Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A tube and a method of constructing such a tube, the tube being in the form of a composite film structure comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide an integrated structure. The layers comprise an inner layer, an intermediate layer and outer layer. The intermediate layer is of a material compatible with two adjacent layers between which it is interposed, wherein the intermediate layer provides a bridge between the two layers to provide the tube as an integrated structure. The exterior surface of the tube is optionally treated or modified or is provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resinous binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe and constructed using the tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tube (10) and a method of constructing such a tube, the tube (10) being in the form of a composite film structure comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide an integrated structure. The layers comprise an inner layer (11), an intermediate layer (12) and outer layer (13). The intermediate layer (12) is of a material compatible with two adjacent layers (11, 13) between which it is interposed, wherein the intermediate layer (12) provides a bridge between the two layers (11, 13) to provide the tube (10) as an integrated structure. The exterior surface (15) of the tube (10) is optionally treated or modified or is provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resinous binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe and constructed using the tube (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A tube (10) and a method of constructing such a tube, the tube (10) being in the form of a composite film structure comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide an integrated structure. The layers comprise an inner layer (11), an intermediate layer (12) and outer layer (13). The intermediate layer (12) is of a material compatible with two adjacent layers (11, 13) between which it is interposed, wherein the intermediate layer (12) provides a bridge between the two layers (11, 13) to provide the tube (10) as an integrated structure. The exterior surface (15) of the tube (10) is optionally treated or modified or is provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resinous binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe and constructed using the tube (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly (24) comprising an inner portion (21) and a further portion (22) surrounding the inner portion, the further portion being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus (100) comprises an assembly station (106) having a wall (122). The apparatus (100) comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (111) extending past the wall, and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (112) and causing the strip to encircle the wall and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The two marginal side portions (53) are disposed in overlapping relation on the side of the wall opposed to the first path (111).

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an operation on a fluid material to separate liquid from solid matter within the fluid material The apparatus comprises a belt structure movable along a path. The belt structure comprises a belt portion adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular structure within which at least part of the operation is to be performed. The tubular structure is permeable to liquid for separation of liquid from solid matter within the fluid material. The tubular structure is continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the belt structure. The path includes a descending portion along which the assembled tubular structure passes, the descending portion being inclined whereby at least some of the solid matter within fluid material in the tubular structure is caused to move downwardly along the descending portion under the influence of gravity to facilitate cleaning of the permeable tubular structure.

Abstract: A belt filter apparatus for treating material to separate solid and liquid components comprises an endless belt structure adapted to circulate around a path incorporating guide roller structures around which the belt structure passes. The endless belt structure comprises an elongate belt portion of water permeable material, and has two opposed longitudinal edges. A zipper releasably connects the two longitudinal edges together to form a tubular structure with a flexible sidewall. The circulating path includes an assembly zone where the longitudinal edges are brought together and connected by the zipper to form the tubular structure, and a disassembly zone at which the zipper is released to separate the longitudinal edges and open the tubular structure. Means are provided for compressing a portion of the tubular structure to express liquid from the material contained in the tubular structure. The liquid discharges from the tubular structure through the water permeable belt portion.

Abstract: A belt filter apparatus for treating material to separate solid and liquid components comprises an endless belt structure adapted to circulate around a path incorporating guide roller structures around which the belt structure passes. The endless belt structure comprises an elongate belt portion of water permeable material, and has two opposed longitudinal edges. A zipper releasably connects the two longitudinal edges together to form a tubular structure with a flexible sidewall. The circulating path includes an assembly zone where the longitudinal edges are brought together and connected by the zipper to form the tubular structure, and a disassembly zone at which the zipper is released to separate the longitudinal edges and open the tubular structure. Means are provided for compressing a portion of the tubular structure to express liquid from the material contained in the tubular structure. The liquid discharges from the tubular structure through the water permeable belt portion.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus includes a mining head for moving through underground material to extract material in its path and form a passageway behind the mining head as it advances. An elongate structure extends along the passageway to the mining head and provides a path for delivering the extracted material to ground surface. A shroud is positioned about the elongate structure for supporting engagement with the periphery of the passageway and to provide a space through which the elongate structure can move. The shroud has a cross-sectional shape corresponding generally to the cross-sectional shape of the passageway formed by the mining head. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A belt filter apparatus for treating material to separate solid and liquid components comprises an endless belt structure adapted to circulate around a path incorporating guide roller structures around which the belt structure passes. The endless belt structure comprises an elongate belt portion of water permeable material, and has two opposed longitudinal edges. A zipper releasably connects the two longitudinal edges together to form a tubular structure with a flexible sidewall. The circulating path includes an assembly zone where the longitudinal edges are brought together and connected by the zipper to form the tubular structure, and a disassembly zone at which the zipper is released to separate the longitudinal edges and open the tubular structure. Means are provided for compressing a portion of the tubular structure to express liquid from the material contained in the tubular structure. The liquid discharges from the tubular structure through the water permeable belt portion.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus includes a mining head for moving through underground material to extract material in its path and form a passageway behind the mining head as it advances. An elongate structure extends along the passageway to the mining head and provides a path for delivering the extracted material to ground surface. A shroud is positioned about the elongate structure for supporting engagement with the periphery of the passageway and to provide a space through which the elongate structure can move. The shroud has a cross-sectional shape corresponding generally to the cross-sectional shape of the passageway formed by the mining head. A method is also disclosed.