Abstract: A conveyor apparatus and method for a continuous haulage system and continuous conveyor belt are disclosed for carrying coal or ore. A middle roller and side sliders are connected with substantially flexible linkages on a roller-slider support piece supporting the continuous conveyor belt. Three apertures are positioned on the holding frame to adjust and control the tracking angle at which the support piece receives the continuous conveyor belt. In one aspect, the holding frame is provided by a plurality of floor-supported frame members held in position by belt tension, the holding frame being capable of rapid and efficient extendable, retractable construction in the mine, and wherein substantially flexible connecting linkages are positioned to connect the middle roller and the side slider and to connect the side slider to a holding frame for holding the roller-slider support piece. Rails connecting and hold adjacent frame members in position by press-fit attachment of the rails to the frame members.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor apparatus and method for a continuous haulage system and continuous conveyor belt are disclosed for carrying coal or ore discharged from a continuous miner. A top roller combination supports the coal-carrying or ore-carrying continuous conveyor belt. A holding frame for the top roller and a bottom belt return is provided by a plurality of floor-supported frame members held and secured in position by belt tension. The holding frame is capable of rapid and nimble extendable, retractable construction in the mine. Rails connect and hold adjacent frame members in position by press-fit attachment of the rails to the frame members. The rails preferably are quickly rotatable to change the top wearing surface. A top roller for supporting the mined-material-carrying belt includes a combination of rollers formed into a roller combination insert which is quickly replaceable in an underground mine.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor apparatus and method for a continuous haulage system and continuous conveyor belt are disclosed for carrying coal or ore discharged from a continuous miner. A top roller-slider combination supports the coal-carrying or ore-carrying continuous conveyor belt. A holding frame for the top roller-slider and a bottom belt return is provided by a plurality of floor-supported frame members held and secured in position by belt tension. The holding frame is capable of rapid and nimble extendable, retractable construction in the mine. Rails connect and hold adjacent frame members in position by press-fit attachment of the rails to the frame members. The rails preferably are quickly rotatable to change the top wearing surface.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor apparatus and method for a continuous haulage system include a continuous conveyor belt for carrying coal or ore discharged from a continuous miner, a top slider for supporting the coal-carrying or ore-carrying continuous conveyor belt, a bottom belt return, and a slider holding frame for holding the top slider, wherein the slider holding frame is provided by a plurality of floor-supported frame members held in position by belt tension, the slider holding frame being capable of rapid and nimble extendable, retractable construction in the mine. Rails connect and hold adjacent frame members in position by press-fit attachment of the rails to the frame members. The rails preferably are quickly rotatable to change the top wearing surface. A top slider for supporting the mined-material-carrying belt is composed of a material which is lightweight, flame-resistant, and quickly replaceable in an underground mine.