Abstract: A thin seam highwall mining machine has a cutter head for mining coal from a seam while advancing forwardly into a mined hole, a power head anchored to a bench at the surface, and multisection pushbeam extending therebetween housing a conveyor therein. The machine is provided with structure for removing fallen roof rock from the hole and preventing jamming of the machine in the hole by rock accumulation. The structure includes a partition which keeps the fallen rock from mixing with the mined coal, and guide members which direct fallen rock onto the conveyor from the partition as the machine is being withdrawn from the hole. A pair of upstanding rearwardly diverging guide members fixed to the partition direct rock onto the conveyor through an opening in the partition overlying the forward end of the conveyor. One of the guide members carries an advancing conveyor surface having rock advancing bits which rotate and crush the rock while advancing it toward the opening.

Abstract: Ore may be mined from an irregular ore body using a mining structure which conforms to the shape of the ore body, and which relieves stress that might otherwise hinder caving through bridging and compacting. The conic mass caving structure comprises a series of ore passes, extending from an upper position to a lower position in a tapered fashion. The ore passes intersect each of a series of hyperbolic drifts, which are shaped to surround the portion of the ore body to be mined. The hyperbolic drifts are parallel, and each hyperbolic drift surrounds a smaller area then the hyperbolic drift directly above it, to form an essentially conic shape. Secondary drawpoints are located at the intersection of each ore pass and each hyperbolic drift, while the primary drawpoints are located in a apex surrounded by the lowermost hyperbolic drift.

Abstract: The method of downhole hydraulicking of mineral resources consists in sinking main holes, fitting the main holes with casings down to a depth below a lower boundary of a pay-out bed, installing an apparatus for hydraulicking mineral resources in each main hole, breaking rock and forming cavities in a bedrock by a jet from a monitor provided in the apparatus for hydraulicking mineral resources. Auxiliary holes are sunk each above a face of each cavity, using a drilling tool, down to the cavity so that the mineral enters the cavity from the auxiliary hole as soon as the drilling tool is withdrawn therefrom. Pulp is lifted to the surface through the main holes until overburden rock is identified in the pulp.

Abstract: A mining machine and method allow coal or the like to be mined substantially as quickly during out cutting as in cutting. A front cutter is mounted at the front of the frame, and a first conveyor, which preferably comprises a chain conveyer, conveys cut coal from the front of the frame to the rear and ultimately out of the area being mined. A second conveyor is mounted in back of the front cutter for conveying cut coal from adjacent the rear of the frame towards the front, and ultimately to be deposited on the first conveyor. A rear cutter is located to the rear of the second conveyor for cutting material during out cutting to be moved to the second conveyor as the machine moves rearwardly. The rear cutter is movable from a first inoperative position within the volume cut by the front cutter, to a second, operative position outside the volume cut by the front cutter.

Abstract: A dredging platform has a water pump that creates suction in a hose for drawing loose materials from the bottom of a stream into the hose for transport to a sluice and vibratory screen. Larger stones are dropped off the end of the screen while finer sand and gold ore concentrate fall through the screen into hoppers for delivery to a centrifugal separator. The platform floats in the stream at water level to partially submerge the hoppers in order to provide a steady controlled flow of water over the hopper sides as the "fines" are collected for separation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting tip device, and method of using the device, for removing the build-up of particulate from an internal surface of a storage bin, such as a coal bunker or a grain silo. The cutting tip is attached to a source of compressed gas by a hose, and includes at least one internal gas passageway through which the compressed gas is forced. The compressed gas is at a predetermined minimum pressure and flow rate sufficient to cause the cutting tip to gyrate in an erratic fashion about the hose, and to strike the build-up with sufficient force to remove the particulate from the interior of the storage bin. By lowering a hose having the cutting tip attached to it into a storage bin and forcing compressed gas through the hose and cutting tip, the interior of the storage bin is cleared of its build-up.

Abstract: A bunker system for accommodating and further transporting materials from surface mines includes a bunker device being provided adjacent a terrace wall. The bunker device comprises a platform and an endless conveyor for transporting the material; side walls bounding and together surrounding the platform to form, with the platform, an upwardly open storage area for accommodating and holding the materials. A niche, having niche walls, is provided in the terrace wall. Some of the side walls form part of the bunker device and are disposed on the platform adjacent the endless conveyor and some of the side walls are constituted by the niche walls.

Abstract: A miner, and method of mining, are provided for pitch seam mining of coal. The cutting heads powered from a power source at the mouth of the seam are introduced into the seam with a desired angle of inclination, and a chain conveyor with conveying elements extending between two spaced loops of chain conveys the cut coal from the seam to the mouth. Bucket conveyors, or drag flight conveyors, are preferred. The bucket conveyor can be used for pitch seam mining where the angle of inclination is about 15.degree.-80.degree. from the horizontal, and the drag conveyor can be utilized where the angle of inclination is about 15.degree.-35.degree. from the horizontal. A pair of powered shafts extend from the cutter power source to the cutting heads, and support the chains via sprockets, guides, and the like.

Abstract: For cooling of underground mine-shafts which extend over several levels at different depths and/or of the machinery installed therein, a tube-chamber feeder system which is operated for the hydraulic transport of solids is used. With this arrangement, the cooling liquid is supplied to the feeder system and to the high-pressure side of the tube chambers from above ground level through a high-pressure circulation of the cooling liquid and subsequently the cooling liquid from the tube chambers is forced through a low-pressure liquid circulation for transfer to the equipment requiring cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing material from one location to a pile at another wherein a trolley member with a winch is suspended below and supported by a track which in turn is supported on a moving platform such as a drilling platform or a barge. The winch member by means of the usual lifting cable is connected to a material confining member which also is connected to a drag line cable. Movement of the trolley member over the tracks by means of the drag line will cause the material confining member to collect the material. A subsequent lifting of the lift cable as well as operation of the drag line will allow the material to be elevated and placed on a rubble pile at the side of a channel. In a preferred manner, the apparatus and method of this invention is especially suited for use in clearing ice from a channel which is previously cut by ice cutters also associated with the moving platform which carries the clearing apparatus.

Abstract: A continuing mining machine wherein a crusher is placed inboard of the machine and has a dipper machanism as well as a loading chute. The dipper is of a twin handle type so that it can straddle a feeder chute thus affording a wide area for excavating. The placement of the crusher in a central location within the machine allows for stability and obviates the need for swivelling of the crusher during operation of the machine.

Abstract: A tunnel and gallery excavator comprises a ground contacting mechanism projecting from the front of a motorized drive and chassis and feeds debris to a conveyor. The digging arm has a pair of extendable supports attached to a yoke connected to the arm. The extendable supports are attached to and supported by the ground-contacting mechanism via pivots affording two degrees of freedom and an operating and adjusting device is provided for the extendable supports.

Abstract: In the removal of the overburden prior to surface mining of minerals in an elongated pit, one or more first excavating machines remove the overburden along one elongated part of the pit and direct the removed material via a cross-pit transporter across the pit where it is deposited outwardly from and along the opposite side, called the dump side. At least one other excavating machine travels along the remaining elongated part of the pit at a level not higher than the level of the cross-pit transporter and removes the overburden to the same dump side of the pit. The excavating machines moving along the elongated part of the pit operate independently of one another. When the cross-pit transporter and the second excavating machine operating in the remaining elongated part of the pit on the same level, meet while moving in opposite directions, the second excavating machine moves across the pit out of the path of the cross-pit transporter and the transporter is moved past the second excavating machine.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for loosening, loading and transporting of stratified minerals includes a single continuously rotating and forceably guided pulling organ, a plurality of loosening elements integrated in the pulling organ in its working run extending in a longitudinal direction of a longwall, and a plurality of transporting elements also integrated in the same single pulling organ at its transporting run located behind the working run at a back filling side, wherein the loosening elements perform loosening and loading functions, whereas the transporting elements perform the transporting functions in an opposite longitudinal direction of the longwall.

Abstract: At peat mining peat is suspended in water to a slurry or suspension which is led to a dewatering plant. From the dewatering plant (13) return water is returned and used to heat the raw peat in connection with the mining area. The return water can be spread onto the moss over an area (11) at a suitable distance from the mining pit (2), thereby at least partially displacing the moss water and providing water for making a slurry, the moss water preferably being drained to the mining pit. The return water contains also a separated fine parts fraction of the peat as well as peat ash and/or other chemicals which break down the colloidal bonds of the peat and which preferably also raise the pH-value of the water which is drained into the mining pit together with said fine parts fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of open cast strip mining and auger mining of thin seams of hydrocarbonaceous deposits. In this mining method, a first working pit is stripped to expose the deposit, the hydrocarbonaceous material extracted and the exposed deposit seam face of at least one highwall is auger mined. A second and successive working pits are opened parallel to but spaced apart from the preceding working pit by a predetermined distance thereby leaving an undisturbed overburden portion therebetween. In the second and successive working pits, the overburden is stripped and disposed in the void of its preceding pit, the hydrocarbonaceous material extracted and the hydrocarbonaceous material beneath the undisturbed overburden portion between adjacent working pits substantially removed by auger mining from one or both working pits. The stripping is accomplished by the use of a dragline and the width of the undisturbed overburden portion is related to the working radius of the dragline.

Abstract: A mining machine is utilized for making original generally horizontal bores in coal steams, and for enlarging preexisting bores. A single cutting head is mounted for rotation about a first horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the dimension of elongation of the horizontal bore, and is pivotal about a second horizontal axis, parallel to the first axis, to change its cutting, vertical position within the bore. A non-rotatable body member, with side wall supports, is mounted posteriorly of the cutting head, and includes a conveyor mechanism and a power mechanism operatively connected to it. The machine can be sumped into a bore and then the cutting head rotated about the second axis to change the vertical position thereof, and then moved rearwardly, any cut material being continuously conveyed to the bore mouth by the conveyor mechanism.

Abstract: A method for collecting oil from a plurality of spaced-apart oil-bearing subterranean formations includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of spaced-apart oil-bearing formations, excavating a working area at selected oil-bearing subterranean formations and thereafter drilling a plurality of generally horizontal boreholes from each of the working areas into the selected oil-bearing subterranean formations. Thereafter, oil collection troughs are excavated within each of the working areas to collect oil from the boreholes and conduct the collected oil into a sump from which the oil is raised to the earth's surface utilizing a single lift. During collection and raising of the oil from each of the spaced-apart oil-bearing subterranean formations, the shaft and working areas are sealed.

Abstract: Heavy breaking giant excavator having a mining system with the following components: a boom having a feed chute and conveyor equipment at one end thereof; and sifting, crushing, and transfer equipment at the other end thereof, and a dipper boom arrangement is disposed on the end of the vertically supported, swivellable boom onto which mined material is fed. The dipper boom has a limited hydraulic capacity dipper disposed thereon.

Abstract: A machine for boring a tunnel having an end face wall, a roof wall, a bottom wall, and opposite side walls. The machine comprises a rotatable cutting wheel means having an annular peripheral wall supporting a plurality of cutting devices and a generally convex-shaped upper wall supporting a plurality of cutting devices. The cutting wheel means is rotatable about an axis of rotation which is inclined in a forward direction relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel for simultaneously cutting the tunnel face along two intersecting surfaces defined by the cutting devices on the annular peripheral wall and the cutting devices on the convex-shape upper wall. Support shoe means are mounted beneath the cutting wheel means for movably supporting the cutting wheel means on the tunnel floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for strip mining using a power section driven into the cool and a conveyor section to transport the mineral out of the cut. The power section comprises a power driven cutter blade and conial flighting to convey the mineral to a conveyor belt in the conveyor section.

Abstract: A longwall mining machine and method for its use, the machine traveling over a face conveyor having a first toothed rack extending therealong. A gantry-like frame is movable along the face conveyor and has upstanding supports at its opposite ends which carry an upper track and a second toothed rack. A first mining machine frame is carried on the face conveyor and has drive pinion means engageable with the first toothed rack. A second mining machine frame is carried on the upper track of the gantry-like frame and has drive pinion means engageable with the second toothed rack. The first and second mining machine frames each having a shearer drum mounted thereon for cutting and removing a mineral seam.

Abstract: In a method of open pit mining, a tunnel or tunnels are driven into one or more seams of minerals to be mined or in the surrounding rock, and draw shafts are formed between and connecting the earth's surface and tunnels. A bulk transport or conveyor system is installed in the tunnel or tunnels to remove material passed down the shafts to the surface. Overburden is removed such that the minerals are accessible on the surface adjacent the shafts. The minerals are then deposited into the shafts and transported by the bulk transport conveyor system to a storage area external of the pit. The overburden can also be deposited into the shafts for removal from the pit. The land to be mined is preferably divided into a substantial rectilinear grid pattern or formation, and a draw shaft is formed in each of the elemental areas of the grid pattern.

Abstract: An improved system and method for relocating a selected layer of overburden, such as a layer of unconsolidated soil, in a strip mining operation are provided. The system employs an excavator, an intermediate belt wagon with at least two slewable conveyors, and a cross-pit conveyor having a long cantilevered conveyor pivotably supported on a mobile base; with all of said equipment being preferably based on the highwall side of the pit. According to the method, the area to be stripped is divided first into a series of large rectangles aligned parallel to the pit, with each rectangle being further divided into a series of narrow strips also parallel to the pit. The area is then progressively stripped beginning with the nearest strip of a first rectangle and proceeding with the next adjacent strip until the first rectangle is completed and then proceeding in like manner with each successive rectangle.

Abstract: A process for gaining access to the coal of very deep seams, and for extracting this coal with the aid of a conveying liquid, which is fed to the seams via boreholes and is thence brought back again to the surface with coal which has been detached, wherein agents for detaching and breaking up the coal are admixed to the liquid.

Abstract: A circular mining process for deep mining in which a substantially circular tunnel is cut in the mountain against the advancing continuous face of the mine. As coal is cut from the face and hauled outside, additional strata from below the coal, which includes rock and stone are piled and packed to the ceiling against the opposite wall to serve as a roof support. Vehicles with special implements move in one direction only and cut the advance wall, gather the mined ore, and haul the mined ore, as well as rock and stone to a clearing out of the mine on the side of the mountain, and adjacent to the portals of the circular passageway.

Abstract: Process for sorting coarse to fine materials according to their chemical composition, in which samples are taken and analyzed, and in which the transporting and/or further processing of the materials is controlled according to the results of the analysis. The samples are taken in the form of an air swirled mixture of coarse dust and fine dust (i.e., particles with grain sizes of less than 200 .mu.m) which is obtained as a by-product or is produced artificially. The coarser dust is separated from the mixture. All of the fine dust or a fraction thereof is analyzed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new, generally applicable method for opening mineral deposits for prospection purposes and for subsequent mining, where necessary ramp systems, drifts or tunnels (developments), which previously were laid in dead rock, now entirely or substantially entirely are laid in the ore. The method further renders it possible, that the deposit can be pre-developed, i.e. that within the deposit different ore grades such as ore types and/or contents are exposed and made immediately and continuously accessible in such a manner, that the subsequent mining at every given occasion can be adjusted and controlled in the desired direction, whereby an adjustment to the market outlook can be made which is at optimum under the prevailing business situation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mining machine consisting of four basic parts, a cutting head, revolving sections, stationary sections, and an upper section. These parts being cylindrical in shape with mitered ends.A journalled articulated drill shaft with a spiral configuration extends through the four basic parts.After the machine is passed through a vertical bore hole the revolving sections are turned to form the machine in an angular configuration.With the journalled articulated drill shaft turning, revolving the cutting head, the upper section of machine is turned, mining in cylindrical patterns and transporting material to the surface through the machines spiral shafts.Extension of horizontal length of machine iin cavern is achieved by simultaneously turning revolving sections and descending machine through bore hole. After extensions of machine mining is repeated.

Abstract: An improved mining method for a surface mine has pairs of slurry and water pipes placed from a processing area on the surface to the floor of the mine beneath the mined out material, pairs of pipes (slurry and water) are spaced along the mining trench. A slurry haulage system is connected to the water and slurry pipes at the beginning of the mining operation. As the mining progresses and the haulage system reaches its maximum capabilites, it is disconnected and connected to the next set of pipes and the first set or pair of pipes is extended the width of the mined trench. The overburden is placed on top of the pipes as the mining progresses.

Abstract: A soil transporting vehicle for pressurized receiving and transporting of soil excavated by a shield machine. The vehicle includes a cylindrical soil container having a first opening and a second opening aligned along the longitudinal axis and being pressure-resistant. A soil conveying mechanism is arranged in the container adjacent to the opening for moving the soil axially. A chassis rotatably supports the container and a drive mechanism is provided for rotating the container about its axis from a soil introduction position where the openings are directed upwardly and a soil discharge position where the openings are directed downwardly. An inlet for introducing gas under pressure and a pressure regulating valve are provided on the soil container. The pressure is regulated to be substantially equal to that of the pressure compartment of the shield machine. A compressor is connected with the gas inlet.

Abstract: A method for excavating a tunnel wherein the muck from the tunnel face is admitted into the shield; the muck is pressed by a pressure of a predetermined level higher than an active earth pressure in the face and lower than a passive earth pressure as the shield body is moved forward, thereby establishing the balance between the earth pressure in the face ground and the muck pressure; and a liquid of a level balancing the underground water pressure is used to resist the underground water, thereby preventing movement of the underground water, whereby the face is maintained stable; and when the muck pressure is raised over the predetermined level, the muck is discharged out of the shield.

Abstract: A drilling head for use in mining operations comprises a cylindrical drum having an open rear end and defining an interior cavity, an exterior spiral arranged to forwardly advance mined particles, a nose spiral disposed in advance of the drum and arranged so as to rearwardly advance the mined particles, the exterior and nose spirals terminating generally at the front portion of the drum and together defining at least one recovery aperture through which the mined particles forwardly advanced by the exterior spiral and rearwardly advanced by the nose spiral can pass to the interior cavity, and an interior spiral disposed so as to rearwardly advance the particles which pass through the recovery aperture. An assembly of counter rotating drilling heads is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carpet take-up device, for use on carpeting that has been glued down, comprising a spool, a means for rotating the spool, a blade adapted to wedge underneath the carpet and having a knife at each of opposite longitudinal ends, a roller bar, and a rear wheel support. The rotation means rotates the spool so as to roll up the carpet as the blade is pulled forward beneath the carpet.

Abstract: A machine for mining hard material in-situ between adjacent auger holes in thin seams is disclosed which is suitable for being drivingly connected to a conventional mining apparatus, particularly an augar mining apparatus. The mining machine includes a rotating cutting apparatus with a longitudinal axis roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the auger holes. The rotating cutting machine is used for mechanically contacting and dislocating hard material in-situ between adjacent auger holes in thin seams. A power operated system is drivingly connected to the cutting apparatus for generating a cutting motion during the in-cutting operation. A guiding system is provided for maintaining the cutting apparatus in mechanical contact with hard material in-situ between the adjacent auger holes. In one embodiment of the invention a means are provided for collecting dislocated material which is transported from the position at which the material is mined to a remote location for deposit.

Abstract: A self-propelled mining machine includes a mobile body portion with a boom extending forwardly therefrom. The boom rotatably supports a rotatably driven cutter drum having peripherally extending cutting elements. The boom member includes a trough formed by inclined sidewalls. The inclined sidewalls are positioned in space relation and extend upwardly on opposite sides of the receiving end of a conveyor that extends continuously the length of the machine body portion. The sidewalls slope downwardly toward the lateral edges of the conveyor receiving end and form a material receiving bin or hopper. The receiving end of the conveyor forms the floor of the hopper. The front end of the hopper extends the length of the cutter drum. Suitable drive means rotate the cutter drum to dislodge material from a mine face and direct the dislodged material by rotation of the cutter drum over the cutter drum and rearwardly into the hopper.

Abstract: A distinction of the method is that, at the moment of release of ore, the ore flow in the zone of an outlet opening is divided into at least two parts by a vertical plane, and the ore flow is caused to swing transversely with respect to the direction of ore flow by alternately changing the density of ore in the portions of the flow. Oversized lumps of ore delivered to a loading drift are transferred along a ramp by-passing haulage vehicles to ventilating and man roads which are arranged at the level of haulage crosscuts and connected thereto at points opposite to the loading drifts. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a working surface of a platform having three rigidly interconnected portions, the end portions extending parallel and at different levels, and a central portion inclined in the direction of ore flow.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for recovering shale oil from shale wherein the shale is mined, crushed and pyrolized electrically in surface facilities by induction in a chamber made up of a plurality of cells in the absence of air and the raw gases are directed to a condensing means for separating the liquids from the gases. The invention also describes a method and apparatus for making use of the residue from the liquids separated from the gas in order to use said residue economically and generate electric power for the induction system used in the instant invention. The invention further discloses means for the recovering of the heat energy contained in the spent shale. The invention also discloses a method and apparatus for the disposal of the spent shale in an environmentally acceptable manner in order to prevent pollution and save the great quantities of water needed for reclamation.

Abstract: An ore dislodging mechanism and a method for extracting ore from a vein which greatly increase productivity and reduce health hazards when compared with previous devices and methods. The ore dislodging mechanism includes a chisel bar which is forced into the ore vein to dislodge ore therefrom, and an elevated means for raising the chisel bar in a substantially vertical manner so that each extraction made by the chisel bar is parallel with previous extractions. Side cutters extend vertical kerfs along the sides of the chisel bar and the chisel bar breaks down the coal between the kerfs.The method includes the steps of undercutting a vein of ore, extending at least one vertical relief cut upwardly from the undercut, forcing a chisel bar into the vein of ore, thereby dislodging the ore therefrom, and raising the means for cutting the relief cuts and the chisel bar mechanism to make progressively higher extractions parallel with lower extractions.

Abstract: In digging and hauling soil, rocks, minerals and the like by the use of a dragline the invention provides a novel combination of said dragline, a conveyor means for hauling the materials dug, and a hopper means disposed over and movable along said conveyor means whereby material may be efficiently excavated and transported out of the working area.

Abstract: Coal is extracted in a longwall working with two subsidiary galleries disposed respectively at the ends of the longwall coal-face. The coal is obtained at the longwall face, is loaded and removed with the aid of a continuous conveyor acting as a longwall-heading conveyor which delivers into one of the subsidiary galleries. In order to extract the coal a plurality of long drill-holes, respectively spaced from the coal-face and from each other by a spacing which corresponds to the effective force of an explosive charge provided with a fuse-cord, are bored in the coal starting from one of the subsidiary galleries. Each of the drill-holes extends the full effective length of the coal face and is loaded with such an explosive charge, and then filled with water under pressure. The charges are exploded in succession, starting with the drill-hole adjacent the coal-face, whereupon the coal so acquired is loaded and removed by the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: Minerals, in particular coal, that have been deposited in layers or along seams in the earth can be mined utilizing a large diameter bore hole drilling equipment. With the drilling equipment stationed on the surface of the earth, a drilling member is drilled down into the earth along the seam of the mineral deposit. If the mineral deposit extends at an angle to the earth, i.e. less than 90.degree., the drilling operation is conducted so as to drill at a similar angle to the earth. As the mineral deposits are broken up during the drilling operation, the broken fragments are removed from the drilled hole. After drilling has occurred for a certain distance in a forward direction, a creeping effect is induced in portions of the side walls of the drilled hole. The drilling member is then retracted from the drilled hole in such a manner so as to drill out any mineral fragments in the hole of the drilling member. These mineral fragments are then removed from the hole as the drilling member is retracted.

Abstract: Lignite is removed from a seam or stratum containing the same in an underground formation by forming within the seam or stratum with aid of a production fluid, which can contain a dispersant or surfactant, a suspension of the lignite in said fluid whereupon the fluid is removed to the surface and the lignite recovered therefrom. The fluid thus recovered is re-used. The production fluid can be heated and/or pulsated and is injected and passed through the formation under conditions to promote the formation of the desired lignite suspension.

Abstract: A high wall mining system including a continuous mining machine, a remote control station outwardly of the high wall from which extend electric cables wound on cable reels which extend to the continuous mining machine enabling the operator to control the machine based upon television pictures transmitted to the control station from television cameras on the machine and the signals from laser and sonar guidance systems provided at the control station in cooperation with elements on the continuous mining machine and an extensible and retractable vacuum air conveyor system for the coal recovered by the mining machine.

Abstract: A machine for use in mining or tunnelling has a chassis supporting a mobile arm provided with rotary cutters. A shovel beneath the arm serves to transfer material onto a pair of conveyors mounted alongside the machine chassis. This shovel is supported for vertical pivoting displacement on a beam which is itself linked via a central pivot joint to the machine chassis. Piston and cylinder units effect tilting and vertical adjustment in the shovel position.

Abstract: A continuous mining apparatus and method for the underground mining of coal. The continuous mining apparatus includes a cutter assembly, conveyor assembly and base assembly. The base assembly is adapted to be maintained in a stationary position during a cutting operation. The cutter assembly is adapted to be projected outwardly from the stationary base assembly into the seam of coal for a substantial distance on the order of 80-100 feet. The conveyor assembly is positioned between the cutter assembly and the base assembly and, with the aid of telescoping members, provides two functions. First, the conveyor assembly provides for a variable length conveyor between the cutter assembly and the base assembly permitting the cutter assembly to project outwardly from the base assembly for varying distances of up to 80-100 feet. Second, the conveyor assembly serves as a means to crowd the cutter assembly into the coal seam without movement of the base assembly.

Abstract: Improvements in the amount of ore receivable from a seam having an overburden and improvements in mine safety are achieved by strategically deploying inflated bladders for temporary overburden support and using certain bladders as forms for producing permanent support structures. An access wall is provided to an edge of the seam to be mined by forming a trench or tunnel; and, ore is mined by working into the access wall to produce a series of elongated, substantially parallel chambers. As each chamber is completed, its overburden is supported by inserting and inflating one or more bladders; and, caving of the access wall is prevented by installing a bladder at the mouth of the chamber. Because of the support, adjacent chambers may be quite close together, leaving only a thin rib of ore therebetween. When the work has progressed along the ore face, the inwardly disposed overburden supporting bladders in chambers remote from the newest excavation may be removed.

Abstract: A coal mining system is provided including a pneumatic separator having an air lock to separate the coal dust from the remainder of the coal aggregate in the system. A pneumatic suction means is provided to convey the dislodged coal aggregate from the mine face as it is mined by a mining machine. A duct carries the coal aggregate from the mining machine, past the separator where the coal aggregate remainder is transferred to an auger conveyor with the coal dust proceeding to a pollution control mechanism, such as a cyclone separator at a remote location outside the mine. A jet engine provides the suction for the system. A hopper is provided above the inlet to the auger conveyor providing the blocking concentration of coal to assure maintenance of the full vacuum in the pneumatic duct. A level control switch is operated by pivotal spade in the hopper and a similar switch is provided to sound an alarm when the hopper is filled to capacity.

Abstract: An improved method for mining and processing phosphate matrix in its dry state utilizing a gas moving at supersonic velocity as the carrier fluid to perform the various process steps, in a substantially closed system, that yields dry high grade phosphatic materials and dry sand and clay fractions and to recombine and thoroughly mix the sand and clay fractions in approximately equal proportions by weight as they are produced and to transport the sand-clay mixture along with the naturally radioactive Radon-222 gas that is generated during the processing to the mined out pits and depositing them therein after which the leach zone materials of the overburden are deposited thereover and then depositing thereover the sandy materials of the overburden with provisions being made in preselected areas to form lakes to complete the process of reclaiming the land to its natural state immediately and without danger of radiation from the buried radioactive materials.

Abstract: A mining machine comprises a laterally elongated cutting head including ms for cutting an earth formation, a laterally elongated thrust transmitting column connected to and extending rearwardly from the cutting head, and a power head connected to the rear of the column and operative to thrust the cutting head forward into the earth formation by means of the interposed column. The column carries a non-thrust transmitting column conveyor for carrying fragments cut from the formation from the cutting head to the power head.