Abstract: A mining machine having a frame undercarriage having forward and rearward ends provided with a traction assembly for driving the frame undercarriage towards a seam face to be mined. A cutting assembly is provided which includes a plurality of rotatable outer elements each having a substantially horizontal rotation axis disposed perpendicularly to the seam face and an assembly for swinging the cutting assembly up and down with respect to the seam face about a horizontal swing axis parallel to the seam face. The swinging assembly is pivotally mounted on the forward end of the carriage to input pivotal movement of the cutting assembly about a vertical pivot axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of measuring rock-stress uses a tapered sensing plug which is wedged into a conically shaped end portion of a borehole. A rod is used to place the sensing plug in position, to orient the plug relative to its longitudinal axis for sensing stress in a particular direction, and to prestress the sensing plug by causing same to be wedged in the tapered portion of the bore.

Abstract: An inversion apparatus uses a first pair of bend rollers to twist a conveyor belt 90.degree., and a second pair of bend rollers to twist the conveyor belt an additional 90.degree.. The two bend rollers of each pair are rotatably mounted at rotational axes which are perpendicular to each other. Preferably, stabilizer rollers are provided between the bend rollers of each pair, and cylindrical rollers are provided to feed the conveyor belt to and from the bend rollers. The stabilizer rollers and bend rollers are preferably curved so as to equalize the tension across the width of the belt.

Abstract: An extensible support system for endless conveyor belts and the like has a plurality of pairs of generally transversely aligned primary and secondary interconnected members, a plurality of flexible restrictive members, such as chains, secured between successive primary and secondary members to restrict the spacing of the members at their lower ends, transverse members interconnecting portions of the generally transversely aligned pairs of primary and secondary members, and a plurality of conveyor belt and the like supporting elements supported by pairs of either the primary or secondary members. A carrier for the pluralities of primary and secondary members is provided, which includes a pair of longitudinally extending rail members on which the primary or secondary members are supported and guided during movement to and from an extended position.

Abstract: A belt guidance arrangement for use in a belt conveyor system, such as used in mining operations, includes in one embodiment at least one pair of rollers supported by interconnected frames in vertically spaced substantially horizontal relation so as to enable selective angling between the rollers. An endless conveyor belt is wrapped about the rollers so as to define a reach between the rollers which is twisted generally about a longitudinal twist axis and is subjected to transverse components of tension forces acting on opposite sides of the twist axis upon angled positioning between the rollers.

Abstract: Anchor device for securing a rock bolt in a borehole, comprising an elongated cage having a perforated elongated wall confining an elongated chamber containing a bonding means for bonding the rock bolt within the borehole, the cage having a trailing end adapted to mount the anchor device onto the leading end of a rock bolt for insertion into the borehole.

Abstract: In situations where pressurized unsaturated brine or other unwanted liquid seeps through incompetent or soluble rocks, a pair of dams are constructed within a passageway, and the interface between the dams and the host rock is sealed. Thereafter, a hydrophobic liquid is injected under pressure within the passageway between the two dams thus impregnating the microfracture system within the host rock. A monitoring installation is used to sample the area on the flood side of the first barrier. This flood isolation method is also useful in containing other wastes such as in nuclear repositories.

Abstract: Various high pressure isolation structures are operative to prevent brine or other unwanted liquid from seeping through incompetent or soluble rocks. In one embodiment, a pair of barrier dams are constructed in spaced relation within an underground passageway, and the interface between each dam and the host rock is sealed. A hydrophobic liquid is introduced under pressure into the passageway between the dams so as to impregnate the microfracture system within the host rock. A monitoring installation may be employed to sample the area on the flood side of the upstream barrier dam. Alternate embodiments of isolation structures in the form of expandable bulkheads may be employed to effect accelerated rock repressurization so as to close the microfractures either individually or in combination with another barrier dam with hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: There is described an extensible belt take-up and storage device for use in an extensible belt conveyor system. The device overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by being very compact and by having a configuration such that almost all the stored belt can be let out to the conveyor system. To accomplish this first and second sets of rollers are mounted on a fixed and on a movable frame respectively and the rollers are mounted parallel to each other and inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal axis of the device.

Abstract: Conveyor idler supports and spacing members are secured to a downwardly facing surface or framework, and adjusted laterally and vertically to facilitate accurate alignment of adjacent idlers in a series. Installation is facilitated, since accuracy in boring securing holes in the downwardly facing surface is less critical than with prior art conveyor support structures, in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Also spacer assemblies are provided for accurately spacing adjacent idler supports.