Abstract: A mining machine is provided which incorporates a detachable cab construction. The mining machine includes a clamping mechanism including a pair of a clamping hook assemblies for releasably clamping the cab body, and a lift cylinder for raising and lowering the cab body. In operation, the cab is detached from the mining machine in a safe area and the mining machine trammed into a mining position. The cab is equipped with remote controls so that operation of the mining machine can be controlled from the cab while the latter is located in a safe area. A safety interlock system prevents operation of local machine-mounted controls until the cab is re-mounted on the mining machine.

Abstract: A horizontal deck extends forwardly from a self-propelled body portion. An elevating mechanism pivotally connects the deck to the body portion for vertical movement of the deck into and out of position on the mine floor. A mast-type roof drilling unit is mounted on the front of the deck and includes a vertically movable drill pot for advancing a rotating drill rod into the mine roof for drilling a bore hole therein. The deck is positioned on the mine floor during the drilling operation. During tramming of the body portion the deck is raised to an elevated position above the mine floor. A roof support assembly is supported by telescoping devices above the deck to provide overhead protection for the machine operator during the drilling and tramming operations. During drilling the roof support assembly is raised to abut the mine roof and support the mine roof above the operator on the deck.

Abstract: A safety enclosure for use with underground mining machinery for protecting the operator of the machinery from overhead and lateral falls and the like. The safety enclosure comprises a cage-like structure of generally rectangular cross section for receiving and surrounding the operator while operating the machine. A pair of longitudinal male slide members are vertically secured to the cage-like structure along one side thereof, the slide members being slidably mateable with a pair of cooperating female channel members vertically secured along one side of the mining machine. Shear pins are provided for adjustably maintaining, under normal operating conditions, the cage-like male slide members assembly disposed above the mine floor by a preselected distance and for releasing the assembly for sliding displacement to the floor of the mine in response to an overhead fall causing a predetermined force on the top of the enclosure.

Abstract: A safety shield attachment for protecting the operator of mine machines has a mounting plate for attachment to the machine, a platform pivoted to the mounting plate, and a canopy supported by hydraulic jacks from the mounting plate, the platform, and the ground.

Abstract: A safety sleeve shields the working members of a well tool wherein two shoulders come together to eliminate the possibility of workmen loosing a finger between the two shoulders.

Abstract: A safety shield attachment for protecting machine operators from debris or cave-ins from above has a canopy which is pivotally supported at one end, but normally retained in a fixed position over an operator's station, and a platform pivotally supported at one end, the other end of which can be suspended from the canopy at a fixed level therebelow or allowed to rest upon the ground in a "free-floating" condition.

Abstract: A cutter wheel is mounted at the lower end of the machine for rotation about a horizontal tubular support. Cuttings are picked up by buckets on the cutter wheel and are directed into the tubular support to be received by an endless bucket conveyor which carries them upwardly to a discharge station. As the machine is advanced the cutter wheel is rotated to make a first cut in the shape of the leading portion of the cutter wheel. The cutter wheel is then retracted out from the cut and is rotated about the axis of the hole. This repositions the cutter wheel so that when it is advanced again it will make a second cut which crosses the first. This procedure is repeated until the desired cross-sectional configuration (e.g. circular) of the hole is obtained.

Abstract: An augering machine and method for underground mining of minerals by selectively cutting shallow cylindrical kerfs into the face of a mine entry, comprising a wheeled vehicle having an independently elevatable side arm which carries a cutter head and an attached auger flight, a motor for rotation thereof, and a flight-advancing sump device. A selectively controllable operator-warming system that is usable for any hydraulically operated machine is also provided.

Abstract: A service module adapted for service work while protecting workers in hostile environments utilizes an insulated capsule to be lowered over the service area, which capsule contains a work area inside for workmen to perform the required service operations. Power and materials are supplied to the inside of the capsule by an umbilical connected to external sources and the capsule has an entranceway connectable to external transportation means to fully protect the workers when transferring into and out of the capsule.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus and more particularly an underground mining apparatus having improved protective canopy means extending partially thereover.