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 horizontal remote mining system comprising a water jet cutting head, down hole crusher, jet pump, and guidance system for orchestrating select excavation of a horizontal borehole. The system is assembled on the end of a drill string comprised of multiple compartments accommodating various water pressures and functions in association with the remote excavation process. Selective tubing is also utilized to facilitate movement of air and ventilation of the borehole. In this manner, relatively thin coal seams can be economically mined.

Abstract: A haulage system and related process are provided for intermediate continuous conveying of coal or other mined minerals from the discharge of a continuous mining device to a distant point (typically outside the mine) where the mineral is stockpiled or transferred to another conveyor. The continuous haulage device of this invention is able to advance behind the continuous miner without interruptions for repositioning, and to follow the continuous miner without intervention, as it proceeds into the mine entry and beyond. The subject haulage system is not mechanically coupled to the miner and does not rely on the miner for its locomotive power. The receiving end of the haulage system maintains its position beneath the miner discharge by means of a mechanical proximity sensor, which enables the system to mimic the irregular pattern of advancement typical of continuous mining systems.

Abstract: A method of split load mining a coal seam having a thickness less than that conventionally considered economical to mine is economically mined utilizing a cutting head having a diameter equal to the coal seam thickness. Coal in the coal seam is cut and conveyed from the mine bore to the mine mouth, and periodically the overburden is out to enlarge the bore, thereby generating non-coal (e.g. rock) cut material. The cut coal and rock are continously automatically conveyed in a common path in separate masses away from the bore mouth while the ash content or the material is automatically analyzed to determine whether conveyed material at a first location is primarily coal (e.g. less than about 50-60% ash) or primarily rock. In response to the automatic analyzing, the material is automatically diverted to a second location if coal, and to a third location if rock. An angled conveyor belt is utilized to convey the coal and rock for analysis and sorting, and the analyzer preferably is a radioisotope gauge.