Improvements Connected with Electrically Operated Coal Mining and Drilling Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 8th June, 1889-Accepted, 13th July, 1889
Improvements Connected with Electrically Operated Coal Mining
and Drilling Machines.
I, ELMER AMBROSE SPERRY, of Opera House Block, Chicago, United States of
America, Mechanical Engineer, 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 :-
My invention relates to mining and drilling by automatic machinery actuated by
electricity and the distribution of electricity for that purpose.
Figure 1 is a plan view with certain parts removed.
Figure 2 is a vertical section.
Figure 3 is a rear view.
Figure 4 is a cross section through the line X-x of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a cross section on the line Y-Y of Figure 1 through the cross head.
Figure 6 is a detail of the pitman.
Figure 7 is a detail of the clutch mechanism.
Figure 8 is a detail of the switch.
Figure 9 is a vertical section through the body of the device; modified form.
Figure 10 is a rear view of a portion thereof with parts removed.
Figure 11 is a detail of the drill rotating slot.
Figure 12 is a cross section on the line Z-Z showing the drill rotating
mechanism.
Figure 13 is a plan view of a portion of a mine and a portion of the surface of
the earth above the same.
Figure 14 is a section of one of the main leads in the mine; and
Figure 15 is a sectional view showing the base of the shaft and leads running
therefrom.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8; AA are the wheels journalled on
the supporting frame A' which frame is provided with the rear handles A2 A2.
A is a hinged front cover which may be used to protect the working parts of the
machine. A are the field magnets mounted on the standard A' which rises from
the frame of the machine. A A are the pole pieces enclosing the armature A'
which is secured on the shaft A8. This shaft is journalled at one end in the box A³
supported by the arms A20 and at the other in the foot block A" of the machine
frame A¹. On the shaft A8 which is screw threaded at its lower end is the nut A¹³
which together with the end of such shaft bears upon the block A". The armature is
provided with the commutator A¹ upon which bear the brushes A1 A15. These
brushes should be connected with the conductors B B¹; the conductor B leading
through the rheostat B2 and switch B3 which has the arm B* to normally cover the
fusible conductor B in the conductor B. On the shaft A8 of the armature is the
pinion C meshing with the pinion C₁ whose shaft (15 is journalled below in like manner
as the shaft A8 and above in the frame bar 06. The shaft A8 and the shaft of the
pinion C, which latter shaft also carries the pinion C³, are similarly journalled passing
each through the back plate C³ which serves as a guide as indicated in Figure 2. The
back plate 3 is secured to and forms part of the frame of the machine. The pinion C³
meshes with the large pinion C which is similar to a pinion C. This latter pinion is
driven by a pinion similar to C2 and on the same shaft C³. The crank consists of the
two plates D D secured together by the crank pin D', the lower on the trunnion D'
rising from the base plate A¹ of the frame, and the upper on the trunnion D³ pro-
jecting from the cylinder D₁ which rotates in the cross piece D' of the frame, being
held thereto by the strap D° and pin D'. Between the pinions C and the inner

page_text: annular flange of the pieces D D are the pockets D8 D8 wider at one end than at the
other and having in each a roller D' normally forced toward the smaller end of such
pocket by the spring D10. D" are plates set into the body of the plates D to form a
hard bearing surface for such rollers. D¹³ is a friction ring encircling the crank pin D¹.
E is a strap encircling such collar on such crank pin D₁ and provided with a cross
bar E which passes through a slot E2 in the piece E³ and is provided with pins E* E*
which project and engage the spiral springs E E. These springs bear against the
cross bar E' of the strap E' and the end of the slot E2. The strap E passes about the
block composed of the two portions E' E' which encircle the pin E on the end of
the reciprocating head E. E10 is a key to hold the cross bar E¹, and E" is a pin to
secure the ends of the har E³. These several straps together constitute an elastic
pitman pivoted at one end to the reciprocating head E and at the other to the crank
pin D¹ and composed substantially of two elastically connected portions. The space
between the curved portion of the strap or straps E E and the end of the piece E
constitute what I term the lost motion slot E12. The cross head E' is contained in the
forward portion of the frame between the forward side pieces of the frame A¹ and the
forward part of the bottom portion A12, and travels upon these parts as a bearing and
is held down in position by the guiding straps E1 E13. To this cross head is secured
the reciprocating rod F which passes through an aperture in the forward part F¹ of
the frame. To this part F¹ is secured a cylinder F containing the spiral spring F³ the
inner end of which rests against the frame part F. About the forward part of this
rod F is a guiding collar F and a pin F through which passes the key Fe to secure
the drill F which is shaped as shown, bifurcated at its end in side view and curved on
one side so as to bring the point in line with the axis of the rod as shown in Figure 2.
In this cross head E are two cavities G having each an aperture G¹ with a valve G²
thereover and adapted to receive the piston G³ secured on the forward part of the
frame. His a funnel shaped guard containing the lamp H' supported on the
spring H2 and provided at its outer extremity with a gauze protector H³. J is an
indicator with hand and dial and J' is an incandescent conductor which indicates the
condition of the current in the dark. J' is a hand wheel with which to control the
motions of the armature.
The use and operation of my invention are as follows :-
The machine constructed substantially as shown is supported preferably at its centre
of gravity on the wheels and is presented to the work by the operator who seizes the
handles in the rear. A current of electricity is provided by means of suitable
conductors and is controlled as to its quantity and application by means of the switch
and rheostat. Its character is determined by means of the indicators on the rear of
the machine, the one being visible in the dark and the other capable of use in the
light. A suitable current being provided and turned on by the operator the armature
rotates and with it its shaft thus rotating the pinion thereon. This pinion drives the
meshing pinion on the shaft C and hence the pinion (3 and its accompanying pinion
which pinions intermesh with the large pinions C and C7 thus driving them in the
direction of the arrow in Figure 7. As these pinions are driven forward the rollers D°
are forced into the interior portions of their respective slots and the crank plates D
and their connected parts are locked to and carried with the pinions C and Cin
their forward rotation thus retracting the elastic pitman and with it the cross head E
and rod F and contracting the working spring F³. As soon as the crank pin D' has.
passed the centre the accumulated energy of the spring. F³ will tend to move the rod F
forward with greater rapidity than it would have if rigidly secured to the pinion C
and hence the crank plates tend to rotate in the same direction as the arrow but with
greater rapidity than the pinions C4 and 07. This tendency loosens the rollers D' and
hence frees the crank plates from the pinions and the rod F is free to be forced
forward by the spring ³ and with it is carried the drill F. This drill shaped as
shewn delivers a most effective blow directly from the axis of the rod F. The
slot El permits the crank pin D¹ to make its circuit until the two pinions C and C
are again locked to such crank plates without the said crank pin giving any opposite
motion to the pitman and rod F, in short the pitman and rod F are forced upward by

page_text: the spring alone through the remainder of the stroke or until the parts are again
connected so as to recompress the spring. Though the stroke be delivered through a
short distance the inertia of the machine is such that before the unexpended energy of
the spring can be put forth to push back the machine, which it would do, the rotating
pinions C and C have brought the crank pin to such a position as that it will engage
the strap E at its bend and thus begin the operation of recompressing the spring again.
Should the motion of the cord F be through a short space there would be an
appreciable interval before the crank pin would reengage the strap and hence it might
be expected that a considerable blow would be delivered against such strap by the
reengagement of the crank pin, and the evils of such blow are obviated by the elastic
pitman, or pitman composed as shewn of the two portions, one connected with the
crank pin the other with the cross head pin and the two connected through the medium
of the springs Es against which they respectively pull in opposite directions. The air
cushion in the cross head prevents injury to the operative parts by the shock of the
stroke. The electric light in the forward end of the machine supported on a spring so
as not to be easily shattered delivers a light at the working point.
Referring now to Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, wherein certain modifications are
illustrated; K is the field magnet, K₁ the armature, K' a controlling hand wheel on
the shaft thereof, K³ the brushes, K arms on the frame to which the armature shaft
is journalled above, K³ the rear cross piece of the frame through which the shaft K*
of the armature passes for a guide. K' is the base of the frame which supports the
drill driving mechanism and in this frame is placed a foot block K³ upon which
rests the lower end of the shaft K. The shaft K6 carries two pinions L³ L' which
respectively mesh with the pinions L³ and L. These pinions are journalled
respectively in the upper portion of the frame L' and the lower portion K7 and are
connected with the crank plates M M in any desired and practical way though
preferably by a clutch mechanism such as that illustrated elsewhere. M¹ is a crank
pin having the collar M² thereabout and encircled by the straps M³ which are
connected by the cross bar M* secured in place by the key M³ and passing through
the slot Me in the piece M' which lies between the two sides of the straps M³. Nis
a transverse pin in the pitman bead N¹ and it is encircled by a collar N2 and this
collar by a strap N³ the ends of which are secured to the piece M' by the transverse
pin N1, all of which is more fully illustrated elsewhere. O is the forward part of
the frame cylindrical in cross section and having the projecting cup shaped end 0¹
in which is secured and from which projects the cylinder 02. In this cylinder is a
reciprocating tube 0* having at its outer extremity the flange 06 and surrounded by
spring O which bears at one end against the inner end of the cup shaped portion O
and at its other end against the flange 0. 017 is the drill rod flanged and enlarged
at O' and provided with the clamp 08 to which is secured the drill point 0°. On
the inner end of this drill rod 07 and rigid therewith is the ratchet wheel 010 held
in position by the spring dog 0" pivotted on the pitman head N¹. This pitman head
is slotted at 012. Concentric with the ratchet wheel is the arm 013 having the spring
dog O which engages such ratchet wheel and the projecting end 0" which passes
into the slot 016 in the interior of the surface O. All of the parts so far described
are supported on the frame which is provided with the side ledges PP whereby the
entire frame and all of the parts so far described are supported on the ribs P¹ P'
which are supported on the side parts P2 P2 of the main supporting frame. These
said parts come together below in the supporting portion P³ through which passes
the shaft P on which the entire machine is supported in any desired position and
upon any suitable carriage. The cylinder O is slotted at R and the head N¹ has a
lip R¹ projecting through such slot. Projecting from the frame pieces P² P² are the
rods R2 R2 provided at their outer extremities with the cross bar R³ in which is
journalled the securing rod R* having the crank R³ at its outer end. This crank
can be locked to prevent its rotation by the link R. This securing rod R* passes
through the lugs R' R7 secured to the bottom of the frame plate K' and between
these lugs and screw threaded on such rod is the screw threaded ratchet wheel R³.
R is a pivotted bell-crank-lever having at one end the pawl R to engage sucb
a

page_text: ratchet wheel and at the other the rod R¹ with the coupling R" and the end
piece R¹³ R is a standard on the frame and R¹³ is a spiral spring from such
standard to the end R³ of the rod. R¹ is a latch on the lug R' adapted to engage
the end R¹ of the pawl R⁰ and thus lock it at the limit of its motion. S S₁ are the
conductors which supply the current to the motor. S2 is a switch and S3 a cord
leading from the handle thereof. S is a pulley over which such cord passes, and
S is a lug on the cross bar R³ to which the cord S³ is connected. S is one of the
tripod bars, for example, on which the shaft P is secured and by which the entire
machine is supported.
The operation of the motor and the elastically connected pitman and the driving
mechanism therefor has been sufficiently described elsewhere. The parts shewn in
Figures 9-12 operate as follows. The operation of the motor rotates its shaft K and
hence rotates the pinions L³ and L' and thus moves the crank pin M¹. This retracts
the pitman which is elastically extensible and which is connected at one end with
the crank pin M and at the other with the pitman head pin N. In this device the
pitman head is cylindrical and reciprocates. As the machine is operated the pitman
is retracted carrying with it the pitman head and all the connected parts and com-
pressing the spring 06. When by the operation of the release and clutch mechanism
which connects the pinions L³ and L with the crank plates M M the drill and pit-
man head are released the spring 0 expands and forces the drill forward. As this
action takes place the end 15 of the arm 0¹³ projecting into the slot 016 causes
such arm to be carried about its centre as it moves longitudinally along the
cylinder O, and its spring dog 014 engaging the rachet wheel O rigid on the drill
rod O causes the same to rotate and thus the drill to be freely rotated before its
next stroke is given. The head 0₁ reciprocates but does not rotate within the
cylinder O. The cylinder O is fixed and the drill rod O" with its drill at one end
and its ratchet wheel 010 at the other rotates as the work progresses. Assuming that
the latch R¹ engages the end R of the dog Ro so as to throw the rod R" in its
extreme forward position where the end R³ will never be engaged by the lip R₁ in
the stroke. The securing rod is free to be operated by the crank R and when so
operated such screw rod being fixed in its relation to the frame pieces P² P2 by reason
of its being journalled so as not to reciprocate in the cross bar R3 which is supported
by the rods R2 R² will cause the centre upper portion of the frame which is
supported on the ribs P₁ P¹ to reciprocate or move forward to the work when
desired. When it is not desired that this should be done by hand as in the case of
several machines being operated by a single workman, the crank is locked by a
link R6 so as not to be capable of revolving. In this case it is apparent that the
rotation of the ratchet wheel R8 between the lugs R7 R' will cause the upper frame
carrying the operating mechanism to move in either direction along the ribs P¹ P¹.
Now in order that this feed may be automatically accomplised by the machine and
that the feed may be proportional to the work. I employ the automatic feed
mechanism consisting of the dog R elbow crank lever R, rod R" having the end R³
which projects into the path of the lip R and the retracting spring R. These
parts are shewn in the position at the end of the stroke the crank locked and the
rod having just been operated having slightly moved to bring the operating mechanism
forward. As soon now as the head N¹ retreats the spiral spring R will retreat the
rod R and end R13 and turn the elbow-crank lever on its pivot and bring the
dog R into engagement with the lower tooth of the ratchet wheel R³. By
the expansion of the spring and the operation of the machine the pitman head Ni
rushes forward the lip R will engage the end R13, force it and the rod R forward,
raise the dog R and cause the rachet wheel R8 to move on the screw rod against
the lug R and will thus move the operative parts forward to the work. If the
resistance encountered by the drill is such as to prevent its moving forward upon
any given stroke any considerable extent it is clear that it will not move the end R¹³
and the rod R far enough to operate the ratchet and hence the rod will not be
operated until the drill by its operation has proceeded far enough into the work to
justify feeding and hence the feeding is not only automatic but nicely proportioned

page_text: to the progress of the drill. When the operative parts have reached the limit of
their forward motion further progress on their part will draw upon the cord 0³ upon
the switch and stop the machine.
Referring to figures 13, 14, and 15 wherein is shown either form of my drill at
work and the electrical distribution to operate the same; V is the shaft terminating
in the enlarged shaft base W % V₁ V₁ are the main leads running from the shaft
in various directions. V2 V2 are the branch leads therefrom divided up and running
in such directions as circumstances may require. V3 V³ are the metallic rails of the
track running through the various leads and used for the purpose of the passage of
the electrically propelled cars and their transporting devices. "V* V* are freight cars
adapted to run on such tracks and V the electrically actuated cars or motors for such
train; they may be provided for example each with an electric motor V. V' is a
dynamo preferably on the surface of the earth above from which lead the wires V8
and V through the shaft down to the base of such shaft and preferably to the two
arms of the four point switch V10 V11 is a conductor leading from one of the contact
points of such switch through the fuse box V" into one of the main leads V₁ being
supported at suitable points on the insulators V13 V13. From this wire of conductor
is supported by the links V V¼ the rod V" upon which rides the roller Vis
on the trolley V" from the motor car V³. V18 are the trucks of such car which
make contact with the rails V³. A conductor leads from such trucks along the
trolley V to the roller V16 thence to the rod V1, links V, conductor V₁ to the
switch and thence to conductor V₁ and to one pole of the dynamo. From the other
pole of the dynamo leads the conductor V8 to the switch V10 and when the switch
is in operative position this conductor makes contact with the conductor V1 which
passes through the volt meter V20, fuse box V21 and thence to the rail V³. V22 is
The rods V15 V18
an ampere meter coupled between the conductors V and V19.
on which the roller V16 moves are relatively short so as to form sections as shewn
and any defect in either section can be remedied by the removal thereof without
interfering with the other. Similar conductors V11 V1 pass in from the wires V*
and V8 into each of the main leads and they are provided with similar fuse
boxes V2 V2 and volt meters V20 and ampere meters V2 W is the mining machine
containing an electric motor W₁, a drill W2 actuated thereby, handles W and
wheels W
The motor is connected at one pole by the conductor W³ with the
roller V3 and at the other pole by the conductor W with the rod V¹³.
The operation of the drill and parts so connected with this system of distribution is
as follows:
The generator V' being set in operation a current will pass over all of the connected
portions of the electrical system. If now the translating devices, as for instance
motor cars, mining machines, etc., be coupled between the two conductors in the leads,
as for example between the rods V and the rails V³, a current will pass through
and energize such translating devices and set the motor in motion and the mining
machine in operation. Either of the leads passing from the shaft base V V can be
thrown in or out of circuit by the operation of the four point switch V10 one of which
switches controls each of such leads.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a mining machine the combination of a suitable supporting frame with a
drill, a driving spring, a spring energizing motor, and an irregularly acting catch
containing a slotted pin to intermittently connect the spring and motor together.
2. In a mining machine the combination of a suitable supporting frame with a
drill, a driving spring, an electric motor, and an irregularly acting catch consisting
in part of a slotted pitman to intermittently connect the spring and motor
together.
'
3. In a mining machine the combination of a suitable supporting frame with a
drill, a driving motor, an energizing motor, an irregular acting catch consisting in
part of a slotted pitman to intermittently lock the two motors together:

page_text: 4. In a mining machine the combination of a suitable supporting frame with a
drill, a driving motor, an electric compressing motor, and an irregularly acting
catch consisting in part of a slotted pitman to intermittently lock the two motors
together.
5. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a rod to which it is
secured, a spring encircling said rod, and a free collar on the end of such rod
bearing against the end of the drill proper, said spring bearing at its end respectively
against such collar and the fixed portion of the machine.
6. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill a rod to which it is secured,
a. spring encircling such rod, a free collar on the end of such rod bearing against
the end of the drill proper, said spring bearing at its end respectively against
such collar and a fixed portion of the machine and a spring-enclosing and protecting
cylinder..
7. In a drilling machine the combination of the drill with a rod to which it is.
secured, a spring encircling such rod, a cylinder enclosing such spring and rod,
and a guiding collar about such rod within such cylinder and bearing on one
side against the end of the drill proper, and on the other against the end of the
spring.
8. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a reciprocating pitman
therefor, two driving gear wheels on opposite sides of said pitman, a clutch to connect
said pitman and gear wheels, and an actuating motor for said gear wheels, and a frame
to support such parts in operative position.
9. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a reciprocating pitman
therefor, two driving gear wheels on opposite sides of said pitman, a clutch to connect
said pitman and gear wheels, an actuating electric motor for said gear wheels, and a
frame to support such parts in operative position.
10. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a reciprocating pitman
therefor, two crank plates connected with said pitman and on opposite sides
thereof, a clutch whereby the pitman and plates are connected and an actuating
motor to drive such plates and a frame to support such parts in operative position.
11. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a pitman, crank
plates on opposite sides thereof, a clutch to connect the pitman and plates, an
actuating electric motor to drive such plates, and a frame to support such parts in
operative position.
12. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a pitman, a crank
plate and pin, a driving wheel, a motor to actuate the same, and a clutch between
such crank plate and driving wheel on each side of the pin.
13. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a pitman, a crank plate
and pin, a driving wheel, a motor to actuate the same, and a release between such
crank plate and driving wheel on each side of the pin.
14. In a drilling machine the combination of the drill actuating mechanism with
a frame on which the same is supported, a spring which encircles and drives the drill,
an outwardly open ended enclosing cylinder thereof secured to such frame, and a
removable drill guide within such cylinder.
15. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a driving spring, a
pitman connected with such drill at one end and provided with a long slot at the
other end, a crank whose pin engages such slot, a driving shaft to which such
crank is attached and means for driving the same, so that the pitman may move
independent of the crank during a portion of its stroke.
16. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with a spring adapted to force
the drill forward, a pitman connected with such drill at one end and provided with a
long slot at the other a crank whose pin engages such slot, a driving shaft to which
such crank is attached, means for driving the same, a clutch connecting such crank to
such shaft so as to lock them together when one moves faster than the other and
release them when their relative speed tendency changes.
17. In a drilling machine the combination of a suitable supporting frame with a
drill, means for driving the same including the shaft, a crank on said shaft connected

page_text: to other parts of the driving mechanism, a clutch which locks the shaft and the crank
together when one moves faster than the other and releases them when their relative
speed tendencies change.
18. In a drilling machine the combination of a drill with an electric motor for
driving the same, an electric current indicator consisting of two elements, one adapted
to be read in the light and the other in the dark, and a suitable supporting frame on
which the parts are secured.
T : hth dove of Lane 1880
FREDERIC PRINCE,
1, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for Applicant.