Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioning system having two fluid piston and cylinders units on each lateral side of the belt. The units are parallel to each other and are attached to a tensioning roll. A pair of cables are attached to both of the pistons and pass around pulleys in a manner as to compensate for any differences in force between the pistons such that the pistons move in the same direction the same amount.

Abstract: A chain-type hoist pull down system for a large blast hole drilling rig is provided which includes an auxiliary tensioning mechanism to increase the tension of the pull down chain during selected operating modes. In the preferred embodiment the auxiliary tensioning mechanism comprises a single acting hydraulic cylinder suspended between an idler sprocket and a spring loaded resilient mounting. A simple circuit for automatically actuating the auxiliary tensioning mechanism at the required time is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an earth ripping attachment which can be mounted on the bucket of a dragline and used to break through cap rock, frozen earth, or other difficult to dig overburden. The device has a base adapted to fit against the underside of the bucket. An upwardly folded lip at one end of the base receives and engages the digging edge of the bucket, while means provided at the other end connects to the bucket hoist rigging to secure the attachment in place. One or more ripper teeth are spaced below the base and point in the drag direction. With this attachment the full drag force of the dragline and the weight of the bucket are utilized in the ripping operation.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a ground engaging base, a torque transmitting apparatus for engaging and transmitting torque to drill pipe, and hydraulic cylinders connected to the base for moving the torque transmitting apparatus back and forth along the drill pipe axis. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to the base and include open ends facing away from the base. A piston rod is movable in and projects outwardly from the open end of each cylinder. A guide tube surrounds and is connected to the outer end of each piston rod. The guide tubes include inner surface portions which overlap and slidingly engage outer surface portions of the cylinders and the torque transmitting apparatus is connected between the guide tubes.

Abstract: A battery changing apparatus for replacing a spent battery with a charged one on an electrically powered vehicle including a support with at least two battery support sections for supporting batteries adapted for use on an electrically powered vehicle. A spent battery is removed from the vehicle and transferred to one of the support sections. The relative positions of the apparatus for removing and transferring the battery and the support can be changed so that a charged battery can be removed from another support section. The apparatus for removing and transferring the battery can remove the charged battery from the other support and transfer it to the vehicle.

Abstract: A chuck mechanism for a raise drill includes a rotatable drive shaft, drill pipe and a chuck for engaging the drill pipe co-axial with the drive shaft and transmitting torque from the drive shaft to the drill pipe. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the chuck with relative axial movement allowed. First spaced apart cooperating contact surfaces between the drive shaft and the chuck can be brought together for transmitting axial force from the drive shaft to the chuck in the downward drilling direction. Second spaced apart cooperating contact surfaces between the drive shaft and chuck can be brought together for transmitting axial force from the drive shaft to the chuck in the upward raise drilling direction. The drive shaft and chuck move axially relative to each other when contact is switched from the first to second contact surfaces or vice-versa. The second pair of contact surfaces are shaped and dimensioned for allowing relative angular movement therebetween when the drill pipe is deflected laterally.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement for a combination mining machine and roof bolting apparatus in which the roof bolting mechanism is pivotable and can be used to install roof bolts in more than one location without moving the mining machine. The improvement is a pivotable canopy which pivots independently of, but in association with, the bolting apparatus. It comprises a canopy shield pivotably and cantileveredly mounted on the upper section of a telescopically-extensible mast. The telescopic mast absorbs all the moment loads, while the hydraulic extension cylinder disposed interiorily of the mast incurs only axial compressive loading.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of surface mining along an elongated pit using a cross-pit conveyor for transferring selected excavated material, such as topsoil, directly across the pit while using a separate overburden excavator to transfer the remaining overburden. The method uses a cross-pit transporter which is supported solely on the working bank, includes a cantilevered conveyor which extends completely across the pit, and is slewable so it can periodically swing to a non-interfering position when passing the other excavator. The method allows the selective replacement of the different overburden materials in accordance with modern reclamation practice.

Abstract: An improved mining machine including apparatus for cleaning particle-laden gas, of the type which includes a duct in which liquid droplets are introduced into particle-laden gas flowing through the duct, a demister in the duct for removing liquid and particles from gas which moves through the duct. The improvement includes at least one curved flow path in the demister for causing the gas to change direction and a liquid collection surface defining the bottom of the demister. Collected liquid is removed from the liquid collection surface. A liquid collection barrier with an aerodynamically curved upper surface is located downstream from the curved flow path and defines the downstream end of the liquid collection surface, the barrier extending the width of the flow path.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning particle-laden gas, of the type which includes a duct where liquid droplets are introduced into particle-laden gas flowing through the duct, a demister in the duct for removing liquid and particles from gas which moves through the duct. The improvement includes at least one curved flow path in the demister for causing the gas to change direction and a liquid collection surface defining the bottom of the demister. Collected liquid is removed from the liquid collection surface. A liquid collection barrier is located downstream from the curved flow path and defines the downstream end of the liquid collection surface, the barrier extending the width of the flow path.

Abstract: A method for performing strength tests on material to be mined includes the steps of preparing a flat surface on the material to be tested, forming one or more grooves in the flat surface, impacting the flat surface with a test device at a predetermined angle and at a predetermined force which is at least as great as that necessary to break out material located between the impact point and groove, repeating the preceding step at a predetermined distance from the first impact, at substantially the same force and at substantially the same angle.An impact guide and sample collector guides the test device toward the test surface at a predetermined angle and collects material broken out during the test.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a drilling apparatus where torque is transmitted to drill pipe, a plurality of thrust cylinders move the torque transmitter back and forth along the drill pipe axis, and a hydraulic motor supplies torque to the torque transmitter, includes: a first drive pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to the motor; a first valve between the first drive pump and motor for selectively controlling the direction of fluid flowing to the motor; a second drive pump for selectively supplying fluid either to the thrust cylinders or motor; a second valve between the second drive pump, on one side, and the thrust cylinders and motor, on the other side, for selectively diverting fluid flow from the second pump either to the thrust cylinders or the motor; a third pump for supplying fluid to the thrust cylinders; a third valve connected between the second and third pumps, on one side, and the thrust cylinders, on the other side, for selectively controlling the direction of fluid flowing to the thrust cylinders; a

Abstract: Rotary and axial forces are transmitted through a chuck to a rotary drill string. The chuck clampingly engages the drill string to transmit rotary and axial forces. A multiplicity of jaw elements in the chuck contact the drill string. The chuck includes a lower jaw retaining means and an upper jaw retaining means. Disengageable means are provided connecting the lower jaw retaining means and the upper jaw retaining means. Jaw actuating means are provided for moving the jaw elements to and from a rod gripping and rod release position.

Abstract: A particularly better rotary cutter for a road planing machine and the like has special holders provided with multi-sided tapered sockets extending generally tangential to the drum surface. A multiple tip cutting bit suitable for use with the aforementioned cutter has two or more tips symmetrically and equidistantly spaced about the projected centerline of an integral tapered shank. The shank has a multi-sided cross-sectional shape corresponding in arrangement to the pattern of the cutting tips, such that the bit can be indexed in its holder to place any selected one of the cutting tips in the operative position.

Abstract: An improved connecting link for a mining chain includes two half links and means for fastening them together. Each half link has a laterally extending bore for receiving the link pin at one end of the chain. At least one of the half links has a laterally extending wedge-shaped projection pointed toward the other half link, while the other half link has a mating recess with inclined walls corresponding to converging walls of the wedge-shaped projection. When assembled, the projection of the one half link snugly engages the recess of the other half link such that the pulling forces in the chain are transmitted directly from one half link to the other rather than through the fastening means. The fastening means can be removed even when the chain is operated between adjacent chains.

Abstract: The invention is a better road planing vehicle having an improved suspension system for supporting the rotary cutting unit under the vehicle chassis. The suspension includes a pair of lift and tilt cylinders connected in parallel spaced relation at one end to the vehicle frame and at the other end to the top of the cutter housing. Three parallel and triangularly arranged drawbars are connected at one end to the cutter housing and extend either fore or aft to connect at their other ends with the vehicle frame. A sideshift cylinder is connected between the frame and one of the drawbars. In the preferred embodiment the connections of the lift cylinders and the drawbars are ball joints.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for collecting sludge off the bottom of settling tanks such as used in water treatment systems. The collector includes a carriage or bridge which travels on tracks along the tank wall. A siphon tube is suspended in the tank from the carriage and includes two or more sludge intakes spaced across one dimension of the tank proximate to the sludge layer. The tubes are connected to a common header, which in one embodiment also serves as a structural member of the bridge. The header is closed at one end and connected at the other end to an arched section of the tube which extends up and over the tank wall to a sludge discharge channel. A discharge section is supported in the sludge channel in association with the free end of the arched section, and can be adjusted to regulate the flow through the siphon pipe. Except for the arched section, all of the siphon tube and preferably part of the carriage are submerged in the water.

Abstract: The invention is an improved rotary seal which is particularly well suited for protecting the bearing area in a conveyor idler roll. The seal has inner and outer annular members which normally rotate freely without contact relative to each other. The members have cooperative means to form a labyrinth effective to restrict the ingress of contaminant or the egress of lubricant to or from the bearing area. One of the members further includes an attached annular disc of resilient flexible material. When the lubricant pressure in the bearing area increases, such as when the bearing is being regreased, it forces the free edge of the disc into contact with the other member to form a barrier against the leakage of lubrication. When the lubricant pressure normalizes, the resilient disc recovers to its normal, noncontact position.

Abstract: An improved hammer design for a swing-hammer type crushing machine. The hammer is in at least two pieces, a shank and a detachable tip section. The shank is pivotably mounted at one end on a rod extending between a pair of radial discs spaced along the machine rotor. The tip section is joined to the shank by a simple connecting pin which passes through co-aligned holes in a bifurcation on the tip and a lug extending outwardly from the shank. Spaced apart tabs at the free end of the shank co-operate with a stop on the rotor to limit the pivotal movement of the hammer between predetermined limits such that the connecting pin is always confined between the pair of rotor discs during operation of the machine. However, a worn or damaged tip section can be readily replaced in situ by removing the rotor stop, pivoting the hammer so the connection between the shank and tip are outside the rotor, and removing the connecting pin.

Abstract: An automatically releasing lock system is disclosed for use on a motor having an output shaft with a resiliently biased sliding engagement member on the shaft, biased toward engagement with a driven shaft. The system utilizes a locking recess formmed in the engagement member with cam surfaces formed therein, and detent rods resiliently biased into engagement in the engagement member recess.