Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to cutting tool assemblies, material-removing machines that include cutting tool assemblies, and methods of use and operation thereof. In some embodiments, the cutting tool assemblies described herein may be used in material-removing machines that may remove target material. For example, the cutting tool assemblies may include one or more superhard working surfaces and/or one or more shields.

Abstract: A water spray system particularly, but no exclusively, for mineral mining, comprising a pick (1) having an integral shank (4) by which it is releasably receivable in an aperture (17) of a block (16), a heel (7) extending rearwardly from the pick (1), a hole (9) passing through the heel (7) and a pair of spaced-apart cheeks extending beyond the hole, a spray nozzle (24) received in a bore (22) of the block (16) with a head (25) of the nozzle projection above an upper surface of the block (16) to a location between the cheeks (8), with a water discharge orifice of the head (25) so located beneath the heel (7) and with respect to the through hole (9) of the heel (7) that water discharged from the orifice into the through hole and exiting the through hole induces an air flow wholly or partially through the through hole. Other aspects of the invention are the pick (1), the block (6), a releasable latching system, and a drivable member.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine may include a stationary boom member, a stationary gear and bearing housing attached to the boom member, and a cutter drum assembly rotatably mounted on the stationary gear and bearing housing. Cutting elements and spray nozzles may be mounted on the rotatable cutter drum assembly. The spray nozzles may be configured to direct liquid spray at a mine face as mine material is dislodged by rotation of the cutter drum assembly and contact of the cutting elements with the mine face. Stationary liquid passageways may be provided through the gear and bearing housing, and rotatable liquid passageways may be provided through the rotatable cutter drum assembly and configured to convey liquid to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a road milling machine, that comprises a bit receptacle in the region of a working side of a support member and that indirectly or directly carries an insertion projection on an insertion projection side of the support member, the support member comprising two stripping surfaces [first or second stripping surfaces] that form a stripping surface pair and are at an angle to one another. In order to achieve a stable and long-lived configuration with such a bit holder, provision is made according to the present invention that the support member comprises at least one further stripping surface that is at an angle to the two stripping surfaces of the stripping surface pair.

Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.

Abstract: A water spray assembly for replaceable location in a receiving bore of a pick box, which pick box is also adapted to receive a replaceable mineral cutter pick, is constructed from two components. One component is a spray body and the other component is a co-axial spray nozzle. The two components are releasably connected together by screw threads, whereby the spray assembly may either be removed from or inserted into, its receiving bore as a whole, or alternatively as individual components.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a holder block and a sleeve. The sleeve includes a shank and an enlarged flange at an end of the shank. The sleeve shank is received in a hole in the holder block, with the flange against a surface of the holder block and the sleeve shank facing the holder hole wall. A first fillet extending between the holder bore wall and a second fillet extending between the sleeve shank and sleeve flange cooperatively form an annular flow passage for flow of water from the holder into the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a road milling machine, having a support member onto which an insertion projection is indirectly or directly attached on an insertion projection side, the support member comprising two first and/or two second stripping surfaces that are at an angle to one another, and the support member having a working side that comprises a bit receptacle. In order to achieve a stable and long-lived configuration for such a bit holder, provision is made according to the present invention that the first and/or second stripping surfaces diverge from the insertion projection side toward the working side.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a cutter bit on a driven mechanism, the assembly comprising a bit holder including a holding portion adapted to receive the bit and a mounting base rear portion. The bit holder holding portion is a forward portion, the forward portion being separate from but connected to the mounting base rear portion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for removing aggregate from a natural or man-made surface includes a vehicle with a frame and a conveyor. The conveyor has an intake end and an output end. An excavation drum is connected to an underside of the frame and is enclosed within an excavation chamber, which is defined by a front plate, side plates, and a moldboard. The intake end of the conveyor that protrudes into the excavation chamber is configured to remove the aggregate from the excavation chamber, and a dust suppressant nozzle is configured to apply a foamed dust suppressant to the natural or man-made surface prior to being degraded by the excavation drum.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting tool for use in impinging earth strata such as, for example, asphaltic roadway material, coal deposits, mineral formations and the like. The rotatable cutting tool includes a cutting tool body having a through coolant channel and a two-piece head portion, e.g., the head portion of the cutting tool body having a base portion and a nose portion with a hard tip cutting insert affixed to the nose portion. The through coolant provides for cooling the hard tip cutting insert during operation of the cutting tool. In addition, the through coolant also provides for suppressing dust created by the rotatable cutting tool during operation.

Abstract: A saw and water dispensing combination system includes a handsaw that includes a motor, a handle attached to the motor, and a blade mechanically coupled to the motor that is rotated when the motor is turned on. The blade is configured to cut through cement blocks. A shroud extends over an upper portion of the blade relative to the motor and a grip is attached to the motor distal to the blade. A container is provided that has water therein. A pump is fluidly coupled to the container and creates pressure within the container when the pump is actuated. An outlet conduit is fluidly coupled to the container. Water is forced into the outlet conduit when the pump is actuated and the outlet conduit ejects the water onto the saw blade. A coupler releasably couples the container to the handsaw.

Abstract: A shearer loader for underground mining, the shear loader comprising a shearer loader body, at least one cutting drum fastened to a supporting arm joined to the loader body, a first drive motor for moving the shearer loader and a second drive motor for moving the cutting drums, a cooling water circuit for cooling the first and second drive motors, the cooling water circuit including an inlet and a return line, a spray system including at least one spray water circuit, the spray system including a feed line fluidly connecting a common water connection to the cutting drums, the spray system further including a valve in the feed line for switching the spray water circuits on and off, a control valve connected between the feed line of the spray water circuit and the return line of the cooling water circuit, the control valve allowing selective flow from the cooling water circuit to be directed to the cutting drums.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting tool for use in impinging earth strata such as, for example, asphaltic roadway material, coal deposits, mineral formations and the like. The rotatable cutting tool includes a cutting tool body having a through coolant channel and a two-piece head portion, e.g., the head portion of the cutting tool body having a base portion and a nose portion with a hard tip cutting insert affixed to the nose portion. The through coolant provides for cooling the hard tip cutting insert during operation of the cutting tool. In addition, the through coolant also provides for suppressing dust created by the rotatable cutting tool during operation.

Abstract: A core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core. The core breaker includes an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums. In one aspect, the elongate support includes a channel formed therein. The core breaker further includes a plurality of tool components attached to the elongate support. The core breaker also includes a plurality of spray nozzles positioned adjacent to the tool components. In one aspect, the plurality of spray nozzles each have a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongate support. The tool components may be, for example, a breaker wedge or a cutting tool such as a conical bit.

Abstract: A water spray assembly especially adapted for control of dust suppression in mining machines has a manifold with one or a number of nozzles mounted thereon. The manifold provides communication between the nozzles and a manifold inlet, the manifold inlet being adapted to connect to a supply of water. The manifold with one half of a quick connect coupling cooperates with a nozzle block having a bore sized to receive at least a portion of the manifold and the other half of the quick connect coupling. The use of quick connect coupling half with the block allows easy removal and insertion of the manifold.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprising a longitudinal central bore. The bore has an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. The pick has a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. The impact tip has a diamond surface. The degradation assembly also has a lubrication mechanism adapted to apply lubrication to the shank.

Abstract: A high impact resistant tool comprises a steel shank. The steel shank has a hollow portion and first and second ends. The shank is adapted for insertion into a holder and connection to a driving mechanism. A carbide cap is joined at a brazed joint to the first end of the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a degradation drum comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising inner and outer diameters. At least one degradation assembly is disposed on the outer diameter and it comprises a holder and a pick shank secured within a bore of the holder. At least one lubricant reservoir is disposed within the inner diameter and is in fluid communication with the bore of the holder through a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir maintains a fluid pressure on the pick shank.

Abstract: In a device for producing a gas-liquid mixture and, in particular, air-water mixture in the region of cutting tools, particularly chisels, arranged on at least one cutter head (10) rotationally mounted on a cutter arm (5) of a cutting machine (1), including at least one nozzle pair comprised of a nozzle (14) for ejecting a gas jet and a nozzle (13) for ejecting a liquid jet, wherein the axes (17, 18) of the nozzles (13, 14) of a nozzle pair are oriented in a manner that the jets impinge on each other at a distance from the outlet openings of the nozzles, the axes (17, 18) of the nozzles (13, 14) of a nozzle pair form an angle with each other of between 45 and 135°, preferably between 75 and 85°.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a cutter bit on a driven mechanism, the assembly comprising a bit having a bit tip, a bit sleeve including a holding portion adapted to receive the bit, a bore through the holding portion, and a bit holder. The assembly further includes a mounting base having a forward portion and a mounting base rear portion having an internal water passageway in communication with an upper opening for receiving an ignition control unit. The assembly further includes a rear surface having a spray nozzle cavity in the rear surface and open in a rearward direction. The spray nozzle cavity has an internal spray nozzle cavity water passageway-in communication with the mounting base rear portion internal water passageway. The assembly further includes a dust reduction unit including a spray nozzle comprising a base received in the spray nozzle cavity, the base having a spray nozzle base water passageway through the spray nozzle base and in communication with the spray nozzle receptacle water passageway.

Abstract: A drum-type miner having a plurality of water jet nozzles which cut independently of the mechanical bits is disclosed. The drum-type miner may configured in either a hard-head or a ripper-chain design. The unique combination of mechanical and hydraulic cutting results in higher rates of penetration and improved productivity. The nozzles in one embodiment are supplied on a transversely mounted strut and are supplied with high-pressure fluid through two independent water channels in the strut. The nozzles may be configured in different directions, such that the high-pressure fluid may be directed in several directions simultaneously, or configured to direct the high-pressure fluid in one direction only. Moreover, because the mining face is pre-scored by the water jets, the amount of wear on both the mechanical bits and the motors may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A rotary cutting head (1) for a mineral mining machine, comprises a drive shaft (5) carrying a central drum (4), and beyond each end of the central drum (4), an outer drum (2,3), each drum being provided with an array of pick boxes (7) to receive an individual pick (8), wherein the drive shaft (5) has a longitudinal bore (10) housing at least one water conveying tube (11), which together with a network of bores (25) enable a single water admission cartridge interposed between an outer end of one of the drums (2), and an end face plate (16) of that drum (2) to supply water to all three drums (2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A machine for cutting pavement, street curbs, bridge components, or sidewalks. The cutting apparatus is mounted on a truck body for transport and can be extended from the truck and supported directly on the ground for cutting. The cutting apparatus includes a rotary saw mounted on rails for mobility in all directions at different angles. The rails are supported on the ground by extendable supports, and the supports can be adjusted to allow the saw to b used on uneven ground.

Abstract: A “wet” pick box 1 comprises a body member 2, adapted in use to be welded to a rotary cutting head, whilst an aperture 5 is provided in the body member. Bores 15, 16 in the body member define an internal water course 6 connectable, at an inlet end 7, to a source of pressurised water, an aperture 8 in the body member is adapted to house a water discharge nozzle and is connected to an outlet end 9 of the watercourse 6. A tapped hole 10 intersects the bores 15 and 16 and a member 11A or 11B is insertable into, and removable from, the hole 10. A rotary mineral cutting head can be provided to which a plurality of such pick boxes are welded.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly (10) includes a support block (12), a replaceable spray nozzle housing, a liquid seal tight insert ring and first and second fluid passages. The first fluid and second fluid passage has an axis and extends between the concealable outer surface portion (22) and a first (20) surface portion of the support block. The first and second fluid passages are substantially straight between first and second outer surfaces so as to permit a drill to be inserted into first and second fluid passage for cleaning. The cutting tool assembly (10) also includes an exterior replaceable spray nozzle housing (14) on the support block having a cylindrical inlet portion (38) that extends into the first fluid passage such that the spray nozzle housing (14) is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. A separate insert ring independent of a tool holding wear protective sleeve is press fit into the rear portion of the support block and forms an annular flow chamber section of the first fluid passage.

Abstract: A drum-type miner having a plurality of water jet nozzles which cut independently of the mechanical bits is disclosed. The drum-type miner may configured in either a hard-head or a ripper-chain design. The unique combination of mechanical and hydraulic cutting results in higher rates of penetration and improved productivity. Moreover, because the mining face is pre-scored by the water jets, the amount of wear on both the mechanical bits and the motors may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An armored detector assembly, a mining system, and methods of using it are described. The armored detector assembly consists of a main assembly and a hatch assembly. The hatch assembly is welded onto mining equipment, and the main assembly is removably attached to the hatch assembly. The armored detector assembly houses sensitive monitoring equipment used in mining operations. Because of its rugged construction the armored detector assembly is suitable for storing a wide range of sensitive equipment in harsh industrial environments. One embodiment allows for openings in the main assembly so that gamma radiation can enter the main assembly and be measured by gamma radiation monitoring equipment used in continuous mining operations. A portion of the gamma radiation monitoring equipment is enclosed within an integral explosion proof enclosure.

Abstract: In order to simply and easily treat drainage produced by cutting a face to be cut such as concrete without discharging the drainage on a road, a floor of a building, or the like, the concrete cutting machine of the present invention comprises a cutting mechanism for cutting the face by means of a rotating blade covered by a cover, a water supply mechanism for supplying and jetting water cooling to the rotating blade, and a collecting mechanism for collecting the drainage produced inside the cover by the jetting of the water cooling when the face is cut by the rotating blade. Further, in the collecting mechanism, the drainage produced inside the cover is sucked through a sucking portion provided on the lower end periphery of the cover to a collecting portion by a sucking operation of a suction blower so that the drainage in which air is removed at the collecting portion is discharged by a pump for collection.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly includes a support block having a concealable outer surface portion, first and second bores, and first and second fluid passages. The first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first bore and the second fluid passage. The second fluid passage has an axis and extends between the concealable outer surface portion and the second bore. Furthermore, the second bore and the second fluid passage are configured such that the axis may be extended through the second bore and beyond the support block without intersecting the support block. The cutting tool assembly also includes a replaceable spray nozzle having a body that extends into the first bore such that the spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.