Abstract: A road surface planner having a coupling mechanism coupled between a working tool attachment and a transporter to permit independent movement (i.e., rotation and/or pivoting) between the transporter and the attachment is provided. The attachment can have a rotary driven element such as a grinding element for modifying an irregular surface of existing pavement. The rotary element can be supported by a rear frame with a rear wheel assembly, a boom at the front of the grinding element, and a front wheel assembly coupled to the boom. The coupling mechanism can include a first member pivotably coupled to the transporter, and a second member fixed to the rear frame. The first member has a central opening defined by an inner edge for slidably contacting along a hub that extends from the second member for rotation there along.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a portion of a milling or mining drum may include a base portion and a cutter bit. The cutter bit may include a tip region, a flange having a nut-like gripping surface, and a shank portion. At least a distal end of the shank portion may include a threaded portion. The shank portion may be received in an opening of the base portion. The opening of the base portion may be internally threaded to engage the threaded portion of the shank portion of the cutter bit. The base portion may include a lower region having a second threaded portion of smaller diameter than the threaded portion engaging the shank portion of the cutter bit. A retainer may be internally threaded into the opening of the base portion and threadably engaged in the second threaded portion.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a base mounted to a mining drum. The base can include an opening including a seat. The apparatus also can include an insert including a bore and an exterior surface. The apparatus also can include a cutter bit including a cutting tip and a shank extending from the cutting tip. The shank can include a threaded portion and a transition positioned between the cutting tip and the threaded portion. The apparatus also can include a retainer including a threaded portion. A portion of the exterior surface of the insert facing the base can be dimensioned to engage the seat of the base. A region of the bore of the insert can be dimensioned to engage the transition of the cutter bit. The threaded portion of the retainer can be configured to engage the threaded portion of the cutter bit.

Abstract: A mine safety system having at least a substantial portion of a mine conduit buried within a trench that is formed in the mine floor is provided. The mine safety system can be sturdy and durable in construction and in operation because a substantial pressure from a mine collapse is transferred to the surrounding earth or soil when the mine conduit is partially or fully buried in the mine floor. The mine safety system can be simply and inexpensively installed in newly constructed mines or retrofitted in existing mines. The mine conduit can be made of a lightweight plastic which can make handling of the conduit easier. Moreover, installation of the trench and the mine safety system is quicker and easier with use of a cutter drum that can form a curved trench bottom when the conduit is circular.

Abstract: A road surface planner having a coupling mechanism coupled between a working tool attachment and a transporter to permit independent movement (i.e., rotation and/or pivoting) between the transporter and the attachment is provided. The attachment can have a rotary driven element such as a grinding element for modifying an irregular surface of existing pavement. The rotary element can be supported by a rear frame with a rear wheel assembly, a boom at the front of the grinding element, and a front wheel assembly coupled to the boom. The coupling mechanism can include a first member pivotably coupled to the transporter, and a second member fixed to the rear frame. The first member has a central opening defined by an inner edge for slidably contacting along a hub that extends from the second member for rotation there along.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a base mounted to a mining drum. The base can include an opening including a seat. The apparatus also can include an insert including a bore and an exterior surface. The apparatus also can include a cutter bit including a cutting tip and a shank extending from the cutting tip. The shank can include a threaded portion and a transition positioned between the cutting tip and the threaded portion. The apparatus also can include a retainer including a threaded portion. A portion of the exterior surface of the insert facing the base can be dimensioned to engage the seat of the base. A region of the bore of the insert can be dimensioned to engage the transition of the cutter bit. The threaded portion of the retainer can be configured to engage the threaded portion of the cutter bit.

Abstract: Apparatus for use on a milling or mining drum having a base portion mounted to the drum and a wear insert removably attachable within an opening of the base portion. The opening of the base portion can have a first seat at an upper end and a second seat at a lower end. The wear insert includes a surface configured to engage with the first seat and a bore for receiving a cutter bit at a fixed position relative to the wear insert. A retainer is provided having a threaded portion to engage with the threaded portion of either the wear insert or the cutter bit. The retainer can have a flange dimension to engage with the second seat. The cutter bit can include working end having a pointed geometry having a hardness similar to diamond.

Abstract: A system and method to remove quickly an insert, especially an insert with a damaged gripping portion, from a base portion of a mining and/or milling drum. The insert can have a threaded portion engageable with the base portion opening. The insert can define an interior bore configured to receive a cutter bit, and an opening configured to receive an apparatus engageable with the insert opening to facilitate the removal of the insert from the base portion. The insert opening may be polygonal or may include at least one planar surface and/or a rounded corner. An apparatus can engage with the polygonal opening and/or a fastener can engage with the shafted fastener. In both cases, the apparatus and/or fastener is rotated with a force to disengage the threaded portion of the insert from the opening of the base portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use on a milling or mining drum that is durable and robust, yet easily serviceable. The apparatus can include a base portion adapted to be mounted to the mining drum and a wear insert removably attachable within an opening of the base portion. The opening of the base portion preferably has a first seat at an upper end and a second seat at a lower end. The wear insert includes a surface configured to engage with the first seat and a bore for receiving a cutter bit. A retainer is provided having a threaded portion to threadably engage with the threaded portion of either the wear insert or the cutter bit. The retainer can have a flange dimension to engage with the second seat. The cutter bit preferably includes a hardened tip.

Abstract: A system and method to remove quickly an insert, especially an insert with a damaged gripping portion, from a base portion of a mining and/or milling drum are provided. The insert can have a threaded portion engageable with the base portion opening. The insert can define an interior bore configured to receive a cutter bit, and an opening configured to receive an apparatus engageable with the insert opening to facilitate the removal of the insert from the base portion. The insert opening may be polygonal or may include at least one planar surface and/or a rounded corner. An apparatus can engage with the polygonal opening and/or a fastener can engage with the shafted fastener. In both cases, the apparatus and/or fastener is rotated with a force to disengage the threaded portion of the insert from the opening of the base portion.

Abstract: An endless chain for cutting and removing spoil from a trench includes a plurality of links pivotally coupled together. A plurality of flight plates are secured to the plurality of links. A pattern of openings extends through each flight plate between the under surface and the outer surface. A plurality of wear plates is positioned over the outer surface of the plurality of flight plates. A plurality of fasteners pass from the under surface of the flight plate through at least some of the pattern of openings in the flight plate and into the wear plate to secure the wear plate to the flight plate. The fasteners securing the wear plates to the flight plates can have outer ends that terminate short of the outer surface of the wear plates in openings in the under surface of the wear plate. Sockets, which include bores receiving cutting elements, can be fixed to the wear plates with a bottom surface of the socket either angled with respect to or flush with the wear plate outer surface.

Abstract: An endless chain for cutting and removing spoil from a trench includes a plurality of links pivotally coupled together. A plurality of flight plates are secured to the plurality of links. A pattern of openings extends through each flight plate between the under surface and the outer surface. A plurality of wear plates is positioned over the outer surface of the plurality of flight plates. A plurality of fasteners pass from the under surface of the flight plate through at least some of the pattern of openings in the flight plate and into the wear plate to secure the wear plate to the flight plate. The fasteners securing the wear plates to the flight plates can have outer ends that terminate short of the outer surface of the wear plates in openings in the under surface of the wear plate. Sockets, which include bores receiving cutting elements, can be fixed to the wear plates with a bottom surface of the socket either angled with respect to or flush with the wear plate outer surface.

Abstract: A tool holder includes a body, a head, and a flange. The body is dimensioned to fit closely within a slot formed within a flight block. The head is positioned at a distal end of the body and has a recess to receive a cutting tool and hold the cutting tool in a rotationally forward orientation. The head includes a threaded bore extending from the recess to an outer surface, and a set screw positioned within the threaded bore, to selectively engage and secure a cutting tool therein. The flange is positioned adjacent the head and extends from the body in a rotationally forward direction. The flange is angled away from the cutting tool recess and to one side of the tool holder to facilitate deflection of debris away from the interface of the flight block and the tool holder and to one side of the tool holder.

Abstract: A cutting drum for a scarifying milling machine includes a rotatable drum having a generally cylindrical outer surface, and a plurality of flight blocks mounted onto the outer surface of the drum, defining a helical flight extending therearound. Each of the flight blocks includes a slot and at least one pocket formed therein. Each slot is generally rectangular and adapted to receive a tool holder. Each flight block includes a tool holder, having a generally rectangular body, removably mounted within the slot. A retainer is positioned within each pocket. Each retainer includes a planar tapered surface that is parallel to and engages one side of the rectangular body of the tool holder within the slot of the flight block to secure the tool holder therein.

Abstract: A cutting tool holder, a cutting bit, and a retainer maintaining the cutting bit at a prescribed position relative to the tool holder. The cutting bit is received in a slot located in a first lateral surface that extends through the top surface. The retainer is received in an opening included in the first lateral surface that intercepts the slot. The retainer includes a planar tapered surface that contacts an upwardly and laterally facing oblique surface on a lower end of the cutting bit to hold the lower end of the cutting tool in contact with a lower surface of the slot.

Abstract: A cutting tool holder, a cutting bit, and a retainer maintaining the cutting bit at a prescribed position relative to the tool holder. The cutting bit is received in a slot located in a first lateral surface that extends through the top surface. The retainer is received in an opening included in the first lateral surface that intercepts the slot. The retainer includes a planar tapered surface that contacts an upwardly and laterally facing oblique surface on a lower end of the cutting bit to hold the lower end of the cutting tool in contact with a lower surface of the slot.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a cutting bit, a replacable wear surface in the form of a washer, and a sleeve. The cutting bit has a forward cutting tip, a rearward extending shank adapted to be received in a tool holder, and a rearward facing shoulder. The sleeve surrounds the shank and includes a forward edge. The washer includes a central hole receiving the cutting bit shank, a front surface and a back surface joined by an outer asymmetrical edge of angularly variable radius. A portion of the washer front surface is in sliding contact with the rearward facing bit shoulder. The washer back surface includes a lip extending rearward from only a segment of the asymmetric edge for engaging an outer shoulder of a holder to inhibit rotation of the washer relative to the holder.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a cutting bit, a replacable wear surface in the form of a washer, and a sleeve. The cutting bit has a forward cutting tip, a rearward extending shank adapted to be received in a tool holder, and a rearward facing shoulder. The sleeve surrounds the shank and includes a forward edge. The washer includes a central hole receiving the cutting bit shank, a front surface and a back surface joined by an outer asymmetrical edge of angularly variable radius. A portion of the washer front surface is in sliding contact with the rearward facing bit shoulder. The washer back surface includes a lip extending rearward from only a segment of the asymmetric edge for engaging an outer shoulder of a holder to inhibit rotation of the washer relative to the holder.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a cutting bit, a replacable wear surface in the form of a washer, and a sleeve. The cutting bit has a forward cutting tip, a rearward extending shank adapted to be received in a tool holder, and a rearward facing shoulder. The sleeve surrounds the shank and includes a forward edge. The washer includes a central hole receiving the cutting bit shank, a front surface and a back surface joined by an outer asymmetrical edge of angularly variable radius. A portion of the washer front surface is in sliding contact with the rearward facing bit shoulder. The washer back surface includes a lip extending rearward from only a segment of the asymmetric edge for engaging an outer shoulder of a holder to inhibit rotation of the washer relative to the holder.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a tool that is provided for separating a cutting bit from a cutting bit holder used in connection with a rotary a cutting assembly for use in a roadway surface reclaiming machine. More particularly, this invention is directed to providing a tool for quickly and effectively removing cutting bits from the cutting bit holders. The present invention accomplishes this objective by providing a pulling mechanism that is mechanically assisted. In this invention, a bit puller is provided for engagement with the cutting bit and is also attached to a powered retractor to forcibly move the cutting bit. The cutting bit and the retractor are fixed to an outer frame or brace. This outer frame or brace generally circumscribes the bit puller to provide an inner space within which the bit puller can be moved by the retractor. The outer frame or brace has a surface for engaging the cutting bit holder to position the retractor during separation.