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.

Abstract: An extendable rotor arm for a mining machine includes a rotor arm having an end portion, a sleeve removably secured on at least part of the end portion, a rotor arm extension having an internal opening in which the sleeve and the end portion of the rotor arm are axially slidably received and nonrotatable, and a seal between an internal surface of the internal opening of the rotor arm extension and the sleeve. Methods of repairing an extendable rotor arm for a mining machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prime mover of an underground mining machine is propelled by motor driven endless tracks that are operated in unison or independently to effect forward and reverse movement of the machine and turning of the machine. Drive is transferred to each track from a motor mounted in a traction case on each side of the machine to an input shaft through first and second stage planetary assemblies to a sprocket assembly that rotatably supports the respective tracks. A planetary carrier of the first stage planetary assembly is longitudinally movable under a spring force to apply a braking force through a brake disc to a brake plate extending from the input shaft. Fluid pressure in the traction case opposes the spring force to normally maintain the planetary carrier removed from braking engagement with the brake disc.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted ice-scraping mechanism includes a tool carrier mounted on the vehicle, and a plurality of non-rotatable ice-scraping tools mounted on the tool carrier and depending downwardly therefrom. Each tool includes a shank mounted to the tool carrier, and a cutting head depending downwardly from the shank. The cutting head is formed of a steel main body, and a carbide insert is mounted in the steel body at a location spaced from a front end of the steel body. During a wear-in period, front and bottom surfaces of the steel body define a rake face and a clearance face, respectively, of the tool. After the wear-in period, front and bottom surfaces of the insert define the rake face and clearance face, respectively. The tool is oriented such that the shank and the rake face extend upwardly and forwardly to define a positive rake angle. The tool shanks are cylindrical and are mounted in cylindrical bores in the tool carrier.

Abstract: A boom mounted cutter drum assembly of a continuous mining machine includes a center drum section, a pair of intermediate drum sections, and a pair of end drum sections. Spray nozzles on the cutting elements of the cutter drum assembly phasingly direct liquid spray at the mine face as mine material is dislodged to suppress dust and frictional ignition. Liquid for the spray nozzles is supplied on the mining machine through stationary annular housings positioned between the intermediate drum sections and the end drum sections. Water is conveyed through passageways in the annular housings to corresponding passageways in a sealing and valving assembly located in the end drum sections having stationary and rotating components. The gear case is surrounded on one side by a cat seal and on the other side by a lip seal to prevent liquid leakage from flowing into the gear case.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending conveyor discharge section is connected for horizontal and vertical pivotal movement on a frame of a mining machine. A pair of service shoes is connected at one end to the machine frame below the conveyor support frame for pivotal movement into and out of contact with the mine floor. A pair of double acting piston cylinder assemblies is connected at opposite ends to the conveyor discharge section and the service shoes. The conveyor discharge section and the service shoes are removably pinned to the machine frame. The pins for the conveyor discharge section are removed when it is desired to elevate the conveyor by actuation of the cylinder assemblies in a first mode. To perform maintenance operations on the mining machines, the machine frame is elevated by lowering the service shoes to engage the mine floor. The conveyor is lowered and pinned to the frame.