Abstract: An endless elongate structure adapted to circulate around a path. The endless elongate structure comprises a central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions on opposed sides of the central longitudinal portion for supporting the central longitudinal portion therebetween. The central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions are connected together by joiners. The central longitudinal portion is adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular formation which is adapted to be continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the elongate structure along the path. The central longitudinal portion has two longitudinal edge sections adapted to be releasably connected together for assembling the tubular formation by a slidably interlocking connector. The slidably interlocking connector is integrated with the two longitudinal edge sections by joiners.

Abstract: An endless elongate structure adapted to circulate around a path. The endless elongate structure comprises a central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions on opposed sides of the central longitudinal portion for supporting the central longitudinal portion therebetween. The central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions are connected together by joiners. The central longitudinal portion is adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular formation which is adapted to be continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the elongate structure along the path. The central longitudinal portion has two longitudinal edge sections adapted to be releasably connected together for assembling the tubular formation by a slidably interlocking connector. The slidably interlocking connector is integrated with the two longitudinal edge sections by joiners.

Abstract: A belt filter apparatus for treating material to separate solid and liquid components comprises an endless belt structure adapted to circulate around a path incorporating guide roller structures around which the belt structure passes. The endless belt structure comprises an elongate belt portion of water permeable material, and has two opposed longitudinal edges. A zipper releasably connects the two longitudinal edges together to form a tubular structure with a flexible sidewall. The circulating path includes an assembly zone where the longitudinal edges are brought together and connected by the zipper to form the tubular structure, and a disassembly zone at which the zipper is released to separate the longitudinal edges and open the tubular structure. Means are provided for compressing a portion of the tubular structure to express liquid from the material contained in the tubular structure. The liquid discharges from the tubular structure through the water permeable belt portion.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus includes a mining head for moving through underground material to extract material in its path and form a passageway behind the mining head as it advances. An elongate structure extends along the passageway to the mining head and provides a path for delivering the extracted material to ground surface. A shroud is positioned about the elongate structure for supporting engagement with the periphery of the passageway and to provide a space through which the elongate structure can move. The shroud has a cross-sectional shape corresponding generally to the cross-sectional shape of the passageway formed by the mining head. A method is also disclosed.