Abstract: A generation system and method for a high-precision three-dimensional navigation map of a fully mechanized mining surface, applicable to use in the technical field of unmanned mining. The generation system comprises a channel wave seismometer, a laser radar, a combined navigation device, a ground penetrating radar, and a data processing unit; the data processing unit acquires data collected by sensors; perform coordinate conversion, feature fusion and consistency processing on the collected data to generate a Delaunay triangle network of a coal seam, a fault/fold, and a roadway; draw a high-precision profile map of the triangle map, calculate a topological relation of the profile map, generate a topological data structure of the profile map, establish a navigation information automatic query database platform based on the high-precision profile map, and construct the high-precision three-dimensional navigation map of the fully mechanized mining surface.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle capable of tunneling into soft materials, such as sand, comprises a hollow, bullet-shaped forward outer body with a first drive screw thread integrated into its exterior, a hollow cylindrical rear outer body with a second drive screw thread integrated into its exterior but threaded in the opposed direction of the first drive screw thread, and an inner body that is rotatably coupled to the inside of the forward and rear outer bodies via mechanical gears, and including directional control fins mounted on a housing at the rear end of the inner body.

Abstract: An applicator includes a spinner rotated by the parking brake output shaft of a hydrostatic transaxle driving first and second drive wheels. Material delivered from a hopper on the spinner is spread by the spinner rotating at a speed corresponding to the rotating speed of the drive wheels. Liquid is sprayed by either a trim nozzle intermediate sides of the frame or broadcast nozzles adjacent the sides of the frame. A spray lever is pivoted to slide a slide linkage from an upper position to a lower position abutting with a biased actuator of an on/off valve, with the spray lever and a spinner gate opening lever operable at the same time with just one hand. During transport, a front bumper is received in a horizontal leg of an L-shaped slot and a cutout in an arm pivotably mounted to a stop in which the L-shaped slot is located and in a locking position. A locking pin is inserted through apertures in the arm and the stop in the locking position.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, wherein the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a first cutter drum and a second cutter drum, includes receiving, by a processor, shearer position data over a shear cycle. The horizon profile data includes information regarding at least one of the group comprising of a position and angle of the shearer, a position of the first cutter drum, and a position of the second cutter drum. The method also includes analyzing the shearer position data, by the processor, to determine whether a position failure occurred during the shear cycle based on whether the computed horizon profile data was within normal operational parameters during the shear cycle, and generating an alert upon determining that the position failure occurred during the shear cycle.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some systems include: a main gate; and a tailgate connected to the maingate by an active mine face; wherein the active mine face extends at an angle between 95° and 135° relative to the maingate.

Abstract: Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some systems for use in a mining operation include: a continuous miner configured to cut material from a face; a plurality of powered roof supports positioned along the face; and a guidance system operable to receive a location signal based on relative location of the continuous miner along the face and to send a control signal to the plurality of powered roof supports positioned along the face.

Abstract: An equipment recovery system for high risk environments such as high wall mine shafts has a vehicle that rides on a track including applications where a push-beam conveyor may serve as the track. The vehicle has a guide to keep it on the track and a hitch for attaching a recovery cable. The vehicle is remotely operated from outside the mine, has a power train for moving the vehicle, an implement for performing tasks, and carries an onboard power source and electrical control boxes to power and control the vehicle and implement. The vehicle may communicate with an outside operator station via an Ethernet cable and may employ and Ethernet extender for that purpose. The vehicle may have a camera to transmit video images. The vehicle may be operated from a high wall miner control center or from an operator station on a self propelled support vehicle.

Abstract: A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.

Abstract: A boom is made of telescoping boom sections. A movable cutting nozzle is on the boom and sprays water. In one embodiment, the boom is coupled to the climber section of a platform that climbs a tower. A further beam is mounted on the other side of the hydraulic elevating platform and carries a movable power pack/counterweight. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device is oriented horizontally and the platform moves horizontally on a rail. In this configuration, the elongated boom has a distal end protruding over the top edge of a dam or other structure. Depending vertically from the boom is another vertical boom carrying the cutting nozzle. This boom travels on the outer boom section of the elongated boom and extends downwardly a distance to allow the device to treat the concrete surface downward from the top edge of the structure.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes accessing at least one coordinate of a cutting face stored in a computer-readable medium, automatically operating a first actuator to position a platform a predetermined clearance distance from the at least one coordinate, the platform supporting a cutterhead, and automatically operating a second actuator to position an arm at a tramming position after positioning the platform the predetermined clearance distance from the at least one coordinate, the arm coupled to the platform and including the cutterhead.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes accessing at least one coordinate of a cutting face stored in a computer-readable medium, automatically operating at least one actuator to position a platform a predetermined starting distance from the at least one coordinate, the platform supporting a cutterhead, and automatically operating the at least one actuator to advance the platform toward the cutting face and beyond the at least one coordinate by a predetermined depth-of-cut to perform a cut of the cutting face with the cutterhead.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes performing an automated cutting operation without requiring manual interaction using a cutterhead included in an arm pivotably coupled to a movable platform and stopping the automated cutting operation without requiring manual interaction. Stopping the cutting operation includes (i) stopping at least one motor driving the cutterhead, (ii) operating a first actuator to retract the platform from a cutting face by a predetermined distance, and (iii) operating a second actuator to swing the arm to a predetermined tramming position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes automatically operating at least one actuator to position a platform supporting a cutterhead at a predetermined starting position and automatically operating the at least one actuator to advance the platform toward a cutting face until the cutterhead contacts the cutting face and at least one indicator of a physical force between the cutterhead and the cutting face exceeds a predetermined value. The method also includes automatically saving at least one coordinate of the cutting face to a computer-readable medium, the at least one coordinate based on a parameter of the at least one actuator when the indicator exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A material and equipment recovery system for high risk environments has a recovery vehicle and surface control station, and a communication link between them, which may be an Ethernet link. The recovery vehicle has an operable recovery implement suitable to its particular application. The surface control station has an operator station from which an operator can operate the recovery vehicle remotely. Cameras on the recovery vehicle provide images for an operator to maneuver the recovery vehicle and monitor systems on the recovery vehicle. The surface control station also has a winch and recovery cable that attaches to the recovery vehicle to retrieve it should it become disabled. An optical alignment device on the surface control station allows alignment of the surface control station to keep the retrieval cable effective. The recovery vehicle and control station have hitch elements and the recovery vehicle can reposition the control station at a site.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes performing an automated cutting operation without requiring manual interaction using a cutterhead included in an arm pivotably coupled to a movable platform and stopping the automated cutting operation without requiring manual interaction. Stopping the cutting operation includes (i) stopping at least one motor driving the cutterhead, (ii) operating a first actuator to retract the platform from a cutting face by a predetermined distance, and (iii) operating a second actuator to swing the arm to a predetermined tramming position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of mining underground coal and recovering coal seam gas, the method including locating a seam of coal; digging a mine shaft to reach the seam of coal; constructing a ventilated underground control center which includes a computerized control panel, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movement of a drill head, a hollow drill shaft, a movable hydraulic shield, a movable resin roof bolting machine, and a movable waste extrusion device; providing mining personnel to the ventilated underground control center; and allowing the mining personnel to operate the computerized control panel wherein they perform the tasks of moving the drill head into the seam of coal to obtain aggregate coal and coal seam gas; extruding waste material into mined-out space of the coal seam; and transferring the aggregate coal and coal seam gas to the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A launch vehicle (10) is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units (U) that are connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle (10) includes a main frame (12) for supporting a rearmost conveyor unit (U) of the conveyor train. The main frame (12) includes a first side over which additional conveyor units (U) are added to the conveyor train and a second side. A belly conveyor (14) is carried on the main frame (12). A drive assembly (42) is provided for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train. Further the launch vehicle (10) includes a canopy (18) overlying the main frame (12). The canopy (18) is mounted on at least one cantilever support (20) extending upwardly adjacent the second side of the main frame (12) whereby the first side is left open for adding additional conveyor units (U) to the conveyor train.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the location of a mining vehicle in a mine. The mine comprises a first and a second work area. At least one identifier (29) whose exact location is known is arranged in the first work area (18a). The location of the mining vehicle (1) is determined continuously by means of a dead reckoning. The location data, based on the dead reckoning, can be updated by means of the identifier. The location data are transmitted to a mine control system for monitoring the mining vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining, comprising: conveyor means for transporting mined material from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments (1), and a transmission for transmitting power from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments. The invention further relates to driving means (31). Moreover, the invention relates to an assembly of a conveyor segment and driving means, and to a train of conveyor segments. Further, the invention relates to a launching platform (30), and to a method for high wall 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: A mining system for remotely mining ores and minerals which protects against falling rock and allows evacuation of a miner and conveying system in the case of a cave in. A shield is advanced into a mine. Within the shield, the miner and conveying system are also advanced into the mine independently from the shield. The shield may be used with miners and conveying systems in common use. The cover of the shield protects the miner and conveying system from falling rock. In the event of a cave in, the shield provides a cavity for safely removing the conveying system and miner from the mine.

Abstract: A dual nozzle hydro-demolition system is mounted on a robot vehicle having a tower, with the robot vehicle and tower permitting the device to be positioned in any desired location on a vertical wall surface. The robot vehicle includes a plurality of tires and a motive power system allowing it to be moved to a desired location. Bearing pads are mounted on jacks allowing the tires of the robot vehicle to be elevated slightly off the ground to preclude undesired movements. A carriage is slidably mounted on a beam and carries dual nozzles, each of which is connected to a supply of high pressure water via a heavy duty hose. The nozzles are rotated using a hydraulic motor. A coupling is provided within the flow circuit from the source of water to the nozzle allowing a conduit adjacent the nozzle to rotate with respect to a conduit receiving water from the source thereof, so that each nozzle can be rotated without any water leakage.

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 mining system for advancing and retrieving a material transfer unit, such as a car, sled, beam or other vehicle commonly used in the mining industry to transport ores or minerals from a mine, into and out of a mine. A single material transfer unit is connected to a winch system which is actuated to advance the unit into the mine. A winch system is actuated to retrieve the unit from the mine with its load of mined product. The load is then removed from the transfer unit outside the mine so that it may be advanced back into the mine to retrieve another load.

Abstract: A mining system for advancing and retrieving a mining vehicle such as a miner, material transfer units or, shields into and out of mines. The system includes a platform from which the vehicle is advanced into a mine by means of a pusher. Subsequent vehicles are placed onto the platform, connected to the preceding vehicle and then advanced into the mine. If desired, shields and a miner or material transfer unit may be simultaneously advanced into the mine in the same manner. To retrieve the vehicle, the pusher is reversed and pulls each vehicle from the mine in reverse order. If desired, the shields may remain in the mine and the miner and transfer units may be pulled from within the shields. The platform further includes a system for removing the mined ore from the transfer units as it is delivered from the mine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an excavator that is operable in manual and automatic modes and uses state machines to effect unit operations, rotationally offset swing actuators to rotate boom and cutter head, a fail safe hydraulic system to maintain gripper pressure in the event of a malfunction of the hydraulic system, differing position and pressure control functions in the hydraulic actuators, a kinematic module to effect pitch and roll adjustments, a cutting face profile generator to generate a profile of the excavation face, and an optimization module to realize a high degree of optimization of excavator operation.

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: 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 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 determining the position of unmanned mining vehicles. According to the method, control marks are provided in the mine, for positioning mining vehicles in production use by means of a marking device, such as a paint sprayer (14), provided in a specific measuring vehicle (3). The invention also relates to a measuring vehicle that is unmanned and comprises a measuring device for measuring a mine and also a marking device for providing a mine gallery with control marks.

Abstract: A highwall mining system of the type wherein multiple conveyor cars are connected together to form a conveyor train which extends into a seam being mined by a mechanical miner located at the inner end of the conveyor train is capable of effective operation in steep dip seams, e.g. up to about 30°, and is constructed so that it can be quickly disassembled, moved, and reassembled and put into operation with minimal downtime.

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 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 mining machine having a position sensing and control apparatus is claimed. The mining machine has a vehicle body having forward and rearward ends and movable along a mine floor. A cutter head is mounted on the forward end of the mining machine for upward and downward movement relative to the vehicle body. A conveyor mounted on the vehicle body conveys material cut by the cutter head. The position sensing and control apparatus has at least one light source and at least one imaging device mounted on the machine. The position sensing and control apparatus captures images of natural features of an interior surface of a mine, digitizes the images and determines the distance between the imaging device and the natural feature to determine positional change of the machine.

Abstract: A mining machine (20) inclu ding a launch vehicle (11) which drives an auger flight (21). The extremity of the Auger flight (21) is a cutter head (22). An inert gas is delivered to adjacent the cutter head (22) by a tube (50). The cutter head (22) is also provided with a ground penetrating radar antenna (42) as well as a microwave transmitting/receiving device (47) which transmits and receives microwave signals for the purposes of controlling the cutter head (22) and transmitting information gathered by means of the antenna (42).

Abstract: A soil compacting machine has a receiver unit that can receive control signals from a transmitter unit to a receiver unit. The transmitter unit can be operated by a user and is separate from the machine. The control signals are then processed into commands and sent to a control mechanism of the machine. Signals originating from the transmitter unit and reflected by the machine are received as safety signals by a receiver connected to the transmitter unit and are tested in relation to at least one distance-dependent parameter. If the parameter which is tested shows that a predetermined safety distance between the machine and the receiver is not respected, the transmission of the control signals or the operation of the machine is interrupted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mining of aggregate 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 advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, the electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against the 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 is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving of aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a measuring and display system for loads applied upon digging blasted earth, which can contribute to accurate blasting. An operating direction of a bucket of an excavator is detected by pressure switches 15,16, while a pressure P.sub.B in a bottom compartment 6S.sub.B of a bucket cylinder is detected by a pressure sensor 17. A processor 23 computes a digging position based on signals from a boom angle sensor 18, an arm angle sensor 19, GPS 20 and a magnetic direction sensor 21, integrates pressures P.sub.B during an ON period of the pressure switch 15, and transmits the thus-integrated pressure together with the digging position to a computer 30. The computer 30 displays a map of a lot under blasting and blasting positions on a display, and on the map, also displays the thus-transmitted digging position by a mark X and the integrated pressure by a numeral. With reference to this integrated pressure, a determination is made as to whether the blasting was proper or improper.

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: Apparatus for controlling the operation of an underground mining system including a continuous miner, a roof bolting machine, a tramming conveyor and a control cab operatively connected to the tramming conveyor. The apparatus includes a master computer processor on the continuous miner and at least one slave computer processor under the direction of the master computer processor for controlling elements of the mining system other than the continuous miner. A pair of parallel data communication highways connect the master computer processor and the slave computer processor and the functional status of the data communication highways is monitored. A radio communication path is provided between the master computer processor and the mining system. The master computer processor operates the mining system in an automatic mining mode of operation when both data communication highways are functional and operates the mining system in a reverse mode of operation if either data communication highway fails to function.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine is provided for mining ultra thin coal seams, e.g. seams having a thickness of about 24 inches or less. A chassis supported by crawler tracks has a substantially horizontal axis powered cutter head mounted to its front and a conveyor extending from a gathering head toward the rear of the chassis. The conveyor includes a conveyor chain driven by at least one motor near the rear of the chassis for driving a sprocket. The gathering head includes a pair of counter-rotating discs with upstanding vanes and a deck having a maximum angle of about 10.degree. with respect to the dimension of elongation of the chassis. A small diameter idler sprocket for the conveyor chain is mounted beneath the deck, and a small diameter drive sprocket is provided for the cutting chain of the cutting head.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a mining system including a continuous miner, a tramming conveyor and a load-out vehicle operatively connected to the tramming conveyor. The apparatus includes a master computer processor on the continuous miner and at least one slave computer processor under the direction of the master computer processor for controlling elements of the mining system other than the continuous miner. A pair of parallel data communication highways connect the master computer processor and the slave computer processor and the functional status of the data communication highways is monitored. A radio communication path is provided between the master computer processor and the mining system. The master computer processor operates the mining system in an automatic mining mode of operation when both data communication highways are functional and operates the mining system in a reverse mode of operation if either data communication highway fails to function.

Abstract: An excavator with a wireless controlled hopper-spreader allows a single operator to strip off topsoil and spread the stripped off soil more or less evenly after a mineable substance such as gravel is removed. The hopper-spreader uses about a fifty foot conveyor and may be totally operated by an operator in the excavator cab. This combination may be both faster and cheaper than a normal dragline operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a mining system including a continuous miner, a tramming conveyor and a load-out vehicle operatively connected to the tramming conveyor. The apparatus includes a master computer processor on the continuous miner and at least one slave computer processor under the direction of the master computer processor for controlling elements of the mining system other than the continuous miner. A pair of parallel data communication highways connect the master computer processor and the slave computer processor and the functional status of the data communication highways is monitored. A radio communication path is provided between the master computer processor and the mining system. The master computer processor operates the mining system in an automatic mining mode of operation when both data communication highways are functional and operates the mining system in a reverse mode of operation if either data communication highway fails to function.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a mining system including a continuous miner, a tramming conveyor and a load-out vehicle operatively connected to the tramming conveyor. The apparatus includes a master computer processor on the continuous miner and at least one slave computer processor under the direction of the master computer processor for controlling elements of the mining system other than the continuous miner. A pair of parallel data communication highways connect the master computer processor and the slave computer processor and the functional status of the data communication highways is monitored. A radio communication path is provided between the master computer processor and the mining system. The master computer processor operates the mining system in an automatic mining mode of operation when both data communication highways are functional and operates the mining system in a reverse mode of operation if either data communication highway fails to function.

Abstract: A mining machine is controlled by a fiber optic controlled remote control system that includes one or more fiber optic cables that extend from a remote control station through a hose supplying water to the mining machine. The fiber optic cables exit the water hose for connection to electrically operated equipment onboard the mining machine. Connectors having sealing glands with apertures therethrough allow for insertion of the cables into the water hose and exiting of the cables from the hose at the mining machine while preventing the escape of water from the hose at the points of insertion and exiting. The fiber optic cable is supported and positioned for movement in the hose to relieve tension on the cable when the hose is stretched.