IMPROVEMENTS IN BORING, CHANNELLING, CUTTING, OR DRESSING STONE, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN. PARTS OF PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION TOPURSES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Asbury McKean, of Mount Morris, Ogle County,
Illinois, in the United States of America, at present residing at the Tavistock
Hotel, Covent Garden, in the County of Middlesex, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BORING, CHANNELLING, CUTTING, OR DRESSING STONE,
AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN. PARTS OF
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Asbury McKean
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st October 1880.
"
JAMES ASBURY MOKEAN, of Mount Morris, Ogle County, Illinois, in the United
States of America, at present residing at the Tavistock Hotel, Covent Garden, in
the County of Middlesex. IMPROVEMENTS IN BORING, CHANNELLING, CUTTING,
OR DRESSING STONE, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN,
PARTS. OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
My Invention relates chiefly to the boring, channelling, cutting, or dressing of
stone, but it is also applicable to operating upon coal or other minerals, and it
consists of an improved mode of and apparatus for tunnelling, mining, shaft
sinking, working quarries, cutting up or dividing blocks of stone, getting coal, and
for performing other like operations.
In carrying out my Invention I employ a rock drill, or equivalent tool, having
a traversing or travelling motion. This motion may be either in a rectilineal or
circular direction according to the nature of the work to be performed.
In order that the nature of my Invention and the mode of carrying out the
same may be understood, I shall first describe the Invention in its application to
driving a gallery for a tunnel or other purposes.
In constructing a gallery I first use a boring apparatus having a rectilineal
traversing motion in addition to the ordinary reciprocating and rotary motion.
This apparatus is constructed in the following manner :-
The apparatus is mounted upon a platform or carriage having a face plate, which
Price To 871

page_text: may be formed on, or attached to, one end of the same, and which is intended to
carry the operating tools.
A tube is employed which is supported by a clamp or series of clamps, and is
maintained by pinch blocks and set screws in proper position relatively to an
opening through the clamp or clamps, the said opening being provided in order to
admit of the traversing motion of the tool, as hereinafter explained. The tube is
also formed with a longitudinal slot or opening, and within the tube, which is
bored true and smooth, I place a nut, having formed thereon, or rigidly attached
to it, a gripping device, through which nut passes a screw from end to end of the
tube, the said screw being supported in bearings therein and provided with a crank
or handle at either end. The gripping device holds the rock drill or similar tool,
pinch screws or similar devices being provided for its rigid attachment.
The clamps, which for convenience are each made in two parts, are bolted upon
the face plate. A number of sets of clamps, each set carrying a tube with its tool,
are employed in conjunction, the same being arranged at intervals apart, videlicet,
at points corresponding to the size of the blocks into which the material to be
removed may be conveniently divided.
The carriage or platform is mounted upon wheels or rollers travelling upon rails,
and the said wheels or rollers are arranged so as to be capable of being raised
whilst the body of the platform or carriage is brought down upon the rails when
it is required to commence operations, and of their being lowered onto the rails
when it is required to retire the carriage; this raising and lowering may be
effected by means of a nut and right and left hand screw. The carriage and
platform is also formed with grooves for the reception of clamps, carrying tubes with
tools, as hereinbefore described, the object being to provide means for performing the
operations in any vertical or horizontal direction. These operations are facilitated
by the use of two modifications of clamps, arranged so that the tool shall operate
in the required direction.
In using the apparatus the carriage or platform is brought to or near the face
of the gallery, and for vertical operations the clamps with their tubes are attached
to the face plate, the tool being attached to the gripping device, as hereinbefore
described.
The tool has then imparted to it a reciprocating and rotary motion in the usual
manner, appliances being provided for advancing it at will. In addition to these
motions the nut with the gripping device carrying the tool is traversed bodily by
the act of operating a crank handle. By this means I form a series of channels of
a certain depth in the stone by successive backward and forward passes and
manipulation of the apparatus.
The
After these channels have been made I change the direction or position of the
clamps on the face plate, that is to say, I place them at right angles to their
previous position, by which means I form a series of channels in a direction
across those previously formed, the channels being however by preference inter-
cepted so that the machine will not operate at the points of intersection.
outer series of clamps for working both in a horizontal and vertical direction may
be set at suitable angles for the purpose of removing the material from the corners,
and in making the opening of sufficient dimensions for the subsequent advancement
of the apparatus.
The central block of the material thus divided is next removed by breaking it off
at the back by any convenient means, and I subsequently break off and remove the
surrounding blocks, the several blocks being conveniently removed through an
opening in the face plate and through the carriage or platform. I next advance the
carriage or platform and form a new series of channels in a similar manner, and
remove the material as before, and so on in succession, repeating the operation until
the gallery is completed.
I may apply the carriage or platform for enlarging the gallery already made in
all directions, and for making channels upwards or downwards and horizontally on

page_text: both sides. For cutting out the central portion of the arch of a tunnel I arrange the
apparatus so that the tool shall be capable of following a curved path or direction.
For this purpose I form a template of the requisite curvature, and I mount the tool
in a gripping device, having tail pieces or projections passing through the traversing
nut at each side of the screw in such a manner that the tool shall be capable of
following the curve of the template, a spring under tension being employed which
maintains the gripping device in contact with the template, whilst suitably shaped
openings are provided in the traversing nut to allow of the requisite play to the
gripping device. Punching screws having tensional springs in spring boxes are
employed at one end of the template for tightening the apparatus in its position
and automatically maintaining it tight in such position, and at the opposite end
feet or points are provided between which is the operating crank or handle. This
apparatus is suitably mounted on wheels.
In order to cut out the outer portions or extremities of the curve of the arch I
employ a similar apparatus with the template made to correspond to the desired
curvature, the screw being by preference arranged in an angular position.
I also may employ for boring channelling or cutting apparatus, in which the
reciprocating tool has a travelling motion in a circular direction.
As an example of arrangements of this description, the tube contains a screw for
tightening the apparatus in position by means of a nut, and the tube has formed on
its exterior a screw thread, to which are adapted nuts for holding in place a
segmental rack, by which the travelling motion of the tool is obtained. For this
purpose the tool holder is pivotted at a point corresponding to the centre of the
segmental arc to a cylinder contained within the tube, and is moreover provided
with a pinion engaging with the teeth of the segmental rack in such a manner that
by the act of turning the pinion by the aid of a handle the tool carrier will be
caused to travel round in the arc of a circle whilst the tool receives a reciprocating
and rotary motion in the ordinary manner. The pivot is adjustable, so that the
tool carrier may be set to any required position, which is then maintained by the
nuts. The rack is by preference turned to ono side so as to secure or bring
the line of thrust immediately against the central position of the tube. Two or
more segmental racks with their tool carriers and tools may be employed in combi-
nation with a single tube.
An arrangement of platform which may be conveniently employed for carrying
the apparatus consists of a frame mounted on wheels, with adjustable feet for securing
it in position, and provided with movable slabs having suitably formed holes for the
reception of projections on the working apparatus to give the proper angle for
working.
According to another modification of apparatus in which the tool carrier has a
travelling motion in a circular direction, the tool carrier or carriers are attached to
an annular or circular rack, to which rotary motion is imparted by the act of
turning by the aid of a handle or pinion, the axis of which is supported in stationary
bearings in the base of the frame."
The rack is supported upon rollers running preferably in a groove in the base,.
and is also provided with two other sets of rollers, between which is a projecting
rim formed upon the base.
An outer and an inner rack may be used, to either of which the pinion may be
adapted.
Two or more of the operating apparatus may be employed in conjunction, the
gripping devices for carrying them being arranged so as to enable the apparatus to
be adjusted to work vertically on the outer or inner circle or horizontally from the
top, either in the outward or onward direction.
The motive fluid generated in a vessel at the exterior is conducted by a
stationary tube to a central distributor, connected by a rod to the rack so as to
turn therewith, a stuffing box being provided so as to form a tight joint with the

page_text: tube.
A series of pipes leading from the distributor are employed for conducting
the fluid to the working cylinders of the several tools.
This apparatus may be advantageously employed for shaft sinking, cutting out
columns, grinding stones, and other like uses.
For certain purposes, such, for example, as cutting curb stones and circular shaped
blocks, in lieu of the rack or racks forming a complete ring, a segment of a ring may
be employed.
In applying the Invention to quarrying similar apparatus to that first herein before
described may be employed, with such slight modifications as are necessary to adapt
it to the particular kind of work to which it is to be applied.
According to one modification of apparatus employed for this purpose the top of
the carriage or platform is removable, and the side which carries the tube may be
inclined and set at any desired angle. The axle of the wheels is carried by a screw
which works in a nut supported by the frame; by the act of turning the screw in
one direction or the other the carriage may be either suspended, the wheels being
upon the rails, or the wheels and axle may be suspended, whilst the body of the
carriage rests upon the track.
Similarly apparatus of an analagous character may be employed for cutting up
stone, such apparatus being arranged in the following manner :-
A frame is provided, which may be constructed of wood or any other suitable
material, and contains a metal disc which is attached to the top of the frame by
bolts. The tube carrying the tool is attached by clamps to the disc or plate, the
said disc or plate being provided with segmental or circular grooves, to which the
clamps are adapted. In operating with this apparatus the clamps are placed in the
required position and secured therein by set screws, and the cut is taken, the stone
being carried upon a suitable carriage. This arrangement offers great facilities for
cutting up stone, as the apparatus may be moved to any position upon a central
pivot by simply loosening the set screws of the clamps and moving the latter along
their segmental grooves.
Another tube having a tool may be fixed to the side of the frame for the purpose
of working against the side of the blocks of stone at the same time that the other
tool is working at the top.
In cutting up blocks of stone in shaft sinking I modify the apparatus in the
following manner :-
The tube with its tool is carried by a clamp on a vertical screw, by which it may
be adjusted to any required height, the apparatus being maintained in position in
the shaft in course of formation by another screw having suitable holding
extremities.
In some cases I may construct the apparatus for the facility of adjustment,
substantially in the manner herein before described, but adapt thereto a serrated or
plain blade, to which reciprocating motion is imparted directly by the piston of a
steam or air engine.
The blade is attached by a telescopic connection to the piston rod of the steam or
air engine in such a manner that a reciprocating to and fro motion will be
imparted to the blade by the engine, whilst at the same time, by reason of the
telescopic connections, the blade is free to descend in proportion as the material is
cut, It is obvious that this apparatus is also applicable to the cutting of other
materials than stone. The apparatus hereinbefore described for cutting up stone
may be applied to the dressing of stone by the employment of a reciprocating tool
of a suitable edge shape or section.
The rock drill used in carrying out my Invention may be of any ordinary
description, but I prefer to construct it in, the following manner:-
The movable carriage, which is in one with the working cylinder, is adapted to
slide on a rail or bar of a H or other suitable section carried by the main frame of
the apparatus, the carriage being provided with flanges which engage with the
said rail or bar. This carriage is further supported by the feed screw, which is

page_text: mounted in bearings in the said main frame, and is operated in any usual or
suitable manner. The tool is attached to a prolongation of the rod of the piston
which works in the cylinder. On the said prolongation at the front of the cylinder
is a toothed protuberance which engages with a spirally toothed cam or cam
spindle supported by the movable carriage at the side of the said toothed
protuberance, the toothed cam being arranged in combination with a ratchet wheel
and pawl in the well known manner, so as to be rendered immovable during the
backward motion of the piston, and thereby cause the rotation of the tool, but to
yield and not rotate the tool during the forward stroke of the piston.
By this combination of a carriage working along a rail or bar with the tool
rotating appliances arranged at the front of the cylinder, great simplicity, strength,
and economy of construction are obtained.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said James Asbury McKean in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
1st April 1881.
JAMES ASBURY MCKEAN, of Mount Morris, Ogle County, Illinois, in the United
States of America, at present residing at the Tavistock Hotel, Covent Garden, in
the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BORING, CHANNELLING, CUTTING,
OR DRESSING STONE, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN,
PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER SUITABLE PURPOSES."
My Invention relates chiefly to the boring, channelling, cutting, or dressing of
stone, but it is also applicable to operating upon coal or other minerals, and it
consists of an improved mode of and apparatus for tunnelling, mining, shaft
sinking, working quarries, cutting up or dividing blocks of stone, getting coal,
and for performing other like operations.
In carrying out my Invention I employ a rock drill or equivalent tool having a
traversing or travelling motion. This motion may be either in a rectilineal or
circular direction according to the nature of the work to be performed.
In order that the nature of my Invention and the mode of carrying out the
same may be understood, I shall first describe the Invention in its application to
driving a gallery for a tunnel or other purpose.
In constructing a gallery I first use a boring apparatus having a rectilineal
traversing motion in addition to the ordinary reciprocating and rotary motion.
This apparatus is constructed in the following manner, reference being had to
Figures 1 to 10, on Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings:-
Figure 1, Sheet 1, represents a side elevation of a platform or carriage upon
which the apparatus is mounted; Figure 2 is a plan, and Figure 3 is an end view
of the same; Figure 4 represents a front elevation of a face plate which may be
formed on or attached to the end A of the platform or carriage, and which is
intended to carry the operating tools, the said face plate being shewn attached to the
platform or carriage in Figure 2. Figures 2a, 3a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Sheet 1, and
Figures 11 and 20, Sheet 2, illustrate details and modifications to be hereinafter
referred to.
B is a tube which is supported by a clamp or series of clamps C, shewn in
detail in two modifications respectively in Figures 6 and 7, and Figures 8 and 9,
Sheet 1, and in Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, Sheet 2. This tube is
maintained by pinch blocks a and set screws b in proper position relatively to an
opening at c through the clamp or clamps C, the said opening being provided in
order to admit of the traversing motion of the tool, as hereinafter explained. The
tube B is also formed with a longitudinal slot or opening d, and within the tube,
which is bored true and smooth, I place a nut or nuts D, each having formed
thereon, or rigidly attached thereto, a gripping device E, shewn in Figures 2, 5, 6,
7, 8, and 9, Sheet 1, and Figures 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, and 18, Sheet 2, extending
through the said slot or opening. Through the nut D passes a screw F from end
to end of the tube, the said screw being supported in bearing at f, f, therein, and
provided with a crank or handle g at either end. The gripping device E holds the
rock drill or similar tool G, pinch screws g', or similar devices being provided for
its rigid attachment. The clamps C, which for convenience may be made in
two parts, are bolted upon the face plate H, shewn in detail in Figure 4, and
shewn attached to the platform or carriage I, in Figure 2. A number of sets of
clamps C, each set carrying a tube B with its tool G, are employed in conjunction,
the same being arranged at intervals apart, videlicet, at the points h, corresponding
to the size of the blocks into which the material to be removed may be conveniently
divided.

page_text: The carriage or platform I is mounted upon wheels or rollers i travelling upon
rails, and the said wheels or rollers are arranged so as to be capable of being raised
whilst the body of the platform or carriage is brought down upon the rails when
it is required to commence operations, and of their being lowered on to the rails
when it is required to retire the carriage. This raising and lowering may be
effected by means of nuts and right and left hand screws at . The carriage or
platform is also formed with grooves for the reception of clamps C carrying
tubes B with tools G, as herein before described, the object being to provide means
for performing the operations in any vertical or horizontal direction. These
operations are facilitated by the use of the two modifications of clamps C, shewn
respectively in Figures 6 and 7, and Figures 8 and 9.
In using the apparatus the carriage or platform is brought to or near the face of
the gallery, and for vertical operations the clamps with their tubes are attached to
the face plate H, the tool being attached to the gripping device as herein before
described.
Figure 2 represents a prop or support to maintaining the platform firmly in
position, and Figure 3ª represents a pair of nippers for severing and extracting the
blocks when cut.
Figure 11, Sheet 2, represents an apparatus for cutting grooves or slots in a
horizontal direction, the clamping device for holding the cutting tool being
mounted so as to travel along the screw F, which is supported at its opposite ends in
bearings ff, mounted on vertical screws 1*, 2*, and is capable of being adjusted
vertically to suit the height at which the tool is to work. The screw 2* is mounted
on a carriage I provided with running wheels i to facilitate its transportation from
place to place.
Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, Sheet 2, represent a tool holder and clamp C
arranged to slide vertically along the tube F1 by means of a nut a working in a
screw thread formed on the exterior of the tube F', which tube is also provided in
the interior with another screw c* for fixing the apparatus firmly in position when
in action.
Figure 17, Sheet 2, represents an elevation of another modification of apparatus
for adjusting the position of the tool holder. Figures 18, 19, and 20, are details
of the same.
The tool has then imparted to it a reciprocating and rotary motion in the usual
manner, appliances being provided for advancing it at will. In addition to these
motions the nut D with the gripping device E carrying the tool is traversed bodily
by the act of operating the crank handle g. By this means I form a series of
channels of a certain depth in the stone, as shewn in Figures 11, 21, 22, 23, and 24,
Sheet 3, and in Figures 25, 250, and 26, Sheet 4, which represent horizontal sections
and end views of a portion of a gallery in the stone, illustrating the mode of
working. m, m, m', Figure 21 (for example) represent a series of channels formed in
the stone to a certain depth by successive backward and forward passes and
manipulation of the apparatus. After these channels have been made I change
the direction or position of the clamps on the face plate, that is to say, I place
then at right angles to their previous position, by which means I forin a
series of channels n, n, n', in a direction across those previously formed, the
channels being however by preference intercepted, so that the machine will not
operate at the points of intersection. The outer series of clamps for working both
in a horizontal and vertical direction may be set at suitable angles for the purpose
of removing the material from the corners, and in making the opening of sufficient
dimensions for the subsequent advancement of the apparatus. The lines at m³, m³,
shew the outer lines of cut when the apparatus are so arranged.
The central block o of the material thus divided is next removed by breaking it
off at the back by any convenient means, and I subsequently break off and remove
the surrounding blocks o¹, the several blocks being conveniently removed through
an opening K, Figure 4, in the face plate H, and through the carriage or platform I,
by means of the nippers illustrated by Figure 3ª, Sheet 1, or otherwise. I next

page_text: advance the carriage or platform and form a new series of channels in a similar
manner, as shewn, for example, at m², m², Figure 21, and remove the material as
before, and so on in succession, repeating the operation until the gallery is completed.
Two sets of tubes with their tool holders and appurtenances may be applied to
the apparatus and used simultaneously, the one set being arranged vertically, and
the other horizontally, and the one set being fixed in advance of the other, by
which means I am enabled to operate in both directions simultaneously, and thus
complete the cutting or channelling in one operation.
I may apply the carriage or platform for enlarging the gallery already made in
all directions, and for making channels upwards or downwards, and horizontally on
both sides.
As an equivalent for the screw I may employ a rack, as shown in the modification
Figures 27 and 28, Sheet 5, which represent respectively a longitudinal and
transverse section of a gallery with an elevation of so much of the apparatus as is
necessary to illustrate the working of the same. B× are slotted tubes, in which are
fitted bars Fx, having racked teeth formed thereon, with which engage pinions D*,
which may be driven simultaneously by the train of gearing g*, or driven separately
if desired. Each bar carries a series of clamping or gripping devices E to which the
tools are secured, the arrangement being such that some of the series of tools
operate in the vertical direction, and the others operate in the horizontal direction,
whilst the whole are in operation, simultaneously following each other in their
action. may if desired employ one or more racks with tools for cutting crosswise
or vertically.
When it is required to perform boring operations simultaneously with the
channelling, I may employ in addition one or more tools S* mounted on screws F,
which are capable of adjustment bodily, whilst the tools are also capable of adjust-
ment along the screws, the tools being moreover also so fitted as to admit of their
turning to any desired angle.
For cutting out the central portion of the arch of a tunnel, I construct the
apparatus so that the tool shall be capable of following a curved path or
direction in the manner illustrated in Figures 29 and 30, which represent
respectively a front elevation and plan of the same. I form a template L of the
requisite curvature, and I mount the tool in a gripping device E, having tail
pieces or projections p passing through the traversing nut D at each side of the
screw F in such a manner that the tool shall be capable of following the curve of
the template, a spring q under tension being employed, which maintains the
gripping device E in contact with the template L, whilst suitably shaped openings
at r, r, are provided in the traversing nut D, to allow of the requisite play to the
gripping device; pinching screws 8, 8, having tensional springs in the spring boxes t, t,
are employed at one end of the template for tightening the apparatus in its position,
and automatically maintaining it tight in such position, and at the opposite end
feet or points s¹, 81, are provided, between which is the operating crank or handle g.
By the act of turning the crank or handle, the nut D is traversed along the screw F,
and as the gripping device E, which is thus moved longitudinally, follows the shape
of the template, the reciprocating tool which the said gripping device carries cuts
the material to the requisite shape for the central portion of the arch. This
apparatus is suitably mounted on wheels u.
In order to cut out the outer portions or extremities of the curve of the arch, I
employ a similar apparatus, with the template L made to correspond to the desired
curvature, as shewn in Figures 31 and 32, Sheet 6, the screw F being by preference
arranged in an angular position, as shewn in the Drawings.
I also may employ for boring channelling or cutting apparatus in which the
reciprocating tool has a travelling motion in a circular direction. An example of
apparatus of this description is illustrated in Figures 33 and 34, Sheet 7, which
represent views, taken respectively at right angles to each other, of one modification
of this apparatus.
In this case the tube B contains a screw M for tightening the apparatus in

page_text: position by means of the nut M. The tube has formed on its exterior a screw
thread, to which are adapted nuts N for holding in place a segmental rack O, by
which the travelling motion of the tool is obtained. For this purpose the tool
holder E is pivotted at a point v corresponding to the centre of the segmental arc
to a cylinder v contained within the tube, and is moreover provided with a worm w
or a pinion engaging with the teeth of the segmental rack in such a manner, that
by the act of turning the worm or pinion by the aid of a handle, the tool carrier
will be caused to travel round in the arc of a circle, whilst the tool receives a
reciprocating and rotary motion in the ordinary manner. The pivot and the rack
which is also carried by the cylinder v' are adjustable, so that the tool carrier may
be set to any required position, which is then maintained by the nuts N. The rack
is by preference turned to one side, so as to secure or bring the line of thrust
immediately against the central position of the tube. Two or more segmental
racks with their tool carriers and tools may be employed in combination with a
single tube, as shewn in Figures 35 and 36, Sheet 7, in which two racks are
represented as employed in conjunction.
Figures 37, 38, and 39, Sheet 8, represent a slight modification in the details of
the apparatus last described, the cutting tool being traversed by means of a worm
working in an external segmental rack, as is clearly shewn.
In Figures 40 and 41, Sheet 7, I have shewn an arrangement of platform which
may be conveniently employed for carrying the apparatus. This platform consists
of a frame a mounted on wheels y with adjustable feet z for securing it in position,
and is provided with the movable slabs P having suitably formed holes for the
reception of projections on the working apparatus to give the proper angle for
working.
Another modification of apparatus, in which the tool carrier has a travelling
motion in a circular direction, is illustrated in Figures 42 and 43, Sheet 9, of my
Drawings, Figure 42 being a plan, and Figure 43 an elevation of the same.
The tool carrier or carriers E are attached to an annular or circular rack Q, to
which rotary motion is imparted by the act of turning by the aid of a handle R
a pinion S, the axis of which is supported in stationary bearings in the base of the
frame R'. The rack is supported upon rollers S' running preferably in a groove
in the base R¹, and is also provided with two other sets of rollers T, V, between
which is a projecting rim W formed upon the base.
I have shewn in Figure 42 an outer and an inner rack, to either of which the
pinion is adapted.
Two or more of the boring or operating apparatus may be employed in con-
junction, the gripping devices for carrying them being arranged so as to enable the
apparatus to be adjusted to work vertically or at an angle on the outer or inner
circle, or horizontally from the top either in the outward or inward direction.
The motive fluid generated in a vessel X at the exterior is conducted by a
stationary tube Y to a central distributer Z connected by a rod 1 to the rack so as to
turn therewith, a stuffing box being provided so as to form a tight joint with the
tube Y 2 shews one of a series of pipes leading from the distributer Z to the
working cylinders of the several tools.
This apparatus may be advantageously employed for shaft sinking, cutting out
columns, grinding stones, and other like uses.
For certain purposes, such, for example, as cutting curb stones and circular
shaped blocks, in lieu of the rack or racks forming a complete ring, a segment of a
ring may be employed, as shewn in Figures 44 and 45.
Another modification of apparatus for channelling or cutting out in a circular
direction is illustrated in side and end sectional elevation in Figures 46 and 47,
Sheet 10. According to this modification the tool holders E are carried radially
in a head or frame R', which is mounted on a hollow shaft B driven by means of
gearing g*. The series of tools are thus caused to revolve round the axis, whilst each
tool receives a to and fro reciprocating and rotary motion in the ordinary manner.
In applying the Invention to quarrying similar apparatus to that hereinbefore

page_text: described with reference to Figures 1 to 9, Sheet 1, may be employed, with such
slight modifications as are necessary to adapt it to the particular kind of work to
which it is to be applied.
Figures 48 and 49 (Sheet 11) represent respectively a plan and side elevation
of an apparatus so modified according to this arrangement; the top 3 of the
carriage or platform I is removeable, and the side 4 which carries the tube B may
be inclined and set at any desired angle. The axle of the wheels 5 is carried by
the screw 6, which works in a nut 7 supported by the frame 8. By the act of turning
the screw 6 in one direction or the other the carriage may be either suspended, the
wheels being upon the rails, or the wheels and axle may be suspended whilst the
body of the carriage rests upon the track.
Similarly apparatus of an analagous character may be employed for cutting up
stone. Figures 50 and 51, Sheet 12, represent in plan and elevation an apparatus
for this purpose.
9 is a frame, which may be constructed of wood or any other suitable material,
and contains a metal disc 10 which is attached to the top of the frame by bolts 11.
The tube B carrying the tool G is pivotted at 14 and attached by clamps C, C, to
the disc or plate 10, the said disc or plate being provided with segmental or circular
grooves 12, to which the clamps are adapted. In operating with this apparatus
the clamps are placed in the required position and secured therein by set screws,
and the cut is taken, the stone being carried upon a suitable carriage 13. This
arrangement offers great facilities for cutting up stone, as the apparatus may be
moved to any position upon its pivot 14 by simply loosening the set screws of the
clamps and moving the latter along their segmental grooves 12.
Another metal disc or a tube B for the reception of a tool may be fixed to the
side of the frame, as shewn, for the purpose of working against the side of the
blocks of stone at the same time that the other tool is working at the top.
This apparatus may be applied to the dressing of stone by the employment of
a reciprocating tool of a suitable edge shape or section.
In cutting up blocks of stone in shaft sinking I modify the apparatus in the:
following manner, reference being bad to Figures 52 and 53, Sheet 13, of the
Drawings, which represent respectively a side elevation and plan of the apparatus.
The tube B with its tool holder or gripping device E is carried by a clamp C
on a vertical screw 15, by which it may be adjusted to any required height, the
apparatus being maintained in position in the shaft 10 in course of formation by:
another screw 17 having suitable holding extremities.
In some cases I may construct the apparatus for the facility of adjustment
substantially in the manner herein before described with reference to Figures 50
and 51 (Sheet 12) of the Drawings, but adapt thereto a serrated or plain blade, to
which reciprocating motion is imparted directly by the piston of a steam or air
engine.
Figure 54, Sheet 14, is a sectional elevation of the apparatus, and Figure 55 is a
plan of a set of blades with their holder; 18 is a set of blades, which, in the
example illustrated, are of a serrated form; these blades are attached by telescopic
connections at 19 to the piston rod 20 of a steam or air engine 21 in such a manner
that a reciprocating to and fro motion will be imparted to the blades by the engine,
whilst at the same time by reason of.the telescopic connections the blades are free
to descend in proportion as the material is cut. The apparatus is by preference
pivotted at 22 to a disc 23 having segmental grooves or slots for the convenience
of adjusting the apparatus to any required radial position, as herein before described
with reference to Figures 50 and 51. It is obvious that this apparatus is also
applicable to the cutting of other materials than stone.
The rock drill used in carrying out my Invention may be of any ordinary
description, but I prefer to construct it in the following manner, reference being
had to Figures 56, 57, and 58 (Sheet 14) of the Drawings, which represent
respectively an elevation, plan, and transverse section of a rock drill constructed
and arranged according to my said Invention.

page_text: 24 is the cylinder forming part of the moveable carriage 25 of the drill; this
carriage is adapted to slide on a rail or bar 26 carried by the main frame of the
apparatus, the carriage being provided with flanges 27 which engage with the
said rail or bar. The carriage 25 is further supported by the feed screw 28, which
is mounted in bearings in the said main frame and is operated by a hand wheel 33,
or in any usual or suitable manner; 29 is the tool attached to a prolongation 30 of
the rod of the piston, which works in the cylinder 24. On the said prolongation
30 at the front of the cylinder is a toothed protuberance 31, which engages with a
spirally toothed cam or cam spindle 32 supported by the moveable carriage 25 at
the side of the said toothed protuberance; the toothed cam 32 being arranged in
combination with a ratchet wheel and pawl in the well known manner so as to be
rendered immoveable during the backward motion of the piston, and thereby cause
the rotation of the tool, but to yield and not rotate the tool during the forward
stroke of the piston.
By this combination of a carriage working along a rail or bar with the tool
rotating appliances arranged at the front of the cylinder, great simplicity, strength,
and economy of construction are obtained.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I will observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The system or mode of boring, channelling, cutting, or dressing stone or
other materials by the employment of a reciprocating tool having a traversing or
travelling motion, substantially as hereinbefore described..
Second. The combination with a tool carrier of a tube forming a guide for a nut
which is traversed by the rotation of a screw passing through the tube, substantially
as herein before described.
Third. The employment of a tubular guide and traversing device with clamping
attachment, as herein set forth, in combination with a carriage or platform and face
plate having intersecting grooves or recesses for the attachment of the guide in any
required position, substantially as and for the purposes herein before described and
illustrated by Figures 1 to 9 (Sheet 1) of my Drawings.
Fourth. The carriage or platform I, with devices for raising and lowering the
same, substantially as and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated by
Figures 1, 2, 3, Sheet 1, and Figures 48 and 49, Sheet 11 of my Drawings.
Fifth. The combination of the slotted tube with its traversing screw and tool
carrying nut, the open clamp and the pinching device, all substantially as and for
the purpose hereinbefore described.
Sixth. The combination with a traversing screw and nut carrying the tool holder
of a template for guiding the movement of the holder as the nut is traversed; the
said holder being capable of a radial motion, and maintained in contact with the
template by means of a spring, substantially as herein before described.
Seventh. The combination with a pivotted tool carrier of a segmental rack and
pinion for imparting a travelling motion to the tool carrier whilst the tool receives
a reciprocating to and fro motion, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eighth. In combination with the segmental rack and pivotted tool carrier, the
slotted tube, containing an internal cylinder for carrying the pivot and segmental
rack, the said cylinder being capable of longitudinal adjustment along the tube,
and of being maintained in any adjusted position, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Ninth. The annular circular or segmental tool carrying rack or racks with
carrying and guide rollers, the said rack or racks being operated by a pinion
carried by a stationary part of the frame, so that the tool carried is travelled in a
circular path, whilst the tool or tools receive a reciprocating motion, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Tenth. The combination with the annular circular or segmental tool carrying

page_text: rack or racks of a distributor for the motive fluid for operating the tool, the said
distributor revolving with the rack or racks and communicating with an external
reservoir, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eleventh. In combination with the slotted tube, traversing screw, and tool
carrying nut; as hereinbefore set forth, the employment of a disc or plate to which
the tube is centrally pivotted, the said disc or plate having segmental or circular
grooves for facilitating the adjustment of the tube to any radial position, substantially
as and for the purpose herein before described.
Twelfth. The combination of the slotted tube, traversing screw, and tool carrying
nut, with a vertical screw for adjusting the apparatus to any required height, and
the holding screws for maintaining the apparatus in position, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Thirteenth. The combination with a reciprocating blade or blades of a steam or
air engine acting directly upon the holder of the blade or blades, the said holder
and blade or blades being connected together by telescopic joints, substantially as
and for the purposes herein before described.
Fourteenth. In a rock drill, the combination of a movable carriage adapted to
work along a rail or bar, and of tool rotating appliances arranged at the front of
the working cylinder, substantially as hereinbefore described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Asbury McKean, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this First day of April, One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one.
T. A. MKEAN. (L.S.)