Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train. The conveyor machine comprises an elongate supporting frame arranged substantially horizontally and having longitudinal side frame members and first and second ends. The supporting frame extends along a central longitudinal axis of the conveyor machine. A conveyor belt system is mounted on the supporting frame and arranged to convey materials from the first end to the second end. A pair of transversely aligned propelling devices are each separately connected to the supporting frame for pivotable movement about a generally vertical pivot axis. This pair is located near but spaced from the first end and has a common axis of rotation when the propelling devices are positioned to move the conveyor machine in a straightforward direction. The machine also comprises a power mechanism for steering the pair of propelling devices.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: An extensible support apparatus for extending the length of an endless conveyor belt system including a set of roller supporting frames arranged in a row with each having a vertically extending framework with rollers for the conveyor rotatably mounted thereon and a horizontally extending elongate frame member. Connectors are mounted on the frame members so that each is movable horizontally along the frame member of an adjacent supporting frame. A loading apparatus is also provided for arranging this support apparatus in the conveyor belt system. The loading apparatus includes a base frame, a loading frame pivotably mounted on one side of the base frame and a horizontally movable supporting frame capable of supporting the extensible support apparatus.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine having a cutter frame with two rotary boring heads mounted on this frame for rotation about axes extending longitudinally of the machine. Each boring head has a plurality of radially extending rotor arms which carry and support cutter bits on the front thereof. A pair of reciprocating pole devices are mounted in each of the rotor arms for movement in the radial direction of the arm. A number of link members are each pivotally connected at opposite ends thereof to respective pair of the pole devices and additional cutter bits are mounted on the link members. There is also a cam mechanism for reciprocating each pair of pole devices as the boring heads are rotated. The cam mechanism causes each pair of pole devices to be pushed radially outwardly at each of the four corners distributed about a circular hole cut by the respective boring head in such a manner that the resulting hole bored by the machine is generally rectangular.