Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing temporary support for and for isolation of an operating conveyor belt in order to insert permanent belt support structure. A top belt guard support and a bottom belt guard support are provided. A cantilever support structure that is connected to the leading ends of the top belt guard support and the bottom belt guard support that are primarily supported in a cantilever manner. The top belt guard support and the bottom belt guard support form a protected zone within a linear distance of the length of the top and bottom belt guard supports that enable installation of different types of permanent supports while the conveyor belt is operating.

Abstract: A method of providing a temporary support for a length of belt added to extend an existing fixed conveyor belt having a tail roller. A plurality of separate discrete conveyor belt support stands are provided. The stands are collapsed together as a group and are moveably supported on a moveable support structure. The stands are joined to adjacent stands by a load bearing connector incapable of supporting vertical loads which permits separation of the stands to a predetermined distance. The tail roller is advanced. The moveable support structure is advanced toward the tail roller. At least one support stand is advanced on the support structure toward the tail roller thereby providing support for any additional length of conveyor belt that is added to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus using a miner, tramming conveyor and cart-type belt system wherein the system has a plurality of interconnected rail mounted carts having a lower portion supporting a panel belt and an upper portion for supporting the conveyor in both a conveying and a tramming mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously transporting mined material for a determined distance from a continuous mining machine in a mine having a roof and a floor to a permanently installed extendable length conveyor in a mine. The method is accomplished by installing an overhead rail supported conveyor along and above the fixed and extendable length conveyor. The overhead rail supported conveyor has at least a length equal to the determined distance and in addition the overhead rail supported conveyor includes a pivoted feed. A self-propelled tramming conveyor is installed having a length at least equal to the determined distance with its discharge cooperating with the pivoted feed of the overhead rail supported conveyor and its feed adapted to receive the material mined by a continuous mining machine.