Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the reflectivity of the tailings from a coal flotation cell to optimize the cell operation. A photoelectric detector determines the coal content of the tailings and through a process controller; frother and collector addition to the cell is monitored. An ultrasonic energy vibration is periodically transmitted to the detector to remove deposits on the detector to optimize detector operation.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a mobile flexible conveyor train adapted to be supported on a mine floor to transport coal from a mining machine to a fixed conveyor positioned in a mine passageway, the conveyor system having a rail system for supporting the conveyor on the mine roof and including re-railer for coacting with trolleys on the flexible conveyor train to provide a smooth transition of the flexible conveyor train from the rail system to the mine floor and back onto the rail system.

Abstract: A continuous separation apparatus having a plurality of separation chambers in a continuously rotating block between fixed end plates. The axis of the chambers, preferably cylinders, is parallel to the axis of rotation of the block, wherein the end plates are provided with stationary inlet and discharge ports which overlap openings in the cylinders as the cylinders rotate so that cylinders are constantly being filled by forcing a free-floating piston to one end of the cylinder, cylinder contents are separated by hydraulically forcing the piston toward the fill end of the cylinder where the liquid is removed through screen means at the fill end of the cylinder and solid contents evacuated through an end plate port. The cylinder block continues rotation to permit a constant flow into the apparatus, a continuous removal of separated fluid and a constant separated solids flow from the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention describes a steering apparatus for a tramming conveyor having at least one end articulated about a vertical axis so that said articulated end can deviate angularly in either direction about the longitudinal axis of the conveyor. The steering apparatus basically comprises a control apparatus which is coupled to an external apparatus in a manner to communicate a deviation of the articulated end of the tramming conveyor from alignment with the external apparatus. The control apparatus generates an output responsive to the steering apparatus which will result in a deviation of the articulated end either to the right or left of the external apparatus, such steering apparatus will continue the deviation of the articulated end of the tramming conveyor until the tramming conveyor is again realigned with the external apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for turning an articulated self-propelled conveyor which is adapted either for conveying materials or for movement along the surface of the earth, including a plurality of segments pivotally joined to form an elongated housing. The housing has an upper and lower surface with jacks attached to the segments for selectively lifting or lowering the elongated housing. A conveying apparatus is mounting along the upper and lower surfaces and connected between the upper and lower surfaces. Transverse flights are mounted to the conveying apparatus such that when the jacks have elevated the elongated housing the conveying apparatus will move material along the upper surface of the elongated housing and when the jacks have lowered the elongated housing against the surface of the earth, the conveyor apparatus will move the elongated housing along the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A low level fault condition in a mine trolley system is distinguished from a normal system load by detection circuitry connected to the trolley system between a main circuit breaker and the trolley wire. The detection circuitry monitors the current through the trolley wire and samples the current at preselected intervals of time to detect a rise in current through the trolley wire. The rate of current rise is compared to an adjustable reference signal. If the current rise exceeds a preselected rate, then activation circuitry of the main circuit breaker is latched to determine if the net current change is above a preset limit. If other available protective devices, such as fuses, in the trolley system fail to isolate the faulted circuitry within a preselected period of time after an excessive current rise is detected, then the activation circuitry is tripped to open the normally closed contacts of the main circuit breaker. In this manner the entire flow of current through the trolley wire is interrupted.

Abstract: A circuit for the arcless de-energization of a direct current load receiving direct current from a rectified alternating current source. The circuit includes a means for rectifying alternating current from an alternating current source to provide direct current to the direct current load. The means for rectifying has a current flow controller, such as a silicon controlled rectifier, connected with each phase of the alternating current source. The circuit also has means for de-energizing the then conducting current flow controller in said means for rectifying, the means for de-energizing having a current flow controller, such as a silicon controlled rectifier. The circuit further includes a voltage detection device for detecting a predetermined voltage drop in the circuit; and a time delay device for regulating the activation of the means for de-energizing.

Abstract: A hollow trolley pole associated with an electrically propelled vehicle has an upper end portion and a lower end portion. A passageway extends downwardly through the trolley pole from the upper end portion to the lower end portion. A trolley wire contact shoe is mounted on the pole upper end portion and slides along an electric power line or trolley wire that is suspended, for example, from a mine roof in an underground mine. An electrical conductor extends from the contact show through the passageway to the lower end portion of the pole which is received within a socket-like connector which is spring mounted in a base member connected to the vehicle frame. The conductor is enclosed within an impact resistant flexible conduit that extends from the passageway in the lower end portion of the pole through the connector and the base member and into a contactor box for connection to a propulsion motor.

Abstract: A drill rod assembly for use in rotary drilling in a mine roof includes a plurality of releasably engageable drill rod members connected in end to end relation. One end of the assembly receives a cutting bit and the opposite end is drivingly connected to a drill chuck of a drill head. Each drill rod member includes a shank end portion, a socket end portion and a body portion extending between the shank end portion and the socket end portion. The shank end portion of each drill rod member is releasably engageable in the socket end portion of an adjacent drill rod member. The length of the drill rod assembly is progressively expanded to the length required for drilling a bore hole of a preselected depth into a mine roof. The shank end portion of each drill rod member is twisted in a helical pattern forming a plurality of helical faces around the axis of the shank end portion. The socket end portion of each drill rod member has an internal bore formed by a plurality of helical faces.

Abstract: A series of individual conveyor assemblies each having an independent endless belt conveyor extending longitudinally thereon are positioned in overlapping relationship. Each conveyor assembly includes a pivotal section adjacent a material receiving end portion thereof and is pinned to a material discharge end portion of a preceding section. The material discharge end portion overlies the material receiving end portion. The pivotal section connecting adjacent conveyors maintains the end portions thereof in material conveying relation as the assemblies extend along a curved path through the mine. A support beam is secured to the mine roof above the connected conveyor assemblies. Each conveyor assembly adjacent the receiving end portions thereof is secured to the support beam by a roller assembly that is longitudinally movable on guide tracks of the support beam.

Abstract: An improvement in a method for communicating the surface and a subterranean coal seam via a borehole positioned to provide access for the positioning of power transmission and fluid transmission lines from the seam to the surface, the improvement comprising; extending a portion of the borehole beneath the seam, casing at least a portion of the extension of the borehole and thereafter pumping water from the borehole extension.

Abstract: A drill housing includes an internal chamber with a rotatable drill retaining member positioned in the chamber and extending outwardly through the chamber upper open end portion. A hub member is positioned in surrounding nonrotatable engagement with the drill retaining member. A rotary motor is drivingly connected to the hub member to transmit rotation to the drill retaining member. The drill retaining member has a socket for receiving the shank of a drill steel that rotates with the drill retaining member. A first main bearing rotatably supports the hub member, and a stationary bearing carrier supports the first main bearing. A cover plate surrounds the drill retaining member and rotates with the hub member. A bearing seal is positioned between the cover plate and the bearing carrier to seal the first main bearing. The bearing seal has a rotatable portion that rotates with the cover plate and a stationary portion that abuts the bearing carrier.

Abstract: A cylindrical valve spool is slidably positioned in a chamber of a valve housing having a plurality of fluid inlet ports and a plurality of fluid outlet ports. The valve spool is movable to a selected one of a plurality of positions to interconnect a selected inlet port with a selected outlet port. A detent apparatus is associated with one end of the valve spool and is operable to lock the valve spool in one of three positions in the chamber. A remotely operated first pilot valve is operable to convey pressurized fluid to either end of the valve spool and thereby shift the valve spool to either a first or second end position for interconnecting selected inlet and outlet ports. A centering device is operable to shift the valve spool from either detented end position to a detented center or neutral position by deactivating the pilot valve and simultaneously conveying pressurized fluid from a second pilot valve to the centering apparatus.

Abstract: In methods for producing agglomerate particles from aqueous slurries containing from about 10 to about 40 weight percent solids, the solids comprising finely divided carbonaceous solids and finely divided inorganic solids, by mixing the aqueous slurry with oil in a first mixing zone to form a mixture and thereafter further agitating the resulting mixture in at least one other mixing zone to produce agglomerate particles containing the carbonaceous solids and the oil and recovering the product agglomerate particles, an improvement comprising (a) separating finely divided inorganic solids from the aqueous slurry after removal of the product agglomerate particles therefrom; (b) thereafter separating smaller agglomerates of carbonaceous solids and oil from the aqueous slurry after separation of the product agglomerate particles and the inorganic solids therefrom; and (c) recycling the smaller agglomerates to the second mixing zone.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a coal slurry from a raw coal feedstock which contains coal and gangues. The process optimizes coal recovery, coal quality and the hydraulic characteristics of the pipeline slurry.

Abstract: A cylindrical valve spool is slidably positioned in a chamber of a valve housing having a plurality of fluid inlet ports and a plurality of fluid outlet ports. The valve spool is movable to a selected one of a plurality of positions to interconnect a selected inlet port with a selected output port. A detent apparatus is associated with one end of the valve spool and is operable to lock the valve spool in one of three positions in the chamber. A remotely operated first pilot valve is operable to convey pressurized fluid to either end of the valve spool and thereby shift the valve spool to either a first or second end position for interconnecting selected inlet and outlet ports. A centering device is operable to shift the valve spool from either detented end position to a detented center or neutral position by deactivating the pilot valve and simultaneously conveying pressurized fluid from a second pilot valve to the centering apparatus.

Abstract: A trolley wire for conveying direct current power to an electrically powered vehicle in an underground mine is connected in series with a shunt to a power source. The current drawn by the trolley wire passes through a circuit breaker and the shunt. The shunt generates a voltage input signal proportional to the current drawn by the trolley wire. A solid state comparator device receives the input signal and compares it to a reference signal having a magnitude representing the maximum level of current permitted to flow through the conductor. If the reference signal exceeds the input signal, the comparator device supplies an output signal that oscillates between a positive and a negative voltage to a trip circuit. The output signal actuates the operating coil of the circuit breaker so that the circuit breaker contacts remain closed to permit current to flow through the shunt to the trolley wire.

Abstract: An attachment, such as an operator's compartment or a mine roof drilling and bolting assembly is positioned adjacent the body portion of a self-propelled mine vehicle with the bottom portion of the attachment in slidable contact with the mine floor. In one embodiment a slide assembly for supporting the attachment for upward and downward movement relative to the mine vehicle is pivotally connected by a hinge assembly to the vehicle body. With this arrangement the attachment is operable to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the hinge assembly, which is fixed to the vehicle body. The attachment is operable to pivot about the hinge assembly as the bottom portion of the attachment slides along the undulating surface of the mine floor. In another embodiment the hinge assembly is secured to the attachment and supports guide rails of the slide assembly which are slidably received within a guide member secured to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The mining machine has a body portion mounted on a pair of endless propelling tracks which advance the mining machine forwardly in the mine. Pairs of forwardly extending arm members are pivotally connected to the body portion and support at their end portions a skid plate which is positioned transversely across the body portion and arranged to rest on and slide over the mine floor. A first conveyor is supported by the skid plate and receives and directs dislodged material from the mine floor to a second conveyor connected to the end portion of the first conveyor. The second conveyor discharges the dislodged material to the rear of the body portion. A support frame is positioned on the skid plate and horizontally supports a pair of transverse guide rails at the front end of the body portion. A carriage is slidably mounted for transverse movement on the guide rails and includes a rotatable supporting shaft.