Abstract: A mooring system comprises a length of hawser 3, a chafe chain 7, and a wire 5 to be wound onto a rotatable drum 1. Adjacent the drum 1 is positioned a stopper 2 adapted to receive and retain the chain 4, the chain 4 being disconnectable from the wire 5 in this circumstance.

Abstract: A fluid supply system provides a non-rotary component comprising an inlet adaptor unit, passage means extending along the rotary drive shaft and distributor means mounted within the rotary cutter head. The non-rotary distributor means provide outlet nozzles arranged to direct air flow inducing sprays towards air ducts provided on the rotary hub assembly.

Abstract: A rotary cutter head for a mining machine is provided with a plurality of cutter tools mounted on an annular end component which defines the end of the cutter head remote from the mining machine. Ventilating means are provided comprising air flow guide passages having air flow inducing spray means, the air flow inlets to the guide passages being in an exposed zone in which the action of cut mineral and/or of the newly exposed working face tends to scour the inlets preventing the build up of damp, fine mineral particles and thereby tending to prevent blockage of the inlets.

Abstract: Mining equipment adapted for repeated traversing to and fro adjacent to a conveyor arranged along a longwall face in an underground mine, has a mining machine support structure which bridges the conveyor and which has a curtain for guiding airborne dust arising during cutting of mineral by a rotary cutting head mounted on the machine. The air flow passage defined by the curtain has an air flow inducing means therein, such as a fan or water spray.