Abstract: A drive frame for the drive assembly of a mining installation has a pair of side plates and a connector. The mining installation is of the type having a winning machine and a conveyor. The connector is fastened to one of the side plates of the drive frame and constitutes means for mounting respective drive units for the winning machine and the conveyor. The connector is constituted by a respective mounting plate for each of the drive units. The two mounting plates are connected to one another in a tension-proof manner. The connector is provided with an annular collar which mates with an aperture in said one side plate to support and align the connector.

Abstract: A drive system, particularly for mining apparatus employing chains, which has a fluid control circuit coupled to a ring gear of planetary gearing transmitting drive from a motor. The control circuit has a pump drivably coupled to the ring gear and the fluid outlet from the pump can be blocked to lock the ring gear and permit transmission of force through the planetary gearing. In the event of abnormal loading the outlet from the pump is opened automatically to allow fluid to flow at a pre-determined flow rate. This in turn allows the ring gear to rotate to break the transmission and the system can be gently braked without danger.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a scraper-chain conveyor which is usable as a drive or reversing station. The assembly has bearing units, which are supported by spaced-apart side walls. A shaft carrying a chain wheel for engagement with the scraper-chain assembly of the conveyor is mounted for rotation between the bearing units. The chain wheel is constructed from separate parts and can be readily attached to or detached from the shaft without removing the latter. The bearing units have hollow projecting parts which accommodate bearings for the shaft which are protected by seals. These projecting parts smoothly merge with the exterior of the chain wheel. The shaft has hollow end portions provided with splines which can be coupled to a journal introduced into the associated end portion from the exterior of the associated bearing unit which also provides access to the bearings and seals. This journal can then be coupled to a drive means to effect rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A conventional form of scraper-chain conveyor with a series of channel sections each having a floor disposed between sigma-shaped side walls has upstanding spill plates, C-shaped covers and hollow spacer bars attached to the goaf side of each channel section. These components define upper and lower guide channels for a drive chain circulated along the goaf side of the conveyor which is connected through a sword plate to a machine guided for movement along the conveyor. To prevent gases from building up beneath the conveyor vents are provided in the goaf side wall of the channel sections and these vents communicate with the external V-shaped grooves in the side walls.Vents are also provided in the spill plates to establish communication between the V-shaped grooves and the upper chain guide channel. The covers are then spaced apart to form apertures allowing any gas which reaches the upper channel to pass to the surroundings.