Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus is provided comprising: a base; a lift carriage supported by the base; and a lift arm, pivotably connected to the base for raising and lowering the lift carriage. The apparatus further comprises a floating pivot mechanism coupling the lift arm to the lift carriage and having a position that is adjustable for collinear and independent axial movement along a longitudinal axis of the lift carriage and along a longitudinal axis of the lift arm. The lift arm and lift carriage each comprise a respective adjustment mechanism to actuate the collinear axial movement of the floating pivot mechanism position.

Abstract: A method and rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like. The rig has a movable base unit that over a support unit supports a carrying unit which in turn carries a cutting head having outwardly directed cutting elements. The method includes rotating the cutting head around a general axis of rotation and applying the cutting head against a rock surface to be worked. The carrying unit is swung into a first chosen mutual position in respect of the support unit. The support unit is rotated into a second chosen mutual position with respect to the base unit around an axis that is essentially longitudinal with respect to the base unit. An angle of operation of the cutting head is controllable.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting concrete curbs or other fixed structures includes an articulated saw support operable to move a saw to position the saw blade in horizontal or vertical planes or canted relative to one or both of the horizontal and vertical planes.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed, for making a groove into a ceiling, wall or floor. The machine has a powered truck-like vehicle having a support base and an apparatus mounted on the base. The apparatus has two parallel spaced-apart booms pivotally mounted on the base and a holding head slidably mounted on each boom. An elongated main rail mounted on the heads in such a way that it may rotate about a longitudinal axis parallel to itself. A saw carrier is mounted on the main rail and a motorized saw is mounted on the saw carrier. The saw carrier can move along the main rail and the saw can be displaced on the saw carrier in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The main rail is mounted on the heads with curved support members which are each pivotally connected to the respective head for rotation about the longitudinal axis. Each curved support member has a first end on which the main rail is mounted, so as to allow the main rail to pivot about a transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine for excavating a longitudinal shaft or tunnel underneath the surface of the earth. The machine has a working platform that mounted on the transport mechanism, and a cutter platform is mounted to the working platform. The cutter platform pivots on the working platform, such that the cutter platform moves in a reciprocating, arcuate movement around the forward end of the working platform. A cutter member mounted to the cutter platform through a cutter mounting module moves in a reciprocating, linear motion on the cutter platform. The cutter member is capable of performing a forward, backward and circular cutting pattern. The machine is capable of roof bolting operations simultaneous with the cutting operation. The machine is mounted to the transport mechanism to pivot about a vertical axis through the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A crawler track mounted mining machine having a frame and an adjustable jib carrying an endless cutting chain having cutters and loading flights mounted on the frame. A bridge on the frame and spaced arms having one end pivotally connected to the bridge and the other end supporting a front plate upon which the jib is adjustably mounted by a rotatable bearing supporting a cross member which carries hinges pivotally supporting the jib. Hydraulic rams extend between the cross member and the jib to rotate the jib between a vertical position and a horizontal position and a hydraulic ram extends between the rotatable bearing and the front plate to rotate the front plate and the jib in a horizontal plane between a position perpendicular to the crawler tracks and a position parallel to the crawler tracks. Hydraulic rams extend between the bridge and the arms to raise and lower the arms and the jib relative to the frame.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine comprising an elongated conveyor assembly for continuously conveying coal cut from a coal seam rearwardly away from the face of the coal seam being cut having a frame structure associated therewith. A power driven cutting assembly is disposed forwardly with respect to the frame structure for cutting coal from the coal seam for conveyance rearwardly by the conveyor assembly. A pair of power driven endless track units is provided for mounting the cutting and conveyor assemblies for movement between a tramming position wherein the assemblies are supported on power driven endless track units in a generally balanced condition for transport within the mine and an operative cutting position wherein the assemblies are moved forwardly in a generally unbalanced condition.

Abstract: A cutting (winning) machine comprises a frame which is provided with a pair of endless drive tracks. A mast is pivotally mounted on the frame for movement between an upright working position and a non-working position (in which it lies substantially flat on the frame). The frame also supports a platform, which is also pivotal relative thereto in the vertical plane. A carriage is arranged to move along the mast, the carriage supporting a cutting head such as a shearer drum. The mast can be positioned in an upright position at either end of the frame, so that the machine can carry out work in both directions of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for digging deep vertical walled trenches in solid rock such as limestone. The apparatus comprises a base supported by four crawler type traction means. A turntable is translatably carried by the base and in turn supports a prime mover and a pivoted extendable boom including means for rotating the boom about its longitudinal axis. A dual cutter is supported on the end of the thus articulated boom and is assembled so that the outermost cutter teeth are wider than any other part of the boom assembly. The trenching method includes cutting a pair of narrow slots by means of the rock saws and then removing material between the slots.