Abstract: A horizontally extending guide rail has an upwardly open slot and a mining machine is displaceable longitudinally along the guide rail and has a drive wheel with teeth engageable into the slot. A drive chain rides in the slot and has horizontal links and vertical links alternating with the horizontal links and each formed with a horizontal lower shank having ends, a horizontal upper shank having ends above the ends of the respective lower shank and forming an upwardly open pocket dimensioned to receive a tooth of the drive wheel, and a pair of horizontally spaced and vertically extending bights connecting the ends of the upper shank to the ends of the respective lower shank. The bights pass through the horizontal links flanking the respective vertical link.

Abstract: In longwall conveyors 1 with a lantern pinion 10 arranged on the winning face side, an advantageous cooperation with the machine roadway 6 is made possible in that the lantern pinion 10 consists of several racks 21, 22, 23 which are arranged so that each of them bridges the conveyor trough faces 19, 20. These racks 21, 22, 23 consist of a plug-in element 28 with teeth 11, 24 and welded-in bolts 25, 26, which are held so as to be movable in longitudinal direction inside a preceding retaining plate 29. Retaining plate 29 and support plate 44, the latter of which is connected via fastening screw pairs 33, 34 with the vertical roadway flange 8, are associated with a guide slit 45 in which the racks 21, 22, 23 are able to move correspondingly in transport direction 46 according to the tooth pitch, so that a uniform engagement of the gearwheel 9 of the longwall machine 5 is always ensured.

Abstract: A mining apparatus has a longitudinally extending conveyor, a guide-rail assembly secured to the conveyor and forming an upwardly open cruciform passage, a drive chain in the passage, and a mining machine displaceable along the assembly and having a toothed drive wheel engageable in the chain in the passage. The rail assembly is formed by a main rail fixed to the conveyor and forming a portion of the passage and a secondary rail fixed to the main rail and forming the rest of the passage. The secondary rail forms offset from the passage a horizontally outwardly open and longitudinally extending slot and the mining machine has a foot received in and longitudinally displaceable along the slot.

Abstract: Apparatus for substantially removing dust created during mining by a mining machine, which has an elongated mobile frame and a laterally extending rotating drum at each end thereof for shearing material to be won from a mine face, from air moving along the mine face. A preferred form of the apparatus includes a housing duct that is attached to the mobile frame between the rotating drums. The housing duct has an inlet and an outlet and is arranged such that the outlet is adjacent the side of the frame that faces the mine face. A screen is supported within the housing between the inlet and outlet and a fan is provided to induce dust laden air to flow into the housing and through the screen. An air deflection barrier and at least one venturi spray are attached to the frame for deflecting dust laden air into the housing inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved equipment useful for winning of ores particularly coal in longwal mining, the equipment comprises hydraulic master chock shield having atleast two legs at the outer edges, the master chock shield having a cylindrical conveyor belt intake end roller rotatibly mounted on a stand fixed to the base plate of the master chock shield, the base plate of the said chock shield also being provided with a plurality of stands having free moving conveyor belt guide rollers a plurality of known hydraulic chocks having atleast four legs at its edges, being placed in front of master chock shield in a horizontal line, the master chock shield and the chocks being interlinked by atleast one hydraulic ram, the base plates of each of the chocks being provided with plurality of stands having free conveyor belt guide rollers, the end chock also being provided with two horizontally fixed multi-telescopic booms supported on free moving wheels the extreme end of the booms being fixed to a fi

Abstract: A mineral mining installation has a plough guided for movement along a scraper-chain conveyor. Roof supports are connected to the conveyor with the aid of shifting mechanisms which employ boom-type guide linkages designed to co-operate with a compact controller to adjust the tilt of the conveyor and the cutting horizon of the plough. The controller employs a plate-like guide block guided for up and down motion at the goaf side of the conveyor. An hydraulic piston and cylinder unit is disposed alongside the goal side of the conveyor and pivots a cranked lever to raise or lower the guide block. The guide block is coupled to a headpiece of an associated one of the boom linkages so that the motion of the guide block is transferred to the headpiece.

Abstract: A sigma-section profile to constitute one sidewall of a line pan to form a scraper chain conveyor, has the sidewall formed integrally as a casting, with an associated furnishing.

Abstract: A haulage chain for a mineral winning installation, comprises a plurality of first links and a plurality of second links alternating with one another along the longitudinal extent of the chain. Each first link defines a single closed loop and each second link defines three closed loops, two of which are provided by opposite end portions of the second link and lie in a common plane and the other of which is provided by an intermediate portion between the two end portions and lies in a plane normal or substantially normal to the common plane of the two end loops. The first links each pass through opposite end portions of a pair of adjacent second links and maintain a substantially even pitch between the said end portions of all the second links.

Abstract: An air scrubbing system for removing dust produced by longwall shearers from the operator's work area. The system uses a plurality of small scrubbing units mounted on the shearer. Each of the scrubbing units utilizes a series of twin fluid atomizers located at the inlet of the unit to produce a fine water mist for capturing the respirable dust. The scrubbing units return the dust-laden mist to the coal face.

Abstract: In a longwall mining operation wherein a takeoff shaft provided with a takeoff conveyor and an access shaft extend crosswise from a longitudinally extending face, a material recovering and conveying system has a chain itself having a longitudinally extending rear stretch extending along the face from a turnaround in the access shaft to a turnaround in the takeoff shaft and a longitudinally extending front stretch extending along the face between the rear stretch and the face. An undriven idler wheel is provided in the takeoff-shaft turnaround over which the chain is engaged between its stretches and a conveyor trough extends between the turnarounds and has a floor formed in the takeoff shaft with a throughgoing outlet hole above the takeoff conveyor. Conveyor/cutting elements on the chain move in the front stretch along the face and in the rear stretch along the trough.

Abstract: The device comprises a support (9) provided with means (12) for its demountable fastening to the reactor structure (1) above and vertically in line with the component (3), a turret (10) mounted rotatably on the support (9) about its vertical axis, a device for taking up forces (11), on which the lower end of the turret (10) is mounted rotatably, an arm (18) mounted movably on the turret (10) in a radial direction, a first cutting unit (20) mounted on the movable arm (18), a trolley (25) mounted movably on the turret (10) in the vertical direction, a vertical second cutting unit mounted on the trolley (25) and a means for handling (30) fragments of the component (3).

Abstract: A plough guide which is composed of guide sections mounted on the working face side of the runs of channelling of a scraper chain conveyor. Toggle connections are provided on the abutting ends of the plough guide sections. Compartments accommodating the toggle connectors are situated on the rear parts of the guide sections resting against the side walls of the runs of channelling, and are preferably provided in reinforcement plates welded to angle plates. To secure the toggle connectors in the compartments the toggle connectors are provided with securing elements extending from the connector compartments into the plough guide and secured in this latter, preferably between adjacent sliding spacers. The securing elements take the form of handle-like plates which with advantage can be pivotably mounted on the toggle connectors.

Abstract: A plough box containing a chain wheel driving a chain to propel a chain used to move a plough is mounted for displacement alongside a machine frame at one end of a scraper-chain conveyor. To adjust the tension in the chain a motor is operated to drive a self-locking worm gearing which employs a worm wheel meshing with a rack fixed to the machine frame and extending in the direction of the chain.

Abstract: A plough guide which is built onto the runs of channelling of a scraper chain conveyor, has angle plates which form a slide path for the plough and which are connected by their upwardly extending sides to the runs of channelling. Sliding spacers are provided behind a covering between an upper chain channel and a lower chain channel. Covering hoods which form the covering for the channels are each pivotably mounted to a lower guide beam. The hoods can be swung over on the pivot joints towards the face in order to open the upper chain channel. The spacers are connected to the angle plates via fitting plates which are rigidly connected thereto and which extend upwards beyond the spacers. The fitting plates are provided with centering pins which engage centering apertures in the angle plates. The fitting plates can be connected to the sliding spacers and/or the angle plates by welding.

Abstract: An arrangement for guiding on a coal bank side a coal cutting machine at a conveyor trough with guide section portions for a round-link chain which is engaged by a chain drum which drives the cutting machine. The abutting ends of the guide section portions are constructed without upper guides and have overlapping joint projections. In addition the abutting ends of the guide section portions are connected to each other through chain guide members which extend across the joint area. The chain guide members are connected through connecting bolts while maintaining a predetermined play to the trough portions, wherein the chain guide members have corresponding recesses in the area of the guide section portion which is free of upper guides. As a result, the round-link chain is guided so as to be aligned in the abutting areas and the round-link chain is easily accessible.

Abstract: A plough guide is composed of sections built onto the runs of channelling of a scraper chain conveyor. Behind a covering comprising covering hoods pivotable on joints, there are chain guide channels for the plough chain separated by spacers. Underneath each covering hood there is a robust guide beam which forms part of a lower guide for the plough. Each guide beam of solid rolled section is provided at each of its two ends with a recess into which is welded a stout bearing plate which on a level with the spacers. The bearing plates are equipped with open journal bearings for hinge pins positioned at the foot of the covering hood. The hinge pins are integral with hinge pieces, which are welded into recesses at the two ends of the covering hood.

Abstract: A stretcher for use in confined areas such as a mine tunnel for transporting sick or injured persons which is constructed for mounting on sideboard structure of a conveyor in the mine tunnel. The stretcher includes a frame having a generally flat portion for supporting the sick or injured person on the stretcher. Rollers mounted on the frame for rolling engagement with the sideboard structure support the frame on the sideboard structure so that the structure may move translationally over the sideboard stretcher. Guide rollers maintain the rollers in engagement with the sideboard structure.

Abstract: A guide rail 4 is used for movably mounting a coal hewing machine on a chain scraper conveyor 3. The hewing machine has a guide shoe 26 guided by the guide rail 4 and a chain wheel. The conveyor 3 has a conveyor channel 2 and, on the filling side, a mounting plate 1 for the guide rail 4. The guide rail 4 defines a chain passage 19 for a chain 20. The guide rail 4 also defines, in its roof side, an engagement groove 17 for the chain wheel and, in its floor side, openings 18 for the discharge of material. The chain 20 comprises long horizontal members 22 and short vertical members 21. The guide rail 4 is of box-shaped configuration and substantially rectangular cross-section. All four sides of the guide rail 4 are engaged by the guide shoe 26. On the filling side, the guide rail 4 has an upper portion in the form of an overhead bar 13 which is screwed to the lower portion 12. The vertical members 21 of the chain 20 project into the engagement groove 17.

Abstract: A pan assembly for a conveyor line of an armored face conveyor includes an elongated deck plate defining the feed path of the conveyor system and a pair of parallel side members. Spaced keys extend outwardly from the deck plate to fit in corresponding slots in the side members. The slots are open to the outside to expose the keys and welds extend along these outer edges to attach the keys to the side members. The deck plate rests on the lower edge of the slots. The side members are sigma sections with the center portion having the slots being recessed.

Abstract: An element, adapted to be inter-engaged with a plurality of similar elements to form a rack for a mining machine haulage system, has each element comprising at one end, a looped end portion including inner and outer arcuate bearing surfaces, the inner bearing surface defining one end of an upwardly open aperture. A downwardly projecting tooth is spaced from the inner bearing surface and adapted to fill partly the aperture of the next adjacent inter-engaged element, while a correspondingly arcuate bearing surface is also provided on the tooth for abutment against the inner arcuate bearing surface of the adjacent element. Also, a transversely extending bridge is provided at the other end of the element, which bridge has transversely extending, and upwardly converging, planar faces for engagement, in use, by a tooth of a driven haulage system of an associated mining machine, dependent upon the direction of haulage.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting ancillary equipment between two relatively movable members of, for example a mine roof support, comprises two substantially parallel arm members pivotally mounted between the two relatively movable members, two rotatable members secured one to each arm member, and at least one cross member pivotally mounted at opposing ends to the rotatable members. The members of the apparatus are arranged so that the axes of rotation of the rotatable members, the axis about which the arms pivot, and the axes about which the cross members pivot, are each transverse to the other two. This arrangement can be used to provide a mine roof support with an operating platform having mountings which have a degree of movement akin to a universal joint.

Abstract: A mining system comprises a laterally deflectable segmented conveyor extending longitudinally along a longitudinal face from which material is to be cut, a mining machine displaceable longitudinally along the conveyor and engageable with the face to cut material therefrom and deposit in the conveyor, and a longitudinal succession of support frames each having a respective actuator connected to a respective segment of the conveyor and each also having a respective a respective retractile roof-engaging flap. The process of this invention comprises bracing the frames and conveyor in a safety zone immediately adjacent the mining machine against the roof with their flaps retracted. The machine is advanced in the safety zone while cutting the face in the safety zone, and the flaps of the frames in a zone immediately downstream of the safety zone are sequentially retracted and the flaps of the frames in a zone upstream of the safety zone are sequentially advanced.

Abstract: A drum-cutter mining machine for longwall mining operations which is adaptable for use upon longwall conveyor systems having rack structures positioned on either, or both, sides thereof. Drive motors are removably supported in a capstan housing of the mining machine, and positioned such that rotating shafts thereof extend toward either or both sides of the mining machine. Drive wheels coupled to the rotating shafts through reduction gears engage with the rack structures to allow translation of the machine therealong. When the mining machine is to be utilized on a longwall conveyor system having an alternate rack structure position, the drive motors may be removed, reoriented, reinserted into the capstan housing, and the drive wheels may be repositioned to allow operation of the mining machine.

Abstract: The apparatus for removing stratified outcropped minerals and for transporting these minerals parallel to the mining face or breast comprises a digging portion and a conveyor portion as well as a chain conveyor guided positively in them with digging tools and carrier members. The digging portion and the conveyor portion are assembled together from a plurality of pan-like members. Each pan of the conveyor portion comprises a conveying trough made from two guide pieces which are mirror images of each other attached to a base plate and from two identical bent plates. The guide pieces engage in members in the bent plates and are clamped with them by clamping plates on the top side of the bent plates. The digging portion has a guide piece indentical with the guide piece of the conveyor portion. A basin-like plate of the digging portion is pivotably mounted by a welded substantially circular cross section strip on the breast wall side of the conveyor portion.

Abstract: The mining cutter-loader for winning minerals with a chainless feed system comprises a housing and a gantry pivotally connected with the housing, overlying the conveyor. The gantry carries propulsion mounted on the conveyer. The propulsion gears and the guiding rack are mounted in inclination relative to the axis of the housing, transverse with respect to the direction of the motion of the cutter-loader. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted between the housing and the gantry for fixing the housing relative to the gantry, having their one ends pivotally connected to the housing and their opposite ends pivotally connected to the gantry.

Abstract: A gear rack is made up of rack segments arranged end-to-end supported by and extending along face conveyor for meshing engagement with a gear of a drive to propel a mining machine along a mine face. The teeth of each rack segment extend between longitudinal cheek sections. A thicker one of the cheek sections has a downward extending shoulder at each of opposite ends to engage in a cavity of a bracket and secured therein for limited movement by a fastener pin. A wall section of the bracket extends against a bearing surface formed by a cavity in the underside of the gear tooth at the end portion of the rack segment. The width of the wall section corresponds to the width of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A haulage unit of a coal-getting machine comprises a drive (1) an output shaft of which is associated with a conveyor (2) through the medium of a kinematic linkage. The kinematic linkage incorporates a sprocket (3) installed on the output shaft and meshing elements (4) coming in mesh with teeth of the sprocket (3). The meshing elements (4) are installed for rotation about the axis thereof and for a limited longitudinal displacement in a guide (5). The guide (5) is essentially presented by links articulated to one another. Each link is installed on a carrying element (7) secured on the conveyor (2) and is formed by two arcuate elements (8,9) facing each other by concave portions thereof, and connected in a diametrical plane by at least two fastening members (10) so that a clearance (11) is formed between the arcuate elements. Each fastening member (10) mounts the meshing element (4) in the form of a rolling body.

Abstract: A reactive-track type propulsion system for a mineral winning machine comprises a sprocket chain located along the path of intended movement and a sprocket wheel with teeth meshing with the chain. The wheel is mounted on the machine and driven to propel the machine along the chain. The chain has horizontal oval links and vertical links which have planar end faces which make driving and rolling contact with the flanks of the teeth of the sprocket wheel.

Abstract: A rack (2) for use with a mining machinery haulage system (1), comprising a plurality of individual segments (16) so located with respect to one another as to define the length of the rack (2), and each segment being provided with at least one formation (17) and each connected to an adjacent segment (16) by a connector (18) articulated to both segments (16) to which it is common, and with the pitch of the segments (16) and hence the pitch of their formations (17), controlled either by adjacent segment-to-segment abutment, or by segment-to-connector-to-segment abutment. The invention also includes a mining machinery haulage system (1) provided with racks (2).

Abstract: A rack assembly for allowing movement of a winning machine utilized in underground, long-wall mining operations. The rack assembly is comprised of a plurality of rack sections positioned end-to-end and suitable for attachment to trough sections of a face conveyor. The rack sections correspond in a one to one relationship to the trough sections and have lengths slightly greater than the associated trough sections. Toggles connect adjacent rack sections and maintain the adjacent rack sections such that end faces of the rack sections are maintained contiguous to one another, preventing relative longitudinal movement between the adjacent rack sections. The toggle, however, allows limited, relative vertical and horizontal movement between adjacent rack sections to allow positioning of the rack sections along a mine floor.

Abstract: A cutting machine including a base, a cutter movably mounted on the base, and a drive for moving the cutter reciprocably along the base to carry out a cutting operation. The cutter height relative to the base is alterable by a ram and the base includes a controller for controlling the height of the cutter to set a desired height of the cutter relative to the base as the cutter passes the controller.

Abstract: A rack device for advancing a drum cutter mining machine used in underground mining operations. The rack is comprised of a plurality of rack sections positioned end-to-end wherein the discrete sections are held together by brackets which connect two adjacent rack sections. The bracket contains a bracket wall which has a top surface positioned directly beneath the end pins of the discrete rack sections. Force exerted on the rack pins during the translation of the drum cutting mining machine bears upon the bracket wall thereby diminishing damage to the rack structure caused by tilting forces created during translation of the mining machine.

Abstract: The advancing system for a coal winning machine comprises a guide installed along a face conveyor, and an advancing mechanism connected with the machine. The advancing mechanism is accommodated in a separate housing and has at least two successively communicating pairs of advancing hydraulic cylinders with slides hinged to each of said cylinders. The guide is provided with rack-type engagement elements and secured to the end heads of the face conveyor. Each one of the slides has grips for holding on the guide, and a hydraulic cylinder. Each hydraulic cylinder of the slides is connected to its fixing bar the latter being installed with a provision for being arranged and fixed between the engagement elements of the guide.

Abstract: A transfer station is disclosed for transferring mineral material from a longwall conveyor to a loading conveyor. The loading conveyor has two straight portions joined by a curved portion, one of the straight portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the longwall conveyor, and being positioned beneath the end of the longwall conveyor. The longwall conveyor extends over the loading conveyor in the region of its curved portion. Larger pieces of mineral material are deflected, by a lateral deflector in the exit region of the curved portion of the loading conveyor, from the longwall conveyor, while the finer conveyed material is delivered at the end of the longwall conveyor onto the loading conveyor.

Abstract: A double ranging drum cutter for long wall type machines for coal extraction is disclosed, which comprises a drum cutter body, a television camera mounted on the drum cutter body for picking up an image of a coal layer cutting portion of a lower bedrock being cut by a cutter drum, a television camera mounted on the drum cutter body for picking up an image of a coal layer cutting portion of an upper bedrock being cut by a cutter drum, and a video image processing unit mounted on the drum cutter body and connected to the television cameras, whereby the boundary between a coal layer and bedrock can be readily judged to permit extraction of much coal without cutting much bedrock and also the ratio of the area of a bedrock to the area of a coal layer in a portion of the bedrock being cut can be readily detected.

Abstract: A mineral mining installation employs a scraper-chain conveyor constructed from individual pans joined end-to-end and a plough having a drive plate running beneath the conveyor and on a skid bed formed as a sub-frame structure on the floor of the working. The drive plate is connected via guide means to the haulage run of a chain in a lower guide passage at the side of the conveyor opposite to the plough. An upper guide passage accommodates the return run of the chain. The passages are defined by a guide structure fitted to the side walls of the pans and includes detachable covers which can be removed for access purposes. At least some of the covers are linked with the sub-frame structure with the aid of tongue-and-groove connections.

Abstract: Provided is a dust control attachment for long wall mining equipment featuring a water spray head fixed on the end of an arm which is mounted in a manner to be movable in the horizontal and vertical planes whereby the spray is substantially directable to any desired situs during mining operations.

Abstract: As is known mineral, e.g. coal, is won from a mineral face with the aid of a winning machine guided for movement along a conveyor composed of individual pans joined end-to-end. The conveyor is advanced towards the face behind the machine by shifting rams linked to the pans. In accordance with the invention, the rams are connected to and disconnected from a supply of pressure fluid in a controlled manner to form a group composed of a predetermined number of rams which are simultaneously charged with pressure fluid and this group progresses along the working behind the machine step-by-step in a sliding fashion within and over larger bank-push groups of rams.

Abstract: A chainless feed system of a mining cutter-loader comprises a guiding rack mounted on a conveyer and meshing with gears rotatably mounted on the cutter-loader. The gears are operatively connected through a rotating mechanism with the hydraulic cylinders operable for rolling the gears along the guiding rack. The improvement of the rotating mechanism includes a carrier with a pawl adapted to engage the gear or come out of engagement therewith. For this purpose the pawl is pivotally mounted on the carrier which is operatively connected with the hydraulic cylinders arranged in opposition with respect to the pawl.

Abstract: A mineral mining machine guide is composed of individual sections joined end-to-end alongside the pans of a scraper-chain conveyor. Each guide section has a side wall component and a web plate component with spacers therebetween dividing upper and lower chain guide passages. An inclined foot plate component projects beneath the web plate component which is itself spaced above the foot plate component to form a slot through which the machine engages with the chain run in the lower passage. A pivotable cover closes the upper passage. Toggle-like coupling pieces fit into pockets in the ends of the web plate components of adjacent sections. Compartments in the web plate components above the pockets and at the level of the upper passage receive extensions of the covers which are hinged in these compartments. The coupling pieces are held in place with detachable locking plates which additionally co-operate with the covers to limit their outward pivotal movement.

Abstract: A transfer station from a longwall chain conveyor to a drift chain conveyor have upper and lower reaches which cross alternately. The upper belt section of the longwall conveyor comprises a scraper over the upper belt section of the drift conveyor. The working face side of the longwall conveyor has a plane guide for a coal plane and a plane chain which at least at the drift-side end of the longwall conveyor is guided via guide wheels to a gob-side drive unit. These two drift-side guide wheels are arranged with a vertical spacing from each other in the lower belt section of the longwall conveyor such that they form between them a passage for the chain belt and for the tappets of the longwall conveyor attached thereto. The drift-side guide wheels are arranged so close to the drift conveyor that in its drift-side and position the coal plane can transfer the won coal directly into the drift conveyor. In all, an especially compact plane chain deflection integrated into the longwall conveyor is realized.

Abstract: A coal plough has an elongate plough body which is provided with cutters at each end. The plough body is supported at each of its two ends, by a flat narrow skid on a plate of a plough guide. The skids constitute wear-resistant members and are connected to the plough body in a readily replaceable manner. The skids are so shaped that they guide the plough in the lower zone of the plough guide, and establish connection between the plough and the plough drive chain.

Abstract: To be able to minimize the size of the lifting cylinder, a control lever is braced against an abutment at the waste side, and hinged on its other end to the piston rod of the lifting cylinder, thereby forming a movable hinge axis. Consequently, in a normal position, the fixed hinge axes of the lifting cylinder and the control lever form a triangle of joints, with the common movable hinge axis therebetween at the inside, i.e. at the side of a control bracket. The control bracket is designed with a bent extension projecting below the conveyor extending toward the planer and forming a scraper edge which alos serves as a tilting axis for angularly positioning the conveyor with the planer. The adjusting device permits of a coal planer conveyor in height as it moves over a coal face with the planer on one side of the conveyor and a bracket secured to the opposite side wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of a mineral mining machine, such as a coal plough, guided for movement back and forth along a guide employs inclined piston and cylinder units coupled via ball-and-socket joints to brackets on a conveyor supporting the guide and to connectors which are pivotably connected to the conveyor. Assemblies have parallel elongate beams which are guided on roof supports and linked to the connectors. Each connector is of multi-part construction with a main skid resting on the floor of the working and connected to the conveyor and to the associated beams. A further complementary component fits onto the main skid and the parts of the connector have curved recesses which combine to form a socket for receiving a ball of the associated unit.

Abstract: A device for extending flexible power supply lines for mining machines which are guided on a conveyor structure and moved back and forth along a longwall by means of a traction element which includes a coal strand and a return strand extending with an enclosed space comprising a housing secured to the conveyor and enclosing a load strand. A return and a cable channel is alongside the load strand channel, with the flexible supply lines being stored at the ends of the longwall towed along by a mining machine through the cable channel. The housing is secured to the conveyor structure and open at one side, and an idle roller is mounted in the housing in the cable channel. The supply lines are supported on the idle rollers. The mining machine is moved by a traction element and the supply lines bear against the traction element at the open side of the cable channel.

Abstract: A guide for a mineral mining machine, such as a plough, is composed of guide structures at the mineral face sides of the pans of a scraper-chain conveyor. Each guide structure defines upper and lower passages through which a chain for driving the machine passes. The passages are closed off from the mineral face side by a side plate or cover and from the top by means of a head plate. The head plate is detachable and is secured to, or located against, the side plate. The head plate and side plate have upstanding projections which form part of a guide rail for the machine. A foot plate projects beneath the lower passage to support the machine on the floor of a mine working. The guide structure preferably has reinforced end pieces fabricated by casting and the head plate lies between corresponding wall portions of these castings.

Abstract: A hydraulic-mechanically operating mine working machine includes a multi-part sword engaging a mine longwall conveyor from below. The machine is pulled by a traction rig disposed on the stowing side of the longwall conveyor, which is supplied from the drift with the liquid media needed for cutting and for control purposes via drag lines accommodated in a special duct on the stowing side. The connection between the drag lines arriving on the stowing side and the working machine at the adit end is established by way of a hose hookup block connected with the tractor hookup block, the tractor hookup block and the sword of the working machine engaging the longwall conveyor from below.

Abstract: Services, such as electricity and water, are supplied through conduits to moving machinery such as a longwall mining machine which moves along a conveyor or other fixed path. A channel having an open mouth which is flexibly sealed is disposed alongside the path and contains supply conduits for the machine. A sleeve projects through the channel seals into the body of the channel and guides the conduits to the machine. A gas may be fed to the machine via the channel and sleeve. As the machine moves the conduits bend over themselves.

Abstract: A pinless haulage drive chain formed of a series of rack-form link components each having complementary shaped parts at opposite ends, one end of which has a projection of T-shaped in plan view and the other end having a recess of T-shape in plan view to receive as a clearance fit the projection of an adjoining link component. Each link component also has a central spine of upstanding rack formation and integral therewith on either side thereof two walls forming a saddle having a wall of lesser depth to be used as a trapping means for a mineral mining machine on its traverse along a conveyor, and a deeper wall to be encompassed by trapping means for the link itself via a shoulder extending from this wall. The chain may be used in a scraper chain conveyor comprising conveyor line pans having a range of movement therebetween.

Abstract: An improved dust control apparatus for a shearing machine which has attached thereto a spray bar apparatus mounted to and extended from said shearing machine and containing a curtain for dust control and a plurality of spray heads along said spray bar, an improvement in the spray bar apparatus is provided by mounting an extendable spray bar to said spray bar with a hydraulic cylinder attached to said extendable spray bar so that it can be extended or retracted as said shearing machine reaches the end of its cut so that said extendable portion is not damaged when the shearing machine reaches the end of its cut. The extendable portion includes spray heads and a curtain for dust control purposes.