Abstract: An assembly for supporting the drive or idler shaft in an endless conveyor, such as an armored face or scraper chain conveyor, is provided. The assembly includes a pair of annular bearing housings having central bores for receiving the ends of an idler shaft carrying dual spaced inner, or single twin inboard sprocket rings. Each bearing housing includes a relatively wide integral support arm for insertion into a corresponding C-shaped bracket attached to the end face of the conveyor frame. Fasteners, such as dowel pins and bolts, are inserted into aligned vertical apertures formed in the cooperating support arms and brackets. In the mounted position, the bearing housings fully support the shaft ends independent of the conveyor frame sidewalls and thus are useful with conveyors having sidewalls spaced any distance apart. The independence provided by moving the bearing housings inward permits a shorter and consequently lighter shaft to be used and one that is less prone to deflection.

Abstract: An improved coupler assembly for pans in a longwall mining conveyor system for handling coal or the like is provided. The assembly includes a dog-bone coupler having notched ends. A first end of the coupler is received and secured in place by a stop in a first recess formed in one conveyor pan. A cooperating second recess in the mating pan receives the opposite or second end of the coupler. A T-shaped retainer includes a crosspiece which is pivotally received in upper and lower retention holes formed in the second recess to engage the second end. The retainer rotates such that the leg of the T that projects outwardly therefrom is received in a slot that includes opposed resilient inserts for holding the leg and, thus, the retainer, securely in place.

Abstract: A modular pan assembly for a longwall mine face conveyor includes an elongated deck plate flanked by a pair of parallel, elongated side rails to define the conveyor system feed path. Beveled longitudinal edges of the deck plate mesh into corresponding channels along inside surfaces of the side rails. Apertures penetrate side rails from outside surfaces into the floor of respective channels. The assembly is secured by welds between the side rails and the deck plate within the apertures and along a lower side rail channel wall.