Abstract: An improved locking device for a trim chain take-up for mining machines in which the trim chain extends around the auger and the auger support arms and is driven by the auger to cut clearance for the support arm. The take-up is slidably mounted behind the auger support arm in guide means affixed to the machine frame. When the take-up is moved away from the support arm to increase the tension on the chain, the locking device moves into the space developed between the take-up and support arm to prevent the take-up from backing off and reducing the chain tension. The locking device comprises a plurality of thin spacers pivotably retained in a side-by-side stacked relationship on a rod mounted to the support arm. The spacers are further disposed such that they are held in an inoperative position resting on the take-up until the take-up has moved past their respective positions whereupon they pivot about the rod into the operative position between the take-up and support arm.

Abstract: An improved trim chain take-up is provided for mining machines in which the trim chain extends around the rotary cutting auger and the auger support arm and is driven by the auger to cut clearance for the support arm. The take-up includes a yoke slideably mounted behind each auger support arm in guide means affixed to the machine framework, and supports a cylindrical idler roller in a manner allowing free rotation of the roller. The idler roller bears against the inner side of the endless chain loop and tensions the chain when the yoke is pushed away from the auger support arm by push means mounted either on the frame or integral with the yoke. A locking device in the embodiment of a self-actuating wedge shaped spacer is included with the take-up to be positioned between the take-up and auger support arm to prevent the take-up from backing off even when the push means relaxes.

Abstract: The invention is an improved rotary cutter for a road planer, particularly a cold planer. The rotary cutter comprises a thick-walled metal drum fitted with improved cutter bits and bit holders, according to a pre-selected pattern. The holders are attached on the drum surface, and each has a tapered socket extending through the main body thereof along a line parallel to the tangent of the drum surface. The corresponding cutter bit has a shoulderless, tapered shank which fits in and is seated snugly in the socket of the holder and a cutting tip lying in a plane generally radial of the drum. The cutting action maintains the firm, tight fit of the cutter bits in the holders and reduces the excessive wear experienced in prior cutters. The invention provides a rotary cutter which is less expensive to make, is more effective in cutting modern paving materials, and which has a longer life span.

Abstract: An improved gas scrubber is provided which is particularly suited for cleaning and cooling the exhaust gases from a diesel powered mine vehicle. The invention is embodied in apparatus including an enclosure which is partially filled with a liquid such as water. An inlet for the exhaust gases is located above the liquid level, as is also an outlet for the cleaned gases to escape. A tube connected to the inlet extends downwardly to below the water level, then changes direction and extends upwardly with constantly increasing cross section and with at least some portion of it in curvature to an open end interiorly of the enclosure and above the liquid level. One or more orifices in the submerged portion of the tube admit water droplets which are sucked into and turbulently mixed with the high velocity gases in proportion to the amount of combustion exhaust from the engine.

Abstract: A drive chain for transmitting power to a rotatable cutter head of a mining machine. The mining machine is of the type having a rotary cutter drum mounted at the forward end of the mining machine frame. The cutter drum has helical auger flights with cutter bits mounted on their periphery. Electric motors are provided on either side of the mining machine to provide power for rotating the cutter drum. A drive and cutter chain transmits the power from each electric motor to the rotary drum. The drive chain comprises roller chain links with offset sidebars. Each drive chain is relatively narrow having but a single row of links. Some of the links are cutter links which carry cutter bits. Selected portions of the cutter links and the sprockets are cut away to prevent entrapment and build up of foreign matter.

Abstract: A vibrating motor comprising a main frame and a center clamp between which the vibrator bars are secured for relative vibration of the main frame and the center clamp. Each of the main frame and the center clamp are formed as a fabricated construction of metal plate elements that are secured to each other in the respective assemblies by welding. Each of the main frame and the center clamp that is constructed in this manner is sufficiently rigid to securely hold the vibrator bars and their spacers.