Abstract: An air duct system for use with mining machines in dust collection systems is connectable between a suction source and the cutting area of a mining machine and has two duct sections movable relative to each other. One duct section is mounted on the cutter boom of the mining machine and has an extendable upper wall, connected through a hinged plate, that abuts a wall of the first duct section which is mounted on the mining machine body. A lower hinged plate connected to the bottom wall of the duct swivels freely and rests on the bottom wall of the first duct to enclose the space between the two duct sections.

Abstract: A rotating device for a drill mast of a roof bolting mining machine has a pair of hydraulic cylinders respectively connected to appropriate ends of a lever arm. The hydraulic cylinders are connected at their respective other ends to the mast and to the mining machine. Full contraction of one cylinder rotates the lever arm which rotates the mast up to 45 degrees. Additional contraction of the other cylinder rotates the mast an additional 45 degrees.

Abstract: A mining apparatus and method for dislodging material from a mine face. The dislodged material is transported from the front to the rear of the mine for further handling. The apparatus has a lifting mechanism for raising cross beams to the roof of the mine wherein beam jacks are permitted to engage the cross beams to provide support to the mine roof. The temporary roof support permits advancement of miner as dislodged material is removed.

Abstract: A mining method and bolting apparatus. Material is dislodged from a mine face by means of a miner wherein the face is advanced. The dislodged material is transported from the mine face for further handling. A temporary roof support of cross beams supported by beam jacks is provided. A bolting apparatus installs bolts in the mine roof providing a permanent roof support. Cross beams and beam jacks are lowered, manually moved forward and reinstalled wherein the temporary mine roof support is advanced. The mining apparatus and bolter is advanced under the advanced temporary roof support to the advanced mine face.

Abstract: The novel apparatus comprises a first, power unit module of limited mobility and a second, bolter unit which is flexibly and disengageably coupled to the first unit by means of an umbilical line. In one embodiment of the invention, the power module comprises the controls whereat and from when the satellite bolter is (remotely) operated, and in an alternate embodiment, the satellite bolter itself includes controls and a control station for an operator to be accommodated thereat, to control the bolter directly.

Abstract: A mining machine of the type wherein the rotary mining head comprises at least one rotatable support carrying a plurality of cutter drums. The support is rotatably driven through a gear box including gearing connected to the support by a plurality of drive shafts, thereby providing the mining head with substantially increased power and torque, for the employed diameter of drive shaft, while also providing other described advantages. Each of the drive shafts is connected to the gearing through a clutch whereby the load is divided between the drive shafts and the shafts are automatically disconnected from the gearing in the event that the mining head encounters high resistance to its driven rotation.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine particularly adapted for low overhead coal seams having a relatively small diameter cutterhead of the non-oscillating or fixed head type driven by chains that also cut coal and convey it rearwardly to a gathering head mounted on the front of the machine. The gathering head carries a pair of counter-rotating discs having vanes cooperating with conveyor fences for sweeping and discharging coal to a conventional conveyor mounted on the machine chassis.