Year: 1887

page_text: We, THOMAS BOWER and ROBERT WILLIAM BOWER of Allerton Main Collieries
Woodlesford, Colliery Proprietors, and JAMES BLACKBURN also of Allerton Main
Collieries Woodlesford, Colliery Manager, all in the County of York, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The object of our invention is to improve the construction of the cutters employed
for cutting coal, and also to simplify the means or apparatus employed for operating
the same.
In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section, and Fig. 2 an
elevation shewing the cutters. Fig. 3 is a side elevation, and Fig. 4 a plan looking
at the top of machine, all of which are constructed in accordance with
improvements.
our
We construct the cutters in such a form that they can be more readily withdrawn
from the work, at the same time causing less waste of coal during the cutting
operation.
For these purposes we make the cutter bar A of a taper form towards its outer
extremity, the cutters B also which we employ are gradually reduced in size,
assuming also a taper form as shewn in the accompanying drawings. The base of
the cutters B may be of a polygon form as shewn, and into these are screwed or
otherwise fastened diamond shaped or pointed steel bits c, or such steel bits may be
cast in one with the polygon cutters. By these improvements not only is the cut or
opening made in the coal of a less area, but also the slightest movement of the cutters
releases them from the surface.
We would have it understood that the aforesaid taper cutter bar and cutters are
equally applicable to other coal cutting apparatus having similar motions to the
hereinafter described.
Hitherto when electricity has been employed for imparting motion for the purpose
of cutting coal, the motor has been constructed separate and distinct from the coal
cutting machine, and the machine has been so constructed that the motor could either
be placed thereon and engaged therewith by means of suitable gearing or wheels,
through which the required motion is transmitted to the machine, or the motor when

page_text: preferred could be placed at any suitable distance from the machine, and motion
transmitted to such machine by rope, belt or other ordinary means.
Now in our improvements we dispense with the coal cutting machine hitherto
employed, and impart the required rotary motion to the cutter bar direct from the
motor shaft, saving thereby considerable expense at the same time the work is quicker
and more perfectly accomplished.
59
In the drawings we have shewn an "Immisch motor mounted on a turntable E
carried on the bed plate F; the whole being mounted upon wheels or runners G. The
motor shaft H has provided on the end of it a coupling plate I corresponding with
another coupling plate J provided on the cutter bar or shaft A. The shaft A or bar
containing the cutters B is coupled to the motor shaft H by means of the aforesaid
coupling plates I and J and bolts K, or by other suitable means.
The required rotary movement is given to the turntable E on which the motor D
rests by means of a worm L mounted on a shaft M supported in bearings N on the
bed plate F and worm wheel segment O provided on the rim of the turntable E. By
this means the cutter bar can be moved along by the attendant as the coal is being
cut, and the proper feed given thereto.
Ordinary means are employed for regulating the speed of the motor for the purpose
of varying or adjusting the speed of the cutter bar.
Although we have shewn our improvements applied to an "Immisch" motor, we
would have it understood that they are also applicable to other electric motors having
a similar rotary motion.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :---
1st. A cutter, formed of a taper bar A, baving mounted thereon any required
number of cutters or pieces B of polygon or other form, with diamond shaped or
pointed steel bits thereon, substantially as and for purposes herein set forth.
2nd. The application of electric motor D for imparting motion to the cutter bar A
direct from its shaft H. and parts connected therewith, also the arrangement of
turntable E and bed plate F and various parts in connection therewith, all arranged
and operating, substantially as herein set forth.
Dated this 9th day of December 1887.