Abstract: Abrasive coal dust contaminates and damages equipment used in coal mines. Such equipment must be cleaned periodically to remove any buildup of coal dust. The equipment is usually cleaned in areas with non-explosive atmospheres. The present invention provides a high pressure, mine equipment cleaning device utilizing a water based, non-flammable cleaning solution. The device is carried by a vehicle and is powered by pressure in the hydraulic system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A track-mounted vehicle having legs which can be retracted or extended, so that the vehicle can be raised to permit advancement of the track and then lowered, the vehicle either being raisable off the track to permit advancement, or having captivating means by which the track is raised, together with the vehicle, the track and the vehicle having rack-and-pinion or rack-and-chain drive means so that, in the raised position, the track can be advanced by said drive means and, in the lowered position, the vehicle is movable along the track by said drive means.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring the departures from a straight line of discrete track sections of a track along a coal face in a mine employing a vehicle having a pair of spaced wheel assemblies which align with the track. A reference arm pivotally connects between the wheel assemblies, and there is indicating means for measuring the angle of pivot between the arm and each of the wheel assemblies. The length of the device is less than the length of a track section, and thus when one of the wheel assemblies is on one track section and one is on an adjoining track section, the sum of the indicated angles will be indicative of the angle between track sections. Thus, from the length of a track section and angle, the departure of each track section from the line may be calculated.

Abstract: A California type platform having an elongate frame which may be raised above the platform by wheels carried by the frame in position to be forced downwardly against the tunnel track by means of inflatable air bags.

Abstract: A tunnel driving installation has an advanceable support shield and cutting means co-operating at the front end of the tunnel and a continuous tunnel lining disposed rearwardly of the support shield and constructed from individual lining sections. In order to store and transport the tunnel lining sections within the tunnel lining apparatus is provided which comprises storage stations respectively located at the front and rear regions of the tunnel and a trolley vehicle for moving back and forth between the stations. The trolley vehicle has a container which serves to receive debris removed by the cutting means, and beneath the container the vehicle has shaped plates which serve to locate and support a series of lining sections. Both storage stations are composed of T-shaped rails laid on the tunnel floor so that the vehicle can pass over the rails.