Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to highwall mining, and more particularly to a launch vehicle adapted for use in highwall mining of downward angled seams of mineable material, such as coal. More specifically, the provided launch vehicle includes a substantially horizontally oriented control deck, a launch deck pivotally attached to the control deck, and a substantially horizontally oriented conveyor belt. A miner and at least one conveyor car are positioned on the launch deck while the launch deck is in a substantially horizontal orientation, then the launch deck is tilted upward relative to the conveyor belt to substantially match a planned entry dip angle of the seam to be mined.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to highwall mining, and more particularly to a launch vehicle adapted for use in highwall mining of downward angled seams of mineable material, such as coal. More specifically, the provided launch vehicle includes a substantially horizontally oriented control deck, a launch deck pivotally attached to the control deck, and a substantially horizontally oriented conveyor belt. A miner and at least one conveyor car are positioned on the launch deck while the launch deck is in a substantially horizontal orientation, then the launch deck is tilted upward relative to the conveyor belt to substantially match a planned entry dip angle of the seam to be mined.

Abstract: A mining apparatus includes a miner, a conveyor unit and a steering unit connecting the miner and conveyor unit. The apparatus also includes a heading sensor and a controller responsive to the heading sensor. A first actuator is carried on the miner, the control unit or the steering unit. The first actuator is positioned to a first side of a midline of the miner. Further a second actuator is carried on one of the miner, the conveyor unit and the steering unit. The second actuator is positioned to a second opposite side of the midline of the miner. The first and second actuators are utilized to adjust a connection angle between the miner and the conveyor unit either side of parallel in order to maintain the miner on the desired directional heading.

Abstract: A launch vehicle (10) is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units (U) that are connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle (10) includes a main frame (12) for supporting a rearmost conveyor unit (U) of the conveyor train. The main frame (12) includes a first side over which additional conveyor units (U) are added to the conveyor train and a second side. A belly conveyor (14) is carried on the main frame (12). A drive assembly (42) is provided for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train. Further the launch vehicle (10) includes a canopy (18) overlying the main frame (12). The canopy (18) is mounted on at least one cantilever support (20) extending upwardly adjacent the second side of the main frame (12) whereby the first side is left open for adding additional conveyor units (U) to the conveyor train.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mining a mineral seam. The apparatus includes a frame, a propulsion system as well as first and second cutters and a cutter motor for winning aggregate material from the mineral seam. The apparatus is characterized by the cutter including a transmission gearcase having a bevel gear set, first and second sun gears, first and second planetary gear sets, first and second fixed planetary gear set carriers and first and second rotating ring gears. The output from the drive motor is connected to the bevel gear set which in turn drives the first and second sun gears which in turn drive the respective first and second planetary gear sets that in turn drive the first and second ring gears. The ring gears drive the first and second cutters, respectively.

Abstract: A continuous highwall mining machine (10) includes a frame (12) and a ground engaging loading shovel (32) that is mounted to extend forwardly from the frame. A cutter (16) for winning aggregate material is mounted to the frame (12) so as to extend above and forwardly of the loading shovel (32). An armless conveyor system (40) conveys aggregate material won from the mineral seam. The armless conveyor system includes twin chains having a forked section (44) at the forwardmost end carried on the loading shovel (32) and an uninterrupted humpless and dipless path extending rearwardly to a discharge end.

Abstract: A mining apparatus includes a frame, a mechanism for cutting an arched opening in a seam and winning the cut mineral, and a propulsion system. The cutting mechanism includes a boom supported mineral cutting drum having a barrel or bulging cylindrical shape. The propulsion system is canted on the frame at an angle from the horizontal in order to match the floor of the arched opening being cut by the drum.

Abstract: A continuous highwall mining machine includes a frame and a ground engaging loading shovel that is mounted to extend forwardly from the frame. A cutter for winning aggregate material is mounted to the frame so as to extend above and forwardly of the loading shovel. An armless conveyor system conveys aggregate material won from the mineral seam. The armless conveyor system includes twin chains having a forked section at the forwardmost end carried on the loading shovel and an uninterrupted straight path extending rearwardly from the forked section to a discharge end.