Abstract: Apparatus for forming bores and coal seams and the like and enlarging preexisting bores. A mining machine includes a nonrotatable body member, a conveyor in line with the body member, a pilot head, and a pair of wing cutters mounted to the body member for pivotal movement with respect to the body member. Structure is provided for moving coal or the like cut by the wing cutters during out-cutting toward the sides of the bore, the structure including a pair of shields, one associated with each wing cutter and disposed between the wing cutter and the body member and pilot head, and a generally conical member coaxial with the shaft for rotation of the pilot head. Stabilization of the body member, etc., within the bore is provided by a pair of wheel sets spaced along the length of the conveyor, and a pair of right angle guide members vertically displaced from the wheel structure of one the wheel sets.

Abstract: A miner especially adapted for high-production mining of low-coal seams (24-36 inches thick) while providing maximum miner safety and complying with applicable federal safety regulations. One or more cutting heads rotatable about the vertical axes are provided along with electric motors for rotating the heads. The heads are mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement along the cutting face, and hydraulic cylinders, or the like, are provided for reciprocating the heads so that they move toward each other during shearing. A paddle-type conveyor continuously (even during sumping) conveys the cut coal away from the coal face, substantially perpendicular thereto through the formed tunnel. Hydraulic rams associated with roof-supporting and anchoring means are provided for sumping the cutting heads. A curtain assembly or the like contains the dust generated during cutting to a confined area adjacent the cutting face, and an exhaust fan or fans continuously draws the dust away from the confined area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming bores in coal seams and the like and enlarging pre-existing bores. A mining machine includes a non-rotatable body member, a conveyor, such as an auger, in line with the body member, and a pair of wing cutters mounted on the body member for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The wing cutters are movable from a first position wherein they are generally in line with the body member and conveyor, to a second position wherein they are disposed outwardly with respect to the body member. The wing cutters will be in their first position during movement into a bore, and will be moved to and latched in a second position during movement out of the bore. A pilot cutting head in front of the body member may also be provided. The wing cutters may comprise rotatable drums driven by cutting chains, and the drums are normally powered to rotate outwardly from the body member, in directions opposite to each other.