Abstract: A tensioning car for a flexible continuous tram comprises a center beam structure adapted to support a segment of the transport belt and a pair of side beam structures, one on each side of the center beam structure and each having coupling devices for coupling it to an adjacent car of the tram. Guide bars join the side beam structures for limited movement relative to each other lengthwise of the tram and also support the center beam structure. Chain guides on each of the beam structures guide the crawler chain of the tram. A pair of hydraulic piston/cylinders, one adjacent each end of the tensioning car, are coupled between the side beam structures. A constant pressure accumulator connected to each cylinder supplies a hydraulic fluid under a substantially constant pressure to the respective cylinder so that the cylinders urge the side beam structures resiliently away from each other and thereby maintain a generally constant tension in the crawler chain.

Abstract: A one piece crawler pad has a substantially rectangular body portion having first and second narrow ends and first and second major surfaces. The interior space of a centrally located protrusion is sized to receive a portion of a chain link. Bolts passing horizontally through the central protrusion affix the crawler pad to the chain link.

Abstract: A moveable hydraulic aligner device, particularly suited for aligning a roadway used with a full continuous tram mining machine following a drilling cycle, comprises an upper portion, supported by wheels which allow the device to ride along the length of the roadway, to which two side portions are attached. Each of the side portions supports an extendable hydraulic cylinder which pushes against the rib of a mine tunnel to force the roadway back to the center.

Abstract: An elevated roadway for use with a self-propelled continuous haulage unit in underground mining consists of a multiplicity of substantially identical roadway units joined together end to end. Each unit has a pair of elongated bottom side beams joined by bottom cross beams, columns arranged in laterally opposite pairs and supported on the side beams and a pair of elongated track members supported on the upper ends of the columns and defining a track for trams to move over the roadway above the haulage unit. Longitudinal brace beams and transverse brace beams join the columns. The durability and rigidity of the unit is enhanced by diagonal brace beams connecting selected ones of the columns and by gussets at each joint between the bottom side beams and the bottom transverse beams.