AN IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR BREAKING DOWN COAL
Year: 1884

page_text: [Reprint This Specification has been reprinted in consequence of an amendment
made by Order of the Comptroller prior to the sealing of the Patent.]
I ENOCH MOULD of White Barn, Colliery, White Barn near Newcastle in the
County of Stafford Certificated Colliery Manager, do hereby declare the nature of
my said invention for AN IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR BREAKING DOWN COAL to be
as follows:-
The object of this invention is to construct an appliance for breaking down Coal
which will be portable, simple, durable and effective the power being applied at
the back of the apparatus-or in the body of the material-instead of in the
front.
The appliance consists of a centre piece, flat in cross section from the front to
near the end and terminating in a wedge, the small end of the wedge being
towards the front of the centre piece; the centre piece fits into and between two
side pieces, the side pieces and centre piece forming a circle in cross section, the
side pieces are constructed with heads T shaped or otherwise, and are tapered off
at the back end to fit the wedge shaped end of the centre piece.
To the front or outer end of the centre piece is fitted a swivel or shackle capable
of rotating.
To the head or outer end of the side pieces is fitted the frame of a screw or
bydraulic jack, the screw or ram of which is connected to the shackle or swivel of
the centre piece.
In using this appliance or apparatus a hole is drilled in the coal large enough to
admit the centre piece and two side pieces; the centre piece is first inserted in the
hole and then the two side pieces, the jack is then connected to the centre piece by
means of the swivel or shackle and the screw or ram of the jack being drawn
back the wedge of the centre piece acts on the two side pieces to distend them or
force them outwards from the centre piece thus displacing the coal from the back
of the hole towards the face of the Coal.
By the use of this appliance the coal or other mineral acted on is broken down
in larger pieces than by apparatus at present in use.

page_text: An Improved Appliance for Breaking Down Coal.
I, ENOCH MOULD of White Barn Colliery, White Barn near Newcastle in the
County of Stafford, Certificated Colliery Manager, do hereby declare the nature
of my Invention for AN IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR BREAKING DOWN COAL, 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 this Invention is to construct an appliance for breaking down Coal
which will be portable, simple, durable and effective, the power being applied at
the back of the apparatus, or in the body of the material, instead of in the front.
By the use of this appliance the coal or other mineral acted on is broken down
in larger pieces than by apparatus at present in use.
The action of the appliance herein described may be likened to that of an
expanding Mandril, the expansive force being obtained by means of an arrangement
of Wedges which are actuated by manual or other power transmitted to them
through the medium of a screw.
The details of construction of the appliance may be varied without departing
from the principle on which my Invention is based, and the size and number of
parts employed, may vary according to the nature of the coal or other mineral to
be operated upon, the accompanying drawings illustrate the manner in which
I have carried out my Invention.
Figure 1. Is a Longitudinal or sido elevation of my improved appliance for
breaking down coal or other mineral as it appears with all the parts fitted thereto.
Figure 2. Is a plan, and
Figures 3, 4 & 5 Are end views of the same.
Figure 6. Is a side view of one of the side pieces or Wedges detached from the
Mandril.
Figure 7 Is an end view at the thick end of the same.
Figure 8. Is a side view of a lengthening piece of the Mandril, the wedge or
side pieces removed.
Figure 9. Is a plan of the same.
Figure 10 Is a section through the Mandril, and wedge or side pieces at DE
Figure 1.
Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views. M represents
the main part or centre piece of the appliance hereinafter called the Mandril; this
Mandril has a screw S, for a certain distance of its length, the remaining distance
being recessed and having a flat inclined surface to receive one or more pairs of
side pieces or Wedges W, hereinafter called Wedges, the screw is fitted with a
nut N.
The end of the screw S would be slightly reduced as shown at T, so that in the
event of its becoming necessary to drive the Mandril through any obstruction in
the hole, the thread of the screw would not be injured by the operation.

page_text: The Wedges and the recesses made to receive them are so formed that when the
Wedges are placed in position, the Mandril is quite Cylindrical and parallel.
If fitted with only one pair of Wedges, the Mandril would have an overall
length from A to B as shown in the drawing Figures 1 and 2; if fitted with two
pairs of Wedges then the overall length would extend from A to C and so on, or
the Mandril may be constructed in one piece as shown from A to B or from A to C
and the additional length from B to C or from C forward may be fitted to it by
means of a dove-tail joint V, or other mode of fastening, and each additional piece
may be dovetailed or fitted with other convenient mode of fastening, so that the
Mandril may be lengthened at the wedge end by one or more such additional
pieces each of which would be fitted with a pair of wedges.
Whether the Mandril is constructed in one solid piece or whether it is arranged
to have one or more additional pieces whereby it may be lengthened both the
Wedges and the additional lengthening pieces would be made interchangeable with
their corresponding parts and with each other.
The Mandril and the wedges and the additional pieces if any also the nut and
Washer plates may be made of Iron case hardened or otherwise or of steel hardened
or otherwise or any other equivalent material.
Figure 11. Represents a section of a Coal working, with the Improved appliance
at work breaking down Coal the operation of which is as follows―
After the coal has been cut ready for breaking down which in the accompanying
illustration (Figure 11) has been effected from the top of the Coal, and a hole of
the acquired diameter has been made in the face of the coal, at a convenient
distance from the bottom, the wedge end of the Mandril is inserted into the hole,
with the wedge in place, and if the Mandril is used of a length to require more
than one pair of wedges then each succeeding pair of wedges are placed in position
as that part of the Mandril enters the hole.
When the Mandril has been entered to the required distance which would usually
be the full length between the wedge end of tlie Mandril, and the washer plate,
when the washer plate is close up to the nut, and the nut at the extreme end of
the screw.
On the nut being turned by a spanner or wrench or other convenient means the
centre part of the mandril is gradually drawn back leaving the wedges which
gradually expand in the hole until the thick end of the Mandril reaches the thick
end of the wedges, by this process the coal is lifted and broken from the back in
large pieces, which may be easily detached by a pick, or other implement.
When the coal is worked from the bottom instead of from the top as shown in
Figure 11, the position of the hole for the Mandril is simply reversed to a
corresponding distance from the top.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
(1) The appliance for breaking down coal or other mineral, or material, as herein
set fortb, partaking of the nature of an expanding Mandril the expansive force
being obtained by means of an arrangement of wedges which are actuated by
manual or other power, transmitted to them through the medium of a screw.
(2) An improved appliance as herein set forth by the use of which mechanical
force may be applied at the back or in the body of the Coal, mineral or other material
to be broken down, by which means the Coal, mineral, or other material may be
broken in much larger pieces, and with less waste and danger than by the means
at present employed.
(3) The construction of an appliance for breaking down Coal, mineral, or other
material, as herein set forth, the Mandril of which may be fitted with lengthening
pieces, and corresponding wedges, the several parts of which, are interchangeable

page_text: with their corresponding parts, or with each other such lengthening pieces being
fitted to the Mandril or to each other, by means of a dove-tail joint or joints or
other mode of fastening as herein described and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings, Figures 1 to 11 inclusive.
1

page_text: I ENOCH MOULD of White Barn, Colliery, White Barn near Newcastle in the
County of Stafford Certificated Colliery Manager, do hereby declare the nature of
my said invention for AN IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR BREAKING DOWN COAL to be
as follows:-
The object of this invention is to construct an appliance for breaking down Coal
which will be portable, simple, durable and effective the power being applied at
the back of the apparatus or in the body of the material-instead of in the
front.
The appliance consists of a centre piece, flat in cross section from the front to
near the end and terminating in a wedge, the small end of the wedge being
towards the front of the centre piece; the centre piece fits into and between two
side pieces, the side pieces and centre piece forming a circle in cross section, the
side pieces are constructed with heads T shaped or otherwise, and are tapered off
at the back end to fit the wedge shaped end of the centre piece.
To the front or outer end of the centre piece is fitted a swivel or shackle capable
of rotating.
To the head or outer end of the side pieces is fitted the frame of a screw or
hydraulic jack, the screw or ram of which is connected to the shackle or swivel of
the centro piece.
In using this appliance or apparatus a hole is drilled in the coal large enough to
admit the centre piece and two side pieces; the centre piece is first inserted in the
hole and then the two side pieces, the jack is then connected to the centre piece by
means of the swivel or shackle and the screw or ram of the jack being drawn
back the wedge of the centre piece acts on the two side pieces to distend them or
force them outwards from the centre piece thus displacing the coal from the back
of the hole towards the face of the Coal,
By the use of this appliance the coal or other mineral acted on is broken down
in larger pieces than by apparatus at present in use.
Dated thin and do of Anvil 100%

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
I, ENOCH MOULD of White Barn Colliery, White Barn near Newcastle in the
County of Stafford, Certificated Colliery Manager, do hereby declare the nature
of my Invention for AN IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR BREAKING DOWN COAL, 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 this Invention is to construct an appliance for breaking down Coal
which will be portable, simple, durable and effective, the power being applied at
the back of the apparatus, or in the body of the material, instead of in the front.
The appliance consists of a centre piece, flat in cross section from the front to
near the end, and terminating in a wedge, the small end of the wedge being toward
the front of the centre piece, the centre piece fits into and between two side pieces,
the side pieces and centre piece forming a circle in cross section, the aide pieces are
constructed with heads T shaped or otherwise, and are tapered off at the back end
to fit the wedge shaped end of the centre piece, to the front or outer end of the
centre piece is fitted a swivel or shackle capable of rotating.
To the head or outer end of the said pieces is fitted the frame of a screw or
hydraulic jack, the screw or ram of which is connected to the shackle or swivel of
the centre piece.
In using this appliance or apparatus a hole is drilled in the coal large enough to
admit the centre piece and two side pieces, the centre piece is first inserted in the
hole and then the two side pieces, the Jack is then connected to the centre piece by
means of the swivel or shackle, and the screw or ram of the Jack being drawn
back, the wedge of the centre piece acts on the two side pieces to distance them, or
force them outwards from the centre piece thus displacing the coal from the back
of the hole towards the face of the coal.
By the use of this appliance the coal or other mineral acted on is broken down
in larger pieces than by apparatus at present in use.
The action of the appliance herein described may be likened to that of an
expanding Mandril, the expansive force being obtained by means of an arrangement
of Wedges which are actuated by manual or other power transmitted to them
through the medium of a screw or by the direct action of the ram of a Hydraulic
Jack.
The details of construction of the appliance may be varied without departing
from the principle on which my Invention is based, and the size and number of
parts employed, may vary according to the nature of the coal or other mineral to
be operated upon, the accompanying drawings illustrate the manner in which
I have carried out my Invention.
Figure 1. Is a Longitudinal' or side elevation of my improved appliance for
breaking down coal or other mineral as it appears with all the parts fitted thereto.
Figure 2. Is a plan, and
Figures 3, 4 & 5 Are end views of the same.
Figure 6. Is a side view of one of the side pieces or Wedges detached from the
Mandril.
Figure 7 Is an end view at the thick end of the same.

page_text: Figure 8. Is a side view of a lengthening piece of tho Mandril, tho wedge or
side pieces removed.
Figure 9. Is a plan of the same.
Figure 10 Is a section through the Mandril, and wedge or side pieces at DE
Figure 1.
Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views. M represents
the main part or centre piece of the appliance hereinafter called the Mandril; this
Mandril has a screw S, for a certain distance of its length, the remaining distance
being recessed and having a flat inclined surface to receive one or more pairs of
side pieces or Wedges W, hereinafter called Wedges, the screw is fitted with a
put N, and P is a washer plate with a hole large enough in Diameter for the screw
to turn freely therein. C is a circular facing piece or collar, turned on the nut N
whereby the friction of the nut on coming into contact with the washer plate P
which is turned on the face nearest the nut is considerably reduced, this washer
plate would be left rough on the side furthest from the nut which would come in
contact with the coal when at work.
The end of the screw S would be slightly reduced as shown at T, so that in the
event of its becoming necessary to drive the Mandril through any obstruction in
the hole, tho thread of the screw would not be injured by the operation.
The Wedges and the recesses made to receive them are so formed that when the
Wedges are placed in position, the Mandril is quite Cylindrical and parallel.
If fitted with only one pair of Wedges, the Mandril would have an overall
length from A to B as shown in the drawing Figures 1 and 2; if fitted with two
pairs of Wedges then the overall length would extend from A to C and so on, or
the Mandril may be constructed in one piece as shown from A to B or from A to C
and the additional length from B to C or from C forward may be fitted to it by
means of a dove-tail joint V, or other mode of fastening, and each additional piece
may be dovetailed or fitted with other convenient mode of fastening, so that the
Mandril may be lengthened at the wedge end by one or more such additional
pieces each of which would be fitted with a pair of wedges.
Whether the Mandril is constructed in one solid piece or whether it is arranged
to have one or more additional pieces whereby it may be lengthened both the
Wedges and the additional lengthening pieces would be made interchangeable with
their corresponding parts and with each other.
The Mandril and the wedges and the additional pieces if any also the nut and
Washer plates may be made of Iron case hardened or otherwise or of steel hardened
or otherwise or any other equivalent material.
Figure 11. Represents a section of a Coal working, with the Improved appliance
at work breaking down Coal the operation of which is as follows
After the coal has been cut ready for breaking down which in the accompanying
illustration (Figure 11) has been effected from the top of the Coal, and a hole of
the acquired diameter has been made in the face of the coal, at a convenient
distance from the bottom, the wedge end of the Mandril is inserted into the hole,
with the wedge in place, and if the Mandril is used of a length to require more
than one pair of wedges then each succeeding pair of wedges are placed in position
as that part of the Mandril enters the hole, or the wedges may be temporarily tied
into their places so that the whole be entered and pushed into the hole at the
same time.
When the Mandril has been entered to the required distance which would usually
be the full length between the wedge end of the Mandril, and the washer plate,
when the washer plate is close up to the nut, and the nut at the extreme end of
the screw.
On the nut being turned by a spanner or wrench or other convenient means the
centre part of the Mandril is gradually drawn back leaving the wedges which
gradually expand in the hole until the thick end of the Mandril reaches the thick
end of the wedges, by this process the coal is lifted and broken from the back in
largo pieces, wbich may be easily detached by a pick, or other implement, the

page_text: wedges which are left in the hole when the Mandril is withdrawn being afterwards
recovered from amongst the broken Coal,
When the coal is worked from the bottom instead of from the top as shown in
Figure 11, the position of the hole for the Mandril is simply reversed to a
corresponding distance from the top.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my sald
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
(1) The appliance for breaking down coal or other mineral, or material, as herein
set forth, partaking of the nature of an expanding Mandril the expansive force
being obtained by means of an arrangement of wedges which are actuated by
manual or other power, transmitted to them through the medium of a screw, or by
the direct action of the ram of a Hydraulic Jack.
(2) An improved appliance as herein set forth by the use of which mechanical
force may be applied at the back or in the body of the Coal, mineral or other material
to be broken down, by which means the Coal, mineral, or other material may be
broken in much larger pieces, and with less waste and danger than by the means
at present employed.
(3) The construction of an appliance for breaking down Coal, mineral, or other
material, as herein set forth, the Mandril of which may be fitted with lengthening
pieces, and corresponding wedges, the several parts of which, are interchangeable
with their corresponding parts, or with each other such lengthening pieces being
fitted to the Mandril or to each other, by means of a dove-tail joint or joints or
other mode of fastening as herein described and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings, Figures 1 to 11 inclusive.