Year: 1887

page_text: We, LLEWELYN BIRCHALL ATKINSON, of Halifax, Yorkshire, Electric Engineer,
HENRY WILLOCK RAVENSHAW, of Halifax aforesaid, Engineor, and FREDERICK MORI,
of Leeds, Yorkshire, Electric Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
:-
This invention has reference to machines for cutting, boring, or drilling coal or
other minerals, and consists principally in means for working the cutter at any angle
or height by electricity, steam, or other motive power.
In order to enable the drill or cutter to be worked at any height or position with
respect to the working face, it may, where the motive power is an electric motor, be
attached direct to the spindle of the motor, such motor itself being moveable either
about a centre, or in a vertical direction. In the former case the magnet bar or bars
may have prolongations forming trunnions on which the motor is slung. Connected
to the motor, and moving round the same centres, is a segment of a circular worm
wheel, working in a radius slot, into which worm wheel one or more worms engage
simultaneously or successively, the said worms being if necessary geared together by
bevel wheels moved by one shaft, or the worm wheel may be replaced by a circular
rack with a pinion or pinions gearing into it, or it may be moved by a chain or other
suitable device. The circular segment may be clamped in any position either to pillars
or to a solid plate forming the front of the machine.
Where the drill or cutter is not worked direct off the shaft of the motor, but by
intermediate wheels or chains, the same arrangement of worms and segment of a worm
wheel, or chains as before described, may be used for varying the height of the drill
or cutter, the machine being provided with slot or stop piece placed vertically or
horizontally, or in any other suitable position, so that the cutter, knife, or drill, may
be used in any position, the motive power being conveyed in the same or similar
manner to the previous arrangement, excepting when the wheel of the cutting knife
or drill is at its greatest distance from the motor shaft the chains, belts, or other
gearing are in a line with each other, but when the knife or cutter shaft is brought

page_text: nearer to the spindle of the motor, an intermediate wheel or drum or other suitable
device is so arranged to work in a radius, slot, or otherwise, that the gearing can be
tightened by moving the said intermediate wheel or drum in the slot.
In cases where it is necessary to work the cutter very near the ground and yet
carry the cutter shaft a considerable distance from the working face, the cutter shaft,
supported in any of the before mentioned methods, is allowed to pass behind and clear
of the supporting truck, trolly, or frame so as to be almost in contact with the ground,
rail, or foundation.
Where the power applied is electricity and whether the cutter be applied dire.t to
the shaft or worked through intermediate gearing, the electromotor may be so con-
structed that being carried by pillars, it may be raised and lowered on these pillars by
screws, the said screws being, if necessary connected by a pitch chain and gears, so
that the motor is simultaneously raised at each pillar to which when in position it may
be firmly clamped.
In certain cases where the power applied is not very large, the cutier may be carried
in a bearing, moving both vertically and in horizontal planes secured to a pillar, which
may approach close to the ground, and the power transmitted to it by a double train
of bevel wheels or by a flexible shaft of well known forms.
In machines where the motion is required to be continuously applied to maintain
the cutting feed, we apply a wheel to the motor or cutter shaft, which gears by chains
or wheels to a shaft carrying an eccentric, or crank arm with adjustable slot, this
rocking arm working either a ratchet and pawl or silent feed frictional pawl, which
operates a winch or wheel, where the machine is drawn along by a rope, or working
onto the axle or axles of the machine, so that it becomes its own locomotive.
In certain cases where it is desired to work the machines to their full output at all
times, and where the work is variable, the ratchet or silent feed is under the control of
an electro magnetic device, which when the electromotor is receiving its full or more
than full current corresponding to its maximum output, throws the ratcbet out of
gear, or in the case of the silent feed may modify the effective stroke, or it may be
regulated by hand.
When the machine is to be used for drilling, the drill or drills work in a hollow
spindle or tube or otherwise; in the spindle which carries the drill or drills is a key
way, square or thread, and in the wheel which gives motion to the drill or drills is a
corresponding square, key, or thread, which enables the drill or drills to be pushed
forwards or drawn backwards while in motion, either by hand, electric, or other
automatic movement; a number of drills can be used at the same time if required by
multiplying the gearing, and also a striking or tapping motion can be communicated
to the drill or drills by means of an eccentric motion.
Dated this 17th day of October 1887

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improvements in Apparatus for Cutting Minerals.
We, LLEWELLYN BIRCHALL ATKINSON, of Halifax, Yorkshire, Civil Engineer,
HENRY WILLOCK RAVENSHAW, of Halifax aforesaid, Engineer, and FREDERICK MORI, of
Leeds, Yorkshire, Electrical 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 :-
This invention has reference to machines for cutting, boring, or drilling coal or
other minerals, and consists principally in means for working the cutter at any height
by electricity, steam, or other motive power.
In order that our invention may be more fully understood, reference is herein
made to the several figures on the annexed sheets of drawings, and to the letters of
reference marked thereon.
Fig. 1 is side elevation of a machine for cutting, boring, or drilling coal or other
minerals, shewing the application of our improvements for working the drill or cutter
at any height, and for readily adjusting, altering, or varying the height of the said
drill or cutter, and this can be done without interfering with the rotary motion
thereof. Fig. 2 is end elevation of same. Fig. 3 is a detail shewing a modification
of means for altering or varying the height of the cutter.
A, A', and B, B1, are pillars or pedestals bolted to the bed plate C, which is carried
by wheels or runners a resting upon rails b. D) is an electromagnet, whilst D¹ is the
armature and E and F the poles, the whole forming an ordinary electromotor of such
size and design as will give the best results.
The magnet bar or bars C, or extensions thereof, extend from each side of the motor
and pass through the bosses or bearings d on the pillars A, A¹, which therefore form
the fulera upon which the motor is free to revolve. Keyed or otherwise fastened at
one extremity of the magnet bar c is a segment of a circular worm wheel G to which
is cast or otherwise secured the segment of a circular slot H. and at the opposite
extremity of said magnet bar e is another or corresponding circular slot I. Two arms
are shewn at J and K which engage successively or simultaneously with the segment
worm wheel G, as determined by the workman, who, by operating the hand wheel L,
conveys rotary motion to the said worms in either direction, by means of the hevel
wheels M, M1, M2, as will be well understood.
The drawing shews the electromotor at its highest position with respect to the
working face of the mineral, and when it is moved in the direction of the arrow as far
as the dotted line e, the said motor has reached its lowest position.
The spindle N which passes through the armature D¹ is provided at one end with a
Mange to which is bolted the flange g of the cutter or drill, which in one form may
consist of a square bar or spindle upon which are placed a number of discs /

page_text: having pointed or serrated edges, the diameter of each disc decreasing towards
the outer extremity of the square bar or spindle, so that when the whole of the
discs are secured onto the said spindle by nut or other device, they form or
compose a tapered cutter for cutting the coal or other mineral.
When the position of the cutter bar requires raising or lowering the attendant
operates the hand wheel L, communicating motion thereby to bevel wheels M, M¹,
and M, and to the worms J and K, the latter of which causes the segment worm
wheel G, and consequently the electromotor, to move upon their axes or fulcra to
any predetermined position.
In the circular slots H and I are the heads of T headed bolts i and j, the former of
which passes through the bracket k, bolted or cast to the pillar B, whilst the latter
passes through the upper end of the pillar B¹, both of such bolts being provided with
nuts and m, which must be loosened or eased when the motor and segments are
being moved upon their fulera, but when the cutter has been brought to the
desired position, the nuts 1 and m are tightened so as to firmly and securely clamp
the segments to the pillars.
In detail Fig. 3 we have shewn a modification of the means employed for moving
the electromotor upon its fulcrum. In this case we dispense with the worms J and K,
and in place thereof we use one or more pinion wheels P, P', which engage simul-
taneously or successively with the toothed segment. The pinions may have hand
wheels on their shafts for imparting the requisite rotary motion thereto; or an
intermediate wheel R provided with a hand wheel on its shaft may be employed
for communicating rotary motion to each pinion and consequently to the segment and
cutting tool.
In the foregoing description, with respect to Figs 1, 2, and 3, we have shewn the
drill or cutting tool as being worked direct off the shaft of the electromotor, but in
Fig. 4 we shew a modification of apparatus for cutting minerals. In this case the
drill or cutter is not worked direct off the shaft of the motor, but by chain and gears.
S represents the electromotor, comprising poles, armature, and electromagnet, as
previously explained, resting upon and supported by the bed-plate T, having wheels
or runners for travelling upon the rails n. Upon the motor shaft S', and on each side
of the motor, we place the frames U carrying the cutter bar U¹. V is a pitch chain
passing around the gears V1, V2, mounted on the motor and cutter shaft respectively,
so that as the motor shaft revolves, rotary motion will be communicated by means of
chain V and gear V³ to the cutter shaft U. A slot p may be formed in the frames U
so that the cutter shaft can be placed nearer to the motor shaft or its position other-
wise altered. When the cutter shaft is at its greatest distance from the motor shaft,
as shewn in Fig. 4, the upper and lower portions of the chain are parallel, and the
chain V at a suitable driving tension; but when the cutter shaft is brought nearer to
the spindle of the motor, or when it has stretched by wear, so that the driving chain
is slackened, the intermediate wheel V is arranged to work in a vertical slot in the
frame U, so that by moving the said wheel the slack in the chain is taken up. The
height of the cutter is regulated by the bolts and nuts i and j, which work in
the circular slot H formed in the casting H¹. Instead of employing pitch chain and
gears for driving the cutter bar, ordinary gearing may be used, and the intermediate
wheel or pinion V³, arranged to work in a circular slot.
Where the power applied is electricity, and whether the cutter be applied direct to
the shaft or worked through intermediate gearing, the electromotor may be so
constructed that, being carried by pillars, it may be raised and lowered on these pillars
by screws, the said screws being, if necessary, connected by a pitch chain and gears,
so that the motor is simultaneously raised at each pillar, to which when in position it
may be firmly clamped.
In certain cases where the power applied is not very large, the cutter may be carried
in a bearing, moving both vertically and in horizontal planes, and secured to a pillar,
which may approach close to the ground, and the power transmitted to it by a double
train of bevel wheels or other well known forms of driving.
This part of our invention is shewn at Fig. 5, where is the cutter bar carried by a

page_text: bearing 2 secured to a pillar 3 which is supported by the shaft 4 carrying the double
train of bevel wheels 5 and 6 for imparting rotary motion from the electromotor 7 to
the cutter bar 1. The shaft 4 forms the axis upon which the pillar 3 is capable of
moving horizontally so as to place the cutter in any position in a horizontal plane, but
in order to move the cutter to any position vertically, the bearing 2 is moved up or
down the pillar 3 and secured by bolts 8 or other devices. The horizontal motion
of the cutter by means of the pillar may be controlled by a worm wheel or other
device.
In machines where the motion is required to be continuously applied to maintain the
cutting feed, we apply a wheel to the motor or cutter shaft, which gears by chains qr
wheels to a shaft carrying an eccentric or crank arm in an adjustable slot, this rocking
arm working either a ratchet and pawl or silent feed frictional pawl, which operates a
winch or wheel, where the machine is drawn along by a rope, or working into the axle
or axles of the machine, so that it becomes its own locomotive; and in certain cases
where it is desired to work the machines to their full output at all times, and where
the work is variable, the ratchet or silent feed is under the control of an electro-
magnetic device, which when the electromotor is receiving its full or more than full
current corresponding to its maximum output, throws the ratchet out of gear, or in
the case of the silent feed may modify the effective stroke, or it may be regulated by
hand.
This part of our invention is shewn at Fig. 6, where 8 is a ratchet wheel into the
teeth of which takes a pawl 9 secured to the arm 10 placed loosely on the ratchet
wheel shaft. 11 is a rod, one end of which is secured in the slot of the arm 10 and is
therefore adjustable, the opposite end having a strap passing around an eccentric 12,
fixed on a shaft carrying a gear wheel 13 which may be geared by wheels or chains to
the motor shaft from whence motion is communicated to the eccentric 12. As the
eccentric revolves it reciprocates the arın 10 and pawl 9 thereon, consequently causing
the ratchet wheel 8 to move forward one or more teeth; the result being that when the
machine is drawn along by means of a rope 14, the drum 15 on the ratchet wheel shaft
will also be partially rotated, thereby winding on the rope, by which means the
machine advances automatically. When the machine is not drawn along by means of
a rope the ratchet wheel may be secured onto the axle of the wheels or runners a in
Fig. 1, or motion is communicated to the said axle or axles through a suitable
arrangement of gearing. 16 is an electromagnet, which, when the electromotor is
receiving its full or more than full current corresponding to its maximum output, is
so strongly magnetized as to attract and draw the pawl 9 out of gear with the ratchet
wheel 8, and thereby stop the machine from travelling, so that no more cutting is
done until the machine has been attended to, or by working itself clear has diminished
the load on the motor. A brass pin 17 is employed to prevent absolute contact
between the electromagnet and iron block 18, thus ensuring the descent of the pawl
into gear with the ratchet wheel as soon as the current passing through the electro-
magnet reduced.
When the machine is to be used for drilling, the drill or drills work in a hollow
spindle or tube or otherwise; in the spindle which carries the drill or drills is a key
way, square or thread, and in the wheel which gives motion to the drill or drills is a
corresponding square key or thread, which enables the drill or drills to be pushed
forwards or drawn backwards while in motion, either by hand, electric or other
automatic, movement; a number of drills can be used at the same time if required by
multiplying the gearing, and also a striking or tapping motion can be communicated
to the drill or drills by means of an eccentric motion.
This part of our invention is shewn in Fig. 7, where a represents a drill made with
a key-way b, and c is a driving wheel provided with a long tube d also made with a
corresponding key-way. If, therefore, a key is placed in the boss of the wheel and
entering the two key ways, the rotary motion of the wheel will also revolve the cutter
bar; if, therefore, the machine is at work and employed in drilling or boring, the
cutter bar will not only revolve, but can also be made to advance, by means of the
key way, as will be well understood.

page_text: 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
Firstly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment of an electromotor
slung on trunnions, carrying on its shaft a cutter or drill, adjustable to any height by
means of worm segments, and worm screws, substantially as shewn and described.
Secondly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment arrangement of a
segment wheel and pinion wheel for adjusting the height of the cutter bar, substantially
as shown in Fig. 3 and described herein.
Thirdly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the combination arrangement of an
electro- or other motor with a cutter bar carried in supports, working as a segment
of a circle, so that at any height the motor shaft and cutter shaft can be maintained
in gear, substantially as shewn in Fig. 4 and described herein.
Fourthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment arrangement of
oscillating slotted arm U and wheel V³, for taking up the slack of the chain in manner
and for purposes substantially as described and shewn in Fig. 4.
Fifthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment of a swivelling pillar
and parts connected therewith for adjusting the position of the cutter bar, as described
and shewn in Fig. 5.
Sixthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the mechanism substantially as shewn
in Fig. 6 for working the machine forward automatically by the motion of the motor
shaft.
Seventhly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the combination therewith of an
electromagnet employed to disengage the taking up motion, as explained, with regard
to Fig. 6.
Eighthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the means substantially as shewn and
described for giving rotary and advancing feed motion to the cutting bar substantially
as shewn in Fig. 7.
TASKER & CROSSLEY,
Halifax, Agents.

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Oct., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 16th July, 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 31st Aug., 1888
We, LLEWELYN BIROHALL ATKINSON, of Halifax, Yorkshire, Electric Engineer,
HENRY WILLOCK RAVENSHAW, of Halifax aforesaid, Engineer, and FREDERICK MORI,
of Leeds, Yorkshire, Electric Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to machines for cutting, boring, or drilling coal or
other minerals, and consists principally in means for working the cutter at any angle
or height by electricity, steam, or other motive power.
In order to enable the drill or cutter to be worked at any height or position with
respect to the working face, it may, where the motive power is an electric motor, be
attached direct to the spindle of the motor, such motor itself being moveable either
about a centre, or in a vertical direction. In the former case the magnet bar or bars
may have prolongations forming trunnions on which the motor is slung. Connected
to the motor, and moving round the same centres, is a segment of a circular worm
wheel, working in a radius slot, into which worm wheel one or more worms engage
simultaneously or successively, the said worms being if necessary geared together by
bevel wheels moved by one shaft, or the worm wheel may be replaced by a circular
rack with a pinion or pinions gearing into it, or it may be moved by a chain or other
suitable device. The circular segment may be clamped in any position either to pillars
or to a solid plate forming the front of the machine."
Where the drill or cutter is not worked direct off the shaft of the motor, but by
intermediate wheels or chains, the same arrangement of worms and segment of a worm
wheel, or chains as before described, may be used for varying the height of the drill
or cutter, the machine being provided with slot or stop piece placed vertically or
horizontally, or in any other suitable position, so that the cutter, knife, or drill, may
be used in any position, the motive power being conveyed in the same or similar
manner to the previous arrangement, excepting when the wheel of the cutting knife
or drill is at its greatest distance from the motor shaft the chains, belts, or other
gearing are in a line with each other, but when the knife or cutter shaft is brought

page_text: nearer to the spindle of the motor, an intermediate wheel or drum or other suitable
device is so arranged to work in a radius, slot, or otherwise, that the gearing can be
tightened by moving the said intermediate wheel or drum in the slot.
In cases where it is necessary to work the cutter very near the ground and yet
carry the cutter shaft a considerable distance from the working face, the cutter shaft,
supported in any of the before mentioned methods, is allowed to pass behind and clear
of the supporting truck, trolly, or frame so as to be almost in contact with the ground,
rail, or foundation.
Where the power applied is electricity and whether the cutter be applied direct to
the shaft or worked through intermediate gearing, the electromotor may be so con-
structed that being carried by pillars, it may be raised and lowered on these pillars by
screws, the said screws being, if necessary connected by a pitch chain and gears, so
that the motor is simultaneously raised at each pillar to which when in position it may
be firmly clamped.
In certain cases where the power applied is not very large, the cutter may be carried
in a bearing, moving both vertically and in horizontal planes secured to a pillar, which
may approach close to the ground, and the power transmitted to it by a double train
of bevel wheels or by a flexible shaft of well known forms.
In machines where the motion is required to be continuously applied to maintain
the cutting feed, we apply a wheel to the motor or cutter shaft, which gears by chains
or wheels to a shaft carrying an eccentric, or crank arm with adjustable slot, this
rocking arm working either a ratchet and pawl or silent feed frictional pawl, which
operates a winch or wheel, where the machine is drawn along by a rope, or working
onto the axle or axles of the machine, so that it becomes its own locomotive.
In certain cases where it is desired to work the machines to their full output at all
times, and where the work is variable, the ratchet or silent feed is under the control of
an electro magnetic device, which when the electromotor is receiving its full or more
than full current corresponding to its maximum output, throws the ratchet out of
gear, or in the case of the silent feed may modify the effective stroke, or it may be
regulated by hand.
When the machine is to be used for drilling, the drill or drills work in a bollow
spindle or tube or otherwise; in the spindle which carries the drill or drills is a key
way, square or thread, and in the wheel which gives motion to the drill or drills is a
corresponding square, key, or thread, which enables the drill or drills to be pushed
forwards or drawn backwards while in motion, either by hand, electric, or other
automatic movement; a number of drills can be used at the same time if required by
multiplying the gearing, and also a striking or tapping motion can be communicated
to the drill or drills by means of an eccentric motion.
Dotad this 17th day of notcher 1887

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Cutting Minerals.
We, LLEWELLYN BIRCHALL ATKINSON, of Halifax, Yorkshire, Civil Engineer,
HENRY WILLOCK RAVENSHAW, of Halifax aforesaid, Engineer, and FREDERICK MORI, of
Leeds, Yorkshire, Electrical 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 :-
This invention has reference to machines for cutting, boring, or drilling coal or
other minerals, and consists principally in means for working the cutter at any height
by_electricity, steam, or other motive power.
In order that our invention may be more fully understood, reference is herein
made to the several figures on the annexed sheets of drawings, and to the letters of
reference marked thereon.
Fig. 1 is side elevation of a machine for cutting, boring, or drilling coal or other
minerals, shewing the application of our improvements for working the drill or cutter
at any height, and for readily adjusting, altering, or varying the height of the said
drill or cutter, and this can be done without interfering with the rotary motion
thereof. Fig. 2 is end elevation of same. Fig. 3 is a detail shewing a modification
of means for altering or varying the height of the cutter.
A, A', and B, B¹, are pillars or pedestals bolted to the bed plate C, which is carried
by wheels or runners a resting upon rails b. D is an electromagnet, whilst D' is the
armature and E and F the poles, the whole forming an ordinary electromotor of such
size and design as will give the best results.
The magnet bar or bars C, or extensions thereof, extend from each side of the motor
and pass through the bosses or bearings d on the pillars A, A', which therefore form
the fulcra upon which the motor is free to revolve. Keyed or otherwise fastened at
one extremity of the magnet bare is a segment of a circular worm wheel G to which
is cast or otherwise secured the segment of a circular slot H, and at the opposite
extremity of said magnet bar c is another or corresponding circular slot 1. Two arms
are shewn at J and K which engage successively or simultaneously with the segment
worm wheel G, as determined by the workman, who, by operating the hand wheel L,
conveys rotary motion to the said worms in either direction, by means of the bevel
wheels M, M, M³, as will be well understood.
The drawing shews the electromotor at its highest position with respect to the
working face of the mineral, and when it is moved in the direction of the arrow as far
as the dotted line e, the said motor has reached its lowest position.
The spindle N which passes through the armature D¹ is provided at one end with a
flange to which is bolted the flange g of the cutter or drill, which in one form may
consist of a square bar or spindle upon which are placed a number of discs h

page_text: having pointed or serrated edges, the diameter of each disc decreasing towards
the outer extremity of the square bar or spindle, so that when the whole of the
discs are secured onto the said spindle by nut or other device, they form or
compose a tapered cutter for cutting the coal or other mineral.
When the position of the cutter bar requires raising or lowering the attendant
operates the hand wheel L, communicating motion thereby to bevel wheels M, M¹,
and M, and to the worms J and K, the latter of which causes the segment worm
wheel G, and consequently the electromotor, to move upon their axes or fulcra to
any predetermined position.
In the circular slots H and I are the heads of T headed bolts i and j, the former of
which passes through the bracket k, bolted or cast to the pillar B, whilst the latter
passes through the upper end of the pillar B', both of such bolts being provided with
nuts and m, which must be loosened or eased when the motor and segments are
being moved upon their fulcra, but when the cutter has been brought to the
desired position, the nuts and m are tightened so as to firmly and securely clamp
the segments to the pillars.
In detail Fig. 3 we have shewn a modification of the means employed for moving
the electromotor upon its fulcrum. In this case we dispense with the worms J and K,
and in place thereof we use one or more pinion wheels P, P¹, which engage simul-
taneously or successively with the toothed segment. The pinions may have hand
wheels on their shafts for imparting the requisite rotary motion thereto; or an
intermediate wheel R provided with a hand wheel on its shaft may be employed
for communicating rotary motion to each pinion and consequently to the segment and
cutting tool.
In the foregoing description, with respect to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, we have shewn the
drill or cutting tool as being worked direct off the shaft of the electromotor, but in
Fig. 4 we shew a modification of apparatus for cutting minerals. In this case the
drill or cutter is not worked direct off the shaft of the motor, but by chain and gears.
S represents the electromotor, comprising poles, armature, and electromagnet, as
previously explained, resting upon and supported by the bed-plate T, having wheels
or runners for travelling upon the rails n. Upon the motor shaft S', and on each side
of the motor, we place the frames U carrying the cutter bar U. V is a pitch chain
passing around the gears V1, V2, mounted on the motor and cutter shaft respectively,
so that as the motor shaft revolves, rotary motion will be communicated by means of
chain and gear V₁ to the cutter shaft U¹. A slot p may be formed in the frames U
so that the cutter shaft can be placed nearer to the motor shaft or its position other-
wise altered. When the cutter shaft is at its greatest distance from the motor shaft,
as shewn in Fig. 4, the upper and lower portions of the chain are parallel, and the
chain V at a suitable driving tension; but when the cutter shaft is brought nearer to
the spindle of the motor, or when it has stretched by wear, so that the driving chain
is slackened, the intermediate wheel V³ is arranged to work in a vertical slot in the
frame U, so that by moving the said wheel the slack in the chain is taken up. The
height of the cutter is regulated by the bolts and nuts i and j, which work in
the circular slot H formed in the casting H¹. Instead of employing pitch chain and
gears for driving the cutter bar, ordinary gearing may be used, and the intermediate
wheel or pinion V³, arranged to work in a circular slot.
Where the power applied is electricity, and whether the cutter be applied direct to
the shaft or worked through intermediate gearing, the electromotor may be so
constructed that, being carried by pillars, it may be raised and lowered on these pillars
by screws, the said screws being, if necessary, connected by a pitch chain and gears,
so that the motor is simultaneously raised at each pillar, to which when in position it
may be firmly clamped.
In certain cases where the power applied is not very large, the cutter may be carried
in a bearing, moving both vertically and in horizontal planes, and secured to a pillar,
which may approach close to the ground, and the power transmitted to it by a double
train of bevel wheels or other well known forms of driving.
This part of our invention is shewn at Fig. 5, where 1 is the cutter bar carried by a

page_text: bearing 2 secured to a pillar 3 which is supported by the shaft carrying the double
train of bevel wheels 5 and 6 for imparting rotary motion from the electromotor 7 to
the cutter bar 1. The shaft 4 forms the axis upon which the pillar 3 is capable of
moving horizontally so as to place the cutter in any position in a horizontal plane, but
in order to move the cutter to any position vertically, the bearing 2 is moved up or
down the pillar 3 and secured by bolts 8 or other devices. The horizontal motion
of the cutter by means of the pillar may be controlled by a worm wheel or other
device.
In machines where the motion is required to be continuously applied to maintain the
cutting feed, we apply a wheel to the motor or cutter shaft, which gears by chains or
wheels to a shaft carrying an eccentric or crank arm in an adjustable slot, this rocking
arm working either a ratchet and pawl or silent feed frictional pawl, which operates a
winch or wheel, where the machine is drawn along by a rope, or working into the axle
or axles of the machine, so that it becomes its own locomotive; and in certain cases
where it is desired to work the machines to their full output at all times, and where
the work is variable, the ratchet or silent feed is under the control of an electro-
magnetic device, which when the electromotor is receiving its full or more than full
current corresponding to its maximum output, throws the ratchet out of gear, or in
the case of the silent feed may modify the effective stroke, or it may be regulated by
hand.
This part of our invention is shewn at Fig. 6, where 8 is a ratchet wheel into the
teeth of which takes a pawl 9 secured to the arm 10 placed loosely on the ratchet
wheel shaft. 11 is a rod, one end of which is secured in the slot of the arm 10 and is
therefore adjustable, the opposite end having a strap passing around an eccentric 12,
fixed on a shaft carrying a gear wheel 13 which may be geared by wheels or chains to
the motor shaft from whence motion is communicated to the eccentric 12. As the
eccentric revolves it reciprocates the arm 10 and pawl 9 thereon, consequently causing
the ratchet wheel 8 to move forward one or more teeth; the result being that when the
machine is drawn along by means of a rope 14, the drum 15 on the ratchet wheel shaft
will also be partially rotated, thereby winding on the rope, by which means the
machine advances automatically. When the machine is not drawn along by means of
a rope the ratchet wheel may be secured onto the axle of the wheels or runners a in
Fig. 1, or motion is communicated to the said axle or axles through a suitable
arrangement of gearing. 16 is an electromagnet, which, when the electromotor is
receiving its full or more than full current corresponding to its maximum output, is
so strongly magnetized as to attract and draw the pawl 9 out of gear with the ratchet
wheel 8, and thereby stop the machine from travelling, so that no more cutting is
done until the machine has been attended to, or by working itself clear has diminished
the load on the motor. A brass pin 17 is employed to prevent absolute contact
between the electromagnet and iron block 18, thus ensuring the descent of the pawl
into gear with the ratchet wheel as soon as the current passing through the electro-
magnet is reduced.
When the machine is to be used for drilling, the drill or drills work in a hollow
spindle or tube or otherwise; in the spindle which carries the drill or drills is a key
way, square or thread, and in the wheel which gives motion to the drill or drills is a
corresponding square key or thread, which enables the drill or drills to be pushed
forwards or drawn backwards while in motion, either by hand, electric or other
automatic, movement; a number of drills can be used at the same time if required by
multiplying the gearing, and also a striking or tapping motion can be communicated
to the drill or drills by means of an eccentric motion.
This part of our invention is shewn in Fig. 7, where a represents a drill made with
a key-way b, and c is a driving wheel provided with a long tube d also made with a
corresponding key-way. If, therefore, a key is placed in the boss of the wheel and
entering the two key ways, the rotary motion of the wheel will also revolve the cutter
bar; if, therefore, the machine is at work and employed in drilling or boring, the
cutter bar will not only revolve, but can also be made to advance, by means of the
key way, as will be well understood.

page_text: 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:-
Firstly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment of an electromotor
slung on trunnions, carrying on its shaft a cutter or drill, adjustable to any height by
means of worm segments, and worm screws, substantially as shewn and described.
Secondly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment of a segment wheel
and pinion wheel for adjusting the height of the cutter bar, substantially as shewn in
Fig. 3 and described herein.
Thirdly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the combination of an electro- or other
motor with a cutter bar carried in supports, working as a segment of a circle, so that
at any height the motor shaft and cutter shaft can be maintained in gear, substantially
as shewn and described herein.
Fourthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment of oscillating slotted
arm U and wheel V³, for taking up the slack of the chain in manner and for purposes
substantially as described and shewn in Fig. 4.
Fifthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the employment of a swivelling pillar
and parts connected therewith for adjusting the position of the cutter bar, as described
and shewn in Fig. 5.
Sixthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the mechanism substantially as shewn
in Fig. 6 for working the machine forward automatically by the motion of the motor
shaft.
Seventhly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the combination therewith of an
electromagnet employed to disengage the taking up motion, as explained, with regard
to Fig. 6.
Eighthly. In a machine for cutting minerals, the means substantially as shewn and
described for giving rotary and advancing feed motion to the cutting bar substantially
as shewn in Fig. 7.