Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mining a mineral seam. The apparatus includes a frame, a propulsion system as well as first and second cutters and a cutter motor for winning aggregate material from the mineral seam. The apparatus is characterized by the cutter including a transmission gearcase having a bevel gear set, first and second sun gears, first and second planetary gear sets, first and second fixed planetary gear set carriers and first and second rotating ring gears. The output from the drive motor is connected to the bevel gear set which in turn drives the first and second sun gears which in turn drive the respective first and second planetary gear sets that in turn drive the first and second ring gears. The ring gears drive the first and second cutters, respectively.

Abstract: A continuous highwall mining machine (10) includes a frame (12) and a ground engaging loading shovel (32) that is mounted to extend forwardly from the frame. A cutter (16) for winning aggregate material is mounted to the frame (12) so as to extend above and forwardly of the loading shovel (32). An armless conveyor system (40) conveys aggregate material won from the mineral seam. The armless conveyor system includes twin chains having a forked section (44) at the forwardmost end carried on the loading shovel (32) and an uninterrupted humpless and dipless path extending rearwardly to a discharge end.

Abstract: A mining apparatus includes a frame, a mechanism for cutting an arched opening in a seam and winning the cut mineral, and a propulsion system. The cutting mechanism includes a boom supported mineral cutting drum having a barrel or bulging cylindrical shape. The propulsion system is canted on the frame at an angle from the horizontal in order to match the floor of the arched opening being cut by the drum.

Abstract: A continuous highwall mining machine includes a frame and a ground engaging loading shovel that is mounted to extend forwardly from the frame. A cutter for winning aggregate material is mounted to the frame so as to extend above and forwardly of the loading shovel. An armless conveyor system conveys aggregate material won from the mineral seam. The armless conveyor system includes twin chains having a forked section at the forwardmost end carried on the loading shovel and an uninterrupted straight path extending rearwardly from the forked section to a discharge end.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A launch vehicle is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle includes an elongated frame that holds a belt conveyor for conveying aggregate material that is received from the conveyor train. A drive assembly for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train is also provided on the launch vehicle. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a mechanism for adding a modular conveyor unit to the conveyor train. More specifically, the conveyor train drive assembly includes a pair of cooperating tandem drive cylinders. Each drive cylinder includes a pusher arm unit that is adapted to engage one of the modular conveyor units of the conveyor train. The conveyor unit adding mechanism includes a positioning mechanism that holds and places a conveyor unit on the launch vehicle. A pusher cylinder is also provided to push the new conveyor unit into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train.