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Post by John on Sept 12, 2008 7:47:27 GMT -5
Backbone of the longwall mining method worldwide. Invented by Mine Manager James Anderton. First machine to go into production at Ravenhead Colliery in 1952. A monument to the Anderton Shearer Loader found at the Lowton Website. www.freewebs.com/notwol/miningmemorial.htm |
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Post by dazbt on Sept 16, 2008 13:50:31 GMT -5
Backbone of the longwall mining method worldwide. Invented by Mine Manager James Anderton. First machine to go into production at Ravenhead Colliery in 1952. A monument to the Anderton Shearer Loader found at the Lowton Website. www.freewebs.com/notwol/miningmemorial.htmI have just got to ask, can anybody tell me exactly what James Anderton invented that actually gained him the patent on a ‘Shearer Loader’? I suspect that anyone knowing the answer will also realise why it’s driving me to distraction in not knowing the details. Has anyone got a copy or reference to the actual Anderton patent? |
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Post by John on Sept 16, 2008 15:07:03 GMT -5
Backbone of the longwall mining method worldwide. Invented by Mine Manager James Anderton. First machine to go into production at Ravenhead Colliery in 1952. A monument to the Anderton Shearer Loader found at the Lowton Website. www.freewebs.com/notwol/miningmemorial.htmHe wouldn't be able to get a patent Daz, as you should be well aware, recall your contract with the NCB??? Any inventions or ideas belonged to the board. Mr Anderton was a mine manager at one of the NCB's Lancashire pits, a thought came to him, instead of having an undercutting jib, why not a drum with picks mounted around it. He obviously took his idea to the area engineer where it was perfected on paper in the drawing office. I did recall reading the NCB licensed the idea and designs to both Anderson Boyes and BJD to perfect and build. BTW, which came first, the shearer or the trepanner?? I have just got to ask, can anybody tell me exactly what James Anderton invented that actually gained him the patent on a ‘Shearer Loader’? I suspect that anyone knowing the answer will also realise why it’s driving me to distraction in not knowing the details. Has anyone got a copy or reference to the actual Anderton patent? |
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Post by dazbt on Sept 16, 2008 15:26:35 GMT -5
"Mr Anderton was a mine manager at one of the NCB's Lancashire pits, a thought came to him, instead of having an undercutting jib, why not a drum with picks mounted around it. He obviously took his idea to the area engineer where it was perfected on paper in the drawing office."
Well, not quite that John, which is the reason that I ask the question, the exact machine that you describe above was already designed and actually manufactured, not by Anderton by the way, he obviously took that design/concept/actuallity and did something more to it which did provide the actual patent of an 'Anderton Shearer Loader', obviously something different from what you (and others) describe.
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Post by John on Sept 16, 2008 17:12:52 GMT -5
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Post by dazbt on Sept 17, 2008 1:59:48 GMT -5
I found this statement made with reference to the 'Anderton Shearer' development; " I NCREMENTAL INNOVATIONS
These occur more or less continuously in any industry or
service activity, although at a varying rate in
different industries and over different time
periods. They may often occur, not so much as
the result of formal research and development
activity, but as the outcome of inventions and
improvements suggested by engineers and
others directly engaged in the production
process, or as a result of initiatives and
proposals by users. Many empirical studies
have confirmed their great importance in
improving the efficiency in use of all factors of
production, for example Townsend's (1981)
study of the Anderton shearer loader in the
British coalmining industry. They are
particularly important in the follow-through
period after a radical breakthrough innovation
and frequently associated with the scaling up
of plant and equipment and quality
improvements to products and services for a
variety of specific applications. Although their
combined effect is extremely important in the
growth of productivity, no single incremental
innovation has dramatic effects, and they may
sometimes pass unnoticed and unrecorded.
However, their effects are apparent in the
steady growth of productivity, which is
reflected in input-output tables over time by
major changes in the coefficients for the
existing array of products and services
(Freeman et al., 1982).
RADICAL INNOVATIONS
These are discontinuous events and in recent times is
usually the result of a deliberate research and
development activity in enterprises and/or in
university and government laboratories."Perhaps the shearer loader is a classic example of relatively minor modifications or applications making a massively recognisable difference, a bit like the invention of a screw top on a glass bottle. I have a gut feeling that what Anderton and his team did was to add a plough to an existing machine concept, which then altered the function of a shearer as a coal cutter to a cutter loader. The basic concept of a shearer having no doubt been influenced by the much earlier undercutting 'bar' machines in the first place. The later 'invention' of the helical vaned cutting drums (another incremental and radical innovation) probably played a major part in the success of the modern shearer. |
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Post by John on Sept 17, 2008 6:43:38 GMT -5
From what most of us have read Daz, Anderton invented the power loader, looks like the emphasis is the loader, ie the plough section that turned the shearer into a power loading machine.
Lets be right, you were in a better position to know the truth having worked for Anderson Strathclyde.
I liked that page I linked though, gives an insight into trial and error British pit style.
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Post by dazbt on Sept 17, 2008 11:38:23 GMT -5
"Lets be right, you were in a better position to know the truth having worked for Anderson Strathclyde.
I liked that page I linked though, gives an insight into trial and error British pit style"
You are dead right I should know and the fact that I don't is exactly why I ask the question. I didn't turn my mind to the question until it was too late to ask the appropriate people.
Tell me how to get to the info page with the trial and error examples, thick as I am I can't find it from the your link, presumably it is only a click away.
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Post by John on Sept 17, 2008 19:11:29 GMT -5
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Post by dazbt on Sept 18, 2008 1:34:56 GMT -5
 This is what I see when I open your link, the boxes and format layout have changed with C/P, but this includes all the text I see. What should I follow from this page? I keep trying to tell you I'm thick, show me the way to go, slowly!! About this book Understanding Technological Change By Chris DeBresson, Jim Petersen Buy this book Amazon.com Barnes&Noble.com - $48.99 Books-A-Million BookSense.com Google Product Search Amazon.co.uk Blackwell's Waterstone's WHSmith Borrow this book Find this book in a library More details Understanding Technological Change By Chris DeBresson, Jim Petersen Contributor Chris DeBresson Published by Black Rose Books, 1987 ISBN 0920057268, 9780920057261 270 pages Add to my library Write review References from web pages Teaching Engineering Design with Humanities and Social Sciences ... debresson, Chris, Understanding Technological Change, Black Rose Books, Montreal, 1987. Durning, Alan Thein, and Ed Ayres, ``The History of a Cup of Coffee ... fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie95/3a6/3a63/3a63.htm Disciplinas - Oferta no Ano Base Understanding Technological Change. Montreal, Black Rose Books. (capítulo 1). BERNAL, David (1968). Science in History, Cambridge (MA), MIT Press. ... www1.capes.gov.br/estudos/dados/1998/42001013/027/1998_027_42001013025P1_Disc_Ofe.pdfReferences from scholarly works A RelaÇÃo Entre Conhecimento E Desenvolvimento: EssÊncia Do ... PAULO ANTÔNIO ZAWISLAK MudanÇa Organizacional Provocada Pela UtilizaÇÃo De Sistemas ... Amarolinda Costa Zanela, Marie Anne Macadar, Rodrigo Oliveira Soares A Broadened Perspective: Teaching Engineering Design in a Social ... Tecnologia, Economia e Globalização Pedro Jorge Braumann John Schumacher, Gary Gabriele, and Jeff Newcomer Rensselaer ... 1995 - Frontiers in Education Conference show more » About Google Book Search - Book Search Blog - Information for Publishers - Provide Feedback - Google Home©2008 Google
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Post by rhonddalad on Sept 18, 2008 6:15:43 GMT -5
The Anderton Shearer Loader
I quote from a Book published by the Colliery Guardian entitled 'National Coal Board - The First Ten Years'.
Under Coalface Machinery Developments it states:-
'In the early days of Nationalisation there were a number of machines based on rotary-cutting principles at the prototype or actual production stage. There were certain misgivings, however, with regard to the widespread use of such machines owing to the fear of degradation of coal and the production of harmful dust.
When in 1952, Mr. J. Anderton, Area General Manager of the St. Helens Area, coupled to a rotary drum cutter a diverting plough to assist in the loading of coal on to an armoured conveyor with very successful results, it was quickly realised that this method had widespread application owing to the simplicity of the mechanism and the few restrictive requirements. A number of cutter manufacturers now supply Anderton Shearers, which have become machines in their own right rather than modified coal-cutters. There is no doubt that this machine represents the outstanding success on power loader development in the latter half of the ten years'.
Trust that the above is of assistance.
I
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Post by John on Sept 18, 2008 6:42:32 GMT -5
Sure does there are so many stories floating around. So it looks like James Anderton only came up with the plough concept.
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Post by John on Sept 18, 2008 6:43:52 GMT -5
Daz, what I'll do is C&P the pages using screen grabber, I tried the other day just trying to copy, but it wouldn't allow me, so thats where screen grabber comes in!
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Post by John on Sept 18, 2008 7:51:09 GMT -5
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Post by John on Sept 18, 2008 7:57:43 GMT -5
There is one good thing coming out of this site, we are looking into history and finding pages relating to development of the shearer from many points of view.
In a few years it should be possible to put all the information on this site into a book! History of the Coal Industry.
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Post by dazbt on Sept 18, 2008 13:12:27 GMT -5
The Anderton Shearer Loader I quote from a Book published by the Colliery Guardian entitled 'National Coal Board - The First Ten Years'. Under Coalface Machinery Developments it states:- 'In the early days of Nationalisation there were a number of machines based on rotary-cutting principles at the prototype or actual production stage. There were certain misgivings, however, with regard to the widespread use of such machines owing to the fear of degradation of coal and the production of harmful dust. When in 1952, Mr. J. Anderton, Area General Manager of the St. Helens Area, coupled to a rotary drum cutter a diverting plough to assist in the loading of coal on to an armoured conveyor with very successful results, it was quickly realised that this method had widespread application owing to the simplicity of the mechanism and the few restrictive requirements. A number of cutter manufacturers now supply Anderton Shearers, which have become machines in their own right rather than modified coal-cutters. There is no doubt that this machine represents the outstanding success on power loader development in the latter half of the ten years'. Trust that the above is of assistance. I Yep, that just about ties up Mr Anderton's team input nicely rhonddalad, thank you. The bit about the plough being a simplistic mechanism that enhanced the overall shearer cutting machine couldn't be argued, but I think the addition of the statement that it provided few restrictive requirements might be argued by anyone that was involved in the physical turnround of a plough type shearer, or the souls that had to handle the clear up when a plough broke off from it's towing link mid face. The later 'incremental' inventions of the Helical Vaned Cutting Drum, the Yorkshire Door Plough and eventually the integral cowl made the shearer a truly successful power loader. |
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Clive
Shotfirer.
Posts: 168
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Post by Clive on Apr 16, 2009 15:55:36 GMT -5
I think that statue is now In St Helens on a roundabout?
talking of monuments try 10 mins sat in the small garden that used to be New Hartley pit top. The top of the shaft is there......
stimulates a few thoughts
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Post by dougdig on Apr 24, 2010 13:55:39 GMT -5
I was delighted to read about Tom Lester and the lads who developed the "Anderton Shearer/Loader".
Sadly Tom died in the late 1990's. He felt credit for his extensive work on the Shearer/Loader was not properly given at the time. I think the NCB belatedly recognised his efforts (and those of the team who worked with him) with a monetary award shortly before Tom died
Tom was renowned for turning up at the coal face dressed in his "Sunday Best" suit, immaculate white shirt and tie and he took a lot of good natured ribbing from the lads underground because of this. He was a genial good humoured character from Staffordshire and gave as good as he got!
I wonder if there is anyone still around who remembers Tom Lester and his work on the shearer/loader. It would be great to hear of any memories - and wonderful if these relate to the shearer/loader work.
However after so many years I suspect that most if not all of his workmates are no longer with us.
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Post by John on Apr 24, 2010 15:52:28 GMT -5
Sadly Doug, many have left us for the "great longwall in the sky"
I'm 63 this year, and no doubt all those older tradesmen, I worked under the old Mech/Elec scheme, are now gone. Many of those put their little bit into the Anderton Power Loader, men like my old chargehand on nights at Clifton, Kenny Goodhall, long gone and could make an AB16/125 sing to us. A marvel as a fitter, but mediocre as an electrician. A "horses for courses" bloke, taught me a lot!
I still keep in touch with what is now an elderly mate who also worked at Clifton. He left before I started there, but worked through the early years of the Anderton Power loaders, both AB's and BJD's. I'll have to ask him to drop by the forum and add his little bit!
Daz is our resident expert on Anderson Boyes/Strathclyde, he worked as a fitter then engineer for Anderson's. His stories are both humerous and informative.
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Post by pitsparky on Mar 21, 2011 14:23:55 GMT -5
Hi all. did anybody meet or remember Jimmy Connoly from Blyth Northumberland? He worked as a service engineer/ technical representative for Anderson Boyes after leaving Bates Pit in Blyth.
Also Chris ( Kit) Dixon who was the chief Engineer at Seaton Delaval Workshops and the went on to British Jeffrey Diamond as tech rep/ service Engineer. Kit sadly passed away in 2010. he was an expert on the BJD Magnamatic Shearer.
sorry if it's little bit off topic.
Malcolm
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Post by pitsparky on Mar 21, 2011 14:26:34 GMT -5
Hi all. did anybody meet or remember Jimmy Connoly from Blyth Northumberland? He worked as a service engineer/ technical representative for Anderson Boyes after leaving Bates Pit in Blyth.
Also Chris ( Kit) Dixon who was the chief Engineer at Seaton Delaval Workshops and the went on to British Jeffrey Diamond as tech rep/ service Engineer. Kit sadly passed away in 2010. he was an expert on the BJD Magnamatic Shearer.
sorry if it's little bit off topic.
Malcolm
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Post by John on Mar 21, 2011 15:28:28 GMT -5
No, you're still on topic Malcom, anything to do with the Anderton Shearer, development, who was involved with them, both with the board, or BJD, AB/Anderson Strathclyde or any of the European or American companies. Funny stories, technical details etc etc.
And welcome Malcom!
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Post by John on Mar 21, 2011 15:38:35 GMT -5
Backbone of the longwall mining method worldwide. Invented by Mine Manager James Anderton. First machine to go into production at Ravenhead Colliery in 1952. A monument to the Anderton Shearer Loader found at the Lowton Website. www.freewebs.com/notwol/miningmemorial.htmI have just got to ask, can anybody tell me exactly what James Anderton invented that actually gained him the patent on a ‘Shearer Loader’? I suspect that anyone knowing the answer will also realise why it’s driving me to distraction in not knowing the details. Has anyone got a copy or reference to the actual Anderton patent? I have to go back to your post Daz, I found some info from some old books on line. The first rough shearers were actually American modified cutters with discs instead of our familiar drum. The disc cut behind the web of coal as the machine cut up the face and the coal just fell off and was loaded by hand until the AFC came along. Seems it was also modified to sit on an early AFC that was imported from Germany pre WW2. Not much effort seemed to be placed into turning this rough machine into a power loader though. This was at a time when American mines were utilizing a fair amount of conventional hand got longwalls and shortwalls using continuous miners. So no, John Anderton didn't really invent anything, he and his team just improved on the "disc cutter", modified the cutter head to a drum, then improved the machine by adding an improvised plough, designed on site and drawn in dust! However, he and his team perfected an efficient power loader. |
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