Abstract: A teleoperated mining system is provided for remotely controlling the various machines involved with thin seam mining. A thin seam continuous miner located at a mining face includes a camera mounted thereon and a slave computer for controlling the miner and the camera. A plurality of sensors for relaying information about the miner and the face to the slave computer. A slave computer controlled ventilation sub-system which removes combustible material from the mining face. A haulage sub-system removes material mined by the continuous miner from the mining face to a collection site and is also controlled by the slave computer. A base station, which controls the supply of power and water to the continuous miner, haulage system, and ventilation systems, includes cable/hose handling module for winding or unwinding cables/hoses connected to the miner, an operator control module, and a hydraulic power and air compressor module for supplying air to the miner.

Abstract: A redundant remote control system for use on a continuous miner having a radio remote control system for the remote control of a continuous miner. The radio remote control system having switches, a multiplexer, a radio transmitter, a radio receiver, a demultiplexer, and a radio interface. The redundant remote control system includes a second system for controlling the same continuous miner, and includes a second transmitter, a second multiplexer, a second receiver, and a second demultiplexer. The second system may be a radio, a fiber optic or electrical cable remote control system.

Abstract: A direct view remote control method, and a corresponding transmitter and receiver assembly, for rapid and reliable transmission of simultaneous orders to a works machine such as for mines and quarries. Orders from a driver are converted into binary signals; a sequential binary signal is elaborated therefrom so that each sequence comprises synchronization bits with a synchronization binary periodic signal and information bits occupied by a biphased encoded binary signal representative of said binary signals; Amplitude of carrier wave is modulated by said sequential binary signal so as to form a remote control signal to be transmitted; after reception thereof the sequential signal is restored and, through recognition therein of the synchronization signal, converted into appropriate electric signals for the machine.

Abstract: A highwall mining machine having a power head located on a bench adjacent the highwall and a cutter head operable to cut a mined hole into a coal seam when thrust forward by the cutter head through an intervening compression beam multisection includes sensors for measuring the inclination of the cutter head and the cutter drum boom on the cutter head for the taking of multiple measurements of the hole position and the coal thickness as the hole is being mined. The data is stored for consecutive mined holes. A display is generated to produce a map of the hole and seam boundaries for the operator so that the operator can set or override programmed settings of the machine controls in further guiding the machine. The data also produces automatic computations of mined coal amount, coal mining rate, and unmined coal remaining or of the recovery rate.

Abstract: A coal wining plough in a longwall working employs adjustable floor cutters mounted on curved carriers displaced in guideways on the body of the plough. Wedges abut on the upper ends of the carriers and are moved by hydraulic piston and cylinder units to set the position of the floor cutters and define the cutting level adopted by the plough. The units are operated with the aid of valves which respond to an electronic control device. Command signals from a remote control station are transmitted as by a radio to the plough to set up the electronic control device. Sensors on the plough provide electrical signals representing the position of the interface between the coal face and the floor and these signals are transmitted back to the control station. In a control sequence the plough runs along the seam and the sensor(s) provide signals relayed to the control station which also receives signals representing the distance moved by and/or the position of the plough.

Abstract: A power supply system for a drum-cutter mining machine utilized in longwall mining operations. Three-phase electrical power is supplied to a rectifier circuit positioned remote from the mining machine to rectify the three-phase electrical power. Rectified electrical power is supplied to the mining machine through cables, whereat the electrical power is inverted by inverters. Power transistors are coupled between the inverters and the respective motors of the mining machine. Positioning the rectifier remote from the mining machine allows the body of the mining machine to be of reduced dimensions.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for mapping mine excavation or tunnel entry conditions by mounting an array of sensors on a vehicle some of which provide knowledge of the vehicle location in the entry and others of which provide knowledge of entry conditions and by interpreting data collected from the sensors, a map can be generated of the entry strata for a given vehicle location in the entry. This map can be compared with similarly generated maps to indicate changes in the entry condition.

Abstract: A two-way communication system for transmitting command signals to and receiving operating data from a winning machine utilized in underground mining operations. The system includes a send-receive facility positioned remote from the winning machine for transmitting command information to the winning machine. A receiving means is positioned at the winning machine for receiving signals sent by the send-receive facility, and a transmitting means is positioned at the winning machine for transmitting signals corresponding to operating data of the winning machine. The send-receive facility receives the information transmitted by the transmitting means, and a separable memory is separably attached to the send-receive facility for storing such operating data and the command information. Because the memory is separable, the memory may be removed to allow the data contained therein to be analyzed at a remote location.

Abstract: A method for remotely controlling the mechanical functions of a coal cutting machine's electrohydraulic system which utilizes a medium frequency remote control communication system and a coal-rock interface sensor. The coal-rock interface sensor is a shielded resonant horizontal loop antenna.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydraulically mining a location using a hydraulic monitor which has horizontal and vertical positionable control apparatus. The hydraulic monitor is connected to a source of high pressure water. Distance and direction measuring equipment are mounted on the monitor and controlled in a manner to scan the location. The output from the distance and direction measuring equipment is inputted to a computer and a visual video display monitor. The computer converts the information from the distance and direction measuring equipment to a visual representation of the cavity being mined. The hydraulic monitor includes a means for diverting the high velocity jet during the distance measuring period so that the water pressure is not varied in the high pressure pipe and the mined material is continuously washed toward the collection apparatus during the measuring period. All hydraulic monitor functions are controlled from remote operator location.

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

Abstract: An earth boring machine and method are disclosed. An above-ground reference line, such as a laser beam, is established for a hole to be bored. The direction of the reference line is detected. The direction of a cutting head of the boring machine in a bore hole is detected and signals of the detected direction are transmitted to a control unit for comparison with the reference line direction. The boring machine is controlled with, for example, cam actuated adjustable peripheral cutters on the cutting head so that the direction of the boring machine can be adjusted to that of the reference line.

Abstract: A driving shield having a shield shell and a transverse wall for defining a work chamber, and a removal arm pivotally journalled on the transverse wall. The removal arm has a removal tool for mining or removing a face wall which also delimits the work chamber. A pressure medium supply is provided for attaining a support pressure in the work chamber. Material worked away from the face wall is removed by a discharge conduit arranged essentially along the bottom of the shield shell. The work or material-removing arm is journalled on the transverse wall in the pneumatic pressure duct, and the pressure medium supply is embodied as a pneumatic conduit. A sealing medium application device is movably coupled with the work arm, and the delivery nozzle of the device is directed upon the immediate surroundings at the free end of the removal tool.

Abstract: A shearer-type mineral winning machine has three-phase a.c. motors on its main body for driving cutting drums and for propelling the machine along a mineral face. The frequency of the a.c. power supplied to the motor which serves to move the machine is varied and controlled in dependence on the operation of the cutting drums. Electronic control means for monitoring the performance of the cutting drums and for controlling the frequency of the a.c. power supplied to the machine drive motor are located in a control station in a protected position in a gallery remote from the machine and power is supplied to the machine via cables and/or bus bars.

Abstract: A mining machine for performing a continuous mining operation in hard rock. The operating portions of the machine are mounted on substantial deck sections hingedly connected to each other to promote maneuverability of the machine in confined spaces. A mining implement capable of breaking ore from the solid is mounted on a rotatable, extensible boom and broken ore is collected by power operated means also provided on the machine. The machine may be adapted for remote operation through a remote hydraulic and/or electric control and may be provided with optional wheels or alternatively may be self propelled.

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 mining apparatus for excavating material from an earth formation having a miner which is removably connectable to a carrier by a coupling assembly, the mining apparatus including other carriers which are interconnected by the coupling assembly of the present invention. The coupling assembly includes a male connector and a female connector, the male connector being disposable in a portion of the female connector in an insert position and the male connector being movable from the insert position to a connected position for interconnecting the male and the female connectors.

Abstract: A method of recovering particulate material from a seam of such material within the earth bounded above and below by different material which comprises the steps of positioning in mining relation to the seam a continuous mining machine having a power driven mechanism thereon for moving the machine through successive seam material cutting cycles which include an advancing movement along a mined entry within the seam in a direction toward the working face of the seam; illuminating portions of the space surrounding the continuous mining machine including portions of the working face disposed forwardly thereof and adjacent portions of the roof, floor and side walls of the mined entry rearwardly of the working face; establishing electromagnetic signals indicative of the appearance of the illuminated portions of the working face of the seam and the adjacent portions of the roof, floor and side walls; transmitting the established electromagnetic signals to a remote control station; converting at the remote control s

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system for detecting an interface between a mineral seam and the surrounding earth formation utilizing a radiation source and a radiation receiver mounted on a miner having a positionable cutter assembly. As the miner is moved into the coal seam, a first distance is continuously sensed between one surface formed in the mineral seam by the miner cutter assembly and the surrounding earth formation and the miner cutter assembly is positioned in response to the sensed first distance. As the miner is withdrawn from the coal seam, a second distance is continuously sensed between one surface formed in the mineral seam by the miner cutter assembly and the surrounding earth formation and the miner cutter assembly is positioned in response to the sensed second distance.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe system controls all miner hydraulic and electrical functions from a hand held miner remote control pendant. Pendant control devices provide on/off control signals to interfaces with miner drive and pump controllers, as well as a group of .+-.6 VDC differential proportional and on/off control signals to respective electronic valve drivers. Valve driver outputs are fed to respective force motors on pilot stage valves which control each hydraulic function. Each valve driver output is modified by offset and dither signals to overcome power stage valve dead band and frictional characteristics. Pilot stage valves have an internal feedback sleeve coacting with a pilot valve spool in a hydraulic servo circuit. Pilot stage valves operate in a pilot oil system which may be isolated from power oil systems.

Abstract: The novel apparatus comprises a first, power unit module of limited mobility and a second, bolter unit which is flexibly and disengageably coupled to the first unit by means of an umbilical line. In one embodiment of the invention, the power module comprises the controls whereat and from when the satellite bolter is (remotely) operated, and in an alternate embodiment, the satellite bolter itself includes controls and a control station for an operator to be accommodated thereat, to control the bolter directly.

Abstract: A shield type hydraulic tunnel boring machine having means for detecting an occurrence of excess excavation due to accidental collapse in tunnel face ground apt to occur during tunnel boring works through soft and unstable ground and for further determining the location, shape, scale and the like of such excess excavation occurred is provided. The means comprises optimumly a plurality of ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving devices disposed as spaced at least along a radial line on the front surface of a substantially disk shaped rotary cutter head of the machine for transmitting ultrasonic waves in forward and upward directions and receiving reflected waves from tunnel face ground wall, a wave transmission and reception controlling means, and a transmission-to-reception time interval detecting means for determining distances from the respective wave transmitting and receiving devices to the ground wall.

Abstract: An improved mining apparatus for excavating material, such as coal, for example, from an earth formation, such as a coal seam, for example, wherein a miner, having a forward and a rearward cutter, is guided through the coal seam and excavates a borehole therein, the borehole being filled with a working fluid during the operation of the miner, the working fluid facilitating the operation of the miner and providing a vehicle for removing the mined material. Substantially all of the operations of the miner are controlled from the earth's surface thereby eliminating the necessity and accompanying hazards and costs involved in utilizing personnel underground during the mining operations.

Abstract: A mining machine is provided which incorporates a detachable cab construction. The mining machine includes a clamping mechanism including a pair of a clamping hook assemblies for releasably clamping the cab body, and a lift cylinder for raising and lowering the cab body. In operation, the cab is detached from the mining machine in a safe area and the mining machine trammed into a mining position. The cab is equipped with remote controls so that operation of the mining machine can be controlled from the cab while the latter is located in a safe area. A safety interlock system prevents operation of local machine-mounted controls until the cab is re-mounted on the mining machine.

Abstract: A shaft is formed from ground level downwardly to a subterranean seam of coal or other solids following preliminary survey procedures to locate the seam and establish its dimensions. A passage is cut radially into the coal seam and away from the shaft near the bottom thereof while coal cuttings are removed and delivered to ground level. The seam is then cut on an arcuate path centered on said shaft along the entire length of the radial passage while coal cuttings continue to be removed and delivered through the shaft to ground level. The mining apparatus is modular and comprises plural mining modules to be placed in the coal seam by a placement and advancing unit which is lowered in the shaft. A rotational driving unit is subsequently lowered in the shaft to drive coupled mining modules in unison through the coal seam on said arcuate path.

Abstract: The method of mining coal entails the use of crude petroleum under high pressure together with elevated temperatures in hydraulic fashion to produce a hybrid oil-coal fuel. A powerful stream of oil is aimed at sections of coal strata to disintegrate the coal. The resultant slurry can be recycled for reuse in the mining operation with provisions being made for screening out the larger coal particles. When the oil-coal slurry reaches the desired consistency, it can be pumped for storage or pipeline delivery to consumers or processing plants.

Abstract: A pair of side-by-side augers, each having a shaft, a mateable rotational coupling on each end of the shaft, and flights along the shaft, are unitized by journaling bearings on each end of the shaft with spacers pivotally attached between each of the bearings on the same end of the shaft in order to align the axis of the shafts substantially parallel with each other. A longitudinal support member is rigidly secured between the spacers and between each of the flightings. A communications channel is provided in such a unitized auger assembly by mounting a channel along the top of the longitudinal support member. Apparatus is provided for inserting and removing the cable from the channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to excavating apparatus for use in the mining of bituminous sands, oil shale or other friable mineral deposits, and particularly adaptable for use in the "Fixed Arch Shield" mining technique. The excavating apparatus of the invention comprises a supporting framework having at least one excavator carrying member; guide means associated with that member; excavator support means constrained by the guide means for movement longitudinally of the member; means such as a hydraulic ram, for affecting movement of the support within the guide means; arm means pivotally mounted at an end thereof to the support means, and independent drive motors to affect rotation of the arm about its pivot and the ore cutting device respectively.

Abstract: A mining machine comprises a laterally elongated cutting head including means 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.

Abstract: A self-propelled body portion has spaced parallel vertical plate members that form a longitudinal passageway in which is positioned an endless conveyor. The conveyor includes a material receiving end portion that is maintained in underlapping relationship with the conveyor of a continuous mining machine that dislodges material from the face of the mine and deposits the material onto the receiving end portion of the conveyor. The conveyor transfers the mined material longitudinally of the body portion to a discharging end portion that pivots about a vertical axis relative to the main conveyor and discharges the mined material into a shuttle car. A pair of horizontally extensible drill booms are pivotally mounted to opposed sides of the body portion to swing laterally toward and away from the body portion.

Abstract: Coal mining apparatus for removing subterranean material with minimal disruption of the overburden includes a mobile underground mining machine having rotary cutters mounted on the front of the machine for drilling coal in a coal deposit. The underground machine is track driven with an overhead protective shield to support the overburden above the machine as it digs into the coal deposit. The protective shield is slanted downward toward the rear of the mining machine to gradually lower the overburden as the mining machine passes under, thus replacing the excavated coal while minimizing disturbances on the surface. An elevator shaft is mounted on the underground mining machine and extends vertically upward to the earth's surface. A mobile track vehicle is attached to the elevator shaft at the surface and is coordinated to move in synchronization with the underground mining machine.

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.