U.S. patent number 3,918,536 [Application Number 05/398,971] was granted by the patent office on 1975-11-11 for auger section handling apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Salem Tool Company. Invention is credited to Ronald C. Deeter, John Pozniko.
United States Patent |
3,918,536 |
Deeter , et al. |
November 11, 1975 |
Auger section handling apparatus
Abstract
Auger apparatus, such as a coal mining machine, adapted to
utilize one or more augers each formed of a string of auger
sections of a diameter falling in a wide range. The disclosed
apparatus comprises hoist apparatus for hoisting one auger section,
or simultaneously a plurality of auger sections, to lift them from
a storage rack at a side of the machine and place them in the auger
strings or to remove them from the auger strings and place them in
the storage rack. Such hoist apparatus comprising rails extending
transversely of and above the direction of the augers in the
machine, a bridge that travels on the rails, a trolley that travels
on the bridge, and a lift member on the trolley that is adapted to
be moved in an upright path relative to the trolley, the lift
member having tongs at its bottom which may be adapted to grasp one
auger section, or which may be adjusted as to number and spacing to
grasp simultaneously a plurality of auger sections in predetermined
spaced relation, so that the auger sections may be placed in the
machine in the proper position with essentially no longitudinal or
lateral movement relative to the trolley when it is properly
positioned over the auger string or strings in the machine to
locate accurately the sections in the machine so they can be
automatically connected to the driving chucks of the machine and to
other auger sections, and accurately to remove them from the
machine and place them in a storage rack in positions where they
may again be lifted and placed in the machine. The hoist apparatus
makes it possible to use the auger machine to drill at substantial
angles from the horizontal, because it can support the auger
sections so they do not swing out of position when the machine is
at an angle. The apparatus also includes a driving power train in
which one or two auxiliary powertrain boxes are provided, two
auxiliary boxes being used when two or more augers are to be
driven, and one auxiliary box being used when only one auger is to
be driven. The apparatus as a whole can be substantially shorter
and closer to the ground than the apparatus of this type heretofore
used, which required less excavating of the ledge adjacent the wall
in which drilling is to occur, and makes possible easier
transportation. The hoist apparatus provides increased safety for
operators and makes possible the reduction in the number of
operators needed to operate the machine.
Inventors: |
Deeter; Ronald C. (Malvern,
OH), Pozniko; John (Salem, OH) |
Assignee: |
The Salem Tool Company (Salem,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
23577572 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/398,971 |
Filed: |
September 20, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/85; 173/164;
299/56; 414/909 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B
7/005 (20130101); E21B 19/20 (20130101); Y10S
414/122 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E21B
19/00 (20060101); E21B 19/20 (20060101); E21B
7/00 (20060101); E21B 019/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;299/55,56,1 ;173/164
;175/52,85 ;214/DIG.2,1CM,2.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Purser; Ernest R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bosworth, Sessions & McCoy
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Auger apparatus comprising a frame; means associated with said
frame for rotating at least one auger extending in said apparatus
along a lateral axis and made up of a plurality of elongated auger
sections connected end-to-end and having axes substantially
coinciding with said auger axis; and, associated with said frame,
hoist means for lifting and lowering an auger section, comprising a
laterally movable member, means for supporting said laterally
movable member for lateral movement between a location above a
portion of said axis of said auger in said auger apparatus and a
location spaced laterally from the said axis of said auger, rigid
lift means including auger section holding means, said lift means
being carried by said laterally movable member for movement in an
upwardly extending path that is essentially fixed relative to said
laterally movable member so that by cooperation of said laterally
movable member and said lift means said auger section holding means
can lift and carry an auger section between said two locations
without appreciable relative lateral movement between said auger
section and said upwardly extending path of movement of said lift
means on said laterally movable member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said auger section holding
means is adapted to hold a single auger section.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said auger section holding
means is adapted to hold a plurality of auger sections in
substantially parallel relation.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said auger section holding
means is adjustable to hold simultaneously one or a plurality of
auger sections.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said auger section holding
means is adapted to hold a plurality of auger sections is
substantially parallel relation, and which is adjustable to permit
the spacing between the axes of said auger sections to be
adjusted.
6. The auger apparatus of claim 1 comprising rotatable drive means
for rotating an auger section, means for detachably connecting one
end of said auger section to said rotatable drive means, means
operated by remote control for acutating said connecting means to
disconnect said auger section from said drive means, and means
operated by remote control for disconnecting the other end of said
auger section from another auger section.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising power means for moving said
lift means in said upwardly extending path relative to said
laterally movable member, and means for preventing downward
movement of said lift means in the event of failure of said power
means.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising means for actuating said
auger section holding means to release an auger section carried
thereby, and means to prevent actuation of said auger section
holding means to release an auger section carried thereby while
said auger section holding means supports the load of an auger.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for supporting said
laterally movable member for lateral movement supports said
laterally movable member for lateral movement in directions
generally longitudinally and generally transversely relatively to
said auger axis.
10. Auger apparatus comprising a frame; means associated with said
frame for rotating at least one auger extending in said apparatus
along a lateral axis and made up of a plurality of elongated auger
sections connected end-to-end and having axes substantially
coinciding with said auger axis; and associated with said frame,
hoist means for lifting and lowering an auger section, comprising
laterally movable trolley means, means for supporting said trolley
means for lateral movement between a location above a portion of
said axis of said auger and a location spaced laterally from the
axis of said auger, said means for supporting said trolley means
comprising rail means fixed to said frame of said auger apparatus
and extending transversely of and above said lateral axis of said
auger and above said locations and bridge means adapted to travel
on and along said rail means in a path transverse to the auger
axis, said trolley means being adapted to travel on said bridge
means in a path transverse to the path of travel of said bridge
means, and, carried by said trolley means, rigid lift means
including auger section holding means for movement in an upwardly
extending path relative to said trolley means, so that by
cooperation of said trolley means and said lift means said auger
section holding means can lift and carry an auger section between
said two locations without appreciable movement between said auger
section and said upwardly extending path of movement of said lift
means on said trolley means.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 in which at least one of said bridge
means and said trolley means is supported by three rollers only
with the two rollers on one side of said means and one roller on
the other side of said means, to provide three point supports for
said means.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 in which said bridge means is
supported by said three rollers.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 in which said bridge means and the
rail means on which it travels include means cooperating to cause
said bridge means to travel in a guided path on said rail means
with substantially no lateral movement of said bridge means
relative to said means.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 in which said bridge means and said
trolley means include means cooperating to cause said trolley means
to travel on said bridge means in a fixed path relative to said
bridge means with substantially no lateral movement of said trolley
means relative to said bridge means.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 comprising control means on said
auger apparatus at a location such that an operator at said control
means is away from any portion of the path of movement of any auger
section carried by said hoist means.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which said control means is
pendant control means permitting movement of the operator that he
may visually observe the position of said auger section being
hoisted.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 in which said rail means has at least
one end portion that can be moved from its operative extended
position to reduce the width of the auger apparatus.
18. Auger apparatus comprising a frame; means associated with said
frame for rotating at least one auger extending in said apparatus
along a lateral axis and made up of a plurality of elongated auger
sections connected end-to-end and having axes substantially
coinciding with said auger axes; and, associated with said frame,
hoist means for lifting and lowering an auger section, comprisiing
a laterally movable member, means for supporting said laterally
movable member for lateral movement between a location above a
portion of said axis of said auger in said auger apparatus and a
location spaced laterally from said axis of said auger, rigid lift
means carried by said laterally movable member for movement in an
upwardly extending path relative to said laterally movable member
said rigid lift measns comprising an upwardly extending rigid
supporting member having an axis and supporting auger section
holding means, and said laterally movable member comprising guide
means operating between said upwardly extending supporting member
and said laterally movable member to guide said lift means for
movement in a predetermined upwardly extending path relative to
said laterally movable member, so that by cooperation of said
laterally movable member and said lift means said auger section
holding means can lift and carry an auger section between said two
locations without appreciable movement between said auger section
and said upwardly extending path of movement of said lift means on
said laterally movable member.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 in which said guide means includes
adjustable means.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, in which said guide means includes
rollers at least some of which are adjustable toward and away from
the axis of said upwardly extending supporting member to guide it
non-rotatably in its upward path.
21. Auger apparatus comprising a rigid frame comprising a generaly
horizontally extending lower portion haviing a front end and a rear
end, power means carried near said rear end of said lower frame
portion adapted to rotate at least one elongated auger section
about its axis while it is positioned in an operative location in
said auger apparatus with its axis extending generally parallel to
said lower frame portion, spaced rails mounted above said lower
frame portion and extending transversely of said axis of said auger
section when it is mounted in said machine, first spaced upright
members fixed to said lower frame portion near the rear end thereof
for supporting said rails, second spaced upright members fixed near
the front end of said lower frame portion for supporting said rails
said second spaced upright members having two upwardly extending
portions that are laterally substantially offset toward the front
of the apparatus, bridge means adapted to travel on said spaced
rails in a path transverse to the axis of said auger section,
trolley means adapted to travel on and along said bridge means in a
path transverse to the path of travel of said bridge means, lift
means carried by said trolley means and having auger section
holding means, said lift means being adapted to move in a
substantially fixed path relative to said trolley means, auger
section storage means at at least one side of said lower frame
portion, said auger section storage means being adapted to support
auger sections at a location offset laterally and rearwardly of the
operative location of the auger section in said apparatus, and
means for operating said bridge means, said trolley means and said
lift means so that an auger section from said auger section storage
means may be lifted upwardly above said storage means to a location
where it can clear the laterally offset lower portion of said
adjacent front supporting member, then moved forwardly over said
laterally offset portion, and then moved transversely until it is
above the operative location of the auger section in the apparatus,
and then is moved downwardly to the operative location in said
apparatus, and then can be removed in the reverse procedure to
remove it from the machine and place it in said auger storage
means.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 in which said auger section holding
means is adapted to carry a plurality of parallel auger sections in
fixed predetermined relation to each other.
23. Auger apparatus comprising a frame, means associated with said
frame for rotating at least one auger extending in said apparatus
along a lateral axis made up of a plurality of elongated auger
sections connected end-to-end and having axes substantially
coinciding with said auger axis; and, associated with said frame,
hoist means for lifting and lowering an auger section, comprising
auger section holding means, rigid means movable in an upright path
relative to said frame for lifting and lowering said auger section
holding means, means for actuating said rigid means to move in said
upright path, and means associated with said rigid means for
lifting and lowering said auger section holding means for
preventing lowering of said auger section holding means in the
event of failure of said means for actuating said rigid means for
lifting and lowering said auger section means.
24. Auger apparatus comprising a frame; means associated with said
frame for rotating at least one auger extending in said apparatus
along a lateral axis and made up of a plurality of elongated auger
sections connected end-to-end and having axes substantially
coinciding with said auger axis; and, associated with said frame,
hoist means for lifting and lowering an auger section, said hoist
means comprising auger section holding means adapted to be actuated
to grasp and to release an auger section carried by said auger
section holding means, means for lifting and lowering said auger
section holding means, and means for preventing actuation of said
auger section holding means to release an auger section after said
auger section holding means has been actuated to grasp an auger
section and while it is supporting said auger section.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 comprising means for preventing said
means for lifting and lowering said suger section holding means
from lowering said auger section holding means in the event of
failure of said means for lifting and lowering said auger section
means.
26. Auger apparatus comprising a frame; means associated with said
frame for rotating at least one auger extending in said apparatus
along a lateral axis and made up of a plurality of elongated auger
sections connected end-to-end and having axes substantially
coinciding with said auger axis; and, associated with said frame,
hoist means for lifting and lowering an auger section, said hoist
means comprising auger section holding means adapted to be actuated
to grasp and to release an auger section carried by said auger
section holding means, rigid means for lifting and lowering said
auger section holding means, means for actuating said rigid means
to move in an upright path relative to said frame, and means for
preventing inadvertent lowering of an auger section in the event of
failure of said auger section holding means or said means for
actuating said rigid means for lifting and lowering said auger
section holding means after said auger section holding means has
been actuated to grasp an auger section and while it is supporting
said auger section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to auger apparatus of the type that bores one
or more deep holes by an auger formed of a string of connected
auger sections, and more particularly to such auger apparatus
providing increased flexibility, speed and efficiency of operation,
particularly in the handling of the auger sections.
The invention provides exceptional advantages when employed in
auger mining machines, of the type adapted to be positioned
adjacent an upwardly extending wall to recover coal from a seam
that is exposed in such wall and extends generally laterally into
the earth. Therefore, for convenience, the invention will be
discussed in connection with such a machine.
Auger mining machines of this type comprise one or more augers each
embodying a cutting head of relatively large diameter connected to
and rotationally driven by a string of helically vaned auger
sections driven from the machine. The cutting head penetrates the
coal seam, and the mined coal is transported rearwardly from the
cutting head along the vaned auger string to the entrance of the
hole cut by the cutting head where the coal is collected and
removed. As the cutting head is caused to penetrate into the hole,
it is necessary to introduce auger sections into the string until
the desired depth of the auger string is reached to achieve the
desired depth of hole.
After the cutting head has penetrated the desired depth of hole, it
is necessary to withdraw it by removing auger sections until the
cutting head is out of the hole. The machine as a whole then may be
moved laterally to another position where its auger or augers can
drill another hole or holes generally parallel to the previously
drilled hole.
The maximum diameter of the auger to be used is largely determined
by the thickness of the coal seam, an auger of smaller diameter
being used for a thinner seam, and an auger of larger diameter
being used for a thicker seam. Occasionally a coal seam that is
being mined varies in thickness; or in the same wall there are
seams of widely varying thickness; or in the locality in which the
mining machine is working there are different seams of widely
varying thicknesses.
It is desirable that a single machine be capable of handling and
driving a varying number of augers of widely varying diameter and
length in order to permit maximum utilization of the machine and
maximum recovery of coal with the single machine without the
necessity of bringing in other machines. For a given power output
of an auger machine, it is also most desirable that the machine be
capable of driving a single auger of as large diameter as possible
and that it also be capable of driving several augers of smaller
diameter from the same power source within the power output
capabilities.
Moreover, in order to achieve desired high production, it is
necessary rapidly and accurately to handle the auger sections in
taking them from a store of sections and placing them in the auger
string and in then removing them from the auger string and placing
them in a store of sections. The auger sections are quite heavy,
often weighing several hundred pounds or more particularly when of
large diameter. It is desirable that the sections be rapidly lifted
and put in place accurately longitudinally and rotationally, in the
auger string to enable them to be connected preferably
automatically to the driving means on the auger machine and to
other auger sections of the string when auger sections are being
placed in the string, and in the store of auger sections after the
auger sections are disconnected preferably by remote control from
the driving means and from other auger sections.
Moreover, when more than one auger string is being driven by the
auger machine it is desirable, to save time, simultaneously to
handle several corresponding auger sections for all strings either
in placing them in the auger strings or removing them from the
auger strings and placing them in the store.
Because of the size and weight of the auger sections, they must be
handled by mechanical hoist means. The hoist means preferably
should be such that it can carry out the above functions with
safety to the operator. It is necessary for the operator closely to
observe the position of the auger section or sections being handled
by the hoist means while controlling the hoist means to handle the
sections rapidly and accurately, while permitting the operator to
remain in a safe place free of any danger of being struck by an
auger section being moved by the hoist means.
Furthermore, heretofore it has been usually necessary to use at
least two operators in moving auger sections, one operator
controlling handling of auger sections between an auger string in
the machine and a store of auger sections as in a rack at one side
of the machine, and the other operator controlling handling of
auger sections between the auger string and a store of auger
sections as in a rack at the other side of the machine. However,
for economical operation, it is desirable that only one operator be
used to perform these functions.
Furthermore, seams of coal or other material to be mined often do
not run substantially horizontal, but are inclined at substantial
angles to the horizontal. In such case, the ledge on which the
machine is supported must be cut at an angle corresponding to that
of the seam so that the auger can be properly positioned to drill
holes in the seam. Such prior auger section hoist means usually
support the auger section by one or more cables, it has heretofore
been extremely difficult if not impossible accurately to place the
auger sections in the string and remove them from the string and
place them in the store because of tendency of the auger sections
to move longitudinally as they are being hoisted. With such prior
auger hoisting means it was necessary to use operators to guide the
auger sections into place manually because they tended to swing out
of place longitudinally, with consequent delays, expenditure of
physical effort and possibilities of danger to operators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide auger apparatus that
overcomes the disadvantages indicated above of prior apparatus and
satisfies the desired aspects set forth above.
It is another object of the invention to provide auger apparatus
embodying as many as desired of the features summarized above,
including apparatus providing all of such features. It is a further
object of the invention to provide auger apparatus that is flexible
in operation in permitting use of a wide range of sizes of augers
and a wide variety of numbers of augers. A further object is the
provision of auger apparatus that is dependable in operation,
requires little maintenance and can be manufactured at reasonable
cost.
The present invention provides auger apparatus, preferably a mining
machine of the type discussed above, that overcomes such
disadvantages and provides greatly increased flexibility in
operation because it can be made adaptable to various mining
conditions, including boring holes at substantial angles to the
horizontal, without the necessity of replacing it with a different
machine or necessity for manual handling or guiding of the auger
sections.
According to the present invention, an auger mining machine may be
provided that is adapted to drive one, two, three or even more
augers of a wide range of diameters from a single power source.
According to another aspect, auger apparatus is provided comprising
hoist means that is adapted to lift and move one, or a plurality of
auger sections simultaneously, from an auger store to one or more
auger strings, or from one or more auger strings to an auger store,
and to accurately locate the augers longitudinally and rotationally
with respect to the auger string and driving means of the auger
machine and with respect to the auger store, without appreciable
longitudinal movement relative to the machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSS
The above advantages, features and objects will become more clearly
apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan of an auger mining machine embodying the
invention, useful for mining coal in seams, having two auger
strings with two cutting heads, connected to a single power source,
and having hoist means embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the machine of FIG. 1 and to a
larger scale, the cutting heads being omitted and the auger
sections in the machine being shown in broken lines;
FIG. 3 is a detail to a larger scale, along line 3--3 of FIG. 2,
showing the adjustable mounting of a post on one of the auger
section storage racks;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the machine to the scale of FIG. 2,
showing in broken lines the jacks extended to raise the main
portion of the apparatus;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the auger hoist means showing
a portion of the rails supporting the bridge, the bridge, and the
trolley on the bridge, the bridge being positioned near the other
end of the rails from the position in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the auger hoist means from line 6--6 of
FIG. 1, parts of the auger machine being omitted;
FIG. 7 is a plan of the bridge to a larger scale than the preceding
figures;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the bridge;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the trolley that travels on the bridge, to
a larger scale than FIGS. 6 and 7;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the trolley showing the upwardly movable
lift member in broken lines;
FIG. 11 is an end view of one of the auger grasping tongs, showing
the tong fingers in full lines in the closed position and in broken
lines in the open position, this figure being to a larger scale
than the preceding figures;
FIG. 12 is a side view of the tong of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a section along line 13--13 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is an end elevation of the bridge showing the drive means
for moving the bridge;
FIG. 15 is a perspective showing a switch hand set for the pendant
control of the hoist means;
FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view showing how the hoist means can be
adapted to carry a single auger;
FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view showing how the hoist means can be
adapted to carry three auger sections;
FIG. 18 is a front view of a portion of the auger drive means
showing how the apparatus can be modified to drive a single auger
by removal of one of the auxiliary gear boxes;
FIG. 19 is a view to a smaller scale showing how auger apparatus
embodying the hoist means of the invention can handle auger
sections when the apparatus is inclined so that it can bore into an
inclined seam;
FIG. 20 shows the bridge of the apparatus of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a section along line 21--21 of FIG. 20; and
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the control means for
raising and lowering the tongs and for opening and closing the
tongs, embodying safety features preventing dropping of auger
sections.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The auger machine of FIGS. 1 to 15 comprises a rigid main frame 1
from which two augers A and B are supported and driven. The augers
are detachably connected at their outer ends to a cutting head
assembly C and are made up of strings of connected identical auger
sections S between the cutting head assembly and the auger machine.
The cutting head assembly C shown is similar to that of FIG. 11 of
U.S. Pat. No 3,663,062 of May 16, 1972, and comprises a rigid frame
rotatably supporting two cutting heads D that are driven by augers
A and B made of strings of auger sections S. Other types of cutting
head assemblies may be used such as those of FIG. 4 or other
figures of that patent. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,062
relating to cutting head assemblies and to other features referred
to hereinafter is incorporated herein by reference.
Main frame 1 comprises a pair of spaced longitudinally extending
massive parallel frame beams 2 and 3 rigidly joined by cross
members 4-7 (FIG. 4). Near its end, and in a corresponding position
on either side, the main frame has four vertical jacks 8, 9 each
comprising a vertical outer tubular member 10 rigidly fixed to the
frame 1 and having a telescoping inner member 11 adapted to be
moved downwardly and upwardly into bottom of member 10 by fluid
cylinder 12 to raise or lower frame 1 as required. The lower ends
of the telescoping members 11 of the two jacks 8, and the two jacks
9, at each end of the machine carry a skid assembly 13 comprising a
skid 14 adapted to rest on the pit floor F and known hydraulic
cylinder means 16 for causing relative movement between the members
11 and the skid longitudinally of the skid and hence laterally of
frame 1, for predetermined distances within design limits. The
jacks 8, 9 are capable of lifting the main frame and the portions
of the machine carried by it free of the ground and the skid
assemblies permit the frame and such portions to move in directions
laterally of the frame as desired. By suitable manipulation of the
jacks and skids in known manners, it is possible to move the
machine laterally or closer or further from the wall into which the
augers penetrate, as desired.
the skid assemblies are made of high strength steel and so designed
that they are of minimum vertical thickness safely feasible for the
load to be carried, so that when the skids are retracted as shown
in FIGS. 2, 4 the distance between the floor F supporting the
machine and the bottom edges of the augers and cutting heads is as
small as feasible thus reducing the excavating necessary to provide
the floor F and expose the coal seam, which is particularly
advantageous where hard or rocky material must be excavated.
Frame 1 also supports a carriage 17 for guided movement
longitudinally on beams 2 and 3, between an extreme rearward
position shown in full lines in FIG. 4, to a forward position. This
is to advance the augers A and B and cutting heads for cutting and
to retract them for removal of the auger sections S, or to retract
the carriage without the augers for insertion of additional auger
sections to lengthen the augers A and B, in a known manner.
Carriage 17 comprises a rigid frame 18 having wheels 19 (FIGS. 1,
4) that ride on guide portions 20 of beams 2 and 3.
An internal combustion engine 21 constituting the power source for
rotating the augers is fixed on carriage frame 17 and drives
through main power train means 22 comprising a clutch 23 having
control lever 24, a flexible coupling 25, a shiftable transmission
26 having shift lever 27, and a main gear box 28, and two auxiliary
power train means taking the form of gear boxes 29 that rotate two
drive chucks 30. The main power train means is compact and of
exceptionally short overall length to provide as short an overall
length of the carriage 17 and auger machine as possible, the
transmission 26 being as short as possible and positioned above
main gear box 28. An operator on seat 31 on carriage 17 can
manipulate the engine throttle controls, the clutch and shift
levers and the controls for known means 32 for automatically
locking and unlocking auger sections to the drive chucks 30. The
apparatus also includes known unlatching means similar to that
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,278,236, comprising a fluid cylinder
33 that can move means 34 to engage latches on the auger sections
to disconnect auger sections from each other.
The carriage is moved between its rear and forward positions by
fluid cylinder actuating means 35.
The frame 1 includes a belly plate 36 between and supported from
beams 2 and 3 by cross members 5, 6. The belly plate supports those
auger sections in the machine extending from drive chucks 30 to the
front end of the machine at the wall into which the augers
penetrate. Coal mined by the cutting heads and augers passes onto a
conveyor 37 carried by the main frame near the front of the
machine. The apparatus also includes auxiliary power means 38, such
as an internal combustion engine and appurtenant apparatus for
producing auxiliary power, such as pumped hydraulic fluid under
pressure which through known means is controlled to actuate various
other portions of the apparatus such as the jackes, the skids, the
conveyor and hoist apparatus to be later described.
The machine of FIGS. 1 to 15 positively rotates the auger cutting
heads D by rotation of the two augers A and B as will be described
later. As the cutting heads are rotated and caused to penetrate the
coal or other material being mined by movement of carriage 17,
auger sections S from the storage racks 39 are inserted adjacent
the drive chucks 30 when the carriage 17 is located in its rear
position on frame 1, to extend the lengths of augers A and B as
required as the holes are bored deeper by the cutters.
A hoist apparatus 40 for handling auger sections is supported from
the main frame 1. This apparatus comprises two spaced parallel
rails 41, 42 extending transversely of the auger machine over the
auger storage racks 39 and over the central portion of the
apparatus in which are located the auger sections forming the
augers A and B. A bridge 43 is adapted to travel on the rails 41,
42. A trolley 44 is adapted to travel on the bridge 43 transversely
of rails 41, 42. The trolley 44 carries a lift 45 that is movable
upwardly and downwardly relative to the remainder of the trolley
and that carries tongs 46 adapted to grasp simultaneously a pair of
auger sections S and move them from either of the storage racks to
the desired positions in the central portion of the machine where
they can be connected to the driving heads 32 and to other auger
sections, or to move them from such positions to the storage
racks.
Each storage rack 39 (FIGS. 1-4) comprises two side beams 47
rigidly connected together at their outer ends by a cross beam 48,
and pivotally connected at their inner ends by joints 49 having
removable point pins 51. The outer ends of the racks are supported
by cables 52 from the machine. The racks can therefore be removed
or swung upwardly to reduce the width of the machine when it is
moved to a different location. Each rack has upright posts 53 that
are demountably and adjustably fixed to side beams 47 of the rack
to hold auger sections of different diameters on the rack. As shown
in FIG. 3, each post rigidly carries laterial members 54 that
extend across a beam 47 and are clamped by members 55 and bolts
56.
In the illustrated apparatus, each of the hoist apparatus rails 41,
42 comprises a central portion 57 and two end portions 58. The end
portions at each side of the machine are rigidly connected together
by a cross member 59 to form a movable rail structure 60 that is
connected by hinges 61 to the center portions 57 of the rails and
is adapted to be firmly held in its lateral or extended position as
shown in FIG. 2 by bolts 62 passing through flanges 63 and 64 on
the central and side portions of the rails. By removal of the
bolts, the movable rail structures 60 can be caused to hang
downward to reduce the width of the machine when it is moved.
Rail 41 is supported by brackets 65 connected to the central
portion 57 of the rail and mounted on the rear jacks 8 of the
apparatus. The other rail 42 is supported from brackets 66
connected to the central portion of the rail and fixed to upwardly
extending front posts 69 the lower ends of which are fixed to the
main frame 1 of the apparatus. Intermediate side cross member 71
connects each post 59 to its associated front jack 9, to aid in
stiffening and holding the post firmly in place. Posts 69 are
located forward of the front jacks 9 for a purpose to be later
described.
Rail 42 has a raised track 72 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5) to guide bridge 43 in
a straight path along the rails. Both outer end portions 58 of each
of rails 41, 42 carry stops 73 having rubber buffer portions to
limit the travel of bridge 43 on rails 41, 42.
Bridge 43 comprises two beams 74, 75 extending between rails 41, 42
and rigidly held together by widely spaced intermediate cross
members 76 and end cross members 77 and 78 fixed to the ends of
beams 74, 75. At one end of the bridge cross member 77 carries a
single roller 79 located midway between beams 74 and 75 and riding
on rail 41; roller 79 engages track 72 to guide the bridge. At the
other end of the bridge cross member 78 carries two rollers 80
adjacent the ends of the beams which rollers ride rail 42. The
bridge is thus supported from three points on the beams 41 and 42,
and thus is stable even though these in use may not be exactly
level with respect to each other.
The bridge is moved either direction as required along rails 41, 42
by a fluid power motor 82 (FIGS. 5--8) that drive through a gear
box 83 a shaft 84 tht extends along the bridge beams and
sufficiently above them to clear trolley 44. Shaft 84 is rotatably
carried by bearing brackets 85 fixed on members 77, 78. The shaft
rigidly carries a drive sprocket 86 at each end outside of members
77, 78.
The top of each rail beam 41, 42 of the hoist apparatus supports a
chain 87 fixed at its ends to the stops 73 to secure the chain
against longitudinal movement. The chain is long enough to extend
for substantially the full distance between stops 73 and also to
extend upwardly around and between idler sprockets 88 fixed to the
ends of the bridge and over drive sprockets 86 carried by shaft 84.
Consequently, as shaft 84 is rotated in a desired direction by
fluid motor 82, the bridge is moved in the desired direction by
engagement of sprockets 86 with chains 87 on the rails 41, 42. Such
movement is positive at both ends of the bridge so that there is no
tendency for the bridge to twist or move out of alignment relative
to the rails.
The trolley (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10) comprises a rigid frame 90
including two longitudinal side members 91 rigidly connected
together by end cross members 92 and intermediate cross members 93,
all of substantial depth, the cross members being flanged, so that
the frame is a rigid, strong structure.
The trolley is supported for movement on and along the beams 74, 75
of the bridge by rollers 94 and 95 rotatably supported from the
corners of the trolley, at least two of the rollers 94 on one side
being grooved to engage a longitudinally extending guide 96 fixed
to the upper surface of beam 74 of the bridge to guide the rollers
and trolley in a straight path along the bridge. While four rollers
are shown, the trolley could have two rollers on one side such
rollers preferably engaging guide 96, and one roller centrally
located on the other side to provide three-point support of the
trolley if desired; however, this is in general not necessary if
the bridge is sufficiently rigid.
The trolley is moved longitudinally of the bridge by a fluid
cylinder 97 that is rigidly connected to the bridge and has a
piston rod 98 connected to a bracket 99 fixed to the trolley.
Trolley 44 carries an upwardly extending sleeve 100 that is located
centrally of the trolley and is rigidly fixed to cross beams 93 and
that has an opening 101 through which passes lift member 45.
At its upper and lower ends sleeve 100 carries (FIGS. 9, 10)
flanges 103 on which are mounted brackets 104 and 105 carrying
rotatable guide rollers 106. Brackets 104 at one side of the sleeve
at its upper and lower ends are fixed in relation to the sleeve.
Brackets 105 on the other three sides of the sleeve at its upper
and lower ends are adjustably mounted on flanges 103 to permit the
rollers 106 to be moved toward and away from opening 101 through
the sleeve. Each bracket 105 is clamped to its flange 103 by a bolt
107 extending through a radial slot 108 in flange 103, and on
loosening of bolt 107 is adapted to be adjusted in a radial path
extending toward the center of the sleeve by an adjusting screw 109
threaded through a fixed lug 110 on flange 103.
Lift member 45 has an upwardly extending leg 112 of similar but
smaller polygonal cross section as the sleeve opening 101, which is
square in this case. Leg 112 is guided by contact of rollers 106
with its flat outer sides to move non-rotatably in the sleeve in an
essentially fixed upright path relative to the frame of trolley 44.
Lift member 45 is moved upwardly and downwardly in such path, as
required, by a fluid cylinder 113 mounted on the trolley and having
a downwardly extending piston rod 114 that is connected to a
bracket 115 at the lower end of the leg (FIGS. 2, 4, 6).
The lower end of the leg also rigidly carries a structure 116 on
which a desired number of tongs 46 may be mounted in various
spacings relative to each other. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-15
there are four tong units mounted on the structure 116 in two pairs
are aligned longitudinally of the machine so that the lift member
45 can simultaneously carry two auger sections S. As shown in FIGS.
2, 4, 6, 16, 18, structure 116 comprises member 117 extending
longitudinally of the machine and rigidly fixed to the leg and
rigidly carrying downwardly spaced extending portions 118 to which
are fixed flanged members 119 extending transversely of the
machine. Members 119 are arranged in pairs so that each pair can
demountably and adjustably support one or more tongs as shown in
FIGS. 2, 11-13, 17, 18. Each tong comprises a generally
horizontally extending plate member 120 having near its edges
clamping strips 121 that are adapted to be tightened by bolts 122
and their nuts to clamp the tong to the flanges of each pair of
members 119. Each member 120 carries inside of the members 119 two
rigid parallel downwardly extending members 123 each having a slot
124 at its bottom.
A pin 125 extends through and pivotally supports tong fingers 126
in the slot 124 of each member 123. The tong fingers are oppositely
disposed relative to each other and each is shaped in the form of a
hook with a lower portion 127 extending toward the other tong
finger, so that when the fingers are in the closed position
relative to each other their lower portions overlap as shown in
full lines in FIG. 11, and when they are retracted to their widest
open position as shown, their lower portions are separated by a
substantial distance as shown in broken lines in FIG. 11. The tong
fingers are thus moved between their closed and open positions by
links 128 pivotally connected to each of the fingers and to a
slidable member 129 that can move vertically between downwardly
extending members 123. Member 129 is shaped to have oppositely
disposed slots 130 that slidably fit around a vertical side and two
vertical edges of each member 123 to guide member 129 vertically
and to prevent twisting or jamming of slidable member 129 under
load. Member 129 also has a central opening 131. Member 129 is
moved upwardly and downwardly as required to open and close the
tong fingers by a double acting fluid actuated cylinder 133 that is
pivotally connected above and to the top of plate member 120 and
has a piston rod 134 extending through member 120 and connectd to
slidable member 129 in its opening 131. As is apparent from FIGS.
11-13, when cylinder 133 retracts the piston rod, slidable member
129 moves up and links 128 pull up on the tong fingers 126 of each
tong 46 so they pivot around pin 125 and retract to their open
position. When cylinder 133 moves slidable member 129 down, the
tong fingers pivot around pin 125 and move downwardly to their
closed position, aided by gravity.
As is apparent from FIG. 4, the tongs on the spaced parallel
members 117 are arranged in alignment longitudinally of the machine
so there are two tongs that grasp one of the auger sections around
its central portion between its vanes. In the embodiment of FIGS.
1-15 in which two parallel auger sections are handled
simultaneously, the spacing between the tongs is such that the
auger sections are properly spaced to be put in the augers A and B.
Preferably a tie bar 135 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4) is rotatably connected to
each pair of a substantial number of pairs of adjacent auger
sections near at least one end of the pair to aid in maintaining
proper spacing of the sections during the drilling operation and
during handling and storage of the sections.
As is also apparent from FIGS. 2, 16-17, the apparatus of the
invention is adapted to carry one, two, three or even more auger
sections at various spacings to compensate for various numbers and
diameters of auger sections, by proper positioning of a proper
number of tongs which may be readily put in place, removed or
adjustably spaced by means of the above described clamping means.
The hoist apparatus could therefore be advantageously held to
handle simultaneously the auger sections for the varying numbers of
auger strings shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,062.
The hoist apparatus of the machine of FIGS. 1-15 is controlled from
either of two stations X on opposite sides of the machine, by use
of pendant control means at such station by an operator, who can
stand on either of the walkways 136 extending longitudinally along
opposite sides of the machine. Such pendant control means comprises
a switch handset 137 (FIG. 15) at each station X, connected by
suitable known electrical circuits through flexible cables 138,
139, 140, supported in part by masts 141, 142 on the frame of the
machine an the trolley, that supply electrical power from a
suitable source, such as batteries, on the machine, not shown, and
that control operation of the fluid actuated motor 82 that moves
bridge 43, fluid actuated cylinder 97 that moves the trolley 44,
and the fluid actuated cylinder 113 that moves the lift member 45
in its upward and downward path.
It is apparent from FIG. 15 the handset 137 of the pendant control
means includes a switch 144 of known type which when moved to the
position marked "Left" will move the bridge to the left relative to
the operator, and when moved to the position marked "Right" will
move the bridge to the right, and when centered will cause the
bridge to be halted. Similarly, the switch 145 is of known type
that when moved to the position marked "Front" will move the
trolley toward the front of the apparatus, when moved to the
position marked "Back" will move the trolley to the back of the
apparatus, and when centered will halt operation of the
trolley.
The switch 146 when moved to the position marked "Up" will raise
the lift member and when moved to the position marked "Down" will
lower it; when centered it will halt its operation. The switch
marked 147 when moved toward the position marked "Open" will open
the tongs, when moved to the position marked "Closed" will close
the tongs, and when centered will not operate the tongs but leave
them at the position at which they are opened or closed.
An operator at either of the positions marked X is completely safe
and out of any location where he can be struck by an auger section
as it is being moved between an auger rack and the operating
position or vice versa. Moreover, an operator in the seat 31
controlling rotation of the augers can also control the pendant
control means at one of the position X so that one man control of
the entire machine, including handling of auger sections, is
possible.
Assuming two auger sections are to be simultaneously handled,
operation of the illustrated hoist apparatus for moving the pair of
auger sections simultaneously from one of the storage racks to
positions in the auger string may be as follows. The switch handset
137 at one of the locations X is actuated by operation of the
switches to open the four tongs 46 on the lift member 45, then to
lower the lift member while aligning the tongs with the selected
two augers in one of the storage racks 39. The tongs are then
closed and the lift member is raised sufficiently to cause the
auger sections to clear the top of the adjacent jack 9. The trolley
is then moved forward on the bridge as shown in FIG. 4, to move the
auger sections forward to approximate longitudinal alignment with
positions in which they are to occupy in the auger string, the
bridge is then moved on the rails 41, 42 to cause the auger
sections to be approximately laterally aligned with respect to the
auger sections, after which the lift member is lowered to lower the
auger sections until they are actually or very close to it in
place. If necessary, final adjustments of the positioning of the
auger sections can be made by visual observations and operation of
the switches on the handset so that the auger sections are
perfectly aligned in the position which they are to occupy after
which the operator can move the carriage 17 forwardly to cause the
locking means 32 to lock the auger section to the drive chucks 31
and then further move the carriage 17 carrying these auger sections
forwardly until they engage with and lock onto the auger sections
of the string extending forwardly from the machine. The apparatus
is then ready to be operated to bore mining holes.
When it is desired to remove auger sections from the auger strings,
as when auger strings are removed from the drilled holes, the
reverse operation is followed. The bridge 43 and the trolley 44 on
the bridge are moved so that the auger tongs 46 are properly
aligned in relation to the augers to grasp the auger sections by
their central portions, the lift member 45 is lowered, the final
adjustments and alignment are made, and the tongs actuated to grasp
the auger sections.
Before or after this operation, both ends of each auger section to
be removed are disconnected first by actuation of the unlatching
means 34 to disconnect the auger sections from the other forwardly
positioned auger sections in the strings, and then by actuation of
the means 32 to disconnect the auger sections from the drive chuck,
the carriage 17 being moved rearwardly to accomplish such
disconnection.
Thereafter the tongs are actuated to grasp the auger sections the
tongs being then closed, and the lift member 45 actuated by
operation of the handset to lift the auger sections to a position
where they will clear the top of adjacent jack 9, then to move the
auger sections laterally and rearwardly to the proper location on
the selected auger storage rack on which they are then deposited by
moving the lift downwardly.
It is desirable to provide locating indicia by which the bridge by
visual observation can be rapidly and properly located transversely
relatively to the frame of the apparatus so that the tongs on the
lift member of the trolley can be properly aligned transversely
relatively to the positions of the auger section or sections in the
auger strings in the apparatus. Such indicia are illustrated as
pointers 150 on the bridge and markers 151 on the rails 41, 42 of
the apparatus, located so that they are aligned when the bridge is
properly located over the auger section positions in the machine
and so at least one set of cooperating indicia can be seen by an
operator at either of stations X or the seat 31. For similar
reasons, indicia such as pointers 152 on the trolley and markers
153 on the bridge may be provided to permit rapid, accurate
location of the trolley longitudinally on the bridge by visual
observation.
The illustrated apparatus also includes drive means by which either
one or more auger strings may be driven, and in which augers of
different sizes may be driven.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus shown in these figures is
adapted to drive two auger strings from main gear box 28 through
two auxiliary power train boxes 29 and two auger drive chucks 30.
The auxiliary boxes 29 may be similar to those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,663,062 in that they include gears by which the chucks
30 are driven from the main gear box. In a manner like that
disclosed in the patent, the auxiliary gear boxes 29 may be
adjustably positioned toward or away from each other to permit the
proper positioning of augers of different sizes, and the rigid unit
comprising the main gear box 28 and power source 21 may be raised
or lowered by means of adjustable shims 154 and bolts 155 (FIGS. 4,
18) to raise or lower the axes of the augers and the driving heads
30 relative to the bottom plate 36 to accommodate different
diameters of augers.
If it is desired to drive more than two cutting heads, three or
more cutting heads as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,062 may be
driven through a cutting head assembly from two auger strings or
the auxiliary power train boxes 29 may each be adapted to drive
more than one drive chuck and auger string, as a total of four
drive chucks and corresponding auger strings, the auger sections
for which may be readily simultaneously handled by the hoist
apparatus of the invention by suitable adjustment of the member and
spacing of the tongs.
As shown in FIG. 18 in the present embodiment, one of the auxiliary
boxes 29 may be removed and the remaining auxiliary box 29 may be
swung into position so that its drive chuck 30 is centered relative
to the width of the apparatus to permit the driving of a single
auger. In such case the shims 154 should be the proper height to
accommodate the diameter of the single auger, which is usually a
large diameter auger.
Therefore, the auger drive means and the hoist apparatus of the
machine are both flexible in that they can handle a varying number
of augers of widely varying diameters, each cooperates with the
other in making this possible.
Auger machines and particularly the hoist apparatus embodying the
present invention may be advantageously used for boring holes at a
substantial angle from the horizontal, as shown in FIG. 19, since
the hoist apparatus makes possible proper and accurate placement,
removal and handling of auger sections with safety to the
operators, despite the substantial inclination of the auger
sections as they are lifted.
This is possible because (FIGS. 19-21) the bridge may be mounted to
travel on rails 41, 42 so that it cannot lift or otherwise move off
these rails, and the trolley is so designed that it cannot move off
the bridge despite the substantial inclination of the auger
machine, and because the lift member 45 moves the auger sections in
an essentially fixed path relative to the trolley and does not
include any cables or other flexible suspension portion between the
trolley and auger sections.
FIGS. 20, 21 show a modification of the bridge that insures that
the bridge will be properly positioned on its rails 41, 42 despite
substantial inclination of the machine as a whole the trolley being
omitted for clearness. The bridge comprises beams 74, 75 rigidly
connected together by intermediate cross members 76 and by end
cross members 77 and 78. These end cross members carry brackets 85
that support a shaft 84 that is driven through gear box 83 by a
fluid powered motor 82, as in the previous embodiment. The bridge
travels on rails 41, 42 by a single roller 79 at one end of the
bridge and two rollers 80 at the other end. Roller 79 is rotatably
mounted in bracket 156 fixed centrally of end member 77 and rollers
80 are rotatably mounted in brackets 157 fixed to the end member
78. Consequently there is the same three point support as in the
previous embodiment. The bridge is caused to travel along rails 41,
42 by a sprocket 86 on each end of shaft 84 engaging the closed end
of an open loop of a chain 87 on each rail that passes over each
sprocket 86 and over idler sprockets 88 in the previous
embodiment.
In order to insure that the portions of the chains that rest on
rails 41, 42 do not slip laterally because of the inclination of
the machine, the chains are carried in guide portions 158 fixed on
the rails (FIG. 21). Furthermore, in order to insure that the bride
maintains its proper lateral position with respect to rails 41, 42
despite any longitudinal inclination of the machine, the bridge is
located laterally of the rails by rollers 159 and 160 that rotate
about upright axes and are mounted on the bridge. Roller 159 is
rotatably mounted on end member 77 of the bridge in an opening
therein that bears against one side of the flange 161 of beam 42;
roller 160 is rotatably mounted on bracket 156 and is located
directly opposite roller 159 to bear against the other edge of
flange 161. Preferably as shown in FIG. 21, the edges of the flange
have wear strips 162 fixed to these edges.
The trolley 44 moves in the direction of inclination and its weight
distribution is such that at all times will be properly located on
the bridge by means of the guide 96 engaging grooved rollers on the
trolley as previously described.
Lift member 45, as previously described is accurately located to
move in a fixed upright path relative to the trolley.
The avove described apparatus embodies important safety means that
prevents inadvertent dropping of any auger section carried by the
hoist apparatus, as shown in FIG. 22, which diagrammatically shows
the control system for raising and lowering the lift member 45
carrying tongs 46 and for opening and closing the tongs, which
system embodies the above indicated safety means.
In FIG. 22, power fluid under pressure is supplied from a suitable
source such as source 38 previously indicated, through line 164 and
is returned to such source through line 165. The power fluid can be
supplied and returned through conventional 4-way hydraulic control
valve 166 connected by line 167 to the blind or lowering end of
cylinder 113 that raises and lowers the lift member 45; and power
fluid can be supplied and returned through valve 166 and line 168
connected to the rod or lifting end of the cylinder 113. Valve 166
is actuated by solenoids 169 and 170 through electrical circuit
wires 172, 173 connected to control switch 146 on handset 137 that
controls raising and lowering of lift member 45.
Power fluid under pressure can also be supplied from line 164
through conventional 4-way hydraulic control valve 174 that
controls the flow of fluid through lines 175 and 176 to and from
each cylinder 133 that moves the fingers 126 of a tong 46. Valve
174 is actuated to solenoids 177, 178 connected through circuit
lines 179 and 181 and 182 to the switch 147 on the hand-set 137
that controls operation of the tongs.
A valve 184 of known type, often referred to as an over-center
valve is mounted on trolley 44 near cylinder 113 and interposed in
line 168 connected to the lifting end of cylinder 113 to supply
power fluid for raising the lift member 45. This insures that in
the event loss of pressure in the fluid in the line 168 between
valve 184 and control valve 166 or even before valve 166, as by a
line break, fluid cannot escape from the lifting end of cylinder
113 past valve 184, and piston rod 114 of cylinder 113 therefore
cannot move down and drop the lift member 45 or any auger section
carried by it. The portion of line 168 between cylinder 113 and the
valve 184 is preferably made of steel or other high strength metal
that is essentially unbreakable and leakproof, whereas at least a
portion of the remaining line 168 must necessarily be made of
flexible hose material to compensate for movement of the trolley
and bridge.
The illustrated apparatus also embodies means to prevent
inadvertent opening of auger tongs that could allow any auger
carried by the tongs to drop, while the hoist apparatus carries an
auger section. The illustrated means comprises a pressure switch
186 of known type connected by line 187 to sense the fluid pressure
in the line 168 that supplies power fluid under pressure to the
lifting end of cylinder 113 for lifting the member 45 carrying the
auger tongs, preferably in the strongest portion of the line
between the valve 184 and cylinder 113. This pressure switch thus
also senses the fluid pressure in the lifting end of the cylinder.
This fluid pressure holds switch 186 in its open position and
therefore interrupts the electrical circuit through lines 181 and
182 between the tong control switch 147 on handset 137 and the
hydraulic control valve 174, thus rendering this circuit
inoperative to actuate valve 174 to open any tong so long as a
predetermined pressure corresponding to a load of one or more auger
sections carried by the tongs is in the fluid in the lifting end of
cylinder 113. When the load of the auger section is removed, as
because the lift cylinder has lowered lift member 45 and the auger
section or sections carried by its tongs into the machine or into
an auger rack, then the fluid pressure in cylinder 113 is reduced
and switch 186 closes. This permits the switch 147 when properly
moved to energize the circuit that operates the solenoid of
hydraulic control valve 174 to open the tongs.
Pressure switch 186 may be adjustable if desired, although in
general it can be set to open even if only one auger section is
carried by the tongs even though the apparatus may be adjustable to
carry several auger sections.
Thus, these two safety features cooperate to prevent inadvertant
dropping of auger sections due to loss of pressure in the line
supplying power fluid to lift cylinder 113 as due to line breakage
or malfunction or to inadvertant operation of the tong switch to
the open position, or for other reasons Each tong itself will
normally remain closed until positively opened by operation of its
cylinder 133. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiments, the tongs
cannot open to release an auger section until the lift member
carrying the tongs is intentionally lowered and the load of the
auger sections is removed from the tongs.
Another safety feature of the present apparatus arises because the
walkways 136 on the machine extend completely to the rear of the
machine to permit an operator to leave the machine quickly in case
of emergency, as if there should be a slide from an overhanging
cliff.
As previously indicated, safety is also provided because the auger
sections can be manipulated and moved by the hoist apparatus in
such a way that they completely avoid any location in which an
operator is located so they cannot strike the operator which being
moved, and because auger sections carried by the lift member are
raised and lowered in a fixed path relative to the trolley, which
itself moves in a fixed path relative to the bridge that itself
moves in a fixed path relative to the machine as a whole, which
means that the auger sections cannot swing and strike an operator
while they are raised.
Moreover, since the illustrated machines are extremely short in
length as compared to prior auger machines for the reasons
indicated above, and since there is only a very small distance
between the pit floor on which the machine rests when the jacks are
retracted and the bottom edges of the augers or cutting heads, the
depth and the width of the floor that must be cut to form a pit to
permit the auger machine to operate against a face containing the
seam of material to be mined are substantially reduced, the width
being reduced by as much as several feet, over those of prior auger
machines. This substantially reduces the amount of material to be
excavated and the costs of excavating the pit and establishing the
floor, particularly when rocky or hard material is encountered; it
also provides for ecological benefits because considerably less
excavating is required.
The present apparatus therefore provides important advantages in
reducing the amount of digging or excavating that must be done to
establish the machine in operating position, in providing greatly
increased safety for operators, in making possible substantial
reductions in labor, in improving speed of operation because the
hoist apparatus makes possible rapid handling of auger sections and
simultaneous handling of a multiplicity of auger sections, in
reducing costs of mining, in providing greater ease of
transportation of the machine because of its smaller size and the
fact that it can be made more compact for transportation, and in
making possible economical recovery of coal or other material in
inclined seams because the hoist apparatus makes possible the
handling and accurate placement of auger sections where the machine
is inclined, all as described above. Other advantages will be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
Apparatus embodying the invention may be used for purposes other
than mining coal.
Various modifications apparent to those skilled in the art, in
addition to those indicated, may be made in the apparatus and
methods indicated above, and changes may be made with respect to
the features disclosed, provided that the elements or steps set
forth in the claims hereof or the equivalent of such be
employed.
* * * * *