Abstract: An ore dislodging mechanism and a method for extracting ore from a vein which greatly increase productivity and reduce health hazards when compared with previous devices and methods. The ore dislodging mechanism includes a chisel bar which is forced into the ore vein to dislodge ore therefrom, and an elevated means for raising the chisel bar in a substantially vertical manner so that each extraction made by the chisel bar is parallel with previous extractions. Side cutters extend vertical kerfs along the sides of the chisel bar and the chisel bar breaks down the coal between the kerfs.The method includes the steps of undercutting a vein of ore, extending at least one vertical relief cut upwardly from the undercut, forcing a chisel bar into the vein of ore, thereby dislodging the ore therefrom, and raising the means for cutting the relief cuts and the chisel bar mechanism to make progressively higher extractions parallel with lower extractions.

Abstract: A mining machine in which a cutting drum undercuts a vein of coal and side relief cutters make vertical kerfs in the vein upwardly from the undercut. A chisel plate is forced into the coal vein and breaks loose the material above the undercut and between the side relief cuts. The coal falls into conveyors and is loaded into mine shuttle cars for removal from the mine. The side relief cutters and chisel assembly are progressively raised to extract higher levels of coal from the vein until the desired roof height has been reached. The tramming track assembly, which propels the machine, may be rotated 90.degree. to permit extraction from the vein immediately adjacent the initial extraction. All power supplied near the working face of the vein is hydraulic to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, and a water spray system minimizes dust circulation. Hydraulic roof and floor jacks are provided to increase the stability of the mining machine when exceptionally hard material is encountered in the coal vein.