Abstract: A drive frame (1) for a scraper chain conveyor comprises a pair of spaced-apart parallel sidewalls (2), interconnected by a cross-member (3) welded to both sidewalls (2); a sprocket barrel assembly (18) provided with at least one sprocket ring (19) adapted to engage at least one endless chain assembly of the conveyor; mutually engageable seating surfaces (23, 5) provided respectively on the sprocket barrel assembly (18) and on the cross-member (3); at least one abutment face (7) provided on the cross-member (3); at least one abutment face (26) provided on the sprocket barrel assembly (18) in close but spaced proximity from the cross-member abutment face (7) to define at least one upwardly open pocket (27); and a releasable fastener (28) for securing the sprocket barrel assembly (18) to the drive frame (1) via the seating surfaces (5, 23) that is lowerable into, and raisable from, the pocket (27), and that is also actuable and accessible from above.

Abstract: A gear box for a drive head of a conveyor comprises a casing 11 and a gear train contained within the casing 11 and including a plurality of shafts on which gear wheels are mounted, the shafts being rotatable about parallel axes and all the axes 16 being located in a common plane, with at least an output shaft having its axis of rotation off-set with respect to the common plane, whereby the at least one off-set axis is located above or below the common plane.

Abstract: A mine system comprises at least one mining machine 4 adapted to haul itself, in a reciprocable manner, along a mineral face 3, and a control box 17 housing means to control the various electrical elements of the machine(s) 4, the box 17 being located in a mine roadway 2 at one end of the mineral face 3 along which the machine(s) 4 is reciprocable, and the box 17 being electrically connected to a terminal box 15 housed in a body of the machine(s).

Abstract: A mining machine 1 of the shearer type comprises an elongate machine body 2 housing inter alia a power unit 11 for powering at least one rotary, mineral cutting head 10, and at least one haulage unit 12 mounted on the outside of the machine body. The haulage unit includes a variable speed motor 16, such as an electric AC motor. The motor is connected via speed reduction gearing 19 to a machine haulage sprocket 13 adapted to progressively engage rack bars 14 or a chain extending along the mineral face 5. A brake unit is also provided in the haulage unit. By locating one or more haulage units outside the machine body, the units can be located at appropriate locations, on either the goaf or face sides of the machine, or both sides, to suit particular operating conditions.