Abstract: A method of transporting heavy hydrocarbons can include blending a kerogen oil with a bitumen to form a blended oil sufficient to render the blended oil transportable through an extended pipeline. The blended oil can be substantially free of additional diluents or viscosity modifiers and can be readily pumped through the extended pipeline from a source location to a destination location.

Abstract: A groove is formed in a body of ice using a milling cutter to form lines of weakness for breaking up the body of ice. The shaft of the milling cutter is arranged to be supported in an upright orientation such that the shaft extends through a surface of the body of ice into the body of ice. Rotating the shaft as the milling cutter is displaced along the surface forms a groove which can follow a variable path to follow natural obstacles when cutting across a body of ice on a natural body of water for example. The ice milling cutter is compact and therefore safer to use on sheets of ice as compared to heavy equipment conventionally used for breaking up ice.

Abstract: Oil sands and like host materials are leached with a selected leachant to render pumpable the oil (including heavy oil, bitumen or kerogen and asphaltenes) as leachate. In a preferred embodiment, natural deposits are in situ leached and the leachate recovered and removed for treatment. The leachant is separated and recycled. The leachant is selected to be biodegradable and to not precipate asphaltenes, and to comprise monoterpenes of the formula C10H16. The overall process allows environmentally acceptable resource development and contaminated site remediation.

Abstract: In a method for mining underground deposits using a mining machine, wherein an upper and a lower drift are driven, which extend on both sides of the deposit to be mined, and a preliminary bore is sunk between the two drifts, a supporting device is fixed at the mouth of the preliminary bore in the upper drift. A mining machine supported on the supporting device is positioned at the mouth of the preliminary bore so as to be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the preliminary bore, and the mining machine is advanced from the upper drift to the lower drift corresponding to the course of the preliminary bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fluid containment and control for in-situ mining, particularly to a method of uranium mining.

Abstract: Systems for drilling operations, the systems including: a drilling rig with a base; a mast movably connected to the base of the drilling rig; a drawworks system for raising and lowering the mast; a drawworks control system for controlling the drawworks as it raises and lowers the mast; a remote control system for remotely controlling the drawworks control system so that the mast can be raised and lowered by personnel spaced apart from the drilling rig; and, in certain aspects, the rig including a substructure which can be raised, and lowered by remote control. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion comprises a bolster bonded to a diamond symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip. The stationary portion comprises a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate and in mechanical contact with both the rotary and stationary portions. The compressible element is compressed sufficiently to restrict free rotation during a degradation operation.

Abstract: A tip for use on an earth working roll for mining, construction and public works machines such as crushers, surface miners, milling machines and the like includes a working end provided with side relief to reduce drag and wearing, require less power to drive the rolls, and lengthen the usable life of the tip. The working end can also have a generally flat front surface to improve the yield in a crushing or other similar operation. The tip includes a base and a wear cap releasably secured together by a retainer.

Abstract: A continuous mining method includes operating a vibratory milling machine having a milling head, a base, and a milling tool to oscillate the milling head in a substantially linear reciprocating fashion relative to the base to move the milling tool along a milling axis; and advancing the vibratory milling machine in a work piece in a cutting direction and wherein milling axis is oriented at an attack angle relative to the cutting direction, the attack angle being between about 0 and about 40 degrees.

Abstract: A method of extraction of fuels and elements from coal, shale, peat and landfill seams is described which cuts the earth with only a main shaft which could measure half a meter diameter and with auxiliary narrow drillings of, say 10 centimeter diameter, widely spaced from the shaft. The coal, shale or peat seam is heated to the highest temperature of the hydrocarbon fraction desired to be extracted and the evaporated hydrocarbons are carried out of the shaft by Nitrogen gas. To enhance the extraction rate of the evaporated hydrocarbons, tonal input from two or more organ pipes vibrates the seam structure freeing the evaporated hydrocarbons allowing their escape into the shaft. As the extraction continues requiring inclusion of a greater area of the seam structure, narrow drillings are made and Liquid Nitrogen is inserted in the drillings reaching seam levels as Nitrogen gas which seeps into the seam.

Abstract: A process for increasing resistance to the flow of gas in underground mining operations includes providing a foam composition at desired selected locations to create a barrier to the flow of gas.

Abstract: A cutting pick comprises an elongate shank and a cutting tip mounted to one end of the shank. The cutting tip has a leading end, a trailing end and a mounting portion for mounting to the shank. The tip has a shape such that it diverges outwardly in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end to a portion of maximum diameter. An annular sleeve is attached about the shank adjacent to and in non-contacting relationship with the trailing end of the cutting tip. The maximum diameter of the cutting tip is of greater diameter than the diameter of the inner diameter of the annular sleeve so that the portion of maximum diameter overlies the sleeve radially.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing gas from a subterranean formation containing a coal seam. The method includes the steps of drilling a substantially vertical well bore into the subterranean formation, which intersects the coal seam and fracturing the coal seam using a hydrajetting tool to produce at least one pair of opposed bi-wing fractures substantially along a plane of maximum stress. One or more horizontal well bores may also be drilled into the coal seam along which the coal seam can be further fractured.

Abstract: A tool (12) has a body (14) having an opening (16) forming a barrel (18) which has a top and a bottom (20 and 22), an opening (30) at the bottom (22), and a pressure input (44) for fluid communication. The barrel (18) receives a piston (24) and a magnet (23) which is contiguous with the pressure input (44). An actuator pin tube (26) is received in the opening (30) at the bottom (22) of the barrel (18), and an actuator pin (38) is engaged in the tube (26). A second opening (28) may be disposed in the top (20). A kit (110) containing the tool (12), hose (94), cartridges (84) and a pump (P). A method for using the tool (12) is also contemplated hereby. Multiple tools (12) may be detonated at the same time by hooking them up to a manifold (95 or 95?).

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a centre of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: A cutting pick comprising an elongate shank and a cutting tip which is mounted to one end of the shank to project from that end. At least two sleeve segments are provided and those segments are circumferentially fixed about the shank to form a substantially annular sleeve. The sleeve can be fixed about the shank in non-contacting relationship with the trailing end of the cutting tip. Moreover, the cutting tip can have a portion of maximum diameter which is of greater diameter than the inner diameter of the sleeve so that the portion of maximum diameter overlies the sleeve radially.

Abstract: A relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system is provided for preparing an aqueous oil sand slurry amenable to pipeline conveyance while producing minimum overall rejects, comprising (a) a relocatable rotary digester for slurrying oil sand and water and digesting oil sand lumps to form a pumpable slurry, the rotary digester having a feed end for receiving oil sand and water, a slurrying chamber comprising a plurality of lifters for slurrying the oil sand and water, and a trommel screen end for screening out oversize rejects from the oil sand slurry which falls through the trommel screen; and (b) a relocatable rejects recirculation unit operably associated with the rotary digester for receiving oversize rejects and delivering the rejects back to the rotary digester for further digestion. In a preferred body, relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system further comprises a rejects crusher for crushing oversize rejects prior to delivering rejects back to the rotary digester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for milling rock or other materials. Said device comprises a spindle drum (13) which is rotatably mounted on a drum support (11) and in which a plurality of tool spindles (22) are received to be rotatable about spindle axes in a manner off-center of the drum axis (43). The tool spindles, at their ends projecting from the spindle drum, carry machining tools (41). The invention is characterized in that at least two of the tool spindles can be driven by a common gear drive which comprises output gears (24), permanently disposed on the tool spindles, and a common drive element (25) interacting with the output gears. The drive element and the spindle drum (13) can be rotated in relation to each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an excavation method is provided that includes the steps of: (a) contacting a rotating powered cutting head 440 of an excavator 400 with an excavation face 452, wherein, at any one time, a first set of the cutting elements is in contact with the excavation face and a second set of the cutting elements is not in contact with the excavation face, the cutting head excavating the excavation face in at least a first direction; and (b) during the contacting step, using an elongated support member 404 extending from the excavator 400 to a powered device 118 to apply a force to the excavator 400 in at least the first direction to provide at least a portion of the cutting force. The powered device 118 is located at a distance from the excavator 400.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for inhibiting the oxidation of a metal sulfide-containing material, such as ore mine waste rock or metal sulfide taiulings, by coating the metal sulfide-containing material with an oxidation-inhibiting two-tail lipid coating (12) thereon, thereby inhibiting oxidation of the metal sulfide-containing material in acid mine drainage conditions. The lipids may be selected from phospholipids, sphingolipids, glycolipids and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A machine for improved excavation of underwater rock that eliminates failures due to over-stressed cutting teeth by positioning each hardened tooth for optimized Kinetic Energy. It has a plurality of blades, each with a hub and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub to a rim. Teeth are mounted on the leading edge of each blade approximately equidistant from the cutter axis of rotation, allowing each tooth to have the proper combination of velocity and cutting force required to shatter massive, hard rock. As a result, all teeth have approximately the same peripheral velocity; have adequate Kinetic Energy to shatter rock upon impact, and are subject to approximately the same maximum stress during rock excavation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crushing method using large boreholes in an underwater rock in which plural large boreholes are drilled on the rock in a predetermined space, the drilled boreholes form plural free surfaces, and the large drop hammer gives a blow to the free surface, thus enhancing the crushing effect. The crushing method is comprised of the following processes: plural large boreholes, of which each size is 100˜300 mm?, are arranged on the rock to be crushed, and are drilled in a depth of 1˜10 m, and the free surface is reserved before the drop hammer work; a middle point between the adjoining large boreholes is set as target point; the drop hammer is lift above a position perpendicular to the target point, and is free-fallen to give a blow to the rock to be crushed; and the above processes are repeatedly operated.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits is provided. First, a predetermined surface is contour mined to expose a portion of a mineral seam and provide an insertion highwall between a pair of endwalls. Successive mining passes are made through the mineral seam to extract the mineral deposits by moving from one endwall to the other endwall. Advancement of the mining operation occurs in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion highwall.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits. First, a predetermined surface is contour mined in a mineral seam, such as a mountain, to provide an elongate active mining area and a highwall. Next, a sealable intake and return canopy is placed at substantially opposing ends of the mineral seam. A continuous miner then successively cuts a mineral seam in the elongate active mining area. Roof supports are advanced after each respective successive cut to support a roof of the elongate active mining area. After formation of an air seal and introduction of a conveyor in the elongate active mining area, either longwall or shortwall mining techniques may be used to cut a face of the mineral seam via a miner. Material cut from the face of the mineral seam is then discharged onto the conveyor. The intake and return canopies are then configured to allow ventilation of the active mining area by the introduction of air along the face of the mineral seam while the miner advances along the mineral seam.

Abstract: A rugged demolition system, and method for its use, for pulling up horizontal structures such as concrete or asphalt and breaking them into pieces, pulling over and breaking up vertical structures such as retaining walls and house/building walls, pulling up vertically extending objects from the ground such as tree roots, and breaking up hard or compacted surfaces such as dirt for easier grading. The system has a spear mounted horizontally to the top of a downwardly curving pry hook assembly, a digging tooth and optional side hooks connected to the pry hook assembly, and the pry hook assembly optionally secured to a tubular support member depending perpendicularly from a plate. Although any position-controlling vehicle can be employed to cause the needed vertical, horizontal, and rotational movement of the plate during system use, the plate is configured for attachment to the standard mount of a skid steer loader.

Abstract: A work machine includes a frame (2) supported by a plurality of wheels or tracks (5), at least some of which are associated with respective lifting columns (32) adapted to raise and lower the frame (2) relative to the respective wheels or tracks (5). A work tool is supported by the frame (2), and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the work tool and at least one of the wheels or tracks (5). An articulation apparatus (10) uses a first actuator (20) and a pivoting support arm (11) to move one of the wheels or tracks (5) between a projecting position and a retracted position relative to the frame (2). The articulation apparatus (10) further includes a second actuator (21) adaped to rotate the wheel or track (5) about a vertical axis (Z).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for imaging and clearing an ore pass hang-up. The apparatus includes: a platform that is movable along generally a longitudinal direction of an ore pass; a controllable propulsion unit capable of propelling the platform within the ore pass and to the location of the hang-up; an imaging unit capable of generating an image of the ore pass as the apparatus is moved trough the ore pass, wherein the image is transmittable to a remove viewer; extensible, remotely controllable immobilizing units affixed to the platform; and a remotely controllable unit for clearing the ore pass hang-up. Once in place the apparatus is used to break up or clear the hang-up by, for example, directing blows to the hang-up, directing high pressure fluids to the hang-up, and using an explosive charge.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits in a mineral reserve, a portion being accessible from a sloping surface and the remaining portion being inaccessible, is disclosed. The sloping surface is mined to create a bench and highwall for providing access to the mineral reserve around the accessible portion. Then, a surface is formed in the highwall to create an insertion highwall between an endwall extending from the insertion highwall and the inaccessible portion of the mineral reserve. A starter entry is created for cutting into the mineral reserve across the entire length of the insertion highwall from the endwall to the inaccessible portion of the mineral reserve. Roof supports are advanced into the starter entry with spoil added to form a starter passage from the endwall to the inaccessible portion of the mineral reserve. Shortwall or longwall mining techniques are then used to mine the mineral reserve along the starter passage.

Abstract: The present invention is to an improved method of constructing a coal processing plant and an improved arrangement therefore. The overall cost of constructing a coal processing plant can be significantly reduced by the arrangement of the processing to terminate in an underground sump. By providing a subfloor to the plant with subterranean sumps, the overall height necessary to house a plant can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: A surface mining and testing apparatus and system provides for the adaptation of a surface miner to the specific geological conditions of a new area of use. The special features of the surface miner are the arrangement of the milling roller (5) in front of the chassis (1) in the direction of mining, the undershot direction of rotation of the milling roller (5), as well as the adjustability of the milling roller (5) in its height and transverse slope in relation to the level. These functional features are accomplished with the testing apparatus in order to obtain the same kinematic conditions as in the surface miner. To make it possible to extrapolate the results obtained with the testing apparatus to the surface miner, the parameters overall weight, drive output and throughput of the testing apparatus are used as constant, lower ratios in relation to the surface miner.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for reducing dust-related problems in rock drilling, air and liquid mist is supplied into a drilling hole to moisten the dust that comes off the drilling hole. The air and moistened dust exiting from the drilling hole are led to a dust separator, dust portions that collect into the dust separator being removed therefrom at suitable intervals. When dust is to be removed from the dust separator's filter, liquid is supplied to the portion below the filter in a mist-like form or as small droplets in connection with the dust removal to moisten the dust which then falls out of the lower end of the dust separator.

Abstract: A method of mining using a pair of continuous mining machines 12 and an auger mining machine 16. The continuous mining machines form spaced longitudinal roads 10, 11, 13 and 14. Further longitudinal roads 17 are formed by the auger mining machine 16 with subsequent transverse roads 19 being sequentially by the continuous mining machines 12.

Abstract: It is suggested to machine contaminated surfaces, in particular radioactively contaminated concrete surfaces and masonry with pneumatically actuated striking tools. It has been shown that this is an extremely low-dust machining method with which the essentially the particles are struck off in the size order of 0.2 to 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a borehole substantially in the shape of a bread loaf within a mine includes four cutting systems. The first cutting system is a pair of three-armed, counter rotating, cutting heads which remove material from the mine face in a substantially vertical plane. The second cutting system is a pair of rotating cutting drums which follow the pair of counter rotating cutting heads. The third cutting system is a substantially vertical, rotating cutting head which removes the kerf formed at the ceiling or roof portion of the borehole. The fourth cutting system is a plow which both removes the kerf at the bottom of the borehole and directs the mined material to a conveyor system to remove the mined material from the mine.

Abstract: An extendable rotor arm for a mining machine includes a rotor arm having an end portion, a sleeve removably secured on at least part of the end portion, a rotor arm extension having an internal opening in which the sleeve and the end portion of the rotor arm are axially slidably received and nonrotatable, and a seal between an internal surface of the internal opening of the rotor arm extension and the sleeve. Methods of repairing an extendable rotor arm for a mining machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: Two working pistons (AK1, AK2) strike on the anvil (10) of a drill device or a rock breaking device. One working piston (AK1) is a solid piston, while the other (AKZ) is an annular piston. Both working pistons can work at the same or substantially the same rate. In general, the percussion rate acting on the anvil (10) can be doubled with two working pistons. The working pistons can be controlled in common or independent from each other. In a synchronous mode with equal phase, the impact energy is multiplied; in an asynchronous mode or a mode with opposite phases, the percussion rate is increased.

Abstract: A method of mining using a pair of continuous mining machines 12 and an auger mining machine 16. The continuous mining machines form spaced longitudinal roads 10, 11, 13 and 14. Further longitudinal roads 17 are formed by the auger mining machine 16 with subsequent transverse roads 19 being formed sequentially by the continuous mining machines 12.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mining of material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of roadway development for longwall mining. The method includes using a continuous mining machine (100) from which there rearwardly extends a conveyor (102). As the machine (100) progresses to form a road, the conveyor (102) extends. At the rear extremity of the conveyor (102) a roadway development auger mining machine (103) receives mined material from the conveyor (102) and delivers it to a further conveyor (104). A transverse auger (106) also conveys material from the parallel roadway to the machine (103). Mined material is delivered to the auger (106) by a further machine (101) and conveyor (107).

Abstract: A process for demolishing a bridge deck by a truck assembly equipped with a a receptacle comprised of a right side and a left side and a first wing rotatably connected to the right side of the receptacle. The process includes the steps of: (a) disposing the truck assembly beneath the bridge deck, (b) rotating the first wing upwardly and outwardly from the right side of the receptacle to a first position, (c) supporting the first wing in its first position by a support contiguous with the first wing, (d) demolishing the bridge deck and causing debris to fall therefrom, (d) receiving debris from the bridge deck within the receptacle, (e) ceasing supporting the first wing in its first position and moving it downwardly and inwardly towards the right side of the receptacle, (f) moving the truck assembly, and (g) removing debris from the receptacle.

Abstract: A combination of conventional or superimposed percussive slot-cutting tools for creating slots and grooves, with eccentric, superimposed percussive, counterbalanced planar milling tools for excavating floors, walls, rocks, minerals and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for advancing cables and hoses to a remotely operated mining machine and retrieval of the machine in case of accident, and for remote haulage of material in a self-propelled vehicle guided within a mine opening, so as to avoid interference with cables and hoses and the walls of mine opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering airborne contaminates that has a frame member and a collection duct attached thereto. A duct assembly is slidably supported on the frame member and selectively movable along a linear path between a first position adjacent the frame member and collection duct and a second position displaced from the frame member. A fan for inducing airflow into the collection duct and duct assembly may be attached to the duct assembly for travel therewith or attached to the frame and the duct assembly when the duct assembly is in the first position. The duct assembly may be selectively movable between the first and second positions along a linear path relative to the frame member by a slidable support attached between the frame member and duct assembly.

Abstract: A mining apparatus includes a frame, a mechanism for cutting an arched opening in a seam and winning the cut mineral, and a propulsion system. The cutting mechanism includes a boom supported mineral cutting drum having a barrel or bulging cylindrical shape. The propulsion system is canted on the frame at an angle from the horizontal in order to match the floor of the arched opening being cut by the drum.

Abstract: The physio-chemical method to break down raw materials utilizes a pressure- and temperature-controlled vessel to hold the raw materials in an expansive solidifier solution. The pressure and temperature are cycled to create large solution volume increases, to create high supersaturation ratios with reset to the hydrated phases of the salt or other chemicals, to produce rapid precipitation of the hydrated form of the salt or other chemicals from a supersaturated solution, and to produce rapid volume increases in the solution system. The rapid volume increases in the system create undrained crystallization pressures within the raw materials that break down the raw materials in to smaller pieces with higher surface area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slicing roofing material includes a prime mover in the form of a powered tractor, and a slicing assembly mounted to the rear end of the tractor. The slicing assembly includes a frame mounted to the tractor, a blade mounted to the frame, and a raising and lowering assembly for raising and lowering the rear end of the tractor, which in turn controls the position of the blade relative to the roof. The raising and lowering assembly includes a support member such as a wheel, and is pivotably mounted to the frame for movement between a raised position, providing penetration of the blade into the roofing material, and a lower position for maintaining the blade above the roofing material. A retainer mechanism is interconnected between the frame and the support assembly for selectively maintaining the support assembly in its lower position.

Abstract: A mine scaling tool having a base plate to which a collar is concentrically attached on one side and appropriately supported with gusseted rib plates. A relatively long, heavy walled tube is telescopically fitted within a reenforcing collar. The tube is cut at an oblique angle of approximately 15 degrees off vertical in the frontal plane at the end opposite the collar. A face plate is centrally positioned over the open end of the tube and adequately reenforced with gusseted rib plates and reenforcing bars. Picks are attached parallel to the face plate along all sides extending outwardly from the edges, thereby serving as tines.

Abstract: A hard surface roadbed profiler designed to perform a repetitive drill hole collaring cycle. By generating a series of interconnected collar holes, an extended flat surface is created. The profiler includes a movable percussive device mounted onto a chassis. A flat faced bit is attached to the percussive device to create the individual collars that are linked together to form a flat array.

Abstract: To excavate drifts, tunnels, stopes, caverns or the like, tools operating in an undercutting manner are mounted on radially pivotable tool arms, which are located on a rotary working head. With at least one tool (54) on a tool arm (51), a central region (Z) of the rock face is cut radially from the outside inwards by pivoting of the tool arm (32), an outer region (A) surrounding the central region (Z) of the rock face is cut radially from the inside outwards by pivoting of the tool arm (32). Pivot drives (30) for at least some tool arms (31, 32, 33) can be controlled in such a manner that cross-sections with contours deviating from a full circular shape can be cut. Muck removing devices (27, 28) are used for collecting and transporting away the muck produced by the cutting operation.

Abstract: A method of mining includes striking the surface of friable to brittle, essentially homogeneous mineral materials with a plurality of concave-faced cutting tools rotating about a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel with the surface of the mineral material. Segments of the mineral material are cleaved by the cutting tools as the tools strike the surface and then pass along a predetermined path completely through the mineral material.