Abstract: A suspension system for an operator's compartment of a mine vehicle is set forth. The mine vehicle is of a type that has a body and operator's compartment positioned adjacent to the body. A guide is attached to the body of the vehicle and a rail is attached to the operator's compartment. This guide and rail arrangement slidably connects the operator's compartment to the body. The guide and rail are arranged to permit the operator's compartment to independently move upward and down in relation to the body. The rail is located in a central portion of the operator's compartment to minimize the angular displacement of the rail with respect to the guide upon rotation of the operator's compartment. This ensures free upward and downward motion of the operator's compartment with respect to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension system for the operator compartment of a mine vehicle suitable for working in underground mines having low head room. A pair of vertically extending guide tracks are rigidly secured to a frame member of the mine vehicle. Each of the track members has associated with it a roller bracket constructed so that all moving contact between the roller bracket and the guide track which guides it is a rolling contact. Each roller bracket includes a projecting stud member of substantial construction which passes through an opening in the rear wall of the operator compartment, the two stud members providing the only points of support for the operator compartment. The operator compartment normally rests on and slides over the floor of the mine and by this arrangement is free to move vertically up and down as the elevation of the mine floor changes or when the bottom of the operator compartment encounters obstacles or debris on the mine floor.

Abstract: A roof bolting system for mines wherein a drill, a resin cartridge, a roof bolt cartridge and a roof bolt feed mechanism are carried on a single indexable head at the end of a boom extending outwardly from an operator's car or carriage. In a roof-bolting operation, the head is initially indexed to a position where the drill bores a hole in the roof of the mine. Thereafter, the head is indexed to the next position wherein a resin cartridge is fed into the drilled hole. Finally, the head is indexed to a third position where a roof bolt is fed into the resin-filled hole and tightened. Thereafter, the head is returned to its original position where the three steps are repeated. A resin cartridge and a bolt cartridge are provided for storing resin tubes and roof bolts such that the respective operations can be carried out automatically without the necessity for having an operator directly beneath the unsupported roof where the roof-bolting operation is occurring.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus and more particularly an underground mining apparatus having improved protective canopy means extending partially thereover.