Abstract: A mineral mining pick boss having a socket therein for the reception of a shank of a mineral mining pick and a locking arrangement for retaining the shank, the locking arrangement comprising a plug received in a bore extending through the boss transversely of the socket the arrangement being such that the bore intersects the socket, the plug comprising a body of a resilient material (e.g. neoprene) having bonded into the periphery thereof at spaced locations a plurality of metallic members one of which protrudes from the bore into the socket for frictional engagement with the shank of the tool so as to retain the tool in position, the other(s) of the metallic members being disposed within the bore, and the arrangement of the metallic members being such that the plug may be removed from the bore, rotated and re-inserted to change the metallic member which protrudes into the socket.

Abstract: A cutter chain for a mineral mining machine of the kind having links carrying cutter tool supports, the said links each comprising a pair of side-by-side members carrying hinge pins by means of which the link is joined to other links of the chain, and in which the side-by-side members are united by means of bridges formed by a pair of upstanding lugs on each side-by-side member which are inwardly curved so that they meet the corresponding lugs on the other of the side-by-side members, the lugs being united by welding and defining between them a recess in which one or more cutter tool support can be received and secured by welding.

Abstract: A bottom unloader for a storage silo and of the kind having a sweep arm conveyor carrying an endless cutting and conveying chain, the sweep arm being pivoted at or near the silo wall so that it can be swung across the base of the silo and can cut and remove material therefrom, wherein the unloader comprises a pivotal mounting for the sweep arm, a drive assembly for the sweep arm conveyor chain and which is co-axial with the pivotal mounting, and a reciprocating drive assembly for swinging the sweep arm, the reciprocating drive assembly being arranged below the sweep arm and for reception in a radial trough in the base of the silo.