Abstract: A tool, for removing a cutting bit from a rotor of a rotor assembly of a machine, includes one or more input interfaces and one or more lighting units. The one or more input interfaces are configured to be actuated to perform one or more functions associated with removing the cutting bit from the rotor. The one or more lighting units are configured to be activated upon the actuation of the one or more input interfaces to illuminate at least a portion of the rotor assembly when performing the one or more functions associated with removing the cutting bit from the rotor.

Abstract: A mining machine including a frame, a motor, a drive shaft having a first end and a distal end, a driven component coupled to the drive shaft at the distal end, and a connector assembly between the motor and the drive shaft. The connector assembly including a connection mechanism operable to drivingly connect the motor and the drive shaft, and an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the connection mechanism between a connected condition, in which the connection mechanism drivingly connects the motor and the drive shaft, and a disconnected condition, in which the driving connection between the motor and the drive shaft is disengaged, the adjustment mechanism including an actuator pivotable about an axis between a connected position corresponding to the connected condition of the adjustment mechanism and a disconnected position corresponding to the disconnected condition of the adjustment mechanism, the actuator being axially fixed relative to the frame.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: A cold planer includes a frame and a cutting mechanism having a rotatable cutter configured to cut material of a substrate. An anti-slabbing mechanism is coupled to the frame and includes an upwardly oriented base plate, and a plurality of skids. The skids are arranged in a first subset and a second subset positioned upon opposite outboard sides of a forwardly projecting plow, and downwardly depend from a base plate of the anti-slabbing mechanism, for applying a slabbing opposition force to uncut material of the substrate.

Abstract: An equipment recovery system for high risk environments such as high wall mine shafts has a vehicle that rides on a track including applications where a push-beam conveyor may serve as the track. The vehicle has a guide to keep it on the track and a hitch for attaching a recovery cable. The vehicle is remotely operated from outside the mine, has a power train for moving the vehicle, an implement for performing tasks, and carries an onboard power source and electrical control boxes to power and control the vehicle and implement. The vehicle may communicate with an outside operator station via an Ethernet cable and may employ and Ethernet extender for that purpose. The vehicle may have a camera to transmit video images. The vehicle may be operated from a high wall miner control center or from an operator station on a self propelled support vehicle.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position and/or situation of installation components of a mineral mining installation which has as installation components at least one face conveyor for removing mined material, one shield-type support for keeping a face open, pushing devices for pushing the face conveyor and the shield-type support in active operation, an extracting machine which can be moved along the face conveyor, and a drift conveyor, the position and situation of at least one installation component being determined by a measuring system having a detection unit with measurement sensor and the detection unit decoupled from the movement of the extracting machine, can be or is moved to and fro between two points of the guiding system along at least one installation component at the face such as, e.g. the face conveyor, by a separate guiding system 21; a mining installation relating to the same.

Abstract: A mining sled with a movable bed. The movable bed nests within the sled and is slidable with respect to the sled. Stops are located on the sled to limit the distance the movable bed can travel with respect to the sled. The movable bed includes brackets at a first end for attachment to the pull-out rope of a pull-out winch. The second end of the movable bed includes a mount for attachment of a pulley. The pulley on the movable bed facilitates attachment to a pull-in rope that is connected to a pull-in winch for transporting the sled toward the continuous miner.

Abstract: A system for removing desired subsurface materials. A drilling system has a sonic drill head assembly capable of rotating a drill string and transmitting oscillating forces to the drill string. A material removal system comprises an outer tube attachable to the drill string. An inner tube has an outer diameter sized so that that at least a portion of the inner tube is positionable in an inner volume of the outer tube with an annular void defined between the outer tube and the inner tube. A distal end of the inner tube defines at least one opening such that an interior conduit of the inner tube is in fluid communication with the annular void outside of the distal end of the inner tube. Pressurized fluid can be urged from the annular void through the opening to the interior conduit, entraining the desired subsurface materials therein for removal to a discharge tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizon control in a mining operation where fresh product 3 is cut from a seam 1. The cutting exposes a fresh cut product face 25. The fresh cut product face 25 is observed at a position immediately adjacent a cutter 11. Any temperature contrast regions from an IR observation between an upper limit of observation and a lower limit of observation are noted. At least one height co-ordinate position of a temperature contrast region 33 is determined and an output signal provided of the determined height co-ordinate position so that the output signal can be used as a horizon datum for horizontal control.

Abstract: Methods and systems for turning a cutting drum of a mining machine at a maintenance speed. One mining machine includes a cutting drum with a plurality of bits mounted on the drum and a cutting drum turning mechanism. The cutting drum turning mechanism includes a power source, a cutter motor, a switch, and a variable frequency drive. The state has a first and a second state. The first state electrically couples the power source and the cutter motor to operate the cutting drum at a cutting, and the second state electrically couples the variable frequency drive and the cutter motor to operate the cutting drum at a maintenance speed less than the cutting speed.

Abstract: A system and method for high wall bench mining, for example, of horizontal coal seams in mountains, includes a launch platform having two side-by-side tracks for guiding mining equipment, and utilizes two continuous miner machines and conveyor cars. Two side-by-side mine entries can be worked simultaneously, one miner advancing deeper into the coal seam and conveyor cars being added behind the miner at a first mine entry, and the mining completed and cars and miner retreating and being extracted from a second mine entry. As conveyor cars are being extracted onto one track from the mine entry that a string is retreating from, the cars are moved across the launch platform to the other track and are added behind the advancing miner machine launched from that track into the other mine entry.

Abstract: A core breaker positioned between cutting drums on a mining machine that includes a generally circular support member, and a beveled blade portion on the radial outward surface of the support member. The beveled blade portion includes a plurality of wedge-shaped portions and a plurality of serrated portions. Each wedge-shaped portion is connected to an adjacent wedge-shaped portion through a mediate serrated portion. Both the wedge-shaped portions and the serrated portions are generally beveled. The wedge-shaped portions and serrated portions maintain curvatures, giving the blade portion a generally undulated appearance. The blade portion has two faces, and can be beveled on a single face. Alternatively, the blade portion can be beveled on each face. The beveled surfaces can be substantially symmetrical or asymmetrical from a view in the radial direction of the generally circular support member.

Abstract: A system for reducing ambient dust during drilling in a mine tunnel comprising securing a wire mesh upon the tunnel wall at the work area and temporarily suspending an attachment plate upon the wire mesh by hooks and a depending springy cable. A horizontally extending, rotatable arm having a rotatable clamp on its end is connected to the plate. The clamp holds the end of a water spray hose which may be manually directed to spray water on debris at the work area to reduce dust from the. debris/ The attachment my be moved from place to place along the tunnel wall and the waters spray redirected accordingly.

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: A method, system and computer program for modelling an optimal mine plan is disclosed. The life of mine is divided into a plurality of increasing lengths of time (FIGS. 2 and 3) and performing optimisation steps, with each step being performed once for a predetermined time period for the remaining life of mine. Material may be stockpiled or may be sent direct to product or to waste without any stockpiling. A decision (block 10 in FIG. 1) is made as to which material is sent to product in each time period for the remaining life of mine. In each predetermined time period, material with a grade greater than a marginal grade that is not sent to produce is sent to stockpile and all material less than a marginal grade is sent to waste (14).

Abstract: An extendable support apparatus (200) for supporting an endless conveyor belt comprises an extendable frame (201), and a rest (220) for supporting the conveyor belt relative to the frame (201). The apparatus (200) is able to be extended and retracted by respectively extending and retracting the frame (201) while the conveyor belt circulates relative to the apparatus (200) and while the conveyor belt is supported by the rest (220).

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a center of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: In a construction machine 1 for the treatment of ground surfaces, comprising a chassis 2 carrying a machine frame 4, a drive motor 6, a work drum 8 supported on the machine frame 4 and having exchangeable tools 14 fastened to its outer surface 12, and a drive line 18 for the work drum 8 comprising at least the drive motor 6 and a transmission coupled to the drive motor 6, it is provided that an auxiliary drive 20, adapted to be coupled to the drive line 18, is arranged to rotate the work drum 8 in the raised condition of the drum by a predetermined or selectable rotational angle, the torque of the auxiliary drive 20 being higher than the moment of inertia of the work drum 8 and of the drive line 18 in the switched-off or decoupled state of the drive motor 6.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sulfur extraction process comprise treating mined sulfur ore with a disulfide oil to dissolve the sulfur in the ore. The process occurs at a temperature less than a temperature sufficient to melt sulfur. The sulfur crystals may be isolated by cooling the dissolved sulfur to a temperature sufficient to crystallize the sulfur. An apparatus for extracting sulfur from sulfur ore comprises a first receptacle for contacting a disulfide oil with mined sulfur ore at an elevated temperature sufficient to dissolve sulfur, a second receptacle coupled to the first receptacle for cooling dissolved sulfur such that sulfur crystals form, and a filtration apparatus coupled to the second receptacle for isolating the sulfur crystals. Solvents used in the apparatus may be recycled.

Abstract: A tip for use on an earth working roll for mining, construction and public works machines such as crushers, surface miners, milling machines and the like includes a working end provided with side relief to reduce drag and wearing, require less power to drive the rolls, and lengthen the usable life of the tip. The working end can also have a generally flat front surface to improve the yield in a crushing or other similar operation. The tip includes a base and a wear cap releasably secured together by a retainer.

Abstract: A mine refuge for use in a mine includes a chamber sized and shaped for occupancy by at least one miner. An oxygen supply is adapted to be installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the chamber. A carbon dioxide reduction system is adapted to be installed in the chamber for reducing carbon dioxide in the chamber. The carbon dioxide reduction system is operable in the mine without an electrical power source.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, an extraction tool adapted for extraction of a cutting tool holder mounted to a rotary member of a rotary cutting device is disclosed. The extraction tool comprises a tool frame. A first extraction wedge and a second extraction wedge are connected with the tool frame. At least one of the extraction wedges is movably connected with the tool frame. A related method is also disclosed. In another exemplary aspect, a method of extracting a cutting tool from a tool holder of a rotary cutting device comprises the steps of positioning an extraction tool adjacent the tool holder with a first end at a positioned forward of a cutting tool surface that is disposed within the tool holder and with a second end positioned rearward the cutting tool surface, and applying force to the first end of the extraction tool in a direction other than perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A mining machine that includes a rotor assembly disposed on a mobile frame. A cutter drum assembly includes an intermediate drum section and a pair of end drum sections. The end drum sections are drivingly connected by the intermediate drum section. The end drum sections include an axially fixed drum portion and a drum extension that is axially movable on the drive shaft to extend the length of the cutter drum assembly. A hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement is disposed in shafts supporting the end drum sections, and extends and retracts the drum extension with respect to the fixed drum portion. A torque transfer arrangement is disposed between the fixed and extension drum portions for mutual rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of using lasers are provided for spalling and drilling holes into rocks. A rock removal process is provided that utilizes a combination of laser-induced thermal stress and laser induced superheated steam explosions just below the surface of the laser/rock interaction to spall the rock into small fragments that can then be easily removed by a purging flow. Single laser beams of given irradiance spall rock and create holes having diameter and depth approximately equal to the beam spot size. A group of the single laser beams are steered in a controllable manner by an electro-optic laser beam switch to locations on the surface of the rock, creating multiple overlapping spalled holes thereby removing a layer of rock of a desired diameter. Drilling of a deep hole is achieved by spalling consecutive layers with an intermittent feed motion of the laser head perpendicular to the rock surface.

Abstract: A construction machine for machining floor surfaces, wherein the machine includes a milling roll having a plurality of tool holders on a surface thereof. A tool, especially a straight shank tool, is received in a tool receiving element of the tool holder in an exchangeable manner. With this invention it is possible to change the tool in one such construction machine in a simplified manner. Thus, the milling roll is associated with a tool changing device, and the tool changing device dismounts each tool from the tool holder and/or mounts each tool in the tool holder.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a shank attached to a base of a steel body, a cemented metal carbide core press fit into the steel body opposite the shank, and an impact tip bonded to a first end of the core opposite the shank. The impact tip comprises a superhard material opposite the core, and the core comprises a second end and a largest diameter. A distance through the body from the shank to the second end of the core is less than the largest diameter of the core.

Abstract: A cutting tool body includes a net-shaped steel body that has an axial forward end and an axial rearward end. The net-shaped steel body contains at the axial forward end thereof a cold-headed socket. The net-shaped steel body further contains a cold-headed puller groove axial rearward of the cold-headed socket.

Abstract: A drilling or bolting unit for selective use with either a vehicle or a panline of a face conveyor associated with a longwall miner or mining machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the unit comprises a base adapted for engaging the panline and a plurality of receivers. Each receiver may be adapted for receiving one of the pair of forks of the vehicle, such that the unit may be used as either a panline drilling or bolting unit or as a utility drilling or bolting unit with the vehicle apart from the panline. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A connection device for a plow installation, the device including a connection bracket having a basic body operable for attachment to a channel or guide section of the plow installation. A joint socket in the basic body includes a socket portion operable to receive a joint head of a boom cylinder. First and second legs are arranged in parallel and separated by a predetermined distance, with each leg including an inside portion and an outside portion. First and second supporting webs are located on the outside portions of the first and second legs, respectively. First and second bolt holes are located in the first and second legs, respectively, with a diameter of each bolt hole increasing from the inside portion of each leg to the outside portion. A joint bolt is located in the first and second bolt holes, and a clamping piece is located in each bolt hole.

Abstract: An rescue pod is disclosed having walls providing a substantially airtight interior, a transponder for communication, interior and exterior atmospheric monitoring systems. The disclosed rescue pod also has support equipment, systems for powering the equipment, and a connection for providing access to external communications and power sources. The rescue pod also comprises a positive air pressure system.

Abstract: An auger boring machine having a drive mechanism for moving the machine along a desired direction of travel includes a drive motor having a shaft and a pinion mounted on the shaft. A method for manufacturing a track for such a boring machine includes providing a track base rail adapted to support the auger boring machine and arranging the base rail along the desired direction of travel of the boring machine. The method also includes cutting a gear rack which includes a plurality of gear teeth along one side that are adapted to mesh with the pinion of the drive mechanism, and a flexibility notch on the side opposite the gear teeth. The gear rack is attached to the base rail with the gear teeth oriented so as to engage with the pinion of the drive mechanism.

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: In a method for introducing and blowing rock dust to bind carbon dust during advance working or coal mining using an advance working or mining machine, respectively, the cutting tools are retracted relative to a displaceable machine frame after having cut an outbreak or excavation. During the displacement of the machine frame into a new outbreak or excavation position, rock dust is blown onto the roof and lateral-wall surfaces laid bare by the cutting tools, through nozzles arranged on the machine frame by the aid of pressure medium such as compressed air. The advance working or mining machine used to carry out this method includes a displaceable machine frame and a carriage movably mounted on the machine frame and carrying a pivotable cantilever arm on which cutting heads or rolls are rotationally mounted, and a loading device intended to receive cut or broken material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crushing method using large boreholes in an underwater rock in which plural large boreholes are drilled on the rock in a predetermined space, the drilled boreholes form plural free surfaces, and the large drop hammer gives a blow to the free surface, thus enhancing the crushing effect. The crushing method is comprised of the following processes: plural large boreholes, of which each size is 100˜300 mm?, are arranged on the rock to be crushed, and are drilled in a depth of 1˜10 m, and the free surface is reserved before the drop hammer work; a middle point between the adjoining large boreholes is set as target point; the drop hammer is lift above a position perpendicular to the target point, and is free-fallen to give a blow to the rock to be crushed; and the above processes are repeatedly operated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that is used to mechanically remove flooring tiles intact from the foundation and then after the foundation and tile surfaces have been prepared, the same tile is reset undamaged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mining method for steeply dipping orebodies. In the method, an excavator 152 is tethered to a deployment system 120 by one or more cables/umbilicals 144. The excavator 152 excavates slices 172a-h of the orebody 100 by moving generally up-dip, down-dip or a combination thereof. The excavator can be automated.

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 advancing and retrieving a material transfer unit, such as a car, sled, beam or other vehicle commonly used in the mining industry to transport ores or minerals from a mine, into and out of a mine. A single material transfer unit is connected to a winch system which is actuated to advance the unit into the mine. A winch system is actuated to retrieve the unit from the mine with its load of mined product. The load is then removed from the transfer unit outside the mine so that it may be advanced back into the mine to retrieve another load.

Abstract: In a method for determining and evaluating the most favorable mining process during the driving of tracks or tunnels, rock parameters such as the cube compressive strength, tenacity and brittleness are determined and stored in quantifiable form in a first method step. After this, environment-specific parameters such as ventilation, dedusting and rock securement parameters like the introduction of local concrete or the setting of anchors are determined and stored, whereupon operation-related costs such as availability, downtimes, time inputs, investment costs as well as expenditures involved in the logistics of different operating processes are queried in a further method step, whereby different mining processes are calculated and compared with one another as a function of the rock parameters while taking into account the environment-specific parameters, the rock securement parameters and the parameters relevant to operation cost structures.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits. First, a predetermined surface is contour mined in a mineral seam, such as a mountain, to provide an elongate active mining area and a highwall. Next, a sealable intake and return canopy is placed at substantially opposing ends of the mineral seam. A continuous miner then successively cuts a mineral seam in the elongate active mining area. Roof supports are advanced after each respective successive cut to support a roof of the elongate active mining area. After formation of an air seal and introduction of a conveyor in the elongate active mining area, either longwall or shortwall mining techniques may be used to cut a face of the mineral seam via a miner. Material cut from the face of the mineral seam is then discharged onto the conveyor. The intake and return canopies are then configured to allow ventilation of the active mining area by the introduction of air along the face of the mineral seam while the miner advances along the mineral seam.

Abstract: A rugged demolition system, and method for its use, for pulling up horizontal structures such as concrete or asphalt and breaking them into pieces, pulling over and breaking up vertical structures such as retaining walls and house/building walls, pulling up vertically extending objects from the ground such as tree roots, and breaking up hard or compacted surfaces such as dirt for easier grading. The system has a spear mounted horizontally to the top of a downwardly curving pry hook assembly, a digging tooth and optional side hooks connected to the pry hook assembly, and the pry hook assembly optionally secured to a tubular support member depending perpendicularly from a plate. Although any position-controlling vehicle can be employed to cause the needed vertical, horizontal, and rotational movement of the plate during system use, the plate is configured for attachment to the standard mount of a skid steer loader.

Abstract: A trailer for a tunnel borer follower train comprises a chassis provided with a plurality of wheels, the chassis at rest presenting a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal plane of symmetry that is vertical. The trailer also comprises at least two tanks mounted on the chassis substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the chassis; apparatus for measuring any tilt of the chassis of the trailer about its longitudinal axis; apparatus for feeding both tanks with liquid; and apparatus for controlling the quantity of liquid in each of the tanks as a function of any measured tilt in such a manner that the quantity of liquid contained in each tank creates a return torque about the longitudinal axis tending to compensate for any tilt of the trailer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mining of material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for imaging and clearing an ore pass hang-up. The apparatus includes: a platform that is movable along generally a longitudinal direction of an ore pass; a controllable propulsion unit capable of propelling the platform within the ore pass and to the location of the hang-up; an imaging unit capable of generating an image of the ore pass as the apparatus is moved trough the ore pass, wherein the image is transmittable to a remove viewer; extensible, remotely controllable immobilizing units affixed to the platform; and a remotely controllable unit for clearing the ore pass hang-up. Once in place the apparatus is used to break up or clear the hang-up by, for example, directing blows to the hang-up, directing high pressure fluids to the hang-up, and using an explosive charge.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits. First, a predetermined surface is contour mined in a mineral seam, such as a mountain, to provide an elongate active mining area and a highwall. Next, a sealable intake and return canopy is placed at substantially opposing ends of the mineral seam. A continuous miner then successively cuts a mineral seam in the elongate active mining area. Roof supports are advanced after each respective successive cut to support a roof of the elongate active mining area. After formation of an air seal and introduction of a conveyor in the elongate active mining area, either longwall or shortwall mining techniques may be used to cut a face of the mineral seam via a miner. Material cut from the face of the mineral seam is then discharged onto the conveyor. The intake and return canopies are then configured to allow ventilation of the active mining area by the introduction of air along the face of the mineral seam while the miner advances along the mineral seam.

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 surface mining and testing apparatus and system provides for the adaptation of a surface miner to the specific geological conditions of a new area of use. The special features of the surface miner are the arrangement of the milling roller (5) in front of the chassis (1) in the direction of mining, the undershot direction of rotation of the milling roller (5), as well as the adjustability of the milling roller (5) in its height and transverse slope in relation to the level. These functional features are accomplished with the testing apparatus in order to obtain the same kinematic conditions as in the surface miner. To make it possible to extrapolate the results obtained with the testing apparatus to the surface miner, the parameters overall weight, drive output and throughput of the testing apparatus are used as constant, lower ratios in relation to the surface miner.

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.