Abstract: A mining bit holding system is provided which includes a bit holder which attaches to the rotatable drum of a mining machine. The bit holder includes a base portion and a body portion. The body portion has an aperture therethrough, to receive a sleeve. The sleeve has an aperture therethrough for rotatably receiving a cutting bit. The sleeve and bit holder are constructed such that the position of the sleeve may be fixed axially with respect to the body portion by an interference fit in such a manner that it may be easily removed from the body portion.

Abstract: A pressure relief door for an enclosed vessel such as a combustion chamber for an incinerator. The door is pivotally attached to the combustion chamber and is movable between a closed position wherein it confronts and seals a vent duct attached to the chamber and an open position wherein said vent duct is unsealed to permit excessive pressure to be relieved from the chamber. A liquid holding trough is attached around the perimeter of the duct and is adapted to retain therein a liquid at a predetermined level. A seal member is attached around the perimeter of the door and is adapted to extend into the liquid to achieve an airtight seal between the door and duct when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the operable position of a roller means adapted to engage endless driven elements such as chains, belts, and the like. The apparatus includes a sprocket carrying assembly that is operably connected to the chain engaging sprocket. A hollow piston, having one end thereof rigidly attached to the chain driven piece of equipment, is slidably and non-rotatably received within the sprocket carrying assembly. The sprocket carrying assembly has a pressure receiving port and cavity therein that is adapted to receive pressurized grease. Seals are provided between the sprocket carrying assembly and piston to achieve a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The hollow piston has a screw member threadedly received therein that is adapted to be axially advanced into and out of the piston by rotating a shaft that extends through the fixed end of the piston. A locking mechanism is removably fastened to the machinery for selectively restricting the rotation of the shaft member.

Abstract: An apparatus for operatively coupling a rotatably driven machine tool accessory, such as a right angle milling head, to a machine tool having a rotary output shaft, such as a horizontal boring machine. The apparatus includes a first collar that is mounted to the horizontal boring machine in a position that is adjacent to the rotary output shaft thereof. A second collar is mounted to the machine tool accessory and is adapted to mate with the first collar. Cylinder actuated ball locking devices are provided in the second collar and are adapted to be received in corresponding receptacles in the first collar. The cylinders are adapted to cause the ball locking devices to engage the receptacles in the first collar to thereby secure the first collar to the second collar. To disengage the second collar from the first collar, the cylinders are retracted to permit the ball lock devices to disengage the receptacles in the first collar.

Abstract: A connection link for coupling together the first and second chain links of a tram chain normally used to propel mobile articulating mining conveyors. The first and second tram chain links are hooked through a "U"-shaped member and are captively held in a relatively static position by a retaining member. The ends of the "U"-shaped member are threaded and extend through the retaining member to engage corresponding fastening nuts to thereby enable the retaining member to be separated from the "U"-shaped member. A tram chain crawler pad, similarly adapted to engage the "U"-shaped member, may also serve as a retaining member.

Abstract: An auxilliary conveying apparatus for receiving and conveying mined ore from the discharge bridge or a mobile articulated conveyor. The apparatus includes an endless belt conveyor that is disposed at an angle between first and second stationary conveyors that intersect at right angles to one another. A first portion of the endless belt conveyor extends under a portion of the first, upstream stationary conveyor while a second portion of the endless belt conveyor extends over a portion of the second, downstream stationary conveyor. Guide rails are provided to guide the discharge bridge in a predetermined curvilinear path over the endless belt conveyor to enable the discharge bridge to deposit material thereupon. Other guide rails or tracks are supplied to guide the mobile articulated conveyor discharge in a predetermined path that is adjacent to the first and second conveyors and endless belt conveyor that is suited to its inherent turning radius.

Abstract: An auxiliary conveying apparatus for receiving and conveying mined material from a bridge conveyor that is pivotally attached to the discharge end of a mobile articulated conveyor. The apparatus includes an endless belt conveyor that is disposed at an angle between the first and second stationary conveyors that intersect at right angles to one another. First and second guide rails are provided to guide the bridge conveyor at a predetermined height along the first and second stationary conveyors. Third and fourth guide rails are provided to guide the discharge end of the bridge conveyor in a curvilinear path at a second predetermined height above the endless belt conveyor. Hinged transition guides are attached to the ends of the fourth guide rail to create a ramp between the first and fourth guide rails while a fixed guide rail section creates a ramp between the first and third guide rails.

Abstract: An auxiliary conveying apparatus for supporting and guiding a mobile articulated conveyor between discrete elevated roadways located on first and second intersecting stationary conveyors. The apparatus includes two portable arcuate conveyor troughs that are arranged between the first and second conveyors at their point of intersection. Each conveyor section has an endless chain therein that is adapted to be driven in an orbit by a separate drive motor. Pad members are transversely attached to the endless chain and are adapted to contact and advance the mined ore from one end of the trough to the other as the endless chain is driven in an orbit. Corresponding arcuate track members are provided to interface with the support tracks located on the intersecting stationary conveyors and to guide the mobile articulated conveyor in an arcuate path above the arcuate conveyor troughs.

Abstract: A mining bit holding system is provided which includes a bit holder which attaches to the rotatable drum of a mining machine. The bit holder includes a base portion and a body portion. The body portion has an aperture therethrough to receive a coaxial sleeve. The sleeve has a bore therethrough for rotatably receiving a cutting bit. The sleeve and bit holder are constructed such that the angular position of the sleeve may be fixed relative to the common axis of the aperture in the sleeve in any one of a plurality of discrete positions. Additionally, the sleeve and bit holder are constructed such that the sleeve may be rotated with respect to the axis of the aperture the body portion to another position and then fixed in that position.

Abstract: A mining bit holding system is provided which includes a bit holder which attaches to the rotatable drum of a mining machine. The bit holder includes a base portion and a body portion. The body portion has an aperture therethrough to receive a sleeve. The sleeve has an aperture therethrough for rotatably receiving a cutting bit. The sleeve and bit holder are constructed such that the position of the sleeve may be fixed axially with respect to the body portion by an interference fit in such a manner that it may be easily removed from the body portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching conveyor chains and flights utilized in shuttle cars are disclosed. The flight attachment design includes an attachment link with male members extending from the roller links to which the flights are to be attached. The roller links have slots which allow the engagement of each of the roller links by the drive sprockets. A specially designed flight has female receptacle with inwardly tapered ends which are positioned around the male extensions of the roller links. Retaining pins inserted in cooperating holes secure each of the flights to the male members of the roller links. The roller links of each conveyor chain are connected by side plates and pins positioned on each side of the roller link such that a slot remains between the roller links which may be engaged by the drive sprockets.

Abstract: A chain conveyor for a miner in which the chain adjacent the drive sprocket is guided and supported by channels in a casting such that tension in the chain is reacted by the casting and separated from the driving force applied to the chain by the drive sprocket. The casting may be spring loaded away from the idler sprocket at the other end of the conveyor. The pitch of the sprocket teeth is preferably less than the pitch of the chain, allowing for drive sprocket build up from entrained fines.

Abstract: A hydraulic temporary mine roof support cylinder is disclosed. The support cylinder includes an outer housing and a coaxial intermediate housing member and inner cylinder. A downwardly extending piston is provided between the outer housing and intermediate housing member. In addition, a sleeve piston is provided within the inner cylinder while an inner piston rod is extensible from the sleeve piston. Controls are provided for independently operating the lower cylinder and the upper cylinders. Additionally, a sequence/check valve ensures the timed operation of the upper cylinders. Due to the present design, each of the cylinders may be collapsed within the outer housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a cutting bit having an extended shank on a rotatable cutting drum is provided. The support apparatus includes a bit holder having an upper body portion and a shank portion and a generally rectangular mounting base having rear, side and front members. The upper body of the bit holder includes a bore for receiving the cutting bit shank and upper rear abutment surfaces perpendicular to the bit axis. The shank of the bit holder has a lower rear abutment surface having horizontal and vertical areas and a threaded bore which extends into the shank intermediate the upper and lower abutment surfaces. The rear portion of the mounting base includes upper abutment surfaces perpendicular to the bit axis and a lower abutment surface having horizontal and vertical areas. A draw bolt passes through the rear portion of the mounting base and serves to draw the upper and lower abutment surfaces of the bit holder and mounting base, respectively, into engagement.

Abstract: An elongatable conveyor belt having an internal stretch limiter is disclosed. The conveyor belt includes a lower layer of transverse reinforcing cords and an upper layer of transverse reinforcing cords disposed at opposing angles relative to the transverse axis of the conveyor belt. Preferably, depressions are formed in the upper transverse reinforcing cords to facilitate troughing of the conveyor belt. An internal stretch limiter such as an angularly woven fabric, sinusoidally disposed cords or stretchable cords are provided only in the central region of the belt. Because stretch limiting devices are only provided in the center of the conveyor belt, the belt remains in tension to retain material thereon during horizontal curves while enabling the outer edge to elongate to negotiate the curve.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching conveyor chains and flights utilized in shuttle cars are disclosed. The flight attachment design includes an attachment link with male members extending from the roller links to which the flights are to be attached. The roller links have slots which allow the engagement of each of the roller links by the drive sprockets. A specially designed flight has female ends which are positioned around the male extensions of the roller links. Retaining pins inserted in cooperating holes secure each of the flights to the male members of the roller links. The roller links of each conveyor chain are connected by side plates and pins positioned on each side of the roller link such that a slot remains between the roller links which may be engaged by the drive sprockets.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method which provides for the placement of a bit point of a bit at a predetermined position with respect to a rotatable member. The method includes the steps of burning into a holder a surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of the member; and fixing the holder on the member such that the surface burned into the holder is adjacent the portion of the surface of the member, and the bit point of the bit is capable of being held by the holder at the predetermined position. The present invention also pertains to an apparatus which provides for the placement of a bit point of a bit at a predetermined position with respect to a rotatable member. The apparatus includes a holder for holding a bit, and a device for burning into the holder a surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of the member.

Abstract: A bit shoulder for attachment of a mining cutting bit to a driven element is provided. The bit holder includes a base member which may be attached to the driven element. The bit holder is provided with a forward body member having forward and rearward surfaces and a bore for receiving therethrough the extended shank of a cutting bit. A rearward member is also attached to the base member and includes an anvil portion having an anvil surface spaced from and facing the rearward surface. A reinforcement member is provided between the rearward member and the rearward surface to rigidify the bit holder.

Abstract: A mining roof bolt drill feed mechanism whereby the drill is supported on a horizontal pylon extending from an elongate slot in a vertical box section inner strut. The inner strut telescopes within an outer box section strut with an aligned elongate slot, and the pylon is supported on the nut of a dual concentric worm and nut drive system located within the telescopic struts. Elastomeric seals are provided over the elongate slots to prevent the ingress of dust from the mining operation.

Abstract: A chain conveyor for a miner in which the chain adjacent the drive sprocket is guided and supported by channels in a casting such that tension in the chain is reacted by the casting and separated from the driving force applied to the chain by the drive sprocket. The casting may be spring loaded away from the idler sprocket at the other end of the conveyor. The pitch of the sprocket teeth is preferably less than the pitch of the chain, allowing for drive sprocket build up from entrained fines.