trackway at a high transport speed by the motors II, II under the control of the control lever 2 l 3. The direction of high speed truck wheel drive may be reversed by reversing the motors II, II. When the working face is reached, the truck drive controlling clutch I44 is released, and upon application of the disc clutch I86, the screw I89 is rotated, thereby effecting swinging of the arm structure 1 horizontally relative to the truck frame through the trunnion nut and link connection from the. central position shown in Fig. l to a position wherein the bar pivot 8 lies outside the trackway. As the arm structure is swung laterally, the clutch I85 may be applied to effect drive of the screw I88, thereby to effect swinging of the cutter bar about its pivot through the trunnion nut and link connection in the opposite direction until the parts assume an angularly related position with the tipend of the cutter bar at the right hand rib of the entry. The bar and arm swinging clutches I85, I86 are then released. The bar elevating nut 54 is then operated by bringing the proper gears 68, 65 inv mesh with the spur gear 58, thereby lowering the cutter bar relative to the cutter frame to a position at the level of the mine bottom outside and below the level of the mine trackway, the gears 68, 65 thereafter being swung into an inoperative position. The motors H, II are then suitably operated, and upon application of the truck wheel drive controlling clutch I44 the truck wheels are driven to propel the apparatus forwardly along the mine trackway at a low speed to sump the cutter bar beneath the coal. After the completion of the sumping cut. the clutch Mt is released and the brake M8 applied, thereby holding the truck Wheels stationary, and the arm and bar swinging screws I08, I69 are then operated to swing the arm and cutter bar in opposite directions about their respective pivots until they assume a straight line position, the bar swinging screw thereafter being disconnected from its drive and the cutter bar swung about the axis 6 of the arm to effect its swinging out across the coal face in advance of the trackway. When the tip end of the cutter bar reaches the left hand rib, the cutter bar is swung in the opposite direction until the parts assume an angularly related position, the arm and bar swinging mechanisms thereafter being disconnected from their respective drives. The brake M8 is then reieased, and upon application of the clutch M4 the apparatus is propelled rearwardly along the mine trackway by the motors ll, I! to effect withdrawal of the cutter bar from beneath the coal. It will be evident that the arm I and cutter bar 9 may be independently or simultaneously swung about their respective pivots at variable cutting speeds under the control of the control apparatus for the variable speed motors H, H and that the apparatus may be propelled by the motors H, H at variable speeds. If it is desired to tilt the cutter bar to vary its angle in altitude during the horizontal cutting operation, this may be accomplished by crating the clutches H3, Ht controlling the tilting screws '23, H9, respectively, it being possible to tilt the cutter bar about longitudinal or transverse axes. The cutter bar may be adjusted to cut at different levels simply by operating the elevating screw and nut mechanism 54, 55 to raise and lower the cutter bar.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved wheel mounted, track supported and guided, bottom cutting type coal mining apparatus is provided having improved adjustable cutting mechanism whereby a horizontal kerf may be cut at the level of the mine bottom outside and below the level of the mine trackway and in advance of the trackway. It will further be noted that by the provision of the improved bar adjusting and swinging mechanisms and improved propelling means for the apparatus, it is possible to swing and adjust the cutter bar and to propel the apparatus in an improved manner. It will further be noted that by provision of a plurality of motors, the adjusting and swinging mechanisms for the cutter bar and the propelling mechanism for the apparatus are greatly simplified, it further being noted that by the provision of the variable speed motors it is possible to adjust and feed the cutting mechanism at variable speeds without the necessity of separateand relatively complicated speed varying transmission devices. These and other uses and advantages of the improved mining apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

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

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

1. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a frame mounted on said base to swing relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said frame to swing relative thereto, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed. motor for swinging said frame and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, purely by motor control, through a wide range of cutting speeds.

2. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a

frame mounted on said base to swing relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said frame to swing relative thereto, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said frame and kerf cutter about their respective pivots and for propelling said base all, purely by motor control, through a wide range of cutting speeds.

3. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm structure, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said arm structure relative to said base and said kerf cutter relative to said arm structure.

4. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm structure, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said arm structure and said kerf cutter about their respective pivots and for propelling said base.

5. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm pivotally mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm to swing relative thereto, mechanism for adjusting the elevation of said kerf cutter relative to said arm, a motor on said base for actuating said kerf cutter and said kerf cutter adjusting mechanism, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, purely by motor control, through a wide range of cutting speeds.

6. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm pivotally mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm to swing relative thereto, mechanism for adjusting the elevation of said kerf cutter relative to said arm, a motor on said base for actuating said kerf cutter and said kerf cutter adjusting mechanism, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots and for propelling said base all, purely by motor control, through a wide range of cutting speeds.

7. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an

arm structure mounted on and overlying said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for vertical adjustment along and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said kerf cutter along said guides, and a separate motor for swinging said arm structure relative to said base.

9. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm structure mounted on and overlying said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for vertical adjustment along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said arm structure, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for swinging said arm structure relative to said base and for swinging said kerf cutter with said support and cutter frame relative to said arm structure.

10. In a mining apparatus, a frame, an arm pivotally mounted on said frame to swing horizontally relative thereto, a cutter frame mounted on said arm for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis parallel with the axis of arm swing and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor supported on said frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

11. In a mining apparatus, a frame, an arm pivotally mounted on said frame to swing horizontally relative thereto, a cutter frame mounted on said arm for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis parallel with the axis of arm swing and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor supported on said frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support along said guides, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

12. In a mining apparatus, a frame, an arm pivotally mounted on said frame to swing horizontally relative thereto, a cutter frame mounted on said arm for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis parallel with the axis of arm swing and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said first mentioned frame, a motor supported on said first frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

13. In a mining apparatus, a frame, an arm pivotally mounted on said frame to swing horizontally relative thereto, a cutter frame mounted on said arm for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis parallel with the axis of arm swing and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides,

a kerf cutter carried by said support and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said first mentioned frame, a motor supported on said first frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said support along said guides, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

14. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm pivotally mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm, and motor operated devices for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots at a wide range of speeds while the cutter speed remains substantially constant and including a variable speed driving motor by which said devices are driven and solely by the control of which said wide range of speeds is effected.

15. In a mining apparatus, a port-able base, an arm pivotally mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm, motor operated devices for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots at a wide range of speeds and including a variable speed driving motor, and a motor separate from said variable speed motor for actuating said kerf cutter.

16. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a kerf cutter swingably mounted on said base for swinging at different times about different axes, motor operated devices for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said base about either axis at variable cutting speeds while the speed of the kerf q cutter remains substantially constant, and motor operated devices for propelling said base at variable cutting speeds, said cutter swinging and base propelling devices including a common variable speed motor solely by the control of which said variable speeds are effected.

17. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a kerf cutter swingably mounted on said base for swinging at diiferent times about different axes,

motor operated devices for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said base about either axis at variable cutting speeds, motor operated devices for propelling said base at variable cutting speeds, said cutter swinging and base propelling devices including a common variable speed motor solely by the control of which said variable speeds are effected, and a motor separate from said variable speed motor for actuating said kerf cutter.

18. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an

arm mounted on and overlying said base and at its outer extremity overhanging said base, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm, motor operated swinging devices carried by said arm for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, a motor carried by said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed motor for operating said arm and kerf cutter swinging devices.

19. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, kerf cutting mechanism on said base including an arm swingable horizontally relative to said base and a kerf cutter pivotally mounted at its rear end on said arm about an axis located in advance of said base, a motor on said base for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said arm and kerf cutter purely by motor control about their pivots through a wide range of cutting speeds.

20. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, kerf cutting mechanism on said base including a horizontally swingable frame, a forwardly projecting kerf cutter having orbitally movable cutting means and pivoted on said frame about an axis located within the rear portion of the cutting means orbit, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate variable speed motor for swinging said frame and kerf cutter about their respective pivots purely by motor control through a wide range of cutting speeds.

21. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides depending therefrom and extending downwardly in advance of said first frame and base, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a lrerf cutter carried by said support, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

22. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides depending therefrom and extending downwardly in advance of said first frame and base, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support along said guides, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

23. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having depending vertical guides extending downwardly in advance of said first frame and base, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said depending guides, at kerf cutter carried by said support and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said first mentioned frame, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

24. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having depending vertical guides extending downwardly in advance of said first frame and base, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said depending guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support and swingable horizontally with said supdepending guides, and a separate motor for rOtating said cutter frame.

25. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said cutter frame beneath the latter for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides toward and from the bottom of said cutter frame, a kerf cutter mounted on said support beneath the latter, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

26. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame beneath the latter for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides toward and from the bottom of said cutter frame, a kerf cutter mounted on said support beneath the lat.-

ter, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support along said guides, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame. 1

27. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an 5 ing extremity of said fram'e for rotation relative.

thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame beneath the latter for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides toward and from the bottom of said cutter frame, a kerf cutter carried by said support beneath the latter and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said first mentioned frame, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

28. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated frame arranged in horizontal planes lying closely adjacent said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, said frame swingable horizontally over the top of said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame beneath the latter for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides toward and from the bottom of said cutter frame, a kerf cutter carried by said support beneath the latter and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said first mentioned frame, a motor for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said support along said guides, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

29. In a mining apparatus, a frame mounted for tilting movement relative to the horizontal, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said frame including a pivoted kerf cutter, a motor on said tiltable frame for driving the kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said tiltable frame for effecting tilting of said frame.

30. In a mining apparatus, a frame mounted for tilting movement relative to the horizontal, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said frame including a pivoted kerf cutter, a motor on said tiltable frame for driving the kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said tiltable frame for sheeting tilting of said frame and for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot.

31. In a mining apparatus, a frame mounted for tilting movement relative to the horizontal, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said frame and including an arm swingable horizontally relative to said frame, and a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm, a motor on said frame and relative to which said arm is swingable for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said frame and relative to which said arm is swingable for tilting said frame.

32. In a mining apparatus, a frame mounted for tilting movement relative to the horizontal, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said frame and including an arm swingable horizontally relative to said frame, and a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm, a motor on said frame and relative to which said arm is swingable for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said frame and relative to which said arm is swingable for tilting said frame and for swinging said arm relative to said frame.

33. In a mining apparatus, a frame mounted for tilting movement relative to the horizontal, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said frame and including an arm swingable horizontally relative to said frame, and a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm, a motor on said frame and relative to which said arm is swingable for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said frame and relative to which said arm is swingable for tilting said frame, for swinging said arm relative to said frame and for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot.

34. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontally swingable arm structure pivotally mounted on and overlying said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for vertical adjustment along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for swinging said arm structure.

35. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontally swingable arm structure pivotally mounted on and overlying said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter frame mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having vertical guides, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for vertical adjustment along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support and swingable horizontally with said support and cutter frame relative to said arm structure, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter, and

a separate motor on said base for swinging said arm structure and kerf cutter about their respective pivots.

36. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a cutter frame mounted on said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having depending vertical guides extending downwardly from the upper portion thereof, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said depending guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor mounted on said first frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable for driving said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support, and a motor mounted on said first frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable for rotating said cutter frame.

37. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, an arm pivotally mounted on said truck frame for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto about a vertical axis located between the front and rear truck wheel axes, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm, a motor on said truck frame for driving said kerf cutter, devices between the truck frame and the front truck wheels and separately or simultaneously adjustable to effect tilting of said truck frame about transverse and longitudinal axes, and a motor on said truck frame for driving said tilting devices.

38. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck frame, kerf cutting mechanism thereon, a motor on said truck frame for driving said kerf cutting mechanism, devices between the front truck wheels and said truck frame and independently or simultaneously adjustable to effect tilting of said truck frame about transverse and longitudinal axes, and a motor on. said truck frame for driving said tilting devices.

39. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm pivotally mounted on said base and overlying said base and at its outer extremity overhanging said base, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter, swinging devices carried by said arm for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and a motor on said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said swinging devices.

40. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm mounted on and overlying said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a

kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter, screw and nut devices for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and a motor on said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said screw and nut devices.

41. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm mounted on and overlying said base and at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter, screw nut devices carried by said arm for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and a motor on said base and relative towhich said arm is swingable for actuating said screw and nut devices.

42. In a mining apparatus, a support, a frame swingably mounted thereon, a kerf cutter pivotally of said arm structure for rotation about an axis" mounted on said frame, a motor on said support for driving said kerf cutter, screw and nut devices for independently swinging said frame and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and

a motor on said support and relative to which said frame is swingable for actuating said screw and nut devices.

43. In a mining apparatus, a support, a frame swingably mounted thereon, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said frame, a motor on said support for driving said kerf cutter, screw and-:nut devices carried by said frame for independently swinging said frame and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and a motor on said support and relative to which said frame is swingable for actuating said screw and nut devices.

44. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and overlying said base and at its outer extremity overhanging said base, said arm swingable horizontally relative to said base, a horizontal kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm, and a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots.

45. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and overlying said base and at its outer extremity overhanging said base, said arm swingable horizontally relative to said base, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said armand adjustable relative to said arm into different elevated positions, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter and for adjusting said kerf cutter into aforesaid elevated positions relative to said arm, and a separate motor on said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said' arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots.

46. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and'overlying said 'base and at its outer extremity overhanging said base, said arm swingable horizontally relative to said base, a horizontal kerf cut ter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter, a separate motor on said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and devices driven by said last mentioned motor for propelling said base.

47-. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and overlying said base andat-its outer extremity overhanging said base, said arm swingable horizontally relative to said base, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the overhanging extremity of said arm and adjustable relative to said arm into different elevated positions, a motor on said base for driving said kerf cutter and for adjusting said kerf cutter into aforesaid elevated positions relative to said arm, a separate motor on said base and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and devices driven by said last mentioned motor for. propelling said base.

. 48. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to horizontally relative thereto, the forward extremity of said arm structure overhanging the forward end of said base, a cutter frame .pivotally mounted on the outer overhanging extremity parallel with the arm structure axis and having depending vertical guideways extending downwardly in advance of said base, a cutter support mounted on said guideways for vertical adjustment therealong and swingable with said outter frame relative to said arm structure, a kerf cutter carried by said cutter support, said outter frame and cutter support being swingable relative to said arm to swing said kerf cutter about the axis of said cutter frame, a motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is swingable for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is swingable for rotating said cutter frame relative to saidarm structure.

49. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, the forward extremity of said arm structure overhanging the forward end of said base, a cutter frame pivotally mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure for rotation about an axis parallel with the arm structure axis and having depending. vertical guideways extending downwardly in advance of said base, a cutter support mounted on said guideways for vertical adjustment therealong and swingable with said cutter frame relative to said arm structure, a kerf cutter carried by said'cutter' support, said cutter frame and cutter support being swingable relative to said arm to swing said kerf cutter about the axis of said cutter frame, a motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is swingable for driving said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support vertically along said guideways, and a separate motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is swingable for rotating said cutter frame relative to said arm structure.

50. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to run along a mine trackway, horizontal kerf cutting mechanism carried by said truck frame, a motor carried by said truck frame for driving said kerf cutting mechanism, means for tilting said truck frame about transverse and longitudinal axes relative to a horizontal plane including the truck wheel axes including separate axle mountings for the front truck wheels, arms pivotally connected to said axle mountings and swingably mounted on the truck frame about axes offset from the truck wheel axes, and separate adjusting means for independently swinging said arms, and a motor mounted on said truck frame for driving said adjusting means.

51. In a mining apparatus, a support tiltable with respect to the horizontal, an arm pivotally mounted on said support to swing horizontally relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm, a motor on said support and relative to which said arm is swingable for driving said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said support for tilting the latter and for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots.

52. In a mining apparatus, a support tiltable with respect to the horizontal, an arm mounted on said support to swing horizontally relative thereto, a frame mounted on said arm for adjustment into different elevated positions with respect thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said frame, a motor mounted on said support and relative to which said armis swingable for driving said kerf cutter and for adjusting said frame relative to said arm, and a separate motor on said support and relative to which said arm is swingable for tilting said support, for swinging said arm and for swinging said kerf cutter.

53. In a mining apparatus, a support tiltable with respect to the horizontal, an arm pivotally mounted on said support to swing horizontally relative thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said arm, a motor on said support and relative to which said arm is swingable for driving said kerf cutter, a separate motor on said support for tilting the latter and for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, and means driven by said last mentioned motor for propelling said support. a

54. In a mining apparatus, a support tiltabl with respect to the horizontal, an arm mounted on said support to swing horizontally relative thereto, a frame mounted on said arm for adjustment into different elevated positions with respect thereto, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said frame, a motor mounted on said support and relative to which said arm is swingable for driving said kerf cutter and for adjusting said frame relative to said arm, a separate motor on said support and relative to which said arm is swingable for tilting said support, for swinging said arm and for swinging said kerf cutter, and means driven by said last mentioned motor for propelling said support.

55. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a cutter frame mounted on said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having depending vertical guides extending downwardly below the bottom of said first frame, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame beneath the latter for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor supported on said first frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable and disposed in planes below the top of said cutter frame for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

56. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a cutter frame mounted on said frame for rotation relative thereto about a vertical axis and having depending vertical guides extending downwardly below the bottom of said first frame, a cutter support mounted on said cutter frame beneath the latter for rotation therewith and adjustable vertically along said guides, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor supported on said frame and relative to which said cutter frame is rotatable and disposed in planes below the top of said cutter frame for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support along said guides, and a separate motor for rotating said cutter frame.

5'7. In a mining apparatus, a portable base of relatively low overall height, a horizontal kerf cutter, means forswingably supporting said kerf cutter on said base comprising but a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and disposed in horizontal planes closely adjacent the top of said base in overlying relation with respect to the latter, said rigid arm at its forward extremity overhanging the forward end of said base and swingable horizontally relative to said base about a vertical axis, said horizontal kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the forward overhanging extremity of said rigid arm, a motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said kerf cutter, and

a separate motor on said base at the rear'of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, said motors disposed within the vertical limits of the apparatus below the top surface of said arm.

58. In a mining apparatus, a portable base of relatively low overall height, a horizontal kerf cutter, means for swingably supporting said kerf cutter on said base comprising but a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and disposed in horizontal planes closely adjacent the top of said base in overlying relation with respect to the latter, said rigid arm at its forward extremity overhanging the front end of said base and swingable horizontally relative to said base about a vertical axis, said kerf cutter being pivotally mounted on the forward overhanging extremity of said arm and adjustable relative to said arm into different elevated positions between the lower surface of said arm and the mine floor, a motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said kerf cutter into aforesaid differently elevated positions relative to said arm, and a separate motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, said motors disposed within the vertical limits of the apparatus below the top surface of said arm.

59. In a mining apparatus, a portable base of relatively low overall height, a horizontal kerf cutter, means for swingably supporting said kerf cutter on said base comprising but a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and disposed in horizontal planes closely adjacent to the top surface of said base, said rigid arm at its forward extremity overhanging the front end of said base and swingable horizontally relative to said base about a vertical axis, said kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the forward overhanging extremity of said am, a motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots and for propelling the apparatus, said motors disposed within the vertical limits of the apparatus below the top surface of said arm.

60. In a mining apparatus, a portable base of relatively low overall height, a horizontal kerf cutter, means for swingably supporting said kerf cutter on said base comprising but a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and disposed in horizontal planes closely adjacent to the top surface of said base, said rigid arm at its forward extremity overhanging the front end of said base and swingable horizontally relative to said base about a vertical axis, said kerf cutter pivotally mounted on the forward overhanging extremity of said arm and adjustable relative to said arm into different elevated positions between the bottom of said arm and the mine floor, a motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said kerf cutter into aforesaid differently elevated positions relative to said am, and a separate motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots and for propelling the apparatus, said motors disposed within the vertical limits of the apparatus below the top surface of said am.

61. In a mining apparatus, a portable base of relatively low overall height, a horizontal kerf cutter, means for swingably supporting said kerf cutter on said base comprising but a single rigid horizontal arm mounted on and disposed in horizontal planes closely adjacent the top surface of said base in overlying relation with respect to the latter, said rigid arm at its forward extremity overhanging the forward end of said base and swingable horizontally relative to said base about a vertical axis, the forward overhanging extremity of said arm having depending vertical guideways extending downwardly in advance of said base and disposed below the top surface of said arm, a cutter support adjustable vertically along said guideways between the bottom surface of said arm and the mine floor, said kerf cutter carried by said cutter support and swingable with said support horizontally relative to said arm about an axis parallel with the arm pivot axis, a motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for actuating said kerf cutter, and a separate motor on said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is swingable for independently swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots, said motors arranged within the vertical limits of the apparatus below the top surface of said arm.

62. In a mining apparatus, a portable base of relatively low overall height, a horizontal arm pivotally mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto about a vertical axis and arranged in horizontal planes closely adjacent to the top surface of said base, the forward extremity of said arm overhanging the forward end of said base, depending vertical guideways carried by the forward overhanging extremity of said arm and extending downwardly in advance of said base below the top surface of said arm, a cutter support mounted on said guideways below the bottom surface of said arm for vertical adjustl5 ment therealong between the bottom surface of said arm and the mine floor, a kerf cutter carried by said cutter support, said kerf cutter swingable horizontally relative to said arm in any adjusted position of said cutter support along said guideways about an axis parallel to the arm pivot axis, a motor carried by said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is horizontally swingable for actuating said kerf cutter and for adjusting said cutter support vertically along said guideways, and a separate motor carried by said base at the rear of said arm and relative to which said arm is horizontally swingable for swinging said arm and kerf cutter about their respective pivots and for propelling the apparatus.

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

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