Abstract: An underground method and apparatus for recovery of mineral deposits from sloping seams including high pressure water jet mineral dislodgement from underground deposits and water borne transport of dislodged mineral to an underground recovery site, and compressed air injection for transport of water borne mineral deposits from the underground recovery site to the surface.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine has a rotatable cutter head which is slidably mounted on a feed bar which in turn is slidably mounted on a support bar carried by a movable carrier. A cable extends over a sheave which is mounted on one end of the feed bar where one end of the cable is connected to the cutter head and the other end fixed with respect to the support bar. Means are provided for sliding the feed bar longitudinally with respect to the support bar whereby the cutter head will slide along the feed bar at twice the velocity that the feed bar slides with respect to the support bar.

Abstract: A crossover dump and conveyor advancer for a main conveyor means supported by a movable pan line. The crossover dump includes a tunnel portion through which the pan line extends and entry and reentry ramps supporting portions of the main conveyor are provided for carrying the main conveyor over a secondary conveyor which extends cross-wise to and above the pan line. Material carried by the main conveyor is moved up the entry ramp where it then falls onto the secondary conveyor. A conveyor advancer is included to move the pan line relative to the crossover dump in order that the conveyor system may be advanced or retracted. The main conveyor is adapted to connect with a continuous mining machine by way of a bridge conveyor. The pan line supporting the main conveyor has limit switches near the tailpiece which when contacted by the bridge conveyor will cause the conveyor advancer to advance or retract the pan line.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine having a cutter head moveably mounted on a support guide with a center portion extending across the width of a carrier. The support guide has hinged end portions so that the end portions may be swung against the side of the carrier in order that the machine may be maneuvered in restricted areas. A gathering conveyor is positioned beneath the support guide and comprises two wing portions which may also be swung against the sides of the carrier.