Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle for transporting dislodged material out of a mine includes a mobile body supported on driven wheels and vertical side walls that define a material haulage compartment. The vehicle is controlled from an operator's compartment that is positioned adjacent the outboard side of one of the mobile body side walls. The operator's compartment is movable relative to the side wall by a pair of vertically extending guide rails that are rigidly secured to the side wall of the operator's compartment opposite the side wall of the mobile body. A pair of vertically extending guideways are secured to the body side wall and slidably receive the guide rails. The guide rails move in the guideways to permit movement of the operator's compartment on the body side wall as the bottom portion of the comparment contacts the mine floor as the vehicle travels over the uneven undulating mine floor. A stop mechanism on the compartment prevents the guide rails from sliding out of the guideways.

Abstract: A pair of sensor assemblies that change in electrical resistance when exposed to a mixture of combustible gas are positioned at a selected location in a mine or on a piece of operating equipment and receive power for continuous operation from a regulated power source. Regulator devices maintain a preselected input signal to the sensor assemblies. When exposed to a mixture of combustible gas, the sensor assemblies generate output signals which are received by a comparator and switch assembly. If an output signal of a sensor assembly exceeds a preselected signal of the comparator associated therewith, an alarm signal is generated and an audible and visual alarm device is actuated to indicate the presence of a combustible mixture of gas in the mine atmosphere. A time delay mechanism is operable to interrupt the input signal to the sensor assemblies if the alarm signal continues longer than a preselected interval.

Abstract: A rotary drum assembly includes separate agglomerating and hardening drums that are rotated independently of each other. The agglomerating drum has a generally cylindrical configuration with an inner cylindrical wall. A scraper is rotatably positioned within the agglomerating drum in spaced relation to the inner cylindrical wall with its axis spaced from the axis of the drum. The scraper has a tubular body portion with a plurality of parallel rows of blades extending radially therefrom. Each of the rows extends lengthwise along substantially the entire length of the scaper body portion and follow a helical path having a single turn about the axis of the tubular body portion. The rows of blades thus make a single convolution about the scraper body portion. Drive means are provided to synchronously rotate the agglomerating drum and scraper with the scraper arranged to rotate at a preselected and different speed relative to the speed of the drum.

Abstract: Formcoke suitable for use in a blast furnace is made from a non-caking or weakly caking coal by converting the coal to an agglomeratable material consisting essentially of a blend of the entire product (without separation of extract and undissolved solids) obtained by solvent extraction of the coal in the presence of hydrogen and a suitable amount of hydrocarbonaceous solids. The agglomeratable material is agglomerated under low temperature carbonizing conditions and the agglomerates are thereafter calcined to produce strong formcoke.

Abstract: A cylindrical metallic sleeve has opposite end portions and a cylindrical body portion with a longitudinal passageway for receiving the end portions of a conducting cable in overlapping relation. A shaped annular portion is formed adjacent the sleeve end portions and includes an inner, outwardly flared cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface that intersect in a rounded end portion. The outer cylindrical surface is planar and positioned substantially parallel to the sleeve cylindrical body portion so that the insulation surrounding the cables adjacent the sleeve end portions is not abraded upon flexing the spliced cable. The flared inner surface is removed from contact with the overlapping cable end portions in the sleeve to permit flexing of the cable end portions therein without abrading the cables. The sleeve body is crimped into frictional engagement with the overlapped cable end portions.

Abstract: A pair of side-by-side augers, each having a shaft, a mateable rotational coupling on each end of the shaft, and flights along the shaft, are unitized by journaling bearings on each end of the shaft with spacers pivotally attached between each of the bearings on the same end of the shaft in order to align the axis of the shafts substantially parallel with each other. A longitudinal support member is rigidly secured between the spacers and between each of the flightings. A communications channel is provided in such a unitized auger assembly by mounting a channel along the top of the longitudinal support member. Apparatus is provided for inserting and removing the cable from the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for unitizing a pair of side-by-side augers when each auger includes a shaft, a mateable rotational coupling on each end of the shaft, and flightings along the shaft, the unitizing apparatus includes bearings which are journaled on each end of the shaft and spacers pivotally attached between each of the bearings on the same end of the shaft in order to align the axis of the shafts substantially parallel with each other. A longitudinal support member is rigidly secured beween the spacers and between each of the flightings. A joining clevis is attached to the spacers so that they face in a manner to mate for interconnection with subsequent or preceding unitized assemblies.

Abstract: Low-sulfur and low-ash gaseous, liquid and solid fuels are made from coal by a process which first subjects the coal to solvent extraction and hydrotreatment under hydrodesulfurizing conditions in a coal liquefaction zone to reduce the organic sulfur content of the coal. The effluent is divided into a low-solids product which contains most of the extract and a high-solids product which contains most of the remaining inorganic sulfur and other mineral matter. The low-solids product stream which contains extract and solvent is subjected to a forming step to yield low-ash and low-sulfur pellets. The high-solids product stream is subjected to gasification to yield hydrogen for use in the liquefaction step. The process is particularly adapted to supply the energy needs of a steel plant, including the required coke.

Abstract: A self-propelled body portion has spaced parallel vertical plate members that form a longitudinal passageway in which is positioned an endless conveyor. The conveyor includes a material receiving end portion that is maintained in underlapping relationship with the conveyor of a continuous mining machine that dislodges material from the face of the mine and deposits the material onto the receiving end portion of the conveyor. The conveyor transfers the mined material longitudinally of the body portion to a discharging end portion that pivots about a vertical axis relative to the main conveyor and discharges the mined material into a shuttle car. A pair of horizontally extensible drill booms are pivotally mounted to opposed sides of the body portion to swing laterally toward and away from the body portion.

Abstract: A closed compartment for storing multi-conductor electric cable on an electrically powered mobile mining machine is secured to and extends laterally from a sidewall of the vehicle. The storage compartment has a slotted opening in the front portion thereof through which the cable is conveyed. A support frame is secured to the conveyor boom of the vehicle and extends outwardly therefrom and forwardly of the storage compartment. A first traction roller is rotatably mounted and fixed on the support frame between pairs of guide members that serve to direct the cable into the storage compartment. A second traction roller is rotatably mounted in spaced parallel relation above the fixed traction roller and is resiliently supported on the support frame by spring members. The cable passes between the rollers, and the springs maintain the rollers in frictional engagement with the cable.

Abstract: The agglomerating drum has a generally cylindrical configuration with an inner cylindrical wall. A scraper is rotatably positioned within the agglomerating drum in spaced relation to the inner cylindrical wall with its axis spaced from the axis of the drum. The scraper has a tubular body portion with a plurality of parallel rows of blades extending radially therefrom. Each of the rows extends lengthwise along substantially the entire length of the scraper body portion and follow a helical path having a single turn about the axis of the tubular body portion. Agglomerative material is introduced into the rotating agglomerating drum and forms a layer of agglomerative material on the drum inner cylindrical wall. The scraper is rotated in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the agglomerating drum and at a preselected synchronous speed with the agglomerating drum.

Abstract: A cylindrical metallic sleeve has opposite end portions and a cylindrical body portion with a longitudinal passageway for receiving the end portions of a conducting cable in overlapping relation. A shaped annular portion is positioned adjacent the sleeve end portions and include an inner, outwardly flared surface and an outer cylindrical surface that intersect in a rounded end portion. The outer cylindrical surface is planar and positioned substantially parallel to the sleeve cylindrical body portion so that the insulation surrounding the cables adjacent the sleeve end portions is not abraded upon flexing the spliced cable. The flared inner surface is removed from contact with the overlapping cable end portions in the sleeve to permit flexing of the cable end portions therein without abrading the cables. The sleeve body is crimped into frictional engagement with the overlapped cable end portions.

Abstract: A synchronous machine, operable as both a motor and a generator, is mounted on an electrically powered vehicle, such as a mine shuttle car, and includes a plurality of conductors having connections that are detachably engagable with receptacles of a stationary power bank. Engagement of the conductors with the receptacles supplies variable voltage alternating current power to the machine. The machine is drivingly connected to a flywheel on the vehicle and, operating as a motor, energizes the flywheel to store a preselected amount of mechanical energy. The electrical connection between the vehicle and the power bank is opened after the flywheel has been sufficiently charged. The stored energy in the flywheel is then available to drive the machine as a generator and produce high frequency, three phase, alternating current power.

Abstract: A portable temporary roof support is arranged to be on a mining machine to a location beneath an unsupported portion of a mine roof. The portable temporary roof support has a plurality of piston cylinder devices that are connected by conduits to a source of fluid under pressure on the continuous mining machine. Fluid under pressure from the mining machine first extends the temporary roof support laterally to a location adjacent the entry ribs and thereafter extends the vertical portions of the temporary roof support into abutting relation with the mine roof and the mine floor to support the unsupported portion of the mine roof.

Abstract: A transfer conveyer for a monorail-supported slurry transportation system has a bottom frame which is formed through a 180.degree. arc. An input ramp and an output ramp and rollers are radially journaled along the bottom frame. The side frames are constructed around the bottom frame, and a plurality of rollers is journaled in the side frame. A transport system is attached to the frames, and an apparatus is attached between the transport system and the frame to change the angle of the bottom frame with respect to the horizon. The input and output ramps are also pivotally attached to the frame in order that they may be swung horizontally with respect to the frame to properly align the input and output ramps with the overhead monorail transportation system.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and transporting a product such as coal as a slurry in a mine. The apparatus is used in combination with a digging machine which also has included therewith means for conveying the coal or material released by the digging machine to a hopper for mixing water thereto to form a slurry, and a terminal for taking a slurry to the surface of the mine. The apparatus includes a dual flexible hose system interconnecting the terminal with the slurry hopper. A plurality of carts are spaced along the hose system to support the hose off of the mine floor and to provide mobility to the hose. The system further contemplates a means for storing a long length of hose and a means for activating the support carts to move only that portion of the hose which is not in storage. The carts will follow the movements of the coal digging machine into and out of the room where the coal is being removed.

Abstract: An expansion chamber having an internal cylindrical wall forming a passageway therethrough includes a vertically positioned upper end portion and a lower end portion disposed angularly relative to the upper end portion. The upper end portion is connected to an inlet portion having a throat which is axially aligned with a vertical duct connected to the inlet portion. Particulate solid material flowing through the vertical duct under the influence of gravity at a substantially constant velocity enters the inlet portion and is directed through the throat into the passageway. An impact member is axially supported by a rod within the passageway in the upper end portion. All the particulate material passing through the throat impinges upon the conical surface of the impact member and is directed therefrom through the annular passage between the lower peripheral edge of the impact member and the internal wall of the expansion chamber.