Abstract: A control system for a bi-directional shuttlecar having a loading end and a discharge end. A conveyor extends along the shuttlecar from the loading end to the discharge end, and a pressure sensing transducer is located at the loading end and an independent pressure sensing transducer is located at the discharge end. The pressure sensing transducers are connected in an electric circuit with programmable logic controller which also includes a drive motor for the conveyor and a controller for the drive motor. The weight of mined material supported on the conveyor at the loading end of the vehicle is sensed by the pressure sensing transducer at the loading end and creates a signal for transmission to the programmable logic controller to start the movement of the conveyor and the weight of the mined material at the discharge end of the vehicle is sensed by the pressure transducer at the discharge end and creates a signal for transmission to the programmable logic controller to stop the movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: An elongated hopper for unloading a haulage vehicle for mined material has a length at least equal to the length of the haulage vehicle. The elongated hopper has a plurality of connected sections and each section has a horizontal conveyor pan with an L-shaped side member pivotally connected to each edge. A conveyor extends throughout the length of the hopper. The haulage vehicle is driven into the hopper through the inlet end prior to unloading and mined material is continuously discharged from the haulage vehicle onto the conveyor in the hopper as the haulage vehicle is driven out of the inlet end of the hopper.

Abstract: An articulated joint for pivotally connecting adjacent sections of a vehicle. The joint includes a first slewing ring and a second slewing ring and each slewing ring has an outer member connected to an inner member. A bearing race is located between the outer member and the inner member to permit relative rotation of the members. The outer member of each slewing ring is constructed for connection to one section of a vehicle and the inner member of each slewing ring is constructed for connection to another section of the vehicle. Location sleeves are located radially inwardly of the inner members of the slewing rings and a shim is located between the ends of the location sleeves.

Abstract: A transmission system having a power input shaft for connection to a power source and two coaxial differentially driven outputs located substantially parallel to and spaced from the input shaft. The power input shaft is operatively connecting the driven outputs to simultaneously drive the driven outputs in response to rotation of the power input shaft.

Abstract: An articulated shuttlecar having two end sections and at least one center section with spaced longitudinal edges. A vertical pivot connecting the center section to one end of each end section. Each section has a pair of driven wheels mounted on an axis located approximately at its longitudinal center. A continuous flexible conveyor extends throughout the length of the sections of the shuttlecar to transport loose mined material from one end of the shuttlecar to the other end of the shuttlecar, and a continuous flexible retaining wall extends upwardly along each edge of all of the sections of the elongated shuttlecar to maintain loose mined material on the continuous flexible conveyor.

Abstract: A cable reeler having two pairs of sprockets rotatable about spaced parallel axes. Endless roller chains entrained around the sprockets and a motor driving one of the sprockets to rotate the other sprockets to move the endless roller chains. Cable support members carried by the roller chains having elongated arms to retain the cable on the reeler.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for an articulated vehicle having a first section and a second section connected by an articulation joint. The steering mechanism includes an annular member connected to the first section and a moveable steering plate slideably mounted on the second section. The annular plate and the steering plate are connected by chains and a pair of opposed piston and cylinder devices are mounted on the second section and connected to the steering plate to move the steering plate and the chains to adjust the position of the annular plate to rotate the first section of the vehicle relative to the second section of the vehicle about the articulation joint between the sections.

Abstract: An articulation joint for pivotally connecting adjacent sections of a vehicle. The joint includes a first slewing ring and a second slewing ring. Each slewing ring has an outer member and an inner member with a bearing race located between the outer and inner members to provide relative rotation of the members. The outer member of each slewing ring is constructed for connection to one section of a vehicle and the inner member of each slewing ring is constructed for connection to the other section of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roadheader type mining machine (1) comprises a self-propelled chassis (6), an elongate boom (9) having a longitudinal axis (10), rotary cutting head (15) having a plurality of water spray nozzles (17). The boom (9) is of a two-part construction comprising an inner part (18) that is non-rotatable about the boom longitudinal axis (10), that is supported from one end (8) on the chassis (6), and that carries towards its other end (14) bearing means (19) for rotatably supporting an outer part (20) that axially extends from said inner part (18).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the profile of an aperture cut by a cutting head capable of traversing movement in two directions at right angles to each other, e.g. the cutting head of a mining machine, wherein means is provided to control the movement of the cutting head in said two directions and including a template for an internal profile representing that part of the aperture to be cut, a sensing device engageable with the template profile, follower means associated with the cutting head to cause relative movement between the sensing device and template in a direction related to movement of the cutting tool, movement of the sensing device into engagement with the profile operating hydraulic sensing equipment which automatically overrides the means to control the movement of the cutting head, thereby preventing the cutting head from moving beyond the desired tunnel profile.