Abstract: A rotary cutter head for a mining machine is provided with a plurality of cutter tools mounted on an annular end component which defines the end of the cutter head remote from the mining machine. Ventilating means are provided comprising air flow guide passages having air flow inducing spray means, the air flow inlets to the guide passages being in an exposed zone in which the action of cut mineral and/or of the newly exposed working face tends to scour the inlets preventing the build up of damp, fine mineral particles and thereby tending to prevent blockage of the inlets.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for a rotary cutter head of mining machines comprises a plurality of nozzles for directing air flow inducing sprays in the vicinity of the cutter head, and sensor means for sensing a preselected operational condition of the fluid supply to the nozzles and for deriving a signal indicative of the sensed preselected condition.

Abstract: A rotary cutter head for a mining machine comprises a hub assembly drivably mounted on a drive section of the mining machine and a barrel component secured around and co-axial with the hub assembly, the barrel component supporting cutter tool-carrying loading vanes. Ventilation means provided on the cutter head comprise air flow inducing means for inducing air flow along a first path section within the barrel component and in a general direction towards the mining machine side of the cutter head, and along a second path section outside the barrel component and in a general direction away from the mining machine side of the cutter head. Air flow deflector means are provided for urging at least a portion of the induced air flow flowing along the first path section towards the air flow flowing along the second path section.

Abstract: Mining equipment adapted for repeated traversing to and fro adjacent to a conveyor arranged along a longwall face in an underground mine, has a mining machine support structure which bridges the conveyor and which has a curtain for guiding airborne dust arising during cutting of mineral by a rotary cutting head mounted on the machine. The air flow passage defined by the curtain has an air flow inducing means therein, such as a fan or water spray.