Abstract: The openpit mining device includes a cantilever arm which is swivellable around a horizontal axis and carries a support or tool carriage. The support or tool carriage is shiftably supported in a transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the cantilever arm and has tools rotatably supported on it. For this purpose, the head of the cantilever arm carries a rod-type guide and the tool carriage or support carries a rod-type guide. The guide rods are mutually interconnected with interposition of an intermediate carrier. The shifting drive is provided by hydraulic cylinder-piston-aggregates which are arranged between the intermediate carrier and the head and between the intermediate carrier and the support.

Abstract: Apparatus for excavating a tunnel of generally quadrilateral cross-section, the apparatus comprising a cutting head having the head being mounted for rotation about a first axis and a second axis to change the angle of inclination of the cutter. The cutter may be retracted on its support and may be moved transversely of the excavation on a slide, horizontally. It may be moved vertically by mounting the head on an arm pivotally mounted or in another embodiment by mounting the head on a vertically movable carrier carried on a slide. This can be used for excavating by making a set of cuts at various angles; first and second slots are generally parallel at the face but the first slots are inclined to the second, and to the face, so that they intersect. A third set of slots may intersect the first and second sets (for example, vertically) to separate the material from the face in convenient-sized blocks.

Abstract: There is disclosed a powered truck-like vehicle having a support base at the back and an apparatus for cutting street or road pavement. A length-wise-extensible boom is mounted at one end on the base so that it can extend laterally of the vehicle. An elongated rail structure is mounted on the other end of the boom in a manner such that it can be moved alongside the boom. A saw carrier, mounted on the rail structure so that it can be displaced along it, is provided with a rotary pavement cutting saw that can be displaced relative to the rail structure to cut pavement. The vehicle may further comprise a second lengthwise-extensible boom fixed to the base so as to project laterally from it at right angle to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a machine including a powered truck-like vehicle having a support base and an apparatus mounted on the base for cutting a drive-in passage across a curbstone, a sidewalk or the like. The apparatus comprises two spaced parallel booms mounted at one end on the base and rail-structure-holding heads connected to the booms and displaceable along them. A rail structure including an elongated upper suspension member, having a non-circular cross section, is mounted on the heads by extension of the suspension member through rotary pillow blocks of the heads of which the cylinders have like non-circular bores. A linkage powered mechanism, interconnecting the heads and the suspension member, allows oscillation of the latter about its longitudinal axis and consequently oscillation of the rail structure of which it is a part. A power jack allows shifting of the rail structure laterally with respect to the booms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of a universally swivellable cutting arm of a partial cut cutting machine of the kind including a first hydraulic drive for lifting and lowering the cutting arm in order to preselect the depth of cut and a further hydraulic drive for swivelling the cutting arm transversely relative to the direction of lifting movement and lowering movement, wherein the time interval elapsed for actuating one of the drives and/or the volumetric amount of pressurized fluid supplied to each of the drives is measured and wherein, in dependence on the desired preselected depth of cut and after having attained the time interval of actuating one drive required for the preselected depth of cut or after having attained the volumetric amount for the displacement in direction of the preselected depth of cut, supply of pressurized fluid to the first drive is closed and only the supply of pressurized fluid to the further drive is released.

Abstract: Sectional cutting machine used to cut a curved gallery cross-section in underground mining and tunneling operations with cutting rollers arranged in a movable way in regard to the machine frame. The machine is characterized by the circumstance, that to cut the upper layer (10) and the gallery roof (11), an upper roller (2) configured as a frontal surface roller is used. The roller is moved on a support arm (4) along a rotation axis (6) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The lower layer is cut by a lower roller (3), configured as a lateral cutting roller with even front surfaces (9) of the roller bodies (8). This lower roller (3) is moved along a predetermined, even path, which is parallel to the gallery bed (17).

Abstract: There is provided a continuous mining system comprising at least one chassis, boom arrangement for supporting a continuous miner cutting head, roadheader turntable assembly and, optionally, drilling machine. The latter three items are adapted so that each of them can be removably mounted on any one of the at least one chassis. This enables a continuous mining operation to be carried out without the need to remove the whole of the mining machine if hard rock is encountered.

Abstract: The apparatus for making a substantially vertical slot in the ground, especially in a single operation in making a sealing or supporting wall, comprises a machine frame with a rectangular cross section guided in the slot in the ground with a plurality of guide surfaces and at least one driven cutting wheel positioned at the lower end of the machine frame. The machine frame and the cutting wheels have a width which correspond to the width of the slot in the ground within tolerances defined by the guide free play and the cutting free play. The machine frame is guided in the vertical slot with a plurality of guiding surfaces and comprises an upper guide frame and a lower guide frame. The cutting wheels are mounted on the lower guide frame. The controlling piston cylinder unit for control of the lower guiding frame is mounted between the upper and lower guiding frames.

Abstract: A process for controlling the movement of a universally swivellable cutting arm of a partial cut, cutting machine, comprising a first hydraulic drive for lifting and lowering the cutting arm, and a second hydraulic drive for swivelling the cutting arm transversely to the lifting and lowering direction, consistent at the end of the advancing movement of the cutting head in one direction or both directions. The respective other drive is, in particular, when having attained the nominal profile, simultaneously supplied with pressurized fluid. Conveniently, a predetermined volumetric amount of pressurized fluid is pressed into the other drive on occasion of a reversal of the cutting direction.

Abstract: A cross-axis cutting assembly of a selective cutting machine is provided with internally-fed spray means. The assembly includes two cutting heads supported by a boom, the cutting heads being driven by a shaft which is transverse to the boom. A high pressure water supply line for each cutting head is provided by means of a connecting member. Each connecting member is arranged externally on the boom, is preferably designed as a channelled plate, and closely fits the external contour of the associated cutting head. Each connecting member extends to the free end of the shaft, and is connected to an internal high pressure water duct formed in the associated cutting head by means of a rotary arrangement. Each rotary arrangement has an axial pin which fits sealingly into a passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting excavations having a substantially planar face comprises a cutting tool which is rotatably mounted on a jib. The jib is mounted on a mobile machine for a pivotal movement in a plane which is transverse to the heading direction and is divided into two jib sections which are pivotally movable relative to each other about an axis which is substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of the jib. The cutting tool is rotatably mounted close to or at the free end of that jib section which is most remote from the pivotal axis of the jib.

Abstract: In a cutting machine (1) comprising cutting heads (5) rotatably supported on a universally swivellable cutting arm (2) and having arranged therein a gearing stage (7), supply of water is effected via the outer front disc (8) of the cutting head and the water flows via passages provided within the interior of the main body (15) of the cutting head to nozzles provided at the circumference thereof. The water supply flows via an essentially axial bore (12) into a cavity of the main body (15) of the cutting head and is passed from this cavity via passages (21, 22, 23) to the nozzles (FIGS. 1,2).

Abstract: A mine drift advancing machine includes a cutting arm pivoted at its rear end to the machine chassis for movement about a horizontal axis and at its front end supporting a carrier which is pivoted to the arm for movement about a vertical axis. At least two horizontally spaced apart rocking levers are pivoted at their rear ends to the carrier for swinging about vertical axes and a lever drive is provided for swinging the levers simultaneously in the same directions. The forward end of each lever carrie at least one cutting tool which is rotatable about a generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A drift advancing or a partial-cut mining machine (1) comprises a cutting arm (11) being swivellable in a height direction around an axis (10). The front end of the cutting arm (11) is equipped with guides (26) transversely extending relative to the longitudinal axis (38) of the cutting arm (11) and having shiftably supported thereon a carrier (27) for the cutting heads (28, 29). The cutting heads (28, 29) are rotatably supported on the carrier (27) for rotation around vertical axes (46). The distance (a) between the axes of rotation (46) is, as measured in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis (38) of the cutting arm, at most equal to half the width (b) of the drift face.

Abstract: A maneuverable mining machine is disclosed. The mining machine has a chassis with at least one cutting head mounted on the front of the chassis and adapted to cut into a mine face extending transversely across the front of the machine. The cutting head comprises a cutting drum which is rotatable in a plane parallel to the mine face. The cutting head is mounted on the chassis by way of a support member arranged to effect movement of the cutting drum parallel to the face. A conveying means is mounted on a chassis and is arranged to convey mine material from the front of the chassis to the rear of the chassis.

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

Abstract: In a cutting machine, a cutting arm is swivellable around a horizontal axis and around a vertical axis and carries on its free end a cutting tool. The horizontal swivelling axis of the cutting arm is displaceable relative to the frame of the cutting machine. Displacing of the horizontal swivelling axis is allowed by arranging the swivelling axis on a rocker arm connected with the frame of the cutting machine and is turnable around a vertical axis and is swivellable around a horizontal swivelling axis. With the rocker arm assuming a lowered position, the horizontal swivelling axis of the rocker arm is, as seen in an advancing direction, located in front of the horizontal swivelling axis of the cutting arm. The swivelling drive, for example is formed of a hydraulic piston-cylinder-arrangement, for swivelling the cutting arm around its horizontal swivelling axis and is supported on the rocker arm.

Abstract: A tunnel or road header is provided with a caterpillar running gear and a portal frame. A cutter head means engageable with a tunnel face is mounted displaceably on the frame on a horizontal track extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the roadway. The cutter head means consists of a shearing machine equipped with a carrier arm which is pivotal parallel to the rock face through more than 360.degree. and a shearing drum which is carried by the carrier arm and which rotates about an axis extending toward the rock face and parallel to the roadway floor.

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: For protecting partial-cut cutting machines from overload, a vibration sensor 7 is provided on the swivellable cutting arm 2 carrying rotatably supported cutting heads 6. The signals of the vibration sensor 7 are utilized in an electronic control 8 and used for controlling the pivotal drive of the cutting arm 2. The electronic control 8 has a threshold switch which is connected with an adjusting drive for varying the supply capacity of the hydraulic pump of the pivotal drive.

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: A control for a mining machine having means for traversing a ground surface and a universally-pivotal carrier arm of variable length which carries at its forward end a cutter drum. A displacement pickup is responsive to forward or aft movement of the cutter drum with respect to the ground surface. Means are connected to the displacement pickup for producing a first signal when said cutter drum has moved forwardly in an amount substantially equal to its length and for thereafter producing a second signal when the cutter drum is moved backwardly in an amount equal to a fraction of its length. These signals are used to control forward or aft movement of the mining machine over the ground surface, or extension or retraction of the variable length carrier arm, to remove ribs in the side walls after a cut has been taken from the mine face area, these ribs resulting from the shape of the cutter drum and its angularity with respect to the mine roadway side walls.

Abstract: The machine comprises an automobile vehicle provided with a pivoting boom to which is pivotably mounted a beam carrying a pivotally mounted swingle-bar to which is coupled a rotary plate for supporting a frame provided with guiding uprights for a sawing unit. Hydraulic cylinders and motors are provided for adjusting respective positions of the boom, beam, swingle-bar, rotary plate and motor means of the sawing unit. Means are provided to maintain the frame in a fixed position when working a sawing step.

Abstract: A method of excavating a tunnel face in which the cutting head is sunk into the face to form an initial penetration and is then moved laterally. The power consumption of the cutting head drive motor is measured, compared with the setpoint value and the attack increment is controlled accordingly. The arm carrying the cutting head is swung at a maximum swing moment but the swing moment is reduced when monitored distortion of machine parts shows that this distortion has exceeded a predetermined value.

Abstract: Machine including a powered truck-like vehicle having a support base at the rear end and an apparatus for cutting a drive-in passage across a concrete curbstone, a sidewalk or the like. The apparatus is mounted on the base and essentially comprises two spaced parallel booms mounted at one end on the base and an elongated bridge structure extending between and perpendicularly to the booms, being connected to them and provided with a drive so that it can be displaced along the booms with respect to the support base of the vehicle. The booms and bridge structure are pivoted from an inoperative position where the bridge structure is above the support base to an operative position where the booms and bridge structure are swung outwardly of the support base in a position for cutting the curbstone, sidewalk or the like.

Abstract: For sinking of shafts, a cutting machine (1) is provided having its cutting arm (3) pivotable around a vertical axis (4) and a horizontal axis (5). The cutting arm (3) carries cutting heads (14) which are rotatable around an axis (15) horizontally arranged and extending perpendicularly relative to the axis of the cutting arm. The shaft is now sunk around its circumference (9) in direction of its axis (10), for which purpose first the uppermost lead of a screw surface is prepared. On this uppermost lead of the screw surface the cutting machine is advanced until the cutting heads (14) contact the shaft wall (9). In the following, a floor cut (19) is made whereupon a further floor cut (20) is made at a lower level. Starting from a corresponding position of the cutting machine surfaces (23, 24) are cut free starting from the shaft wall (9).

Abstract: A multi-purpose mining machine comprising a self-propelling power unit with a boom pivotally connected to the power unit for raising and lowering movements, the boom having two parts one connected to the power unit and the other being connected to said one part so as to be slewable relative thereto about an axis at 90.degree. to the axis of the connection of the boom to the power unit, the boom other part being in part downwardly inclined with a power shaft rotatably housed in the boom other part with drive means for the power shaft, and extensible means to raise and lower the boom and further extensible means to slew the boom one part relative to the other part thereof.

Abstract: The device for preventing a collision between a part of the cutting arm (1) and a part of the loading ramp (4) comprises transmitter means (11, 12) designed as hydraulic cylinder-piston-arrangements (13, 14; 19, 21) checking the position of the cutting arm (1) and the loading ramp (4) relative to the cutting machine. The working spaces (24, 29) of the transmitter means (11, 12), which become reduced on downward movement of the cutting arm (1) and on upward movement of the loading ramp (4), are connected via conduits with the working space (27) of a hydraulic piston (31) forming the receiver means (28). The piston (31) is, when be shifted, actuating a switching member (34) for interrupting the movements of the cutting arm (1) and of the loading ramp (4) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: In a tunneling machine including a hollow shield, a non-rotatable outer housing mounted in the shield for longitudinal movement, and inner housing rotatably mounted within the outer housing, an excavator including a boom and bucket pivotally mounted on the forward end of the inner housing, and a boom cylinder having a forward portion pivotally engaged with the boom and a rear portion mounted at the rearward portion of the inner housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for rotating a body, such as the boom of a roadheader. The device comprises a pivotally mounted yoke having in it a slot in which is slidably mounted a member which is rotatably and eccentrically attached to the body, and a pair of opposed pivotally mounted rams each of which is rotatably attached to the yoke, the rams being operated out of phase such that they cause the yoke to pivot about its mounting, the pivotal movement being translated into a rotation of the body by movement of the member in the slot. Preferably the member is moved to and fro in the slot by means of a third ram mounted on the yoke.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for regulating the capacity of a tunnelling machine. The tunnelling machine is of the type having a rotatable cutting head mounted at one end of an arm. The other end of the arm is pivotally mounted on a carrier about a pivot pin whose axis extends transversely to the axis of the arm. A hydraulic rotary drive is provided for rotating the arm about the axis of the tunnel being formed. The regulation apparatus includes a regulator for regulating the rotary drive of the arm in dependence upon the capacity of the cutting head drive. An angle/current transducer is provided for measuring the angle between the axes of the arm and the tunnel. The regulation apparatus is such that the capacity of the cutting head drive decreases as said angle decreases, the reduction in capacity being effected by a reduction in the force applied by the cutting head to the working face.

Abstract: A excavating machine for excavating rock and minerals from a working face having a carriage with a boom support. A cutter carrying boom is moveably supported by the boom support, and a means is provided for moving the boom relative to the carriage. A drive means is included with a sensing control means for controlling the movement of the boom relative to the carriage. The sensing control means senses a parameter proportional to the reaction cutting force on the cutter. Control over the movement of the boom is provided in two alternative modes of control. A rate mode control for controlling the machine in accordance with a preselected rate of the output of the drive means is provided, as well as a load mode control in which the movement of the boom is controlled maintaining the reaction cutting force exerted by the cutter substantially at or below a certain value.

Abstract: The machine comprises a rotatable cutting head and a high pressure water nozzle. The nozzle directs a jet of high pressure (up to 2,100 kg/cm.sup.2) water at the rock adjacent the cutting head. The jet of water provides an auxiliary cutting and breaking action, thus easing the load on the head. The water jet also suppresses dust formation.

Abstract: The cutting machine body comprises a non-rotary housing mounted on a slideway and a boom carrying rotary housing rotatably supported by annular support means arranged adjacent to a radially outer margin of the body, drive means being provided on the non-rotary housing for rotating the boom carrying rotary housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for drifting openings in hard rock incorporating a carrier capable for travelling along the floor of the opening. A means of breaking of the percussive type is mounted on the carrier by means of a turnable jib with provision for turning about said jib in a vertical plane. There is also incorporated a means of loading with a mucking conveyor. Employed as the means of breaking with a percussion tool directly acting upon the rock so as to break same when the means of breaking is set into a given position. Also provided are means of shock-absorbing which serve to link up movably said means of breaking with said jib in order to absorb the undesirable deflections of the means of breaking when the percussion tool recoils from the rock at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof and to return the means of breaking into the given position.

Abstract: A mining machine in which a cutting drum undercuts a vein of coal and side relief cutters make vertical kerfs in the vein upwardly from the undercut. A chisel plate is forced into the coal vein and breaks loose the material above the undercut and between the side relief cuts. The coal falls into conveyors and is loaded into mine shuttle cars for removal from the mine. The side relief cutters and chisel assembly are progressively raised to extract higher levels of coal from the vein until the desired roof height has been reached. The tramming track assembly, which propels the machine, may be rotated 90.degree. to permit extraction from the vein immediately adjacent the initial extraction. All power supplied near the working face of the vein is hydraulic to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, and a water spray system minimizes dust circulation. Hydraulic roof and floor jacks are provided to increase the stability of the mining machine when exceptionally hard material is encountered in the coal vein.

Abstract: An assembly for cooling the teeth of the cutting heads of a mining machine and, at the same time, the rock face. The cutting heads are rotatably supported and, at the same time, the rock face, the axis of rotation being essentially horizontal. Cooling is performed by water jets distributed by spray nozzles.In order to obtain a sufficient cooling effect for the cutting teeth and the rock face with a water consumption as low as possible, there are provided on the jib arm two groups of spray nozzles for each cutting head. The nozzles of the first group are directed to the region of the teeth in the highest position of the same while the nozzles of the second are directed into the interspaces between the rows of teeth in the said region.The flow of water can be shut off separately for each group of nozzles associated with each of the cutting heads.

Abstract: A hydraulic stump cutting and earth digging apparatus including a balanced main supporting frame of a vehicle member and an adjustable telescopic channel frame cutter boom, the boom comprising a forward centrally disposed rotatable cutting wheel having a plurality of radially extending cutting teeth circumferentially mounted thereon. The channel frame cutter boom further includes a hydraulic motor contiguously mounted with the cutting wheel and having a common axis for rotation. A double pump and motor for circulation of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic components of the apparatus is mounted on the main supporting frame thereby providing a telescopic cutter boom which is lighter in weight and more accessible to tighter places than conventional hydraulic stump cutters.

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.

Abstract: Mining apparatus for removing near surface narrow seams of mineral deposits such as coal without removal of overburden is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a horizontal coal mining machine which is adapted for use in cooperation with large scraper type earth moving machines or bucket type cranes utilized in strip mining operations. The horizontal mine apparatus comprises generally a wide track service vehicle on which an internal combustion engine and hydraulic motors are disposed. An elongated cutting tool for removing a mineral deposit in a deep slot having a large depth to thickness ratio is supported on an elevator assembly which is pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis. Linear actuators are coupled to the elevator assembly and cutting tool for adjusting the elevation, sweep and pitch of the cutter assembly to accommodate various changes in elevation and slope of the coal seam.

Abstract: A cutting machine having a universally movable cutting arm provided with a plurality of cutting heads in which the cutting machine's oil reservoir is mounted within the cutting arm and cooled by the water cooling system for the cutting machine's motor. The cutting heads and the reduction gearing drive therefor employ a common reservoir which is connected to and supplied by the cutting machine's main oil reservoir so that the cutting heads and associated drive gearing are continuously being supplied with cooled oil and are themselves cooled thereby.

Abstract: A swivel mechanism for kerf-cutting machines comprising a cutter arm, which carries the cutting tool, in which mechanism the cutter arm is pivoted to a swivel head on a horizontal axis for a vertical angular movement, said swivel head is pivoted on an approximately vertical axis to a bearing disc, which is rigidly connected to the frame of the cutting machine and has an outer annular zone that is engaged on both sides by sliding surfaces of the swivel head, and swivel drive means are provided for imparting angular movements to the swivel head, characterized in that the swivel drive means comprise two racks, which are mounted in the swivel head for movement in mutually opposite directions, which are parallel to the vertical center plane of the cutter arm, and a pinion is connected to and coaxial with the bearing disc and is in mesh with said racks at diametrically opposite points of said pinion.

Abstract: A mining machine having a mineral winning head mount including a plurality of links pivotted successively one to another and powered means for pivotting the successive links about their pivot axes and whereon said links and powered means allow the mineral winning head to be retracted at least partially into an angled configuration of the links.

Abstract: The excavating machine has a cutter carrying boom carried by a boom support member which can be swung about an axis extending in the direction of the roadway. The machine includes a cutter unit and a stay unit each of which is releasably anchorable in the roadway and each of which can be advanced relative to the other unit.

Abstract: A channelling machine for cutting a preliminary groove around the working face of a tunnel being excavated. A guide and drive track assembly comprising at least two guide rails and a drive rail displaceable into the immediate proximity of the working face. The guide and drive track assembly is disposed entirely inside a hollow support frame of cross-section complementary to that of the tunnel being excavated. The guide and drive track assembly also includes a back-up rail likewise disposed inside the support frame. Another guide and drive track assembly may be provided symmetrical to the first. The machine is braced against the walls by a plurality of front and rear hydraulic cylinders which also adjust the alignment of the machine in the tunnel. The machine is mounted for displacements on a cradle.

Abstract: To maintain the lowest possible machine profile between the bottoms of the crawler treads and the top of the turret, the boom of the machine and boom lifting cylinders are cantilevered forwardly of the turret and depressed to lie as closely as possible to the underlying gathering head of the machine without clogging the throat of the machine and/or interfering with the operation of the gathering arms. The boom pivot and boom lift cylinders are disposed ahead of the crawler treads and the connections of the boom lift cylinders with the turret are forwardly of the highest part of the gathering head. This geometry renders it possible to significantly lower the elevation of the machine turret on which the boom is mounted for sluing or swinging movement and thus minimize the total height or profile of the mining machine.

Abstract: The mining machine has a body portion mounted on a pair of endless propelling tracks which advance the mining machine forwardly in the mine. Pairs of forwardly extending arm members are pivotally connected to the body portion and support at their end portions a skid plate which is positioned transversely across the body portion and arranged to rest on and slide over the mine floor. A first conveyor is supported by the skid plate and receives and directs dislodged material from the mine floor to a second conveyor connected to the end portion of the first conveyor. The second conveyor discharges the dislodged material to the rear of the body portion. A support frame is positioned on the skid plate and horizontally supports a pair of transverse guide rails at the front end of the body portion. A carriage is slidably mounted for transverse movement on the guide rails and includes a rotatable supporting shaft.

Abstract: A materials transporting machine, of particular application in mining, has a boom assembly mounted on a vehicle or carriage, which boom assembly includes a telescoping boom which is maneuvering both horizontally and vertically and which can be withdrawn to a stowed position within the vehicle by utilizing pressure fluid operated means which serve for effecting telescoping movement of the boom.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cutting minerals utilizing a cutting tool provided with cutting teeth, the tool rotates about an axis approximately parallel to the winning face and is moved at a feeding rate essentially in axial direction. Several grooves spaced from each other are carved in sequence, and in dependence on the mineral properties the feeding rate is increased with respect to the rotatory velocity when a brittle mineral is to be cut, while the feeding rate is diminished with a tough mineral.

Abstract: A cutting machine having a universally movable cutting arm and cutting head assembly and a movable loading ramp assembly thereunder and means operatively associated with the cutting arm and loading ramp for controlling the operation thereof so as to prevent contact between the cutting arm and loading ramp by maintaining the vertical spacing therebetween in excess of a predetermined minimum.