Abstract: A self-propelled articulated continuous haulage system including an elongated articulated body made up of a plurality of support frames aligned in endy-to-end abutting relationship. A conveyor system is carried by and supported centrally on the support frames. The haulage system includes a pair of endless traction chains carried on opposite sides of the support frames and spanning the length of the body the chains engaging the ground in an operative condition of the system, and a drive for driving the chains to provide tractive and steering effort for the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a conveyor train for continuously conveying a supply of coal provided by a machine working at a mine face to a remote floor conveyor is provided. The apparatus includes at least one propelled conveyor assembly which may be pivotally connected to a combination of other like propelled conveyor assemblies and conventional bridge conveyor assemblies to form an articulated conveyor train ending from the machine to the remote floor conveyor. Each conveyor assembly has a conveying mechanism, with a receiving section and a discharge section that transports the supply of coal from the receiving section to the discharge section. The propelled conveyor assembly includes first and second crawler units disposed below and rotatably mounted to the propelled conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A highwall mining system for mining aggregate material from a seam includes both a mining device for cutting aggregate material from the seam and thereby forming a drive in the seam and a conveying device for conveying mined aggregate material from the drive. The conveying device is formed of a plurality of modular conveyor units having a mechanism for releasably coupling together the conveyor units. A driving device is used for driving the mining device and the conveyor device into the seam to form the drive. A controlling device is employed to control forward movement of the mining device and the conveying device so that the mining device and the conveying device can move together at a predetermined rate of advance into the seam without there being any uncontrolled forward movement of the mining device and/or the conveying device in response to the incline of the seam and/or during the addition of a new conveyor unit to the conveying device.

Abstract: A method of deploying a plurality of conveyor sections is described. Firstly, provide a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section. The second conveyor section includes a frame having a top, a bottom, opposed sides, a first end and a second end. Ground engaging wheels are rotatably mounted along the opposed sides at the bottom of the frame. A drive motor is mounted to the frame and coupled to at least one of the wheels, whereby motive force is supplied to the wheels to propel the first conveyor section. The first conveyor section includes a frame having a top, a bottom, opposed sides, a first end and a second end. The first end is downwardly sloped at the first end from the top toward the bottom. Wheel engaging tracks are positioned along the opposed sides at the top of the free. Secondly, stack the second conveyor section on top of the first conveyor section by positioning the wheels of the second conveyor section into the wheel engaging tracks of the first conveyor section.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying coal out of a coal mine includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor coaxially aligned with the first conveyor. The first conveyor includes a frame having longitudinal side rails and a conveyor tunnel structure having a coal discharge outlet opening located over the side rails at the downstream end thereof. The first conveyor further includes an endless belt structure trained about a head pulley located in the conveyor tunnel and about a tail pulley located proximate the upstream end of the first conveyor frame. A first conveyor drive sprocket is mounted to the head pulley. The second conveyor includes a tail pulley at its downstream end mounted to the conveyor frame of the first conveyor beneath the coal discharge outlet opening of the conveyor tunnel structure, a head pulley, and an endless belt structure trained about the head pulley and tail pulley.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system, which has several conveyors (3/4) joined to together into a chain. There is an articulation (9) at the joining point of the conveyors, which allows the conveyors to turn relative to each other. The chain may be formed and disassembled rapidly. The system is applicable to be used e.g. at mines.

Abstract: A steering system for steering a plurality of conveyor vehicles connected together in the form of a train. The vehicle has a first pair of wheels which can be steered by an operator as the train moves. There are further pairs of steerable wheels connected to the second and subsequent vehicles in the train and supporting same. There are hydraulic cylinders for steering each of the pairs of steerable wheels on the second and subsequent vehicles and a control mechanism for controlling these cylinders in order to set the steering angle of each further pair. This control mechanism includes means for determining the current steering angle of the first pair of wheels and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof and means for storing a series of these electrical signals as the train is travelling.

Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprises a longitudinally extending machine frame, an undercarriage at each machine frame end, a conveyor band extending obliquely with respect to the track plane and above the machine frame in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, the conveyor band having a lower input end above one of the undercarriages and a higher output end above the other undercarriage. At least one of the conveyor band ends is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal direction with respect to the undercarriage at said one conveyor band end and a transverse displacement drive is connected to the one conveyor band end for effectuating the displacement. Parallel side walls extend in the longitudinal direction along the conveyor band, the conveyor band constituting the bottom of a storage space defined between the side walls.

Abstract: An advanceable auxiliary conveying apparatus that comprises a trackway and an elevated roadway and conveying assembly movably attached to the trackway. The elevated roadway and conveying assembly is constructed to support a mobile conveyor thereon while receiving and conveying the material that is being discharged therefrom. An access ramp is movably attached to the elevated roadway and conveying assembly by at least one extendable cylinder that is used to advance the ramp away from the elevated roadway and conveying assembly. The elevated roadway and conveying assembly is equipped with elevation members that serve to elevate the elevated roadway and conveying assembly between a first elevated position wherein the trackway is suspended by the elevated roadway for advancement relative thereto and a second elevated position wherein the elevated roadway and conveying apparatus is movably supported on the trackway for advancement thereon.

Abstract: An articulated shuttlecar having two end sections and at least one center section with spaced longitudinal edges. A vertical pivot connecting the center section to one end of each end section. Each section has a pair of driven wheels mounted on an axis located approximately at its longitudinal center. A continuous flexible conveyor extends throughout the length of the sections of the shuttlecar to transport loose mined material from one end of the shuttlecar to the other end of the shuttlecar, and a continuous flexible retaining wall extends upwardly along each edge of all of the sections of the elongated shuttlecar to maintain loose mined material on the continuous flexible conveyor.

Abstract: A mobile belt support car for a conveyor system having an extensible conveyor belt which includes a troughing strand and a return strand. Each car of a mobile support structure includes a longitudinal frame having first and second opposite axial ends, first and second horizontally pivoting joints provided respectively at the first and second opposite axial ends of the longitudinal frame, a transverse beam fixedly connected to the longitudinal frame and having first and second opposite axial ends, first and second wheels supported respectively at the first and second opposite axial ends of the transverse beam, and a first idler frame assembly mounted on the longitudinal frame and including an upper cantilevered beam, a lower cantilevered beam, the first and second cantilevered beams extending towards the extensible conveyor belt, and upper rollers, mounted on the upper cantilevered beam, for supporting the troughing strand of the extensible conveyor belt.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a series of mobile conveyors arranged end-to-end, each mobile conveyor including an inclined belt, the material being conveyed being lifted by the belt of each conveyor in turn and discharged over the upper end of the belt onto the lower end of the belt of the next conveyor. The belts are driven by electric motors. A downstream conveyor of the series constitutes a master conveyor which is connected to a source of electrical power. Each upstream conveyor in the series is a slave conveyor, the first slave conveyor receiving power from the master conveyor and each subsequent slave conveyor receiving power from the slave conveyor(s) upstream thereof. The slave conveyors receive power at timed intervals so that the conveyor system starts in sequence from the downstream master conveyor. Safety means are provided for switching-off all the conveyors that are upstream of the conveyor that is disabled in an emergency.

Abstract: An articulation joint for pivotally connecting adjacent sections of a vehicle. The joint includes a first slewing ring and a second slewing ring. Each slewing ring has an outer member and an inner member with a bearing race located between the outer and inner members to provide relative rotation of the members. The outer member of each slewing ring is constructed for connection to one section of a vehicle and the inner member of each slewing ring is constructed for connection to the other section of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible feeder conveyor system for removing material from a stockpile and transporting the removed material to a fixed conveyor. The system includes an underconveyor positioned below an excavator and having a loading hopper attached to its forward end to receive material and transport it beneath the excavator a rearward end of the underconveyor. A string of trailing conveyors is towed behind the underconveyor with the last trailing conveyor having its rearward end attached to a stationary terminal support positioned at the fixed conveyor. The underconveyor, the trailing conveyors, and the terminal support are connected together using transition hoppers. Each transition hopper includes an upper hopper mounted to the raised rearward end of the forward conveyor, and a lower hopper mounted to the forward end of the next rearward conveyor. The forward end of the conveyor is rollingly supported by a pair of caster wheels.

Abstract: A mobile and elevatable train is used in an underground mine to extend, or shorten, a roof-mounted conveyor system. A train is comprised of a plurality of cars, each of which has independent jacks adapted to raise, or lower, each car with respect to the roof. The plurality of cars is linked together by a mechanism which allows the cars to travel together, yet allows them to pivot with respect to another and also assume different elevations with respect to another. Each one of the plurality of cars carries at least one detachable roller structure which is elevated to the position it should have in the conveyor system, after the roof supports have been attached. Each car may also carry at least one permanently attached roller structure so that the mobile and elevatable train can temporary function as the support for a moving conveyor belt, prior to its next move. The mobile and elevatable train is equally adapted to either an advancing, or retreating, belt line.

Abstract: A flexible mobile bridge conveyor has a plurality of carriages connected to each other to form a train. Each carriage has an axle with wheels mounted on opposite ends thereof and encased in a housing. A first frame section is fixedly connected to the axle housing, and a second frame section has a proximal end pivotally connected to the first frame section so as to be pivotal about both a horizontal, longitudinal pivot axis and a horizontal, transverse axis. Linkage mechanisms are coupled to the first and second frame sections, for coupling adjacent carriages, so as to provide pivot movement about a vertical axis. This combination of linkages provides three degrees of freedom in order to enable the flexible mobile bridge conveyor to negotiate uneven roadway surfaces while following curved trajectory in the direction of movement.

Abstract: A tensioning car for a flexible continuous tram comprises a center beam structure adapted to support a segment of the transport belt and a pair of side beam structures, one on each side of the center beam structure and each having coupling devices for coupling it to an adjacent car of the tram. Guide bars join the side beam structures for limited movement relative to each other lengthwise of the tram and also support the center beam structure. Chain guides on each of the beam structures guide the crawler chain of the tram. A pair of hydraulic piston/cylinders, one adjacent each end of the tensioning car, are coupled between the side beam structures. A constant pressure accumulator connected to each cylinder supplies a hydraulic fluid under a substantially constant pressure to the respective cylinder so that the cylinders urge the side beam structures resiliently away from each other and thereby maintain a generally constant tension in the crawler chain.

Abstract: A belt conveyor advancing and/or retreating return end (1) is situated between a conveyor structure (2) and an excavation implement (3). Elements (1, 2 and 3) are to be located in an underground mine (12) for example. Return end (1) comprises a main frame (4) located above a crawler frame (5). Tracks (7) are mounted to the crawler frame (5) and are mounted in a parallel configuration to laterally opposed sides of the crawler frame (5). Slewing cylinders (10) are provided such that one end of each slewing cylinder (10) is connected to the main frame (4) whereas the other end is connected to the crawler frame (5). A number of levelling cylinders (11) effect vertical movement of crawler tracks (7) relative to crawler frame (5) which in turn effects vertical movement of the main frame (4).

Abstract: A longitudinal extensible platform comprises a plurality of framed sections hingedly joined together. Each framed section comprises a first set of ground engaging rollers and a second set of load engaging rollers extending transversely of the framed section. A drive is mounted below the surface of the loading dock for driving an endless chain. The extensible platform is drivingly engaged to the endless chain and adapted for longitudinal movement therealong. The extensible platform has a platen at a forward end hingedly engaging the first framed section. The extensible platform is provided with a driven pusher assembly mounted thereon. The pusher assembly extending upwardly for abutting with the load resting on the extensible platform.

Abstract: Mined material, such as coal, is transported in a curvilinear path. An endless conveyor belt is mounted by a string of wheeled cars having upper and lower sets of rollers. The cars are positioned at a sharp turn connecting first and second paths extending between a mine bore and a remote area. The cars positioned at the sharp turn reorient the conveyor belt from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position and back to a generally horizontal position. The mined material is moved off the conveyor belt before reorientation, at a location between the sharp turn and the mine bore. The cars have first and second sets of wheels with the frames pivotally connected between the wheels, for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axes of the wheels. Coupling elements connecting the cars together provide a universal joint action.

Abstract: A self-propelled conveyor includes a number of auger sections each section including at least one spiral mounted on a shaft, a housing surrounding the spiral and having two end terminations, and structure for driving of one spiral by driving an adjacent spiral whether or not the shaft of the spirals are in line with each other. The driving structure can comprise axially and radially extending projections from each adjacent shaft providing a lost motion connection between the shafts, or a universal joint. More than one auger may be mounted in each housing section, with a common drive shaft for the augers connected by a universal connection to a similar drive shaft for an adjacent auger section. The end terminations of the housing allow relative pivotal movement between adjacent housing sections at least in a horizontal plane, and comprise inter-engaging cylindrical section elements allowing relative rotational movement between adjacent housing sections of at least about 15.degree..

Abstract: Conveyor belt supporting modules associated with an endless conveyor belt assembly for conveying mined material from a mine bore to the mouth of the bore allows for necessary length of conveyor belt to be fed into the mine, and convey material from the mine, as the bore lengthens so that the conveyor belt always extends from adjacent the cutting site to the bore mouth. Each module has a carriage frame with a number of conveyor belt supporting return rollers extending between the frame sides, and a number of conveyor belt supporting trough roller sets mounted above the return rollers and spaced from each other from the front to the rear along the frame. The carriages have axles and wheels to allow movement into a bore, and they are connected together by couplers. The supporting trough roller sets are mounted for pivotal movement on a frame side to expose the return rollers so that the endless belt can be laid in place simply and quickly.

Abstract: A mobile articulated conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of modular carriages pivotally interconnected to each other to enable relative articulated movement between adjacent carriages about upstanding pivot axes generally normal to the longitudinal axes of the carriages. Each carriage has a pair of drive wheels intermediate its length, and drive motors are carried by selected ones of the carriages to effect driving rotation of the drive wheels on each carriage. A belt guidance arrangement is interposed between the adjacent ends of each pair of pivotally interconnected carriages and cooperates with idler roller assemblies to guide an endless conveyor belt along the length of the conveyor apparatus. The belt guidance arrangements enable bending of the belt in generally horizontal planes upon relative articulated movement between the carriages while maintaining the belt in predetermined trained relation on the carriages.

Abstract: A self-propelled material conveying system capable of traversing a surface along an elongated path. The conveying system includes a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface to form an elongated conveyor train. A connector on each framework member cooperates with a connector on an adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members and also permitting universal-type movement between adjacent members. The framework members also include supports for a plurality of orbitally-moveable crawler chains which engage the surface. The crawler chain supports substantially the entire longitudinal extent of the train. The framework members also support an orbitally-moveable conveyor belt above the crawler chains. The conveying run of the orbitally-moveable conveyor belt operates to convey material throughout substantially the entire longitudinal extent of the conveyor train.

Abstract: A material conveying system capable of traversing a surface along an elongated path having at least one curvilinear portion. The conveyor structure includes a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface of the elongated path. There are connectors on each framework member which are cooperable with connectors on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members to form the train. Each framework member has a series of rails to support an upper and lower run of an orbitally moveable crawler chain which engages the surface and which chain is capable of propelling the conveyor along the surface. At least some of the framework members include support structure for supporting an orbitally moveable conveying belt above the orbitally moveable crawler chain.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a mobile flexible conveyor train adapted to be supported on a mine floor to transport coal from a mining machine to a fixed conveyor positioned in a mine passageway, the conveyor system having a rail system for supporting the conveyor on the mine roof and including re-railer for coacting with trolleys on the flexible conveyor train to provide a smooth transition of the flexible conveyor train from the rail system to the mine floor and back onto the rail system.

Abstract: A movable cutting machine is subdivided into a front portion (1) and a rear portion (2) of the cutting machine, which portions are swingable around an approximately vertical pivotal axis (10) and are secured against a relative displacement in direction of this pivotal axis (10) by means of two joints (11, 12). The front portion (1) of the cutting machine has a caterpillar chassis (3) and carries a swivelling means (5) comprising as the cutting means a cutting arm (6) and two cutting heads (7). The rear portion (2) of the cutting machine has, as a support means against ground, equally a caterpillar chassis (4) and carries auxiliary equipment and/or a section of a conveying trough (13) equipped with a chain conveyer.

Abstract: A device for transferring the debris cut by a cutting machine during mining operations onto a drift conveyer comprises a pair of bridge conveyers connected to each other. The first bridge conveyer has its receiving end pivotally connected to the cutting machine with its discharge end being supported by a dirigible chassis. The second bridge conveyer is supported on the chassis of the first conveyer and pivotable about its horizontal and vertical axis. The support chassis is capable of being swivelled around a vertical axis relative to the first bridge conveyer.

Abstract: A power-driven structure comprises a long grider (I) supported at its both ends by self-propelled carriages (II) which raise and lower the girder, the implement being designed for travel across planted fields or orchards without compacting the soil. Various implements, such as a cotton harvester (34), a potato picker (VIII) or a fruit collecting device may be suspended from, and propelled along, the girder (I). A mechanical conveyor (15) extends along the top of the girder, and a pneumatic conveyor system (13) is arranged underneath the mechanical conveyor. The pneumatic conveyor system is provided with spaced nozzles (40) for connection to flexible suction pipes (34).

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conveying coal from the conveyor of a continuous miner to a spaced floor conveyor comprising first, second and third cooperating elongated scraper conveyor assemblies each having a coal receiving end and a coal discharging end. The receiving end of said first conveying assembly has a connection with the miner providing for limited tilting movement and for generally horizontal swinging movement with respect thereto in a position to receive the coal discharging from the conveyor of the miner. First and second mounting members extend in cantilever fashion from the receiving end of the second conveyor assembly and the receiving end of the third conveyor assembly respectively. First and second crawler units are disposed below the first and second mounting members respectively.

Abstract: Cross-pit conveyor for strip-mining operations and cooperating with one or more excavating machines includes a pair of struts and a base strut, all arranged and interconnected in a configuration constituting a horizontally oriented isosceles triangle, the struts of the pair constituting the legs and defining the principal corner of the triangle as well as a line of symmetry of the triangle; undercarriages are disposed in the corners of the triangle for movably but separately supporting the struts; a first pair of upwardly converging towers is pivotably linked to the base and the corners and a second pair of upwardly converging towers extends from the base corners in an inclined fashion: a vertical support tower extends generally upwardly from the principal corner and has its upper end connected to the ends of the second pair of converging towers; tensioning cables interconnect the towers at their respective upper ends; a boom is tensioned by cable and pivotably linked to the base strut and extends in a direct

Abstract: A series of individual conveyor assemblies each having an independent endless belt conveyor extending longitudinally thereon are positioned in overlapping relationship. Each conveyor assembly includes a pivotal section adjacent a material receiving end portion thereof and is pinned to a material discharge end portion of a preceding section. The material discharge end portion overlies the material receiving end portion. The pivotal section connecting adjacent conveyors maintains the end portions thereof in material conveying relation as the assemblies extend along a curved path through the mine. A support beam is secured to the mine roof above the connected conveyor assemblies. Each conveyor assembly adjacent the receiving end portions thereof is secured to the support beam by a roller assembly that is longitudinally movable on guide tracks of the support beam.

Abstract: A steering system for use with a multiple vehicle train permits tracking without rails of one vehicle after another. This system is particularly useful for moving conveyor systems into and out of curved paths of room and pillar underground mine installations. The steering system features an elongated steering bar pivotally connected to each of adjacent vehicles at end portions of the bar permitting angular orientation of each vehicle in respect to the steering bar and other vehicles. Each end portion of the steering bar is linked to the near pair of vehicle wheels through wheel yoke pivot arms about king pin type pivots. Movement of the steering bar about its pivotal connection provides proportional turning of the wheels to effect steering and tracking of one vehicle following another in both forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unloading bulk mail vans in accordance with which the conventional roll-in or piggyback unloading dock conveyors of bulk mail handling centers, such as are operated by the United States Postal Service, are equipped with an auxiliary load receiving conveyor that serves as an implement which provides for largely mechanical transfer of the individual bags and cartons of the bulk mail from their positions of rest in the vehicle to the roll-in conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor is located at the load receiving end of the roll-in conveyor and comprises a positionable conveyor head in the form of a cantilever mounted belt conveyor apparatus having an upright two wheeled chassis that has a draft type connection to the roll-in conveyor frame for movement part and parcel with the roll-in conveyor to bring the conveyor in through the vehicle end opening into close adjacency with the stacked bags and cartons that form the bulk mail to be handled.

Abstract: A flexible mobile conveyor is provided which is particularly useful in deep mining operations. The conveyor comprises a plurality of carriages, a pair of wheels supporting each carriage, an endless conveyor mounted on each carriage, drive means on each carriage engaging and driving the conveyor means, a swivel connection between each pair of carriages permitting generally universal movement between adjacent carriages and a main power source on one of said carriages, driving the supporting wheels.

Abstract: A transversely movable belt conveyor assembly having an articulated frame supporting a single, endless conveyor belt for moving bulk particulate materials. The movable belt conveyor assembly is maintained perpendicular to a fixed reference, such as a receiving conveyor for the material contained thereon. The pivoted frames carrying the long endless belt are automatically maintained in a straight, end-to-end orientation relative to one another. The entire belt conveyor assembly is automatically maintained in a perpendicular relationship to the transverse fixed reference during movement of the assembly. Individual carriers for each segmented frame are independently driven and their relative speeds are controlled along the assembly to maintain the segmented frames in longitudinal alignment. The working flight is maintained laterally horizontal along its entire length to prevent spillage of material.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a bulk material handling system particularly adapted for underground mining and includes a monorail supported overhead and carrying a plurality of conveyors each having input and output end portions with the output end portion of a first of the conveyors positioned above an input end portion of a second of the conveyors, a device for imparting motion to the conveyors to move the material from the input end portions toward the output end portions thereof, a device for supporting at least one of the input and output end portions of the first and second conveyors from the monorail, and the supporting device including a plurality of trolleys rollingly supported by the monorail whereby the conveyors can be readily moved therealong.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing bulk material from a storage bed comprises a pivotal beam carrying a bucket wheel on one end for taking up the bulk material and an endless band conveying the bulk material to the other end of the beam, and a girder carrying an endless band conveying the bulk material received at one end of the girder to the other end thereof, whence it is removed. The one beam end is supported on a pair of driving wheels adjacent the bucket wheel, the driving wheels being symmetrically arranged with respect to the beam. A coupling supports the other end of the beam on the one end of the girder for pivoting about a vertical axis. Two wheels with stationary axles support the ends of the girder, the wheel axles extending parallel to the girder, one of the wheels being disposed in the vertical pivoting axis and the other wheel being a driving wheel supporting the other end of the girder.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor system having a series of articulately interconnected mobile conveyor units arranged in cascade relationship for conveying mined material from a movable mining machine to a remote stationary floor conveyor. The series includes inbye and outbye units which are bridge conveyors, and at least one intermediate unit. The discharge end of the inbye unit has a carriage supported for movement along the receiving portion of the adjacent intermediate unit. The articulated interconnection between the receiving end of the outbye unit and the discharge end of the adjacent intermediate unit has a fixed lapped relation, a bottom-engaging skid, and springs urging the adjacent units into alignment. Each intermediate unit has a pair of self-powered tram wheels, and a mine-bottom-engaged receiving end providing a stable three-point ground support both when moving and stationary. An automatic control powers the tram wheels in response to relative movement between adjacent units.