Abstract: An expander, preferably for use in expanding a host pipe to be refurbished. A floating pad is disposed to be displaced relative to a chassis by at least one retractable and extendable piston such that the expander has a first expansion range between fully-retracted and fully-extended states. A floating pad jacket and a chassis jacket are disposed to be removably attached to the floating pad and chassis, such that the floating pad jacket increases the first expansion range of the expander to a second expansion range when the floating pad jacket is attached to the floating pad, and the chassis jacket increases the first expansion range of the expander to a third expansion range when the chassis jacket is attached to the chassis. At least one piston may be configured to be extended and retracted independently.

Abstract: An underground mining method for unexploited coal in a boundary open-pit mine is provided. A shaft construction platform is arranged at one rock step to two rock steps above a coal seam. Intermediate bridges are built starting from a pit bottom. Mining area clay is laid on a working slope where no intermediate bridge is built and on a side slope with an outcrop of the coal seam as a sealing layer to seal the slopes. Auxiliary vertical shafts and main inclined shafts are dug. The pit bottom is dug downward to form a digging space on a side close to the working slope between two adjacent ones of the intermediate bridges, and clay is filled into the digging space to form an artificial water barrier layer. A roadway communicating the main inclined shafts and the auxiliary vertical shafts is constructed, and a coal seam stope face is arranged.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a six-arm tunneling and anchoring machine for integrating tunneling and anchoring, which includes: a tunneling machine and a roof-bolter connected with each other. The roof-bolter includes roof bolt units, a side bolt unit, and a working platform unit. The tunneling machine includes a frame body, a walking part, a cutting part, a revolving body, a rear support body, a loading mechanism, a conveyor, an electronic control system, a hydraulic system, a spraying system and a cooling system. There are two sets roof bolt units, which are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the frame body, and are located behind a revolving center of the revolving body. Each roof bolt unit is provided with two top anchor bolts.

Abstract: A tunneling apparatus for use in a pipe jacking method including an excavating apparatus, a head front-end track, a middle-section track, and a rear device. The excavating apparatus includes a transmission device and a chain blade. The transmission device includes a driving device and a sprocket. During construction, the chain blade for excavating rock and earth runs on the head front-end track and the middle-section track. The shape of a head excavation face is the same as that of the cross-section of a pipe section. The rear apparatus includes a jacking device mounted in a construction well. The front end of the middle-section track is connected to the head front-end track, and the tail end of the middle-section track is connected to the rear device. During construction, the driving device drives the chain blade, so that the chain blade runs along the tracks. Blades on the head front-end track excavate the ring-shaped rock and earth in a projection part of the cross-section of the pipe section.

Abstract: The invention relates to the longwall face support of an underground mine having supports (plates 1-18), which longwall face support comprises camera housings (35) each having two cameras (36), which record a monitoring area of the face having a plurality of plates in the longitudinal direction of the gallery and the most complete registration possible of the cross section of the gallery. The cameras in a monitoring area are assigned to a common power supply unit (48) for the power supply and are equipped with intrinsically safe electronics. The electronics have a radio device for high-frequency data transfer (transmission and reception) together with antenna 39 (W-LAN antenna) for the wire-free connection to the local camera network (Wireless Local Area Network). Each camera and each camera housing is assigned a camera code and an address code, which is added to the identification data.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus suitable for creating tunnels and subterranean roadways includes independently pivoting supports that each carries a respective independently pivoting arm and a rotatable cutting head. Each cutting head via the supports and arms is configured to slew laterally outward in a sideways direction and to pivot in a vertical upward and downward direction. The supports and arms are mounted on a linear moving sled carried by a main frame.

Abstract: A method for deformation control of large-span tunnel in chlorite schist stratum. The method divides the large deformation of large-span tunnel in chlorite schist stratum into five deformation grades according to the surrounding rock conditions of the tunnel. In response to each deformation grade, the deformation control of large-span tunnel is determined so as to ensure the safety and stability of the tunnel support structure and to avoid the clearance intrusion caused by tunnel deformation.

Abstract: A drilling and bursting heading machine, comprising a drilling and bursting device (1), an angle control device, a forward-backward telescopic device and a cantilever type heading machine (2), wherein the drilling and bursting device (1) is mounted on a forward-backward moving component of the forward-backward telescopic device by means of the angle control device, and the forward-backward telescopic device is mounted on the cantilever type heading machine (2); the drilling and bursting device (1) comprises a fixing support (1-20), as well as a rock drill component and a bursting component fixedly mounted on the fixing support (1-20) respectively; the angle control device comprises a mounting base (1-15), an auxiliary rotary hydraulic motor (1-14), an adjustment hydraulic cylinder (1-13) and a main rotary hydraulic motor (1-12); and when the forward-backward moving component of the forward-backward telescopic device completely extends out, the distance from a front end of the drilling and bursting device (1)

Abstract: A mining machine includes a chassis, a boom, a cutting head, and a shield supported for movement relative to the chassis. The chassis includes a first end and a second end, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The boom includes a first end and a second end, and the boom is supported for movement relative to the chassis. The boom translates in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the chassis between first and second positions. The cutting head is coupled to the second end of the boom and is supported for rotation relative to the boom. The cutting head is rotatable about a cutting head axis. The shield is supported for movement relative to the chassis and positioned proximate the cutting head. In some embodiments, the shield is coupled to a sumping frame supported for movement relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A tunnel excavation technique using a water jet. A water jet system includes a moving unit movable back and forth with respect to an area to be blasted for tunnel excavation, an articulated robot arm mounted on the moving unit, a water jet nozzle which ejects high-pressure water and an abrasive toward an area to be excavated, and a control unit which controls the moving unit, the articulated robot arm and the water jet nozzle. A free face having a predetermined depth is formed of the area to be excavated in the direction in which the tunnel is to be excavated using the water jet system. Since the blasting is performed after the free face is formed, blast vibration can be effectively restricted.

Abstract: A coal caving system (1) including a plurality of shields (3) with canopies (6) which are selectively operated to allow coal to cave onto a rear conveyor (37). In one aspect, the invention provides a shield control method including controlling the shield (3) to automatically open a door (6) associated with a rear canopy of the shield (3) responsive to a position of a shearer of the system.

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: A mining machine including a frame, a cutting head moveably coupled to the frame and pivotable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a first mine surface, and a first actuator for stabilizing the frame relative to the first mine surface. The first actuator is coupled to the frame and includes a first end extendable in a first direction to engage the first mine surface. The extension of the first actuator is automatically controlled based on measurements of at least one indicator of the force between the first actuator and the first mine surface.

Abstract: A tunneling or extraction machine includes cutting tools that are movable over the heading face and are arranged on the boom, and a platform that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the machine and carries roof support devices. The roof support devices include a support manipulator or a supporting device and an anchor-boring and anchor setting device. The anchor-boring and anchor setting device are fastened to the moving platform in a pivotable manner between a parked position and an operating position. The support manipulator or the supporting device has a telescopic arm that is fastened to the movable platform in a vertically pivotable manner, wherein the support manipulator or the supporting device and the anchor-boring and anchor setting device are fastened to the movable platform at a pre-defined, fixed distance apart from one another and are displaceable together with the moving platform between a retracted position and a forwardly displaced position.

Abstract: An EPB shield machine without disc cutter, which includes a partition unit formed by a moveable partition member (30) and a stationary partition member (31), a front shield unit (13) including a cutting unit (1) with cutting head (11) and cutting teeth (12), a shaft member (2) connected to the cutting head (11) and a power transmission unit formed by a transfer case (5), a reducer (6) and a driving motor (7). In the power transmission unit at an upper portion of the machine, the transfer case (5) is fixedly to the moveable partition member (30), a sliding arrangement supports the reducer (6) and the driving motor (7), which are connected to the transfer case (5, and a telescopic cylinder (26) is connected to the sliding arrangement. The machine has advantages of high cutting efficiency, balanced service life, high directional construability and high adaptability to tunnel cross section.

Abstract: Systems for installing roof support sheets on a mine roof. One system includes a support frame, a lifting system, and a feeding system. The support frame holds a plurality of roof support sheets. The lifting system lifts at least one of the sheets from the support frame. The feeding system obtains the at least one sheet from the lifting system and feeds the at least one sheet toward an installation apparatus for installation on the mine roof. The lifting system includes a shoe and at least one arm for moving the shoe to engage and move the at least one sheet. The feeding system includes a drive assembly and a support. The drive assembly engages and moves the at least one sheet toward the installation apparatus, and the support supports the at least one sheet moved by the drive assembly.

Abstract: A roll of grid material for mine roof support, and a mining machine in combination with such a roll, in which the roll has bands of adhering material injected or otherwise forced into the roll in spaced locations along the roll's width. The adhering material interconnects the overlapped layers within the roll and is sufficiently strong to hold the grid material in the rolled configuration for transport and storage, and yet is readily pulled apart in response to sufficient manual or mechanical pressure applied against the roll, or tension applied to the unwound portion thereof, so as to enable the grid material to be incrementally unwound and installed in the mine. The rolls can be installed using a range of mining machines without need for any specialized dispensing or other apparatus mounted on the machine and without the need for any mechanical device to control unwinding.

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.

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 methods for use in a mining operation include advancing a continuous miner towards an angled face that extends from a headgate to a tailgate; and performing an angled cutting turn in which the continuous miner turns less than 90°.

Abstract: A longwall mining system includes at least one face end roof support having a longitudinal length, and at least one near end roof support adjacent the face end roof support. The near end roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the face end roof support longitudinal length. There is also at least one face roof support adjacent the near end roof support, and the face roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the near end roof support longitudinal length. There is also a forward conveyor extending forward to and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support, and a rearward conveyor extending rearward of and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support.

Abstract: A method for controlling a longwall mining operation, including a face conveyor, at least one extraction machine, and a hydraulic shield support, in underground coal mining. Using inclination sensors disposed on at least three of the four main components of each shield support frame, such as floor skid, gob shield, support connection rods, and gob-side region of the top canopy, the inclination of the shield components relative to horizontal is ascertained in the direction of step. In a computer, the ascertained inclination data is compared with base data stored in the computer that defines the geometrical orientation of the components and their movement during stepping. From the comparison, a respective height of the shield support frame, at the forward end of the top canopy, is calculated as a measure for the face opening.

Abstract: A longwall mining system includes at least one face end roof support having a longitudinal length, and at least one near end roof support adjacent the face end roof support. The near end roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the face end roof support longitudinal length. There is also at least one face roof support adjacent the near end roof support, and the face roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the near end roof support longitudinal length. There is also a forward conveyor extending forward to and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support, and a rearward conveyor extending rearward of and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for forming an underground tunnel. The apparatus comprises a cutting head for removing material from a wall portion of the tunnel and thereby forming a portion of the tunnel. Further, the apparatus comprises a support structure for supporting a previously formed portion of the tunnel. The support structure is arranged to provide a supporting force against a surface of the tunnel when stationary and when being moved along the tunnel. Further, the apparatus comprises a conveyor for conveying removed material from the cutting head to a location remote from the cutting head during formation of the portion of the tunnel.

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; wherein the mining personnel operate the computerized control panel to 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 roll of grid material for mine roof support, and a mining machine in combination with such a roll, in which the roll has bands of adhering material injected or otherwise forced into the roll in spaced locations along the roll's width. The adhering material interconnects the overlapped layers within the roll and is sufficiently strong to hold the grid material in the rolled configuration for transport and storage, and yet is readily pulled apart in response to sufficient manual or mechanical pressure applied against the roll, or tension applied to the unwound portion thereof, so as to enable the grid material to be incrementally unwound and installed in the mine. The rolls can be installed using a range of mining machines without need for any specialized dispensing or other apparatus mounted on the machine and without the need for any mechanical device to control unwinding.

Abstract: A selective cutting machine 1 suitable for use in mining. It comprises a machine frame 3, which has a cutting device 5 arranged on a swivel arm 4 at its end pointing towards the breast. There is a control station 6, an electric unit 9 and/or a drilling/anchoring unit 2 designed as a compact station 10, as viewed in a longitudinal axis direction, side by side on the machine frame 3. FIG. 1 is to be provided for publication.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position and/or location of plant components of a mining extracting plant, which includes at least one face conveyor, a shield-type support system having a plurality of shield-type support frames and an extracting machine, the position/location of at least one plant component is determined by an evaluation system including a detection unit. To determine the location/position of at least one plant component even in the case of a dynamic mineral mining process, the detection unit includes an image sensor, by way of which at least four object points, which are at a predetermined spacing to each other and are detectable within the optical wavelength range, of at least one measuring object associated with one of the plant components, are detected and the position/location of the plant component can be determined from the projection of the object points detected by the image sensor.

Abstract: An underground boring machine includes a vehicle frame, a boom, and a boring cutter head. The boom includes a first end coupled to the vehicle frame and a second end. The boring cutter head includes a rotary joint, a first arm, and a second arm angularly spaced apart from the first arm. The rotary joint defines an axis of rotation and supports the boring cutter head for rotation with respect to the second end of the boom. The first arm includes a first end coupled to the rotary joint, a second end, and at least one disc cutter coupled to the first arm and oriented to engage the wall. The first arm extends from the first end toward the second end in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The second arm includes a first end coupled to the rotary joint, a second end, and at least one disc cutter coupled to the second arm and oriented to engage the wall. The second arm extends from the first end toward the second end in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A miner communication and locating system is disclosed. Two technologies used in the system include a communicator, and a locator array that may be used with a computer. The communicator portion allows trapped miners to continually signal without physical effort that they have survived a cave-in or explosion in a direct, mechanical, and reliable manner. The locator array receives the communicator signal for use to accurately identify where the survivors are underground, and facilitate their rescue; a computer can be used to calculate the position of the communicator from information provided by a plurality of locators: global positioning system receivers may be used with the locator array.

Abstract: In a heading machine (1) including a-machine frame (2) equipped with a travelling mechanism (3), a cutter boom (7) mounted so as to be pivotable in the height direction and carrying cutting tools (9), a preferably liftable and lowerable haulage device (11), and a supporting device for bracing the heading machine (1) within the road, wherein the supporting device includes a vertical support equipped with props that are braceable between the roof and the floor and to which support plates (14) are articulately joined on the roof and floor sides, as well as a longitudinal support connecting the roof-side end of the vertical support with the machine frame (2) and carrying a dust exhaust system, the dust exhaust system is held in a frame (23) that is mounted on the longitudinal support so as to be pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis (24).

Abstract: A method for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like with a driving device (1; 2; 15), including: that a cutting head (4) rotating around a general axis of rotation (R) and having cutting elements directed essentially radially outwardly is applied against a rock surface to be worked. The rock cutting elements (13), are formed on cutting rolls (7) are brought to roll against the rock side during pressing against the rock and rotation of the cutting head (4), and the rock cutting elements during rolling are brought to cut sidewardly arranged grooves in the rock surface at a distance from each other. The invention also concerns a rotatable cutting head and a device and a rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like.

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: In a supporting device (2) for an advance working or mining machine (1), including support props (3) and at least one roof bar (4), the roof bar(s) (4), on their sides facing away from the support props (3), include(s) a plurality of support cylinders (5) with support stops, which can be separately braced against the roof.

Abstract: A longwall mining system includes at least one face end roof support having a longitudinal length, and at least one near end roof support adjacent the face end roof support. The near end roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the face end roof support longitudinal length. There is also at least one face roof support adjacent the near end roof support, and the face roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the near end roof support longitudinal length. There is also a forward conveyor extending forward to and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support, and a rearward conveyor extending rearward of and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support.

Abstract: In a heading machine (1, 24) with at least one cutting unit with a rotatably mounted tool holder (10, 39) with disc tools (11, 12, 40, 41), which tool holder is connected in a pivotable manner to the machine frame, the heading machine (1, 24) has a running gear, in particular a crawler track (2), the tool holder (10, 39) is mounted rotatably on an arm (6, 26), which can be pivoted in the vertical direction and the rotational axis (9) of the tool holder (10, 39) runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm (6, 26).

Abstract: A tunnel boring machine is provided comprising a cutter head, a main beam, a first, second, and third shield; and a ground conditioning work zone within the first shield, a gripper assembly, a segment erector arm for lining the tunnel, and at least one propulsion mechanism. The ground conditioning work zone includes at least one probing device for probing the terrain ahead of the cutter head. The first shield is configured to be retracted relative to the second shield to provide access for the ground conditioning work zone to apply at least one ground support device. The at least one propulsion mechanism moves the cutter head, the first and the second shield forward while the third shield and the gripper assembly remain stationary. The ground support devices can include filling a hole with a ground conditioning agent; and placing a bolt, ring beam, mesh, or shotcrete in/on the tunnel wall.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a light source and a roof support guide for detecting the relative angular alignment between the mining machine and the roof support. The light source in the form of a laser on the mining machine, directed toward the roof support. The roof support guide is on the roof support above the mining machine, so that when the alignment between the mining machine and the roof support is as desired, light from the light source falls in a predetermined location relative to the roof support guide. When the mining machine is not in proper alignment with the roof support, the light source does not fall within the predetermined location relative to the roof support guide.

Abstract: In a heading machine (1) including a machine frame equipped with a travelling mechanism (2), a cutting boom (3) carrying cutting tools (5,8,10), and a hauling means (19) extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine beyond the rear end of the machine frame, the cutting tools (5,8,10) are formed by at least two rotating cutting heads (5) having axes of rotation (6) extending in the heading direction or enclosing acute angles with the heading direction, and a unit (21) capable of being trailed behind the machine frame and having a passage cross-section (33) for the hauling means (19) is hingedly connected to the machine frame by the aid of hydraulic piston cylinder units (29,30), which unit comprises at least one anchor boring and setting device (23), and at least one supporting device (24) which is braceable against the roof (7) and the floor (9), each on both sides of the hauling means (19).

Abstract: In a full-cut heading machine including a drill head (1) for hard rock, which is rotationally mounted about an axis of rotation (6) extending in the driving direction, as well as downstream extraction tools (5) for producing a floor widened in the floor region, the downstream extraction tools (5) are arranged on the shells, and optionally end faces, of rollers (3, 4) rotationally mounted transversely to the axis of rotation (6) of the drill head (1).

Abstract: In a roadheading or mining machine including cutting tools movable over the mine face and roof bolt drilling and setting devices, at least two roof bolt drilling and setting devices are pivotally connected with the machine laterally outside the longitudinal central plane of the machine. The roof bolt drilling and setting devices are pivotally supported on a bolting platform capable of being displaced in the longitudinal direction of the machine, or on an element connected with the bolting platform.

Abstract: A prop head bearing between the roof bar and the prop (4) of a shield-type support frame, comprising a ball-joint socket (3) on the roof bar and open towards the prop for receiving a ball-joint head (2) on the prop (4), with at least one movable securing element (6, 7) which, when in a secured position, engages in a recess (12, 13) in the joint head (2) to prevent accidental lifting of the joint head (2) out of the socket (3), and with a bolt which locks the securing element (6, 7) in the secured position, in which that the securing element is in the form of a securing pin (6, 7) movable along its longitudinal axis between the secured position and an assembly position, wherein the securing pin (6, 7) is lockable by the bolt (14, 19) in the assembly position, in which it does not engage in the recess (12, 13) in the joint head (2).

Abstract: A method and device for drilling and setting adhesive anchor bolts close to the mine face during the cutting operation of a tunneling or mining machine which is capable of being displaced on a traveling mechanism and includes a cutting cylinder or cutting head rotationally mounted on a cantilever arm pivotable in a vertical direction, and optionally in a horizontal direction. The method is carried out in a manner where the substantially horizontal forward movement of the cantilever arm at break-in cutting is detected and a signal is generated during break-in cutting to block commencement of a working cycle for drilling and anchoring. A controller (16) for excavation of material on the mine face is networked with a controller (15) for actuation of the anchor drilling and setting device (10) via radio, electrical or optical lines (17).

Abstract: The extraction machine for underground ore extraction operations, with extraction of the extraction product by blasting has an advancing support equipment (11) and a face conveyor (18) coupled to it as well as at least one boring device (26) for the production of shot holes (23) and a loading device (27) to supply the face conveyor (18) with the blast rock loosened by blasting, whereby the boring device (26) and the loading device (27) are assigned to a common boring and loading machine (24), which can be driven along the face conveyor (18) at right angles to the direction of mining in the direction towards the rock face (20) running parallel to the direction of mining, or away from this.

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 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: A drive steel member for driving engagement with a rotary drilling machine, including a chuck adapter having main body and chuck seating means and being constructed and arranged in fixed, sealed relation on one end of the drive steel member.

Abstract: A continuous miner having a cutting head and a conveyor mounted on a moveable chassis, the miner including a shovel mounted on a supporting structure, the shovel being translatable relative to the miner, and means for translating the shovel relative to the moveable chassis so as to be able to be moved from a rearward location to a forward location relative to the moveable chassis.

Abstract: A mining machine having a stabilizing apparatus includes a mining machine and a stabilizing apparatus attached to the mining machine. The stabilizing apparatus includes a stabilizing element and a moving arm attached to the stabilizing element and the mining machine for raising the stabilizing element above and lowering the stabilizing element into contact with a mine floor.