Abstract: A continuous mining machine is provided with dual ductwork having reversible fans. The ductwork extends longitudinally along each side of the continuous mining machine. Each fan is positioned in a duct at the rear end of the frame of the mining machine. A crossover duct connects in fluid communication with longitudinally extending ducts. The crossover duct includes pivotal gates positioned adjacent to the connection of the crossover duct to the longitudinal ducts. Each of the longitudinal ducts includes a pivotal gate positioned between the connection of the crossover duct to the duct and the fan positioned in the duct. By selecting which gates are opened and closed the flow of air through the ducts can be directed to either side of the mining machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the dust produced by continuous underground coal mining machinery. The apparatus comprises a wet scrubber mounted on the pivoted boom adjacent the cutting head and discharges the cleaned air into the air curtain flow. The wet scrubber utilizes twin fluid atomizers to reduce the quantity of water required, produce fine water mist, and permit discharge of the dust-laden air directly to the mine.

Abstract: A moveable hydraulic aligner device, particularly suited for aligning a roadway used with a full continuous tram mining machine following a drilling cycle, comprises an upper portion, supported by wheels which allow the device to ride along the length of the roadway, to which two side portions are attached. Each of the side portions supports an extendable hydraulic cylinder which pushes against the rib of a mine tunnel to force the roadway back to the center.

Abstract: An elevated roadway for use with a self-propelled continuous haulage unit in underground mining consists of a multiplicity of substantially identical roadway units joined together end to end. Each unit has a pair of elongated bottom side beams joined by bottom cross beams, columns arranged in laterally opposite pairs and supported on the side beams and a pair of elongated track members supported on the upper ends of the columns and defining a track for trams to move over the roadway above the haulage unit. Longitudinal brace beams and transverse brace beams join the columns. The durability and rigidity of the unit is enhanced by diagonal brace beams connecting selected ones of the columns and by gussets at each joint between the bottom side beams and the bottom transverse beams.

Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine which includes a mobile frame assembly having a material dislodging device, and a conveying system. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a duct system. As material is dislodged from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging device through the duct system and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. The duct system has two sets of vertical walls each connected to and spaced by a horizontal wall with one set of vertical walls fitting channel-like into the other set of vertical walls. The duct assembly has a gasket, seal or other means of preventing airborne dust from escaping through the two sets of vertical walls. The duct assembly is expandable to increase the capacity of the duct system.

Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine includes a mobile frame assembly having a front end portion with a boom assembly pivotally retained thereon. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a hollow interior portion of the boom assembly. As a dislodging head removes material from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging head through a hollow interior of the boom assembly and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. Two portions of the boom assembly are pivotally connected to portions of the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly to provide pivoting joints to allow the collecting system to draw airborne dust through the boom assembly with the boom assembly in any preselected position relative to the mobile frame assembly.

Abstract: A multi-purpose apparatus to prepare a road surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a scoop which cuts, profiles and collects material. A conveyor connected to the scoop transports the material from the scoop to a rock crusher. The rock crusher reduces the size of the rock and deposits the crushed rock back on the road bed. An articulated bucket assembly is mounted on the apparatus to excavate overburden and to deposit the overburden into the scoop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for vacuum collecting and packaging of particulate materials, such as hazardous radiation contaminated concrete dust generated by floor scabbling, which avoids release of even small quantities of the material into the surrounding air. Each drum is positioned with its open mouth rim closely adjacent to the downwardly facing material-outlet of the vacuum collecting system. In one of the embodiments, an inflatable sealing gasket seals the spacing therebetween during filling. In another embodiment, the vacuum collecting system is vertically movable, and the vacuum collecting head, with a non-inflatable gasket is moved into engagement with the drum to provide the seal during filling. When filled, deflation of the gasket or vertical movement of the vacuum head again provides the narrow spacing, and both the container lid and a cover for the material outlet are passed therethrough.

Abstract: A process and device for removing a sprayed asbestos layer are provided, in which the asbestos is simultaneously cut and suctioned by a scraper and a suction air duct, and then transported into a carrier container for collection through primary, secondary and tertiary collection steps, in order to maintain a safe and sanitary operational environment for those who are engaged in removing the asbestos layer.

Abstract: In a mining scheme, a mobile continuous haulage system follows a miner and transports material onto a floor mounted beltway. The beltway supports a roadway on which the haulage system is carried. The roadway has wheels captured in outboard rails on the beltway and lift cylinders on the roadway when lowered, raise the beltway off the floor so that the beltway can be advanced for a belt move to facilitate adding additional belt sections.

Abstract: A device for guying a drift advancing machine within a drift has props which can be guyed between the drift roof and the drift floor and having articulated caps, connected to it. There are arranged at both sides of the longitudinal center plane of the machine at least one hydraulic cylinder-piston-aggregate between a supporting block fixed on the machine frame and the drift floor as well as between the supporting block and the drift roof in a guyable manner. The cylinder-piston-aggregates are articulatedly connected to floor supporting plates adapted to be pressed against the floor and to roof caps and are articulatedly connected to the supporting block, and the floor supporting plates and the roof caps are connected with the machine frame (1) via thrust supports.

Abstract: A thin seam highwall mining machine has a cutter head for mining coal from a seam while advancing forwardly into a mined hole, a power head anchored to a bench at the surface, and multisection pushbeam extending therebetween housing a conveyor therein. The machine is provided with structure for removing fallen roof rock from the hole and preventing jamming of the machine in the hole by rock accumulation. The structure includes a partition which keeps the fallen rock from mixing with the mined coal, and guide members which direct fallen rock onto the conveyor from the partition as the machine is being withdrawn from the hole. A pair of upstanding rearwardly diverging guide members fixed to the partition direct rock onto the conveyor through an opening in the partition overlying the forward end of the conveyor. One of the guide members carries an advancing conveyor surface having rock advancing bits which rotate and crush the rock while advancing it toward the opening.

Abstract: A manually steerable machine for scabbling areas which are relatively inaccessible to larger machines is disclosed. Three pneumatically operable piston and cylinder assemblies with bits are mounted on a plate which is mounted in vertically movable relationship on a frame, the assemblies being disposed at the apices of a triangle, one of the apices being at the forward end of the frame and the other apices being rearwardly of the one of the apices. A tiltable handle extends from the rear end of the frame and upwardly from the frame and includes an air manifold and an air valve for supplying compressed air to the assemblies through hoses. A pair of wheels at the rear of the frame support the frame when the pistons are not operating. A skid plate is attached to the bottom of the frame, and the bits are encircled by a flexible skirt extending downwardly from the frame. A vacuum hose connector has its lower end at the bottom of the frame and between the bits to collect dust.

Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine includes a mobile frame assembly having a front end portion with a boom assembly pivotally retained thereon. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a hollow interior portion of the boom assembly. As a dislodging head removes material from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging head through a hollow interior of the boom assembly and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. Two portions of the boom assembly are pivotally connected to portions of the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly to provide pivoting joints to allow the collecting system to draw airborne dust through the boom assembly with the boom assembly in any preselected position relative to the mobile frame assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for safely and efficiently removing a layer of asbestos or like material from a generally planar or corrugated ceiling surface, I-beams or the like is disclosed and comprises a head assembly including an outer cover having a first open portion adapted to face the asbestos layer and a second open portion communicating with suction means through asbestos collecting means, an open ended inner wall member mounted within the outer cover to define an air passage between the inner wall member and the outer cover, and a rotary wire brush mounted within the inner wall member and adapted to engage and remove the asbestos layer from the surfaces to be stripped. The apparatus also includes adjusting means for moving the head assembly to an operative position wherein the rotary wire brush is in scraping contact with the asbestos layer with a small gap present between the peripheral edge of the first open portion of the outer cover and the surface to be stripped.

Abstract: An excavating apparatus for breaking and removing material away from an upright face of material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotary cutting head mounted between the fore ends of a pair of boom arms. The boom arms are pivotally mounted relative to the front end of a vehicular portion of the apparatus. A shroud partially surrounds the cutting head for confining material cut from the face. The shroud includes an edge shoe portion for engaging the face and is pivotally mounted at the fore-end of the boom arms. The shroud is adapted for selective rearward pivotal movement as the boom arms are swung upwardly for maintaining the edge shoe portion against the face. A position adjustable, pivotal breaker bar is provided along the cutting head for selectively sizing material being removed from the upright face being excavated. In the preferred embodiment, the breaker bar is pivotally mounted relative to the shroud.

Abstract: Excavating apparatus and methods for breaking and removing material away from an upright face of material are disclosed. The apparatus employs a rotary cutter for dislodging material from the face. A collector pan extends transversely across the front end of the apparatus. The cutter is elevationally movable relative to the collector pan in both longitudinal and elevational directions above and below the collector pan front edge, and btween positions located longitudinally outward and rearward of the collector pan front transverse edge. A combination grading and collecting device is mounted at an elevational positon below the collector pan front transverse edge. It functions to both gather material dislodged by the cutter and to form surfaces over which the apparatus travels.

Abstract: A lifting device adapted to be connected to a tractor scoop includes a plurality of first lifting members adapted to be positioned in overlying relation with a bottom wall of the scoop. One end of each first lifting member is adapted to be pivotally connected to the rear wall of the scoop, and the second free end of each first lifting member extends forward of the open front portion of the scoop. A second lifting member is pivotally connected to each first lifting member, and each second lifting member is also adapted to be pivotally connected to a horizontally movable pusher member positioned within the scoop. A support member or saddle is pivotally secured to the free end of each first lifting member, and a roof support member is supported by the plurality of saddles. The roof support member is raised into abutting contact with a mine roof above the scoop by moving the pusher member positioned in the scoop horizontally towards the open front of the scoop.

Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine includes a mobile frame assembly having a front end portion with a boom assembly pivotally retained thereon. The outer end portion of the boom assembly carries a dislodging head for removing material from a mine face. A plurality of connections pivotally connects the boom assembly to the mobile frame assembly. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a hollow interior portion of the boom assembly. As the dislodging head removes material from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging head through a hollow interior of the boom assembly and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly.

Abstract: A conveyor drive transmission for a secondary conveyor system is disclosed. The secondary conveyor system is designed to feed material cut by a mining machine onto a primary conveyor which would convey mine material to the rear of the machine for discharge. The secondary conveyor has a foot shaft adjacent and parallel to one side of the primary conveyor. The transmission for the secondary conveyor includes an input drive shaft aligned with and driven by a transverse shaft on the primary conveyor. A helical worm drive gear mounted on and driven by the input drive shaft is included to engage and drive a worm wheel. The worm wheel then drives a helical worm gear mounted on a shaft in the same plane as the input drive shaft. A set of bevel gears mounted on the same shaft as the helical worm driven gear drives the worm shaft of the secondary conveyor.

Abstract: A trencher machine digging boom assembly having a mounting arrangement for the digging boom wherein the boom includes a boom attaching weldment that is pivotally mounted to a boom pivot casting. The boom pivot casting is rigidly mounted to a trencher frame with a drive motor being mounted to one end of the boom pivot casting and a planetary gearbox being mounted at its opposite end. The planetary gearbox and associated drive components for the digging chain may be disconnected to permit easy and convenient removal of the digging boom for replacing its pivot bearings. Further, the torque reactions of the drive train are maintained within the boom pivot casting and are not transferred to the lift components associated with the digging boom.

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: Apparatus for hauling mined coal in a subsurface mining operation with a longwall conveyor, a drift conveyor and a cross frame with stripper for the connection of the longwall conveyor with the drift conveyor. The longwall conveyor and the drift conveyor are designed as chain scraper conveyors and include a conveyor trough with trough bottom and trough sidecheeks, pushers guided in the sidecheeks, and at least one pull chain with which the pushers are connected and which runs in the region of the trough center at least in the case of the longwall conveyor. On the side away from the lateral discharge, the pushers are guided in a guide trough continuing the associated trough sidecheek. A track-in device for disengaged pushers of the longwall conveyor running with one arm on the trough sidecheek is provided, which comprises a track-in cutout in the trough sidecheek.

Abstract: The invention relates to an excavator and conveyor for an underground jacking apparatus for pipelines having a preferably non-man-sized rated cross section, which is driven into the surrounding soil from a manhole and comprises a digging head and at least one follower, jacking the digging head, and thereafter introducing additional jacked lengths of pipe. Rotating in the end area of the digging head is a digging disc which is set into rotation by a shaft. The shaft is surrounded at a distance by a conveyor tube, the wall of which is compartmentalized with respect to its outer cylindrical jacket in the vicinity of the digging head. Conveyor means are provided in the conveyor tube for conveying the excavated material back to the manhole. Sluice means are also provided in the conveyor cross section between the shaft and the conveyor tube wall, these sluice means serving to prevent incursions of groundwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the removal of layers of concrete, particularly from roadways and motorways. This apparatus includes one or more nozzles located at one end of respective hollow shafts each of which is supported by an articulated joint which is mounted on a movable support. The nozzles are supplied with water by means of a high pressure pump upstream of which there is positioned a preliminary treatment system for treating the water itself. The nozzles are mounted on a movable slide or frame which is controlled by an electronic circuit operable to maintain them at a predetermined height with respect to the surface to be treated. Apparatus is also provided for the elimination of possible hindrances to the free downflow of the water jets against the surface to be treated.

Abstract: In a mining machine (1) designed for underground operation, for example for cutting coal seams, and being equipped with a removal conveyor means taking up the heap of debris in front of the mine face and transferring this heap of debris to a removal conveyor plant (18) arranged behind the mining machine (1), there is interpositioned, separately from the mining machine, between the mining machine (1) and the removal conveyor plant (18) a crushing aggregate (2) comprising its own travel drive and being movable on a chassis in particular being equipped it caterpillars (27). The crushing aggregate (2) comprises a receiving chute (11) provided on a frame (25), a conveyor (12) starting from this receiving chute and extending with its discharge end beyond said frame and at least one crusher roll (13) within the area between the receiving chute (11) and the discharge end (15) of the conveyor (12).

Abstract: A device for safely and economically removing asbestos and like materials from ceiling surfaces comprises an extensible hoist which is motorized for travel along a floor beneath the ceiling to be stripped. The hoist includes an open-topped hopper which is adapted to be moved to a position adjacent the ceiling. A pair of motor driven auger cutters are positioned on the top of the hopper adapted to cuttingly engage the asbestos and deposit it within the hopper. The hopper has a discharge opening at the bottom which is connected to a closed collection drum via a conduit mounted beneath the hopper for storing the stripped asbestos material therein. Spring biasing means are associated with a hopper mounting frame to provide constant contact between the augers and the ceiling.

Abstract: A continuing mining machine wherein a crusher is placed inboard of the machine and has a dipper machanism as well as a loading chute. The dipper is of a twin handle type so that it can straddle a feeder chute thus affording a wide area for excavating. The placement of the crusher in a central location within the machine allows for stability and obviates the need for swivelling of the crusher during operation of the machine.

Abstract: The excavator for mining minerals, particularly for continuous strip mining of minerals, comprises a track drive, a digging unit with at least one digging roller and a connected conveyor for raw ore formed in the mining operation. The digging roller has a roller core and at least one helical digging and delivery flight. A delivery mechanism is mounted between the conveyor and the digging roller. The delivery mechanism comprises a breaking wedge and a delivery frame with a delivery opening connected to the breaking wedge. The breaking wedge extends from the underside of the delivery frame to the ground, and of course with a breaking surface thereon substantially tangent to the helical digging and delivery flight. There is a gap A between the breaking wedge and the helical digging and delivery flight of thread height H, and the sum of the gap A and the thread height H is less than the width B and the height C of the delivery opening. The conveyor is mounted on the underside of the delivery frame.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a universally swivellable cutting arm (6) having rotatably supported on its free end at least one cutting head (10, 11). A backwardly conveying screw conveyor (8, 9) is connected with the cutting arm (6) at both sides of the cutting arm (6). Each has its front end (12) located within the area of the cutting head (10, 11). The conveyor screws (8, 9) are surrounded by a housing which is open at the side turned away from the cutting arm (6). These conveyor screws (8, 9) take up the heap of debris during horizontal lateral movement and backwardly convey the material from the mine face (21) to a removal means (26) being arranged, for example, on the loading ramp (25).

Abstract: A loading mechanism operating on a loading apron of a tunnel and gallery excavator or the like comprises an eccentric-carrying crank disk, a crank lever, a shear rake, and a link. The eccentric-carrying crank disk is rotatable about its axis in a single direction of rotation, and the crank lever is connected to an eccentric pivot on the eccentric-carrying crank disk. The crank lever is pivotally connected by a lever arm to the link, which is attached pivotally to the apron behind the eccentric-carrying crank disk with respect to the forward direction of travel of the tunnel and gallery excavator. The shear rake is constructed as a bent lever with a raking arm and a controlling arm and at the vertex of the angle formed between the raking arm and the shear rake is mounted on the eccentric pivot with a vertex joint.

Abstract: A cutting machine (1) includes on its base frame (3) a carrier construction (19) for wall elements (21) and appliances (20) for drilling anchor bores and applying anchors the carrier construction being shiftable in longitudinal direction of the machine. The wall elements (21) are adjoining the drift roof (22) and, respectively, a cutting arm (11) via elastic sealing elements (23). The cutting arm (11) and the charging means (15) are pivotally linked to a shiftable frame (42). The cutting heads (28, 29) can be shifted along guides (31) in transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the drift, the cutting heads (28, 29) being arranged between drift face (33) and wall elements (21).

Abstract: A tunnel and gallery excavator comprises a ground contacting mechanism projecting from the front of a motorized drive and chassis and feeds debris to a conveyor. The digging arm has a pair of extendable supports attached to a yoke connected to the arm. The extendable supports are attached to and supported by the ground-contacting mechanism via pivots affording two degrees of freedom and an operating and adjusting device is provided for the extendable supports.

Abstract: An improved material gathering device is for a mining machine or the like of the type which includes a mobile body supporting a mining head at a forward end thereof for dislodging material from a mine face. A gathering platform is on the mobile body adjacent and below the mining head for receipt of the dislodged material thereon. An endless conveyor extends longitudinally of the mobile body to convey the dislodged material away from the forward end to the rearward end of the mobile body. A pair of oscillating arms are on transversely opposite sides of the gathering platform and are driven by a gear train including a transversely extending shaft to cause the arms to feed the dislodged material onto the endless conveyor. The endless conveyor includes a sprocket and drive shaft at a forward end thereof to cause the endless conveyor to extend into the gathering platform to terminate near a forward edge thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of layers of concrete, particularly from roadways and motorways. This apparatus includes nozzles positioned at one end of respective hollow shafts supported by a ball joint and mounted on movable supports. The said nozzles are supplied with water by means of a high pressure pump upstream of which there are positioned preliminary treatment systems for treating the water itself. The nozzles, moreover, are mounted on a slide controlled by electronic apparatus operable to maintain them at a predetermined height with respect to the surface to be scarified. Means are also provided for the elimination of possible hindrances to the free downflow of the water jets against the surface to be scarified.

Abstract: A tunneling apparatus has a lateral shield having a front end normally engaged longitudinally against a tunnel end face, a digging tool at the front end of the shield and engageable with the tunnel face, and a drive for displacing the tool and digging the tunnel face. A transverse pressure wall across the shield forms a pressurizable chamber inside the front end of the shield around the tool at the tunnel face. A conveyor tube longitudinally traverses and has a front end open ahead of the wall in the chamber and adapted to receive material freed from the tunnel face by the digging tool. An auger can be rotated in the tube to displace freed material back in it from its front end to its rear end. A chute opens upward into the rear end of the conveyor tube to receive material therefrom and a pump tube extends longitudinally back from the chute. A piston pump between the chute and the pump tube can displace material from the chute back in the tube.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a continuous excavator for use in open-pit mining, which comprises a self-propelled main frame, a rotating cutter drum supported by pivotal booms and having cutter bits on its outer periphery for excavating the ground material, and a scraper supported behind a lower portion of said drum which collects earth/rock material dug by the cutter bits. An upward conveyor is supported on the frame and slopes upwardly to convey up the earth/rock material from the scraper. Another pivotable conveyor is supported at one end on the frame below the upper end of the upward conveyor, and it is pivotable both horizontally and vertically in order to convey the earth/rock material from the upward conveyor out of the excavator to a desired location.

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 continuous mining machine comprising an elongated conveyor assembly for continuously conveying coal cut from a coal seam rearwardly away from the face of the coal seam being cut having a frame structure associated therewith. A power driven cutting assembly is disposed forwardly with respect to the frame structure for cutting coal from the coal seam for conveyance rearwardly by the conveyor assembly. A pair of power driven endless track units is provided for mounting the cutting and conveyor assemblies for movement between a tramming position wherein the assemblies are supported on power driven endless track units in a generally balanced condition for transport within the mine and an operative cutting position wherein the assemblies are moved forwardly in a generally unbalanced condition.

Abstract: A cutting (winning) machine comprises a frame which is provided with a pair of endless drive tracks. A mast is pivotally mounted on the frame for movement between an upright working position and a non-working position (in which it lies substantially flat on the frame). The frame also supports a platform, which is also pivotal relative thereto in the vertical plane. A carriage is arranged to move along the mast, the carriage supporting a cutting head such as a shearer drum. The mast can be positioned in an upright position at either end of the frame, so that the machine can carry out work in both directions of travel.

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: 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 method and apparatus for laterally severing an asphalt layer to form a ribbon, separating the asphalt ribbon from an underlying base, elevating the separated asphalt ribbon, and fracturing the elevated asphalt ribbon by bending same. A cutting member having a leading edge which is insertable between the asphalt ribbon and base provides separation thereof along a lateral line. A ramp and elevating structure elevatingly guide the separated asphalt ribbon into a pair of breaker drums which are rotatable in opposite circumferential directions. Each breaker drum has protruding teeth which are arranged in laterally separated circumferential rows with the teeth in adjacent circumferential rows being preferably arcuately offset. Corresponding circumferential rows on the opposed breaker drums are laterally aligned and the teeth in those rows engage opposite surfaces of the asphalt ribbon during rotation of the breaker drums.

Abstract: A mining machine is disclosed which has a vehicle body with a first end thereof having a boom pivoted for up and down rotational movement about an axis extending transversely of the vehicle. A cutter head is carried by the boom and a conveyor is mounted on the vehicular body to carry away material cut by the cutter head. A dust collection system is mounted on the boom and vehicle body to convey dust away from the cutting head area. The dust control system has duct work associated therewith which includes a generally rectangularly intake duct section associated with the boom and a generally rectangularly fixed duct section mounted on the vehicle. A transition section connects the intake and the fixed duct sections.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a mining machine with an adjustable hood-scoop assembly. The machine provides a means to remove coal from the face of a seam and extract the removed coal to a position removed from the mining area utilizing a vacuum system. The instant mining machine encloses the total face of the mine seam and acts to remove all solid and gaseous material from the mining area. Use of this apparatus in the mining of coal will provide better insurance for a healthy methane-free environment for the miner. The hood-scoop assembly is constructed to provide both horizontal and vertical moving plates so as to encompass totally the area contacted by the coal removal means, such as a multitude of air hammers. The machine is both braced and made mobile by means of vertical hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic cylinder means on the hood-scoop assembly are provided with specific trackways to insure four-way movement of the adjustable plates as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine is propelled on a mobile body and includes a boom pivotally secured to the mobile body and extending forwardly therefrom. The boom rotatably supports a material dislodging device having cutting elements extending therefrom for dislodging material from a mine face. A longitudinal conveyor extends rearwardly on the body portion from a front end portion positioned rearwardly of the material dislodging device to a discharging end portion. A dust collector is carried by the boom in overlying relation with the conveyor front end portion. The dust collector includes a housing having a plurality of laterally spaced inlets for receiving pollutant laden air. A duct system connects the inlets to corresponding outlets where the air free of pollutants is discharged. A plurality of water spray manifolds are positioned in the housing at the inlets and direct a high pressure liquid spray to the outlets to induce an accelerated flow of pollutant laden air into the dust collector.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for hydraulically mining unconsolidated subterranean mineral formations is disclosed wherein the hydraulic mining tool and surface drilling equipment is supported upon elongate structural beams releasably affixed at opposite ends to laterally spaced concrete foundations positioned upon the drilling site. The structural beams prevent the mining tool from canting or subsiding during the hydraulic mining process and may be reused for consecutive mining operations at differing locations upon the drilling site. An improved mining tool configuration is additionally disclosed which is specifically adapted to agitate and maintain the mined minerals in suspension within the mining slurry and further direct the slurry toward the mining tool for subsequent transport to ground surface.

Abstract: An air duct system for use with mining machines in dust collection systems is connectable between a suction source and the cutting area of a mining machine and has two duct sections movable relative to each other. One duct section is mounted on the cutter boom of the mining machine and has an extendable upper wall, connected through a hinged plate, that abuts a wall of the first duct section which is mounted on the mining machine body. A lower hinged plate connected to the bottom wall of the duct swivels freely and rests on the bottom wall of the first duct to enclose the space between the two duct sections.

Abstract: A mining apparatus which is adapted to be connected to a sectioned powered auger conveyor assembly and driven by the central shaft of the auger is constructed with its housing divided into a cutting section and an attachment section. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted to the cutting section and a transmission is mounted to the drive shaft, the transmission being adapted to receive an input shaft having one end coupled to the auger central shaft so that the auger shaft will turn the input shaft and drive the shaft through the transmission. A plurality of cutting arms are rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and are pivotally rotated around the drive shaft by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders to move the arms which carry an axle mounted therein on which cutting drums are mounted enabling the cutting drums to cut material from a seam of material.

Abstract: A mining machine comprises a laterally elongated cutting head including ms for cutting an earth formation, a laterally elongated thrust transmitting column connected to and extending rearwardly from the cutting head, and a power head connected to the rear of the column and operative to thrust the cutting head forward into the earth formation by means of the interposed column. The column carries a non-thrust transmitting column conveyor for carrying fragments cut from the formation from the cutting head to the power head.