US2201671A - Material loading apparatus - Google Patents

Description

May 21, 1940. R. c. ossoon MATERIAL nowfixe APPARATUS Filed Jan. 11, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 1940. R. c. ossoop 2,201,671

MATBRIALLOADINGAPPARATUS Filed Jan. 11, 1958 6 Shee ts-Sheet 2 Iilf m m M y '21, 1940. R. 0. 056m 2,201 67 MATERIAL LOADING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 11, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 5* 1.212501% Gdgpwa y R. c. ossoon 2,201,671

HATIRIAL LOADING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 11. 1.938 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 imam ei en- TaZme? 67 dig 01ml Patented May 21, 1940 MATERIAL LOADING APPARATUS Robert C. Osgood, Claremont, N. 11., assignorto Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation 01' Massachusetts Application January 11, 1938, Serial No. 184,447

32 Claims.

This invention relates to material loading apparatus, and more particularly to improvements in a loading apparatus of the typev known as a "muck loader" particularly adapted touse in underground mining work for loading loose material from the mine floor into a receptacle, such as-a mine car.

In underground mining work, particularly in sible to use the conventionalforms of mechanical loaders because of their relatively great bulk and length. Such mechanical loaders are not only relatively long and bulky, but are also relatively complicated and expensive in design. Moreover,

in underground metal mines the equipment used in the mining operations must be transported in the conventional mine cage or skip, which operates in the mine shaft and is relatively restricted in size, and, for this further reason, the use of conventional mechanical loaders is not practical.

, An object of the present invention is to provide an improved loading apparatus especially de- -signed for use in metal mines for loading muck from the mine floor into a mine car, the apparatus being relatively simple and rugged .in design and of relatively small dimensions, well adapted to be transported through the relatively restricted and sharply curved tunnels or drifts and the relatively small shafts of a metal mine. Another object is to provide an improved muck loader of the pivoted shovel type having an improved pivotal mounting structure for the shovel o and improved means for swinging the shovel upwardly and rearwardly about its pivot. A further operated type for centering the shovel from a v lateral position, during its loading movement, and having associated therewith an improved .55 fluid-ope ated lock for automatically locking the shovel in its centered position. A further object is to provide an improved control means for the self-centering means and the lock having associated therewith control means for -the shovel swinging motor. A still further object is to'provide an improved muck loader having novel ar-' rangements and combinations of parts. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes of illustration one term and two modifications which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a muck loader constructed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.-

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the muck loader shown in Fig. 1. v Fig. 3 is a view in longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 2, with parts shown in full. f

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 44 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 55 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a cross. sectional view taken substantially on line 6--6 of Fig. 3.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged cross sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, taken substantially on line 1--1 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view illustrating the improved spring butter and shovel return cylinder.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Figs. 7 and 8. 4

Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line ill-l0 0! ig. 3, with parts omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line l|-li of Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a'detail view showing a portion of the control means.

Fig. 13 me detail sectional view taken on line l3l3ot Fig. 12.- v

Fig. 14 is a detail sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 12.,

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional view taken on line i5--I5 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 16 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line I6l6 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 17 is a detail view showing a portion of the control means.

Fig. 18 isan enlarged detail sectional view taken on line l8-l8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line lS-IS of Fig. 10.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary elevational view, showing a portion of the shovel mounting structure.

Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 20, showing a modified form of shovel mounting.

Figs. 22 and 23 are diagrammatic views, showing positions which the shovel may occupy with respect to the base.

Fig. 24 is a view in longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on line 24-24 of Fig. 2, with parts omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged detail view taken on line 25-25 of Fig. 24.

.Fig. 26 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the fluid system and its associated control means.

Fig.2? is a vertical sectional view through a modified form of control means, the view taken substantially on line 21-2! of Fig. 28.

Fig. 28 is a vertical sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, taken substantially on line 28-28 of Fig. 27. i

Fig. 29 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line 29-29 of Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 'is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 30-30 of Fig. 27.

Fig. 31 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on line 3 l-3l of Fig. 28.

Fig. 32 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 32-32 of Fig. 31.

Fig. 33 is a cross sectional view taken on line '33-33 of Fig. 31.

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 34-34 of Fig. 31.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention, there is shown a material loading apparatus of the type known as a muck loader, for loading muck, such as loose rock or other debris, from a mine floor to a mine car, whereby the muck may be quickly removed from the working face. While the apparatus disclosed is particularly adapted to use in underground metal mines, it

will be evident that the same may be used in general loading work wherever it is desired to load loose material. The improved loading apparatus comprises a self-propelled base I, herein a wheeled truck, adapted to travel along the usual narrow gauge trackway 2 laid on the mine floor. The truck comprises a truck frame 3 of generally rectangular shape supported on usual track-engaging wheels 4. Swivelled for horizontal swinging movement on the self-propelled base, is a superstructure comprising aswivelled frame 5 having parallel vertical side walls 6, 8 in the form of plates, and the frame 5 is swivelled on bearings I (see Fig. 6) supported by a vertical shaft 8 fixed to the truck frame and located with its axis lying in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the base. The driving means for the truck wheels comprises a fluid-actuated reversible motor Ill, of a conventional design, arranged on the base beneath the superstructure and preferablyhaving its power shaft H horizontally disposed and extending transversely of the base, as shown in Fig. 6. Connectible to the motor power shaft,,as by a 'jaw clutch I2, is a sleeve i 3 having a spur gear l4 formed thereon, shiftable axially on the motor shaft by a conventional clutch shipper I5. The gear l4 meshes with a spur gear l6 keyed to a parallel shaft I1 suitably journaled within the truck frame. Also keyed to the shaft ll-is a spur gear l8 meshing with spur gears I9, l9 (see Fig. 4), the latter in turn meshing with spur gears 20, 20 keyed to the front and rear truck wheel axles.

standing side portions of the latter.

The motor ill is controlled by a conventional reversing valve 2| operated through a flexible operating shaft 22 by a control handle 23 conveniently located at the side of the machine near the operators station.

The shovel or scoop is indicated at 24 and is supported by parallel side arms 25, 25 mounted on segmental frames or rockers 26 of semicircular shape.- The segmental frames are provided with arcuate bearing surfaces 21 supported by and adapted to roll along parallel horizontalguideways 23 extending longitudinally of the swivel frame 5 at the inner sides of the up- Lying along the inner sides of the guideways 28 are flexible cables 29, 29,. each secured at one endby an adjustable connection 30 to the swivel frame 5 and at the opposite end by a spring connection 3| to the segmental rocker frame 26, the cables passing around and guided in arcuate grooves on the segmental frames parallel with the arcuate supporting surfaces 21. A second pair of cables 32 are each secured at one end by an adjustable connection 33 to the segmental frame and at the opposite end by a spring connection 34 to the swivel frame 5, these cables also lying and guided in arcuate grooves on the segmental frames. These pairs of cables 29, 32 serve to retain the rolling segmental frames or rockers 26 against displacement from their guideways 28, and at the same time compel a rocking movement of the segmental frames along their guideways, to thus afford a shifting pivot for the shovel upon swinging of the shovel supporting arms. It is incidently noted that instead of pairs of cables, a single cable may be employed for each side arm with an intermediate loop secured to the segmental frames, which at that time might be circular in shape.

For raising and lowering the shovel on its shiftable pivotal mounting, means is provided comprising flexible side chains 35 adopted to be wound on flanged wheels or drums 36, one end of each chain being fixed to the hub of the drum while the otherends of the chains are secured.

at 31 to the segmental rocker frames 26 at the ends of the latter nearer the side arms. The intermediate portions of the chains 35 pass around arcuate guiding surfaces on the rocker frames, parallel with the surfaces 21, so that when the. chains are wound in by the drums, the shovel is swung upwardly and rearwardly. By the arrangement of the chains with respect to the segmental frames, increased leverage is attained in the lifting of the shovel when it is most desirable, that is, when .the shovel is in its lowered digging position, as shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 20, the semi-circular frames or rockers 26 have at the ends thereof adjacent the shovel supporting arms 25, projecting lugs 38 which are received in notches or recesses 39 on the swivel frame 5 at the forward ends of the guideways 23, and these lugs provide a support for the shovel' and rockers against the resistance of the muck pile, the lugs taking the excessive strains off from the cables 29 and 32, while the shovel is being crowded forwardly during the digging operation. In the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 21, in lieu of the lugs and I reversing valve 2|.

driving motor l0, having fixed to its power shaft :1 chain sprocket 43 connected by an endless drive chain 44 to a sprocket 45 keyed to a shaft 46. The

shaft 46 extends transversely of the swivel frame and is suitably journaled within bearings 41 supported within the vertical side walls 6. The drums 36 are keyed to and driven by the shaft 46 (see Fig. '7). The motor 42 is controlled by a conventional reversing valve 48 similar to the Pressure fluid may be supplied to the motors l8 and 42 through a hose 4 9 and pipe connections 50, the pipe connections including-a pipe 5| extending vertically through an elongated arcuate slot 52 (Fig. 2) in the swivel frame 5, the slot being struck on a radius having its center coincident with the swivel frame axis, thus permitting movement of the swivel frame relative to the relatively stationary .pipe connections on the base. The flow of pressure fluid through these pipe connections to the motors l and 42 is controlled by the valves 2| and 48, the pressure fluid flowing from the valve 2| to the motor III through pipe connections 53 and from the valve 48 to the motor 42 through pipe connections 54.

Now referring to the improved self-centering means for the shovel, it will be noted that mounted on the swivel frame are parallel fluid cylinders 55, 55, each containing a reciprocable piston 56. Each of the pistons has pivotally connected thereto at 51 a rod 58 provided with a slotted end 59. Projecting within the slots in the rods 58 are pins 60 fixed to the truck frame and projecting upwardly through arcuate slots 6| in the swivel frame, these slots struck from the same center as the arcuate slot 52 mentioned above. It will thus be seen that when the shovel is located laterally of the trackway and pressure fluid is supplied to the forward ends of the cylinders 55. 55, one of the pistons 56 acts through its connecting rod 58 and pin 60 to move the shovel into alinement with the base, so that when the shovel is raised from its digging position toward its dumping position, it may be brought into alinement with the mine car, generally indicated at 62 in Fig. 1. located immediately at the rear of the apparatus. A fluid-operated lock 63 is provided for locking the swivel frame and shovel in their alined position with respect to the base, comprising a vertical fluid cylinder 64 secured to the swivel frame 5 and containing a reciprocable piston 65 having a locking pin 66 extending downwardly through the bottom head of the cylinder. Interposed between the piston and bottom cylinder head isa coil spring 61 for urging the locking pin into its uppermost released position. The locking pin 66 is adapted to engage a lockin recess 68 formed on the truck frame 8, so that when the pin is brought into registry with the locking recess and pressure fluid is supplied to the upper end of the piston, the locking pin is moved downwardly within the recess to lock the parts in position. For locking the swivel frame to the truck frame during transport when the locking pin 66 is released, there is provided a manual locking pin 68 insertible within alined openings formed in the swivel frame and truck frame respectively. a 1

Secured to the vertical side plates 6 of the swivel frame near the rear end thereof, is a transverse member 18 carrying shock absorbing buffer springs 'II, and when the shovel is swung upwardly about its shifting pivotal mounting past'its center of gravity, a transverse plate I2 secured to the shovel supporting arms 25 engages the buffer springs to provide a cushioned stop for the shovel. When the rearward swinging movement of the shovel is abruptly stopped by the buffer springs, the material in the shovel is discharged into the mine car. assumes its rearmost dumping position with the side arm plate 12 resting against the buffer springs and it is desired to. return the shovel to its digging position, the shovel must be initially moved forwardly past its center of gravity before it will drop down under its own weight, and the means for initiating this return movement comprises a fluid cylinder 13 supported on the transverse member 18 (see Fig. 8) and containing a.

When the shovel reciprocable piston 14 having a piston rod 15" continued forward movement ofthe piston, the

shovel structure is moved forwardly past its center of gravity, the shovel thereafter swinging rapidly downwardly by reason of the initial velocity derived from the thrust of the piston rod 15 and the acceleration imparted by gravity, into its digging position under the control of the drums and chains. The truck frame has secured thereto a front abutment member 16 having an arcuate abutment surface 11 struck on a radius from the center of the swivel frame axis, and a transverse abutment plate 18 secured at 18 tothe sides of the shovel is engageable with this abutment to limit downward movement of the shovel. The member I6 provides an abutment'for the shovel during the digging operation,and due to the shape of the surface H of the abutment 16, the abutment plate 18 may engage the abutment in different positions of the shovel about the swivel axis of the swivel frame.

The improved control means for controlling forms but, as shown in Figs. 11 to 16, comprises a control handle 80 fixed to a shaft 8| rotatably mounted within a bearing bracket 82 secured to one vertical side plate 6 of the swivel frame.

slide valve 86. This valve is reciprocably mounted in a bore 9| of a valve casing 92 secured to the adjacent side plate 6. The valve 90 is of the cylindric spool type and controls the flow of pressure fluid from a supply pipe 83 to a pipe 94 leading to the rear end of the shovel return cylinder I3. Reciprocably mounted within the handle 86 is an operating rod 95 having a thumbpressed push-button 86 and engaging at its inner end a pivoted member 81 arranged within the handle hub and projecting within a slot 88 formed in the shaft 8|. This pivoted member engages a plunger 99 slidably guided within an axial bore I88 in the shaft 8| and engaging the stem III of a plunger valve I02. This valve is likewise of the cylindric spool type and controls the flow of pressure fluid from the supply pipe 83 toa pipe I02 leading to the forward ends of the centering cylinders 55, S5, and through a branch shown in Fig. 1.

connection I04 to the upper end .of the locking cylinder 64. .Communicating with the bore II of the valve casing 92 are vent passages I05, so that when the valve 90 is in the position shown in Fig. 16 with the supply of pressure fluid in the pipe 93 cut off by the valve, the cylinder 13 is vented to atmosphere through the pipe 04. The bore containing the valve I02 has similar vent passages, so that when the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 11, the supply of pressure fluid in the pipe 93 is cut off and the cylinders 55 and 64 are vented to atmosphere. It will thus be seen that when the operator grasps the handle 00 and swings the latter to rotate the shaft II, the

reversing valve 48 for the shovel raising motor 42 is operated through the levers 83, 06; and as a result, the shovel raising motor may be operated in either of opposite directions. When the handle 80 is moved in one direction, the motor 42 is operated to wind in the chains 25 on the drums 36, so that the segmental rocker-frames 26 are rolled along their guideways, thereby to swing the shovel 24 from the full line position shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to the dotted line position shown in those figures. When the shovel arm plate I2 engages the buffer springs, the rearward swinging movement of the shovel is abruptly stopped, so that the shovel contents are discharged into the mine car 62. When the shovel discharges its contents, the operator moves the handle 80 'in theopposite direction, thereby to reverse them'otor 42 to cause the drums to unwind the chains 35, and the cam surface 88 on thecam projection moves the valve 90 into a position to supply pressure fluid through the pipe 94 to the shovel return cylinder I3; and as a result, return movement of the shovel is initiated,

the shovel after it passes itscenter of gravity swinging rapidly downwardly at a rate accelerated by its own weight. which increases the speed'clerived from the thrust imparted thereto I by the piston I4, to the full line digging position If desired, pressure fluid may be supplied to the return cylinder 13 before the shovel arm plate engages the buffer springs, so that the return piston will act as a cushion supplementing the action-of the springs in absorbing the inertia of the shovel, as well as effectively quicken the initiation of the return shovel movement. Downward movement of the shovel is controlled by the motor 42 and i's limited by the abutment I6. When it is desired to load the muck at either side of the path of movement of the loading machine along the trackway, the shovel and its associated supporting structure may be manually rotated about the swivel axis of the swivel frame relative to the base, as indicated diagrammatically in Figs. 22 and 23. The ends of the slots 6| engaging the pins 80 limit the range of swinging movement of the shovel in either direction relative to the base. When the shovel is swung to one side of the trackway, the apparatus may be propelled forwardly along the trackway under the propulsion of the truck wheel driving motor I0, thereby to crowd the shovel into themuck pile; and as this crowding operation is effected, the operator may operate the shovel raising motor 42 to.swing the shovel up and down a slight distance to facilitate the digging operation. When the shovel has been'moved forwardly into the muck pile a sufficient distance, the shovel raising motor 42 may .municating with the groove be operated to swing the shovel from its digging I position upwardly and rearwardly into its material dumping position; and as the shovel starts to swing upwardly, the operator operates the button 06 to move the valve I02 into a position to supply pressure fluid tothe self-centering cylin-' vders 55, 45, so that'the shovel as it swings uplie uponone another, so that as the shovel ap-.

proaches its dumping position, the rate of swinging movement of the shovel is accelerated, due

to the increasing winding diameter of the drums, thereby to increase the shovel raising speed, so that when the shovel armv plate engages the buffer springs, the material in the shovel is thrown into the car.

In Figs. 27 to 34 inclusive, a modified form of the control means is shown. In this construction a control handle I06, similar to the handle 80, is fixed to a horizontal shaft I01 journaled within a bearing bracket I08 secured to the adjacent vertical side plate 6 of the swivel frame. Keyed to the inner end of the shaft I0! is a lever I09connected by a link IIO to a lever III, the latter being keyed to the stem II2 of a rotary control valve H3. This valve is rotatably mounted in a bore II4 formedin a valve casing H5 herein preferably mounted on the casing of the shovel raising motor 42. Pressure fluid maybe supplied to an annulargroove H6 in the valve through a passage II'I, connected by a pipe IIO to any suitable source of pressure fluid supply, herein preferably connected to the supply hose 49.'above described. The valve II3 constitutes the reversing valve for the motor 42, and is formed on its periphery with a longitudinal fluid supply slot I I9 communicating withthe annular supply groove '6 and communicable with,a passage I leading to the motor. Formed on the periphery of the valve at the opposite side of the groove H6 is a longitudinal slot I2I com- IIS and communicable with a passage I22 likewise leading to the motor. Formed axially in the valve is an exhaust chamber I23 constantly communicating through, a passage I24 and an elongated groove I25 in the wall of the valve casing, with an exhaust port I26. Passages I21 and I28 in the valve are communicable with the motor passages I20, I22 respectively, for connecting the latter with the exhaust chamber I23. It will thus be seen that the supply slots H9 and I2! may be alternately connected with the motor passages I20, I22, so that when one of the motor passages is connected to the supply the other is conto exhaust through one or the other of neonatal and communicable through a pipe iSi with the shovel return cylinder. The pipe (389 is communicable with the valve exhaust chamber 0 through a passage 982 in the valve. When the valve M3 is rotated into a position to eiiect operation of the motor 62 in a direction to raise the shovel, the shovel return cylinder i3 is connected to exhaust through the pipe list and passage G32 communicating with the valve exhaust chamber 923, and when the valve ii?) is rotated into a position to effect reverse operation of the motor 62, the supply slot list is brought into communication with the pipe iti so that pressure fluid is supplied'to the shovel return cylinder iii, to initiate and increase the speed of the return movement of the shovel. Guided for axial movement on the handle lat is an operating rod 835 having a push-button H and connected at it? to a member 53d guided within the hub of the handle act. The member 938 has an arcuate surface engaging the stem it of a plunger valve Hill in all positions of I the handle ltd. This valve is guided in a bore Mi formed in a valve casing Hi2 secured to the adjacent vertical side plate 6. Communicating with the valve bore is a. passage Hi3, connected by a pipe it to the self-centering cylinders 55, and the locking cylinder at. Also communicating with the valve bore i ii through a passage M5 is a fluid supply pipe Mill. Valve bore Hill is connected to atmosphere through vent passages M1. When the valve Mill is in the position shown in Figs. 27 and 28, the cylinders as and 6 3 are vented to atmosphere through the pipe Hi6 and the vent passages iti. When the operator depresses the plunger valve Hit, pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders 55 and lid through the supply pipe Hi5 and the pipe M6. in a bore H58 in the valve casing M2 is a springpressed plunger loch M9 engageable with a notch Hill on the hub of the handle ltd for holding the handle in its neutral position.

Supported by brackets It! on the base frame is a platform i532 on which the operator stands during the loading operation, and the vertical side plate d of the swivel frame at this side of the machine is provided with a guard rail E53 to reduce the possibility of injury to the operator as the shovel swings from its digging position into its elevated dumping position and vice versa. The control handle 23 for the reversing valve 2| and the control handle 869 for the reversing valve 38, and the 'control handle Hit of the modification, are conveniently located near the operators station on the platform, so that the various operations of the machine may be readily controlled. The operator by grasping these handles,lone in each hand, retains his position on the platform.

The mode of operation oi the improved material loading apparatuswill be clearly apparent from the description given. The apparatus is moved about the mine iromone working place to another, by means oi a locomotive or other suitable propelling means and the jaw clutch i2 is of course, at that time released. The apparatus may be propelled back and forth along the trackway during the loading operation by the motor it. When it is desired to effect loading, the manual locking pin lid is released and the shovel may be lowered into its digging position with respect to the muck pile, and as the truck wheels are driven by the motor it, the apparatus is propelled forwardly along the tracl'zway, under the control of the handle to crowd the shovel into the Guided pile of much; and as the shovel crowds into the muck pile under the propulsion'oi the truck wheel driving motor ill, it is simultaneously moved slightly up and down to facilitate the digging operation. When the shovel is loaded, it is swung upwardly and rearwardly about its shifting piv= otal mounting from its digging position into its elevated dumping position under the control of the control handle 8t. When the shovel. dis= charges its contents into the mine car t2, the operator operates the lever till to move the valve Sill into a position to supply pressure fluid to the shovel return cylinder l3, thereby to efiect inttiation of the return swinging movement of the shovel from its dumping position toward its dig= ging position, and when the shovel passes its center of gravity, it swings rapidly downwardly, un der the effect of its own weight added to the thrust imparted thereto by the return piston, under the control of the chains and drums, until it engages the abutment it on the base. When it is desired to load the muck at either side of the trackway, the operator may swing manually the swivel frame relative to the base until the shovel assumes the desired laterally located position. When the shovel isin this latter position at one side of the trackway and the shovel has been dug into the muck pile and filled with muck, the operator moves the control handle 8d to cause the motor it to rotate the drums 36, thereby to wind in the chains 35 and swing the shovel from its digging position toward its dumping position.

As the shovel starts to swing upwardly, the opcr,

ator operates the valve ill! to supply pressure fluid to the self-centering cylinders 55, 55, so that the shovel is brought into alinement with the mine car as it swings upwardly; and when the shovel reaches its central position, the locking pin 66 automatically locks the shovel frame to the base. During transport about the mine, the swivel frame is locked in alinement with the base by the manual locking pin 69. The operation of the modified form of control means shown in Figs. 27 to 34 inclusive, is substantially the same as that above described, with the exception that the operator operates the control handle its to control the operation of the shovel raising motor t2 and the shovel return cylinder 13, and operates the valve idd controlled from the handle N16, to control the operation of the self-centering cylinders 55 and the locking cylinder 6%. Otherwise the muck loader, when this form of control means is employed, operates in a manner similar to that above described.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved muck loader is provided especially designed for use in underground mining work for loading muck from the mine floor into a mine car, the apparatus being relatively simple and rugged in design and of relatively small d1- mensions'well adapted to travel through the relatively restricted and sharply curved tunnels or drifts and the relatively small shafts of a metal mine. It will further be noted that by the provision of the improved means for centering the shovel from a lateral position, during its loading movement, discharge of the muck into the mine car located immediately at the rear of the apparatus, is assured. Furthermore, by the provision of the improved means for initiating the return of the shovel from its dumping position towards digging position, a relatively large range of rear ward shovel swing is provided, and return swinging movement of the shovel is positively initiated and the speed of return increased. Other uses iii til

and advantages of the improved material loading apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there are in this application specifically described one form and two modifications which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form and these modifications are shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be further modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

i. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a frame structure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, loading means supported by said frame structure for movement relative thereto, said loading means movable relative to said irame structure from its material gathering position to its material discharging position, and said frame structure swingable horizontally relative to said base to position said loading means at one side of the path of movement of said base, and power oper ated self-centering means for said loading means operable independently of the movement of said loading means relative to said frame structure and irrespective of the horizontally swung position of said loading means relative to said base, for swinging said frame structure horizontally relative to said base automatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, to aline said frame structure relative to said base during the loading movement of said loading means, said self-centering means embodying means for automatically interrupting horizontal swinging movement of said frame structure relative to said base when the latter assumes said alined position.

2. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a frame structure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, loading means supported on said frame structure for movement relative thereto from its gathering position to its material discharging position, said frame structure swingable horizontally relative to said base to position said loading means at either side of the path of movement of said base, and power operated self-centering means for said loading means operable independently of the movement of said loading means relative to said frame structure, for horizontally swinging said frame structure automatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, into alinement with said base during the loading movement of said loading means relative to said frame struc ture, said self-centering means embodying means for automatically locking said frame structure against further swinging movement relative to said base when said frame structure assumes said alined position.

3. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a frame structure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto. a

shovel pivotally mounted on said frame structure to swing in a vertical direction relative thereto, said frame structure swingable horizontally relative to said base to position sa d shovel at either side of the path of movement of said base, means for swinging said shovel in said vertical direction relative to said frame structure to move sa d shovel from its lowered digging position into its elevated material dumping position, and power operated self-centering means for said shovel operable independently of said shovel swinging portable base, a frame structure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, a shovel pivotally mounted on said me structure to swing in a vertical direction relative thereto, said frame structure swingable horizontally relative to said base to position said. shovel at either side of the path of movement of base, power operated means for swinging said shovel in said vertical direction relative to said frame structure ,to move shovel from its lowered digging post tion into its elevated material dumping position, power operated selt centering means for said shovel operable independently of said shovel swinging means, for swinging said frame struc ture horizontally relative to said base, during the vertical swinging movement of said shovel, automatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, to aline said frame structure relative to said base so that the shovel always discharges its contents immediately at the rear of said base, said self-centering means embodying means for automatically interrupting horizontal swinging movement of said frame structure relative to said base when the latter assumes said alined position, means for controlling the supply of motive power to said shovel swinging means, and means associated with and operable independently of said controlling means for controlling the supply of motive power to said shovel centering means.

5. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a frame structure swivelled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, a shovel pivotally mounted on said frame structure to swing in a vertical direction relative thereto, said frame structure swingable horizontally relative to said base to locate said shovel in digging position at either side of said base out of the path of movement of the latter, means for swinging said shovel in said vertical direction relative to said frame structure to move the shovel from its lowered digging position into its elevated material clumping position, means operable independently of said shovel swinging means for swinging said frame structure relative to said base to center said frame structure relative to said base during the vertical swinging movement of said shovel so that the shovel always discharges its contents im-' medlately at the rear of said base, means for controlling said shovel swinging means including a manual control handle, and means associated with said control means for controlling said centering means including a manual control member mounted on said control handle.

6. In a loading apparatus, in'oombination, a portable base, a shovel, means for supporting said shovel on said base, said shovel pivotally mounted on said supporting means to swing in a vertical direction relative thereto, means for swinging said shovel about its pivotal mounting, means providing a stop for limiting rearward swinging movement of said shovel, and power operated means associated with said stop means and distinct from the latter and said swinging means 35 for mithstlug the rotors movement of the shovel.

his; loading spperetus, hr extraction, :2. portable louse, s shovel, meeus for supporting mid shovel on sold louse, shovel plvotslly mounted portable base, a frame structure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto,

e. shovel pivotelly mounted on said frame structure to swing in e. vertlcsl dlrectlon relative thereto, moons comprising at fluid actuated motor for swinging sold shovel relative to sold frsme structure, fluid sctusted centering rooms for sold shovel for sutomstlcslly swinging sold heme structure into longitudinal slhiemeut with sold base sud'for automatically maintaining sold frame structure in its ellued posltlou when sold shovel swings in s vertical direction as sforesold, means for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to sold motor including as control handle, and means for controlling the how of pressure fluid to said frame structure swinglng sud ellning means including on independently operable control handle mounted on sold first mentioned comtrol handle. I

9. In a. loading apparatus, in combination, as portable base, a. frame structure swivelly mounted on sold hose to swing horizontally relative thereto, a shovel plvotslly mounted on said frame structure to swing in a vertical direction relative thereto, sold firome structure swlngable horizontally to position ssid shovel at either side of said base, means for propelling said base to move said shovel forwardly to gather the materlslto be loaded, means for thereafter swinging said shovel vertically to losd the material, and means controllable at the will of the operator for swinging sold frame structure into allnement with said. base during the loading operation and for automatlcelly locking said frame structure in its allned position.

10. In' a loading apparatus, in combination, a. portable base, s frame structure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizoutolly relative thereto a shovel pivotolly mounted on said frame structure to swing in a vertlcsl direction relative thereto, said frame structure swingsble horizonon said base to swing horizontally reletlve thereto,

a shovel plvotelly mounted on said frame struc= ture to swing in a. verticsl direction relstlvc thereto, sold Home structure swlucsble horizontelly to posltion said shovel st either side of sold boss, means for propelllng said base to move sold shovel lorwerdly to settler the material to he losded, for thereetter swinging ssid. shovel vertically loud the materiel, means comprising 9. pulr oi fluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure lute ellue out with said base during swlugmg of sold shovel from its digging position towsrd lts dumping position, mesms including a fluid cylinder for sutometicelly locking said frame structure to. cold sllhed position, and control rhesus operehle at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to said cylinders.

12. In s loodlug sppsrotus, in combination, a portehle hose, or freme structure swivelly mounted on sold hose to swim; horlzontslly relative thereto, a shovel plvotclly mounted on sold ,frome structure to swing in s verticsl direction relative thereto, sold frame structure swingoble horizontally to posltlou sold shovel at elther side of said base, moons for propelling sold boss to move said shovel forwardly to gather the material to be loaded, moms for thereafter swinging said shovel vertlcolly to loud the material, means comprising a pslr of fluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure into sllnement with said base during swinging of said shovel from its digging position toward its dumping position, means including a fluid cylinder for automatically looking said frame structure in said slined position, means lncludihg a. fluid cylinder for initiating the return movement of sold shovel from its discharging position towsrd its digging position, and control means opershle at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to sold cylinders.

13. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, at shovel plvotslly mounted on said base to swing in a vertlcsl direction relative thereto, means comprising a, reversible motor for swinging sold shovel from its lowered digging position rearwsrdly past its center of gravity into its elevated dumping position, said motor being reversed when said shovel is in said dumping position to permit said shovel to move downwsrdly after the shovel has moved forwardly past its center of gravity, power operated means powered independently of said motor for initiatlog the return movement of sold shovel, and a common control for said motor and said power operated means.

14. In e. losding apparatus-in combination, a portable base, a shovel plvotolly mounted on sold hose to swing in o vertical direction relstlve thereto, means comprising a fluid actuated reversible motor for swinging sold shovel. from its lowered dlgglng posltlon rearwardly past its center of gravity into its elevated dumping position, said motor being reversed when said shovel ls in said dumping position to permit said shovel to move dowuwerdly after it has moved forwardly past its center of gravity, fluid actuated means for lnitlotlug the return movement of the shovel, and valve means having a common control handle for controlling the flow-of pressure hold to said motor and sold fiuid'ectustcd means.

ii. In s loading apparatus, in combination, a base, a shovel mounted on sold hasesaid shovel movable relative to said base from its lowered digging position resrwardly lrlto its elevated tinued movement to its digging osition is caused at least in part by gravity, and means associated means for moving said shovel from its lowered digging position rearwardly torts elevated dumping position and controlling the movement of said shovel irom its dumping position forwardly to its digging position, and motor operated means powered independently of said motor means and engaging said shovel when the latter is in its dumping position, initially to start the shovel upon its return to its digging position.

17. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a frame structure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally rela= tive thereto, loading means mounted on said frame structure, said frame structure swingable horizontally to position said loading means at either side of said base, means comprising a pair of oppositely acting fluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure into and for holding the 1at= ter in alinement with said base, means for conducting pressure fluid concurrently to or concurrently venting pressure fluid from said cylinders and control means operable at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid through said pressure fluid conducting means.

18. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a frame structure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative there to, loading means mounted on said frame structu're, said frame structure swingable horizontab ly to position said loading means at either side of said base, means comprising a pair of fluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure into alinement with said base, means including a fluid cylinder for locking said frame structure in aline ment with said base, means for conducting pressure fluid concurrently to or concurrently venting pressure fluid from said swinging cylinders and said locking cylinder, and control means operable at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid through said pressure fluid conducting means.

19. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, loading means mounted on said frame structure, said frame structure swingable horizontally to position said loading means at either side of said base, means comprising a pair of oppositely acting fluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure into and holding the latter in alinement with said base, said cylinders so arranged that movement of said frame structure is effected by oneof said cylinders while the other is inoperative, means for conducting pressure fluid concurrently to or concurrently venting pressure fluid from 'said cylinders, and control means operable at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid through said pressure fluid conducting means.

20. In a loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in horizontal and vertical directions relative to said base,

- a shovel supported at the outer extremity of said arm structure, means operatlvely connected-to said arm structure for swinging the latter in a vertical direction about its pivotal mounting relative to said base to move said shovel from its lowered digging position to its raised dumping position, said arm structure swingable horizonp tally about its pivotal mounting relative to said openers base to position said shovel at either side of said base, means operatively connected to said arm .ing operation of said arm structure alining means,

said manually operable means effecting initiation of operation of said alining means, and said latter means upon continued supply of power thereto, automatically acting to move said arm structure into and maintain the same in said alined position relative to said base.

21. In a loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, an era. structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in horizontal and vertical directions relative to said base, a shovel supported at the outer extremity of said arm structure, means operatively connected to said arm structure for swinging the latter in a vertical direction about its pivotal mounting relative to said base to move said shovel from its lowered digging position to its raised dumping position, said arm structure swingable horizontally about its pivotal mounting relative to said base to position said shovel at either side of said base, means operatlvely connected to said arm structure and always automatically operative upon supply of power thereto to move said arm structure horizontally from its position at either side of said base into longitudinal alinement with said base, thereby to center said shovel as it moves upwardly towards its dumping position, manually operable means operable at the will of the operator for efi'ectlng operation of said means for vertically swinging said arm structure and for effecting operation of said arm structure allning means, said manually operable means efiecting initiation of operation of said alinlng means, and said latter means upon continued supply of power thereto, automatically acting to move said arm structure into said alined position relative to said base, and means also controlled by said manually operable-control means for automatically initiating the return movement or said arm structure to effect movement of said shovel from itseraised dumping position towards its lowered digging position.

22. In a loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in horizontal and vertical directions relative to said base, a shovel supported at the outer extremity of said arm structure, means operatively connected to said arm structure for swinging the latter in a vertical direction about its pivotal mounting relative to said base to move said shovel from its lowered digging position to its raised dumping position, said arm structure swingable horizontally about its pivotal mounting relative to said (base to position said .shovel at either side of said base, means operatively connected to said arm structure and always automatically operative upon supply 0! power thereto to move said arm structure horizontally from its position at either side or said base into longitudinal alinement with aeoaevi 01 base, thereby to center said shovel as it eves upwardly towards its dumping position, manually operable means operable at the will of the operator for effecting operation of said means for vertically swinging said arm structure and for eflecting operation of said arm structure alining means, said manually operable means eifecting initiationof operation of said alining means, and said latter means upon continued supply of power thereto, automatically acting to move said arm structure into said alined position relative to said base, and means associated with said arm structure alining means for automatically locking said arm structure in its alined position relative to said base, said locking means also controlled by said manually operable control means.

23. In a material loading apparatus, the combination of a loading member, supporting means for saldloading member swing'able to move said loading member from a lowered material receiving position upwardly and rearwardly into a material discharging position, said supporting means as said loading member approaches its discharging position passing its center of gravity, fluid actuating means for swinging said supporting means to move said loading member into aforesaid loading positions, means for limiting movement of said supporting means when said loading member reaches its material discharging position, and means separate and distinct from said swinging means and likewise actuated by pressure fluid for initiating swinging movement of said supporting means to move said loading member forwardly from said limiting means past its center of gravity so that when the center ofgravity is passed said supporting means swings downwardly to move said loading member forwardly and downwardly into its material receiving position.-

24. In a material loading apparatus, the combination of a loading member, supporting means for said loading member swingable to move said I loading member from a lowered material receivfluid actuated means for swinging said supportingposition upwardly and rearwardly into a material discharging position, said supporting means as said loading member approaches its discharging position passing its center of gravity,

- means comprising a fluid actuated plunger associated with said limiting means and engageable with said supporting means.

25. lln a material loading apparatus, the com- .bination of a lo m; member, supporting means for said loading member swingable to move said loading member from a lowered material receiving position upwardly and rearwardly into a ma terial discharging position, said supporting as said loading member approaches its disch t m position passing its center of gravity, fluid actuated means for swinging said supporting me to move said loading member into means. Y

frame to swing in a vertical direction relative said base and operative to impart to said loading loading member reaches its material discharging position, means separate and distinct from said swinging means and likewise actuated by pres- 5 sure fluid for initiating swinging movement of said supporting means to move said loading member forwardly from said limitingmeans past its center of gravity so that when the center of gravity is passed said supporting means swings downwardly to move said loading member forwardly and downwardly into its material receiving position, and valve means under manual control for controlling the supply of actuating fluid. to both of said fluid actuated means and operable when said loading member approaches said limlting means to cut of! the pressure fluid supply to said swinging means and to open the -supply or pressure fluid to said movement initiating 26. A material loading apparatus comprising, in combination, a portable base, a frame swiveled on said base to turn relative thereto about a vertical axis, a scoop mounted on said swiveled 5 thereto from its lowered material receiving posi- 2 tion to its raised dumping position, means for swinging said scoop in a vertical direction as aforesaid relative to said-frame, and power operated self-centering means for said scoop operable independently of said scoop swinging means and capable of being rendered active when said scoop is swung upwardly a certain distance with respect to said frame for turning said swiveled frame relative to said base automatically to aline said scoop with said base as .said scoop swings upwardly towards its dumping position, said centering means automatically becoming ineffective to further turn said swiveled frame when said scoop is alined with said-base.

,27. Ina material loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, material loading means mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative theretointo a laterally lo--- cated position at one side of said base, and power operated self-centering means for said loading' means rendered effective by the horizontal swinging movement of said loading means relative to means a horizontal centering movement irre-. spective of the hdrizontally swung position of said loading means relative to said base, said centering means being automatically rendered ineffective to further swing said loading means when the latter assumes its centered position with respect to said base.

28. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, loading meanspivotally mounted on said base to swing both horizontally and vertically relative to said w base, means for swinging said loading means vertically relative to said base from its lowered material receiving position to its raised material discharging position, said loading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into @5 a material loading position at oneside of the path of movement of said base, and power oper ated self-centering means for said loading means independently of said vertical swinging and irrespective of the horizontally 4-1,; position of said loading means relative to said base including means for imparting to said loading means a horizontal swinging torque automatically discontinued at approximately the horizontal centered position of said loading means relative to said base.

29. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, material loading means swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, said loading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into a laterally located position at one side of the path of movement of said base, and power operated centering means for said loading means for swinging the latter from its laterally located position at one side of said base into its horizontally centered position with respect to said base, said centering means including means controllable at the will of the operator for imparting to said loading means a centering torque discontinued automatically at approximately the horizontal centered position of said loading means with respect to said base.

30. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, material loading means swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto, said loading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into a laterally located position at one side of the path of movement of said base, and power operated centering means for said loading means for swinging the latter from its laterally located position at one side of said base into its horizontally centered position with respect to said base, said centering means including means controllable at the will of the operator for imparting to said loading means a centering torque discontinued automatically at approximately the horizontal centered position of said loading means with respect to said base, said centering means including a. fluid actuated cylinder and piston device operatively connected to said base and said loading means and moved into its effective centering-movement-imparting position by horizontal swinging movement of said loading means into its laterally located position at one side of said base and reaching its limit of effective centering-imparting movement when said loading means assumes its horizontal centered position with respect to said base.

31. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, loading means mounted on said base to swing both horizontally and vertically relative thereto, said loading means being swingable vertically relative to said base from its lowered material receiving position to its raised material discharging position and said loading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into a laterally located position at one side of the path of movement of said base, and power operated selfcentering means for said loading means operable independently of the movement of said loading means vertically relative to said base and irrespective of the horizontally swung position of said loading means relative to said base, for swinging said loading means horizontally relative to said base automatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, to aline said loading means horizontally relative to said base during the vertical swinging movement of said loading means, said self-centering means embodying means for automatically interrupting the horizontal swinging force imparted to said loading means when said loading means assumes said alined position,

32. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base, loading means mounted on said base to swing both horizontally and vertically relative thereto, said loading means being swingable vertically relative to said base from its lowered material receiving position to its raised material discha ging position and said loading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into a laterally located position at one side of the path of movement of said base, means for swinging said loading means vertically relative to said base, and power operated self-centering means for said loading means operable independently of said vertical swinging means and irrespective of the horizontally swung position of said loading means relative to said base, for swinging said loading means horizontally relative to said base automatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, to aline said loading means horizontally relative to said base during the vertical swinging movement of said loading means, said self-centering means embodying means for automatically interrupting the horizontal swinging force imparted to said loading means when said loading means assumes said alined position.

ROBERT C. OSGOOD.

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