Abstract: Mine ventilation tubing system for use in a mine tunnel including a plurality of tubing sections having, in transverse cross section, three sides connected together by three radiused corners, one of the corners having a substantially larger radius than the other two corners. A mounting assembly mounts the tubing sections in the tunnel with the one corner having the larger radius located closely adjacent the intersection of one of the side walls with the ceiling of the tunnel. In its mounted position, a first of the tubing section sides is located closely adjacent the ceiling, and a second of the tubing section sides is located closely adjacent the side wall such that the tubing sections are positioned out of the way of equipment travelling or operating in the tunnel.

Abstract: A stretcher for use in confined areas such as a mine tunnel for transporting sick or injured persons which is constructed for mounting on sideboard structure of a conveyor in the mine tunnel. The stretcher includes a frame having a generally flat portion for supporting the sick or injured person on the stretcher. Rollers mounted on the frame for rolling engagement with the sideboard structure support the frame on the sideboard structure so that the structure may move translationally over the sideboard stretcher. Guide rollers maintain the rollers in engagement with the sideboard structure.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for electrically isolating a trolley-type electrical connector on the end of a conduit on an electrical mining machine or the like, to prevent an electrical connection from being made with the connector. The locking apparatus comprises an open-ended sheath made from an electrically insulating material, slidably mounted on the end of the conduit, to slide between an extended position in which the sheath surrounds the connector, and a retracted position in which the connector projects through the open end of the sheath. The sheath has aligned openings on opposite sides thereof, adjacent the open end of the sheath. A locking member is adapted to extend through the aligned openings and substantially block the open end of the sheath. A retaining cord tethers the locking member to the sheath. A lock can be used to secure the locking member in its position blocking the open end of the sheath.

Abstract: A tool for temporarily supporting a cutting blade in its correct angular orientation to facilitate its installation on a grader. The tool comprises an elongate bar, and first and second brackets mounted on the bar at spaced locations. Each bracket includes a slot for receiving and supporting the cutting blade. The tool further comprises a suspension member on the bar, intermediate the brackets. The suspension member is at such an orientation with respect to the brackets that when the tool is suspended by the suspension member, a blade supported in the brackets is at approximately the angle at which it is mounted on the grader.

Abstract: A method of moving an electrically powered mining machine between locations that have electric power supplies, the mining machine of the type having at least one electric motor for moving the mining machine, the method including connecting a temporary power unit to the motor on the mining machine and operating the power unit to selectively power the mining machine. The temporary power unit comprises at least one battery, and a relay for selectively making an electrical connection, a connector for connecting the relay to the battery pack, and a connector for connecting the relay to the electric motor for selectively connecting the battery to at least one electric motor on the mining machine to selectively power the electric motor to move the mining machine. At least one of the connectors is long and flexible to permit relative movement between the battery and the mining machine. The power unit also includes a remote control device for operating the relay.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner adapted for use with a conveyor for product such as broken-up coal. The conveyor comprises a frame, an endless belt, and a generally horizontal roller on the frame and at the discharge end of the conveyor guiding the belt for travel in a forward-moving upper reach and a return reach for conveying product on the upper reach to a discharge end thereof. The belt travels around the roller from the upper to the return reach. The cleaner is adapted for cleaning the outer surface of the belt of particles of product which may otherwise cling to the belt and be carried around thereon past the roller. It comprises a member extending generally horizontally adjacent the portion of the belt travelling around the roller adapted for supporting a mass of particles of product in wiping contact with said portion. The member is spaced from said portion so that the sole contact with said portion is that of the mass of particles. The mass of particles on the member conforms to the contour of said portion.

Abstract: Drill pipe handling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of lengths of drill pipe and delivering each pipe into position for its removal by drilling apparatus which is operable to drill the pipe into the ground at an angle off vertical, having a brake for preventing rotation of the magazine such as might otherwise occur due to the magazine being in an unbalanced condition.

Abstract: A switching system for powering first and second electrical loads from a voltage supply, the electrical loads being operable from controls and adapted to be connected to the voltage supply by the switching system. The switching system includes switching circuitry having a control element which is responsive to a control voltage difference to cause the switching circuitry to become conductive, the switching circuitry having a switch terminal connected to a first supply line and another switch terminal connected to the first electrical load. The switching system also includes additional circuitry responsive to the controls for generating the control voltage difference when the voltage supply is connected to the first supply line thereby powering the first electrical load from the first supply line. The switching system further includes further circuitry responsive to the controls for generating first and second control signals.

Abstract: Tilling apparatus, particularly for deep ripping of the soil, adapted to be towed by a tractor having teeth for penetrating the ground, each tooth being hollow, having an unbalanced rotor housed therein adjacent its lower end, a motor mounted on the side of the tooth adjacent its upper end, and drive means housed in the tooth driven by the motor and operable to drive the rotor for causing vibration of the lower end portion of the tooth.

Abstract: A switching system for powering first and second electrical loads from a voltage supply, the electrical loads being operable from controls and adapted to be connected to the voltage supply by the switching system. The switching system includes switching circuitry having a control element which is responsive to a control voltage difference to cause the switching circuitry to become conductive, the switching circuitry having a switch terminal connected to a first supply line and another switch terminal connected to the first electrical load. The switching system also includes additional circuitry responsive to the controls for generating the control voltage difference when the voltage supply is connected to the first supply line thereby powering the first electrical load from the first supply line. The switching system further includes further circuitry responsive to the controls for generating first and second control signals.

Abstract: A brake system for braking a shaft of an apparatus subject to runaway to stop runaway. The system comprises a brake drum on the shaft, one or more brake shoe(s) engageable with and disengageable from the drum, and a control member connected to the brake shoe(s) movable in one direction to a first position for applying the brake shoe(s) and in the opposite direction to a second position for releasing the brake shoe(s). The control member is biased to its first position for applying the brake shoe(s), and a torque motor is connected to the control member for moving the control member on energization of the torque motor to the second position and holding it there for release of the brake shoe(s). A device responsive to runaway of the apparatus for de-energizing the torque motor is provided, the control member being released on de-energization of the torque motor for applying the brake shoe(s) to the drum.

Abstract: A noise-suppressing air intake for a ventilation fan comprising a base having at least one sidewall and an open top and a cap positioned over the base with a portion of the cap being aligned with a portion of the base, and another portion of the cap overlapping a portion of the sidewall of the base to define a downwardly-facing, shielded air inlet therebetween. An air outlet is located in the aligned portions of the cap and base.

Abstract: DC power control system for use in an electric vehicular system has DC power supply and power conductors. A meter relay in a control unit enclosure displayably measures the DC current in the conductors and simultaneously establishes an overcurrent limit for tripping out the conductors when the limit is exceeded. Meter calibration and tripping function are testable by a test switch for substituting an adjustable DC test source in place of a conductor meter shunt to the meter relay. Application of DC to shorted power conductors is prevented by preliminary low power DC isolated AC relaying across the conductors. The test switch substitutes a low resistance for the power conductors to also test the AC tripping action. If the power conductors are already energized from a remote power supply, the local power supply is prevented from access by DC responsive relaying during a preliminary time period. After a problem is detected, the control system locks out so as to demand operator attention if the problem persists.

Abstract: A column of hot coke from a shaft furnace moves downwardly into a vessel which it fills and forms a pile. A gap is left between the angle of repose of the coke surface and the upper portion of the vessel. Water is sprayed onto hot coke as it enters the vessel. The gap is vented to an exhaust duct. A baffle near the center of the vessel deflects the material to the sides and creates a void in the center of the vessel, which void is also vented to the exhaust duct. More water is sprayed on the coke adjacent the void. Steam pressure in the vessel is reduced by a fan which pulls steam through the exhaust ducts. The steam pressure is regulated by a pressure controller which modulates a damper in the exhaust duct. A temperature controller regulates the flow of quench water to the vessel. This regulates the temperature and moisture content of the material being cooled.

Abstract: Mine roof bolting using an anchoring fastener comprising a bolt having a head at one end and screw-threaded at said one end, and a nut threaded on the bolt engageable with the head. On turning the nut in one direction, it moves along the bolt away from the head. On turning the nut in the other direction, it moves toward the head until it engages the head, at which point further rotation of the nut in said other direction turns the bolt in that direction.

Abstract: A dust control system for a mining machine, particularly for controlling respirable dust in coal mining operations, comprising a ductwork system having intakes adjacent the cutter head of the mining machine, a fan for drawing air through the ductwork system, a flooded bed scrubber in the ductwork system upstream from the fan for entraining dust, including respirable dust, in the air in droplets of water, air flowing through the scrubber carrying the dust-laden droplets of water downstream from the scrubber, a sump below the ductwork system between the flooded bed scrubber and the fan, a demister in the ductwork system above the sump for separating the dust-laden droplets of water and directing them into the sump, and a pump for pumping the dust-laden water from the sump to a point adjacent the cutting head. A method of controlling dust is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine safety system for use with a direct current power supply delivering power via a pair of conductors to the direct current load components of mining apparatus which includes a conductive frame electrically isolated from ground and at least one of the conductors. In the safety system, an alternating current generator transmits a predetermined frequency signal over the pair of conductors to the mining apparatus. A filter which passes the predetermined frequency signal is disposed at the mining apparatus in a shunt circuit with the load components, the filter thereby being connected to the generator.

Abstract: Adjacent alternating rows of relatively coarse and fine coal are deposited onto a horizontal moving grate running through a coking furnace.

Abstract: Mine roof bolting using an anchoring fastener comprising a bolt having a head at one end and screw-threaded at said one end, and a nut threaded on the bolt engageable with the head. On turning the nut in one direction, it moves along the bolt away from the head. On turning the nut in the other direction, it moves toward the head until it engages the head, at which point further rotation of the nut in said other direction turns the bolt in that direction.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for a mining machine having a gathering head for gathering product (e.g., coal) in a mine, a conveyor system which extends rearwardly along the machine from the gathering head for conveying the product rearwardly for discharge at the rear of the machine, and power generating equipment for driving the conveyor system and the gathering head. The conveyor system comprises an elongate conveyor support or structure pivotally mounted for swinging movement about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine between lowered and raised positions. The machine has a frame having a rear bottom section below the conveyor support and sides extending upwardly from the rear bottom section. Hydraulic lift means is provided between the rear bottom section and the support powered by the power equipment for pivoting the support. Access is provided between the support and the rear bottom section, when the support is raised, for personnel servicing machine components located in this area.