Abstract: Apparatus for straightening and orientating the deformed nipples of an anode employs framework through which each anode suspended by its anode rod is passed. A hollow casing with openings for receiving the nipples is raised relative to the framework to locate the nipples in the openings. A yoke of the anode is supported by pressure-pieces driven by self-locking spindle drives to engage the yoke from the outside and by support members engaging the yoke from the underside. The casing carries mechanisms each composed of piston and cylinder units with the piston rods and cylinders interconnected by yokes. One of these yokes has recesses for applying force to a central nipple and the other of these yokes carries a force-applying element with a socket for receiving the outermost nipples. The yokes and force applying elements are guided within the casing and serve to bend the nipples back into the desired orientation. Stops serve to control and limit the displacement of the piston and cylinder units.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor installation is composed of a carrier frame composed of channels joined end-to-end on which a scraper-chain conveyor is mounted. Drive stations are provided at the ends of the conveyor and the frame and one or both of these have driven tracks for moving the installation. The conveyor and carrier frame can adopt a curved profile. A guide beam composed of articulated plates which can be braced and locked or released serves to guide the carrier frame and the conveyor. The guide beam is connected with rams to the conveyor or the carrier frame to effect relative longitudinal movement therebetween. The guide beam is raisable and lowerable from contact with the floor either directly or via the carrier frame. The plates of the beam are coupled to a traction chain which can be tensioned or slackened with a hydraulic unit to cause the plates of guide beam to become rigid for guidance or released for movement.

Abstract: A coal wining plough in a longwall working employs adjustable floor cutters mounted on curved carriers displaced in guideways on the body of the plough. Wedges abut on the upper ends of the carriers and are moved by hydraulic piston and cylinder units to set the position of the floor cutters and define the cutting level adopted by the plough. The units are operated with the aid of valves which respond to an electronic control device. Command signals from a remote control station are transmitted as by a radio to the plough to set up the electronic control device. Sensors on the plough provide electrical signals representing the position of the interface between the coal face and the floor and these signals are transmitted back to the control station. In a control sequence the plough runs along the seam and the sensor(s) provide signals relayed to the control station which also receives signals representing the distance moved by and/or the position of the plough.