Abstract: A pin handling device for coupling and decoupling conveyor segments to and from a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining includes a base frame, a base frame drive system for moving the base frame relative to the conveyor segments, a connector element for holding pins to be handled, a rotational drive system attached to the base frame and connected to the connector element, and a lift system attached to the base frame and carrying the connector element for linear movement of the connector element. A coupling pin is also provided for coupling conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining as well as the conveyor segment that enables the use of such pin handling device and such coupling pins. A method of coupling and detaching conveyor segments for high wall mining is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary cutter drum for a continuous mining machine having a cutter drum, a bearing hub, an inner bearing, a sealing assembly and a shaft disposed in an inner portion of the cutter drum, the shaft having at least one flat passageway disposed along a longitudinal axis of the hub for allowing a lubricating fluid to move from an oil reservoir to a bearing surface.

Abstract: A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.

Abstract: A pin handling device for coupling and decoupling conveyor segments to and from a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining includes a base frame, a base frame drive system for moving the base frame relative to the conveyor segments, a connector element for holding pins to be handled, a rotational drive system attached to the base frame and connected to the connector element, and a lift system attached to the base frame and carrying the connector element for linear movement of the connector element. A coupling pin is also provided for coupling conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining as well as the conveyor segment that enables the use of such pin handling device and such coupling pins. A method of coupling and detaching conveyor segments for high wall mining is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary cutter drum for a continuous mining machine having a cutter drum, a bearing hub, an inner bearing, a sealing assembly and a shaft disposed in an inner portion of the cutter drum, the shaft having at least one flat passageway disposed along a longitudinal axis of the hub for allowing a lubricating fluid to move from an oil reservoir to a bearing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highwall mining system comprising: a cutterhead (2), a train of conveyor segments (6) connecting to the cutterhead (2), a base structure (5), and a gas guide (P1-P4) running from the base structure (5) to the cutterhead (2) for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutterhead (2). The invention also relates to a conveyor segment (6) for use in a such a highwall mining system, and to a method for providing this highwall mining system.

Abstract: The invention provides for a launch vehicle for a mining system comprising a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit and drive means for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device (1) for fixation of a launching unit (50) for highwall mining. The invention also relates to a cylindrical body (2) for use in such an anchoring device. Moreover, the invention relates to a launching unit (50) provided with at least one anchoring device (1) and to methods of fixation and relocation of a launching unit (50). The invention provides an increased stability of launching units (50) for highwall mining.

Abstract: The invention provides for a launch vehicle for a mining system comprising a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit and drive means for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for moving a mine conveyor segment (2, 3) between a first position in line with a train of conveyor segments and a second storage position out of line with the train of conveyor segments, comprising: a segment holder (9), and a guide (8) for guiding the movement of the segment (2, 3) between the first and the second position, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a device (102) for manipulating the train of conveyor segments such that the segment holder (9) is at least partially movable independent from the train manipulating device (102). The handling of the conveyor segments (2, 3) in the first position is not decisive for the status of the apparatus according the present invention, and therefore the handling of the segments outside the first position can coincide (overlap) with the operating of the launch platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining, comprising: conveyor means for transporting mined material from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments (1), and a transmission for transmitting power from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments. The invention further relates to driving means (31). Moreover, the invention relates to an assembly of a conveyor segment and driving means, and to a train of conveyor segments. Further, the invention relates to a launching platform (30), and to a method for high wall mining.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for moving a mine conveyor segment (2, 3) between a first position in line with a train of conveyor segments and a second storage position out of line with the train of conveyor segments, comprising: a segment holder (9), and a guide (8) for guiding the movement of the segment (2, 3) between the first and the second position, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a device (102) for manipulating the train of conveyor segments such that the segment holder (9) is at least partially movable independent from the train manipulating device (102). The handling of the conveyor segments (2, 3) in the first position is not decisive for the status of the apparatus according the present invention, and therefore the handling of the segments outside the first position can coincide (overlap) with the operating of the launch platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highwall mining system comprising: a cutterhead (2), a train of conveyor segments (6) connecting to the cutterhead (2), a base structure (5), and a gas guide (P1-P4) running from the base structure (5) to the cutterhead (2) for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutterhead (2). The invention also relates to a conveyor segment (6) for use in a such a highwall mining system, and to a method for providing this highwall mining system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device (1) for fixation of a launching unit (50) for highwall mining. The invention also relates to a cylindrical body (2) for use in such an anchoring device. Moreover, the invention relates to a launching unit (50) provided with at least one anchoring device (1) and to methods of fixation and relocation of a launching unit (50). The invention provides an increased stability of launching units (50) for highwall mining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining, comprising: conveyor means for transporting mined material from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments (1), and a transmission for transmitting power from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments. The invention further relates to driving means (31). Moreover, the invention relates to an assembly of a conveyor segment and driving means, and to a train of conveyor segments. Further, the invention relates to a launching platform (30), and to a method for high wall mining.