Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from a surface so that the removed material will not escape into the ambient environment is disclosed. The present invention includes a coagulant-applying mechanism for spraying a coating of coagulant on the material to be removed. Also included is a cutter head assembly which is moved along the surface for scraping the material therefrom. So that the scraped, coagulated material may be safely withdrawn to a storage receptacle, the present invention also includes a mechanism which withdraws the loosened, coagulated particles from the cutter head assembly.

Abstract: A soil transporting vehicle for pressurized receiving and transporting of soil excavated by a shield machine. The vehicle includes a cylindrical soil container having a first opening and a second opening aligned along the longitudinal axis and being pressure-resistant. A soil conveying mechanism is arranged in the container adjacent to the opening for moving the soil axially. A chassis rotatably supports the container and a drive mechanism is provided for rotating the container about its axis from a soil introduction position where the openings are directed upwardly and a soil discharge position where the openings are directed downwardly. An inlet for introducing gas under pressure and a pressure regulating valve are provided on the soil container. The pressure is regulated to be substantially equal to that of the pressure compartment of the shield machine. A compressor is connected with the gas inlet.

Abstract: A hydraulic underground mining system for operating through a small diameter borehole into a subterranean body. An elongated mining tool includes a liquid jet nozzle that is movable in a vertical direction along the length of the mining tool for forming a directed jet stream to impact material in the ore body and convert the material into a slurry. An orifice is positioned below the jet so that slurry flows into the orifice, the latter being connected to a jet pump which returns generated slurry to the surface. Suitable hydraulic power means are provided for operating the jet pump and for moving the jet stream in vertical and circular directions. Means for monitoring and controlling the progress of mining and the condition of components of the system are provided to monitor and control the system from a centralized location.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for a continuous miner adapted for use in the underground mining of coal. The cutter assembly includes a frame adapted to be pivotally supported by the continuous miner, a pair of spaced apart, generally longitudinally directed augers supported by the frame and a transverse auger extending generally between the longitudinally directed augers and rearwardly thereof. The longitudinally directed augers include cutters disposed at the forward end thereof which are adapted to be rotated into cutting engagement with a coal face or seam. A generally U-shaped pan supported by the frame is disposed below the longitudinally directed augers and the transverse auger and has an upwardly slopping rear wall which permits coal to be fed upward to a receiving belt. Drive means are provided for imparting a rotational force to the longitudinally directed augers and the transverse auger.

Abstract: A dust control system for a mining machine, particularly for controlling respirable dust in coal mining operations, comprising a ductwork system having intakes adjacent the cutter head of the mining machine, a fan for drawing air through the ductwork system, a flooded bed scrubber in the ductwork system upstream from the fan for entraining dust, including respirable dust, in the air in droplets of water, air flowing through the scrubber carrying the dust-laden droplets of water downstream from the scrubber, a sump below the ductwork system between the flooded bed scrubber and the fan, a demister in the ductwork system above the sump for separating the dust-laden droplets of water and directing them into the sump, and a pump for pumping the dust-laden water from the sump to a point adjacent the cutting head. A method of controlling dust is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mining machine comprising a self-propelling power unit with a boom pivotally connected to the power unit for raising and lowering movements, the boom having two parts one connected to the power unit and the other being connected to said one part so as to be slewable relative thereto about an axis at 90.degree. to the axis of the connection of the boom to the power unit, the boom other part being in part downwardly inclined with a power shaft rotatably housed in the boom other part with drive means for the power shaft, and extensible means to raise and lower the boom and further extensible means to slew the boom one part relative to the other part thereof.

Abstract: A mining machine for performing a continuous mining operation in hard rock. The operating portions of the machine are mounted on substantial deck sections hingedly connected to each other to promote maneuverability of the machine in confined spaces. A mining implement capable of breaking ore from the solid is mounted on a rotatable, extensible boom and broken ore is collected by power operated means also provided on the machine. The machine may be adapted for remote operation through a remote hydraulic and/or electric control and may be provided with optional wheels or alternatively may be self propelled.

Abstract: An ore dislodging mechanism and a method for extracting ore from a vein which greatly increase productivity and reduce health hazards when compared with previous devices and methods. The ore dislodging mechanism includes a chisel bar which is forced into the ore vein to dislodge ore therefrom, and an elevated means for raising the chisel bar in a substantially vertical manner so that each extraction made by the chisel bar is parallel with previous extractions. Side cutters extend vertical kerfs along the sides of the chisel bar and the chisel bar breaks down the coal between the kerfs.The method includes the steps of undercutting a vein of ore, extending at least one vertical relief cut upwardly from the undercut, forcing a chisel bar into the vein of ore, thereby dislodging the ore therefrom, and raising the means for cutting the relief cuts and the chisel bar mechanism to make progressively higher extractions parallel with lower extractions.

Abstract: The device for preventing a collision between a part of the cutting arm (1) and a part of the loading ramp (4) comprises transmitter means (11, 12) designed as hydraulic cylinder-piston-arrangements (13, 14; 19, 21) checking the position of the cutting arm (1) and the loading ramp (4) relative to the cutting machine. The working spaces (24, 29) of the transmitter means (11, 12), which become reduced on downward movement of the cutting arm (1) and on upward movement of the loading ramp (4), are connected via conduits with the working space (27) of a hydraulic piston (31) forming the receiver means (28). The piston (31) is, when be shifted, actuating a switching member (34) for interrupting the movements of the cutting arm (1) and of the loading ramp (4) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for recovering deep subterranean ore deposits using conventional dual conduit pipe in the tool string. The drill cuttings and ore are returned to the surface by reverse circulation. A combination drilling and mining head is disclosed which permits the outer casing to be driven by the power swivel during both the drilling and mining operations. A hydraulic eductor pump located at the suction entrance to the inner conduit is used to raise drill cuttings to the surface; a separate slurry eductor pump within the inner conduit located only sufficiently below the slurry discharge of the tool to prevent cavitation at the jet is used to pump the ore slurry to the surface. Another embodiment of this invention employs both eductors to raise the drill cuttings and ore slurry to the surface.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine comprising a cutter assembly including a cutter frame, a pair of oppositely pitched independently vertically movable auger cutters having their axes of rotation disposed generally parallel with respect to one another, a mobile assembly disposed rearwardly of the cutter assembly and including a mobile frame having a pair of parallel power driven endless track units mounted thereon for independent pivotal movement of each unit about a common generally transversely extending horizontal axis disposed adjacent to the forward portion of the track units, a yoke assembly between the mobile assembly and the cutter assembly including a yoke frame pivotally interconnected with the mobile frame for pivotal movement about an axis generally parallel with the common pivotal axis of the track units and pivotally interconnected with the cutter frame for pivotal movement about a generally upright axis extending generally perpendicularly to the pivotal axis of the yoke frame with the mobile frame, an

Abstract: A high wall mining system including a continuous mining machine, a remote control station outwardly of the high wall from which extend electric cables wound on cable reels which extend to the continuous mining machine enabling the operator to control the machine based upon television pictures transmitted to the control station from television cameras on the machine and the signals from laser and sonar guidance systems provided at the control station in cooperation with elements on the continuous mining machine and an extensible and retractable vacuum air conveyor system for the coal recovered by the mining machine.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method and apparatus for subterranean drilling and mining, particularly suited to alluvial deposits. The method uses water jets from the lower end of the apparatus to loosen and remove soil. Part of the water is bled off to raise a piston and associated weight, the water being evacuated from the cylinder in which the piston operates from time to time to give periodic impulses to the outer casing. Air may be admitted to the system during the mining mode to increase its efficiency.

Abstract: A machine for use in mining or tunnelling has a chassis supporting a mobile arm provided with rotary cutters. A shovel beneath the arm serves to transfer material onto a pair of conveyors mounted alongside the machine chassis. This shovel is supported for vertical pivoting displacement on a beam which is itself linked via a central pivot joint to the machine chassis. Piston and cylinder units effect tilting and vertical adjustment in the shovel position.

Abstract: An apparatus for drifting openings in hard rock incorporating a carrier capable for travelling along the floor of the opening. A means of breaking of the percussive type is mounted on the carrier by means of a turnable jib with provision for turning about said jib in a vertical plane. There is also incorporated a means of loading with a mucking conveyor. Employed as the means of breaking with a percussion tool directly acting upon the rock so as to break same when the means of breaking is set into a given position. Also provided are means of shock-absorbing which serve to link up movably said means of breaking with said jib in order to absorb the undesirable deflections of the means of breaking when the percussion tool recoils from the rock at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof and to return the means of breaking into the given position.

Abstract: A mining machine in which a cutting drum undercuts a vein of coal and side relief cutters make vertical kerfs in the vein upwardly from the undercut. A chisel plate is forced into the coal vein and breaks loose the material above the undercut and between the side relief cuts. The coal falls into conveyors and is loaded into mine shuttle cars for removal from the mine. The side relief cutters and chisel assembly are progressively raised to extract higher levels of coal from the vein until the desired roof height has been reached. The tramming track assembly, which propels the machine, may be rotated 90.degree. to permit extraction from the vein immediately adjacent the initial extraction. All power supplied near the working face of the vein is hydraulic to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, and a water spray system minimizes dust circulation. Hydraulic roof and floor jacks are provided to increase the stability of the mining machine when exceptionally hard material is encountered in the coal vein.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine includes a body portion. A longitudinally extending conveyor support frame is positioned on the body portion. A pair of parallel spaced side walls are positioned outboard of the conveyor support frame. A unitary stabilizing member is pivotally connected at an upper end to the lower edge portions of the side walls and extends transversely between the side walls beyond the width of and below the conveyor support frame. A lower end of the stabilizing member is adapted for movement into and out of engagement with the mine floor. A pair of piston cylinder assemblies for actuating the stabilizing member are connected to and positioned outboard and laterally of the side walls. The piston rods of the assemblies are intermediately connected to the lateral edges of the stabilizing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a flat elongated channel, chamber or passage in subterranean strata, e.g. a crosscut between two mine galleries or shafts, which comprises upper and lower shoes or shields which can be spread apart by a fluid-cylinder system and to which a frame is connected by further fluid cylinders, this frame carrying an excavating worm whose flights are formed with picks for removing the face of the channel to be advanced. A conveyor extends past the frame or through the latter to carry rearwardly the detritus excavated by the worm.

Abstract: A conveyor gathering systems suitable for use with a continuous narrow seam mining machine is disclosed. The system is a single continuous conveyor extending from the auger or cutting head to the rear or discharge end of the machine and is particularly useful with a dozer gathering head. Conveying of the mined material is achieved by an endless conveyor comprised of "flight bars" attached at each end to two drive chains. The single continuous conveyor is driven from the rear of the mining machine, may pivot up and down, and makes a very small diameter, 180 degree turn around, at the front of the mining machine adjacent the auger or cutting head. Because the conveying system uses a single continuous system of flight bars, the tensions on the conveyor can be significantly reduced such that the conveyor drive motor can be selected having a work capacity less than one half of other systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing material from a surface so that the removed material will not escape into the ambient environment are disclosed. The present invention includes a coagulant-applying mechanism for spraying a coating of coagulant on the material to be removed. Also included is a cutter head assembly which is moved along the surface for scraping the material therefrom. So that the scraped, coagulated material may be safely withdrawn to a storage receptacle, the present invention also includes a mechanism which withdraws the loosened, coagulated particles from the cutter head assembly. The system of the present invention incorporating these elements also includes a sampling container for extracting and storing a portion of the subject material for examination thereof.

Abstract: A device used as a combined scrubber and water droplet eliminator which may be employed in removing particulate from air, especially in conjunction with an underground mining machine. The scrubber is made of a fibrous bed material and is rotatable by a motor forming part of a bed assembly. Adjacent to the rotatable bed are water sprays directed to spray towards and on the bed as it rotates. A suitable air movement device, such as a fan, draws dust-laden and water drop-laden air to the rotating bed. The air goes through the bed and the dust and water particles impact the bed's rotating wetted fibers and are forced radially directly outward. The bed's rotation takes place against the inlet portion of a stationary bell mouth assembly. An air seal caused by the air pressure differential seals the rotating bed to the inside surface of the assembly.

Abstract: A novel dragline is provided which is equipped with hopper means and loading means. More specifically, the dragline of the invention comprises a hopper means mounted on the front portion of a revolving frame rotatably mounted on a mobile base, the hopper means receiving rocks and stones, soil and sand, minerals and the like dug and carried by a bucket, a guide means for guiding the bucket to a position over the hopper means so that the excavated material is loaded into the hopper means, and a loading means disposed below the hopper means for receiving and transferring the material into another transport means, at least the downstream end portion of the loading means being pivotable. The dragline of the invention makes it possible to dig rocks and stones, soil and sand, minerals, etc. in an efficient manner on a large scale and to load them into a transport means.

Abstract: A mining machine of the type comprising a body, a driven cutter mounted on the body, and an air-cleaning system comprising ducting for conducting dust-laden air, a scrubber for applying liquid to the dust-laden air, and a demister for thereafter removing moisture from the air. The demister comprises a moisture separating station having a flow inlet, a flow outlet located rearwardly of the flow inlet, and moisture separating louvers arranged for receiving air flow from the inlet and causing moisture in the air flow to separate-out and gravitate toward a lower collecting surface to be conducted rearwardly. The inlet and outlet each include a lower level. The distance from the collecting surface to the lower level of the inlet is less than the distance from the collecting surface to the lower level of the outlet to minimize the re-entrainment of the rearwardly conducted moisture into the outgoing air flow.

Abstract: An improved mining machine including apparatus for cleaning particle-laden gas, of the type which includes a duct in which liquid droplets are introduced into particle-laden gas flowing through the duct, a demister in the duct for removing liquid and particles from gas which moves through the duct. The improvement includes at least one curved flow path in the demister for causing the gas to change direction and a liquid collection surface defining the bottom of the demister. Collected liquid is removed from the liquid collection surface. A liquid collection barrier with an aerodynamically curved upper surface is located downstream from the curved flow path and defines the downstream end of the liquid collection surface, the barrier extending the width of the flow path.

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

Abstract: A continuous mining machine comprising a central longitudinally extending conveyor assembly, a pair of cutting and conveying mechanisms mounted on the forward end of the central conveyor assembly for movement between a normal operating position wherein the cutting and conveying mechanisms are in alignment and extend laterally outwardly with respect to the forward receiving end of the conveyor assembly and a transporting position wherein the cutting and conveying mechanisms are in parallel relation alongside the central portion of the conveyor assembly, the cutting and conveying mechanisms having vertically movable endless track assemblies operable to move the continuous mining machine when the cutting and conveying mechanisms are in the transporting position, and a pair of mine floor-to-roof anchoring canopy units for (1) advancing the continuous mining machine so that the cutting and conveying mechanisms are moved inwardly of the working face, (2) facilitating the installation of mine roof bolts at positions

Abstract: A mining machine of the type comprising a body, a driven cutter mounted on the body, and an air-cleaning system comprising ducting for conducting dust-laden air, a scrubber for applying liquid to the dust-laden air, and a demister for thereafter removing moisture from the air. The demister comprises a moisture separating station having a flow inlet, a flow outlet located rearwardly of the flow inlet, and moisture separating louvers forming air channels which receive air flow from the inlet and causing moisture in the air flow to separate-out and gravitate toward a lower collecting surface to be conducted rearwardly. A moisture accumulating section is located adjacent a rearward end of the collecting surface to receive the rearwardly conducted moisture. The accumulating section includes a floor, an end wall, a top wall, and a forwardly facing entrance for admitting the moisture.

Abstract: In a rock cutting machine which includes a cutter arm having an inner end and an outer end carrying a toothed cutter which rotates about an axis transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the arm, an improved cooling device for the cutting teeth of the cutter comprising a nozzle device for receiving supplies of compressed air and water and constructed to create and discharge a stream of air in which particles of liquid water are dispersed or atomized, the nozzle device being carried by the cutter arm at a location spaced from the cutter toward the inner end of the arm and arranged in a position to discharge the stream toward the cutter in a spray pattern such that the stream impinges on the teeth of the cutter as the teeth pass through the pattern during rotation of the cutter.

Abstract: A coal mine ventilation system which insures proper ventilation near the working area. The basic system employs a mining machine on which is mounted a panel on a movable frame, a conventional line curtain fixed to the mine floor and roof and located adjacent to the panel, and an air control fluid spray system. Fluid sprays may be mounted on the machine on the opposite the panel to promote airflow towards the mining face. Additional sprays may be mounted on the machine panel to provide an effective barrier between that panel and the fixed line curtain.

Abstract: The excavating machine has a cutter carrying boom carried by a boom support member which can be swung about an axis extending in the direction of the roadway. The machine includes a cutter unit and a stay unit each of which is releasably anchorable in the roadway and each of which can be advanced relative to the other unit.

Abstract: To maintain the lowest possible machine profile between the bottoms of the crawler treads and the top of the turret, the boom of the machine and boom lifting cylinders are cantilevered forwardly of the turret and depressed to lie as closely as possible to the underlying gathering head of the machine without clogging the throat of the machine and/or interfering with the operation of the gathering arms. The boom pivot and boom lift cylinders are disposed ahead of the crawler treads and the connections of the boom lift cylinders with the turret are forwardly of the highest part of the gathering head. This geometry renders it possible to significantly lower the elevation of the machine turret on which the boom is mounted for sluing or swinging movement and thus minimize the total height or profile of the mining machine.

Abstract: A device for removing relatively larger size gravels, stones, crushed rocks and the like contained in a discharged mixture of fed slurry or muddy water and excavated ground formation components in hydraulic tunnel boring systems. The device comprises a lattice-shaped classifying means connected at one end to a discharging pipe for conducting the mixture from the tunnel face, a primary chamber connected to the other end of the classifying means for receiving and storing classified gravels and the like, and a secondary chamber communicating with the primary chamber through a valve for receiving and retaining the gravels and the like filled in the primary chamber. A housing surrounds and rotatably supports the classifying means and includes a discharging pipe for conducting muddy water passed through the clarifying means. A motor rotates the classifying means for performing classifying work.

Abstract: This invention is conerned with conveyors using reciprocating flights to convey material along the length of the conveyor. The conveyor consists essentially of a bed of articulated plates, a track constraining a chain adjacent a first longitudinal edge of the bed, spaced flights attached to the chain and located to extend across the bed and means for reciprocating the chain along the track. The chain is preferably made of rigid members of substantially uniform cross-section and the flights are shaped bars having one end adapted to be pivotally attached to the chain and are reduced in their height towards their free ends with the trailing edges of each flight tapered downwardly towards their bottom surfaces and inclined towards the leading edges at their free ends which ends are chamfered.

Abstract: A mining machine adapted to be driven forwardly towards a working face comprises one or more cutting booms projecting forwardly from the machine, a cutting tool mounted on the forward end of the or each boom, and a drive mechanism for rotating the cutting tool relative to the boom, the said mechanism including a multi-speed gearbox whereby the cutting tool may be selectively driven at two or more different cutting speeds.

Abstract: A mineral mining machine of the type having a boom-mounted cutter assembly carried by a mobile base unit is provided with a face support structure which is pivotally mounted on the boom. Fluid operable rams are provided for moving the structure between a stowed position lying adjacent the boom and an operational face supporting position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boom. The face support structure is brought into operation when it is desired to afford temporary support to a face of a ripping lip for example, in arch setting operations. In this latter respect, the boom also carries a stowable platform which can be opened out so that operatives may position themselves to handle arch sections which are elevated into position by a lifting mechanism also pivotally mounted on the boom.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine is propelled on endless crawler tracks and includes a body portion with a boom extending forwardly therefrom. The boom rotatably supports a drum having peripherally extending cutting elements. A boom stabilizer mounted on the boom includes a plate member pivotally connected at one end to the boom rearward of the drum. A piston cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted on the boom member and includes an extensible piston rod that is pivotally connected to the opposite end of the plate member. Extension of the piston rod pivots the plate member upwardly to a preselected height where the plate upper surface lies on a line tangent to the cutting path of the cutting elements at the top of the drum. When the drum is positioned adjacent the mine roof for sumping into the mine face, the stabilizing plate abuts the mine roof with the cutting elements displaced from the mine roof. As the drum is sumped forward the stabilizing plate prevents the drum from climbing the face into the mine roof.

Abstract: Fluid-driven air-pumping and mixing apparatus for pumping air into a high methane environment and mixing ambient airborne impurities with such fluid for diluting the same. The apparatus includes a divergent mixing chamber proximate the outlet of the apparatus and a fluid dispersing nozzle having a configuration and location relative to the mixing chamber for maximizing air flow through the apparatus as well as providing a subsidiary advantage of increasing mixing of the driving fluid with the airborne impurities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically transmitting coal, oil shale, mineral ores, etc. from the mine face to the surface of underground mines via a pipeline by injecting the mined material from near the mine face into a body of water flowing in a pipeline, such injection being accomplished by an injection device which moves the mined material into the pipeline without applying any pushing forces and relocates the mined material in a continuous fashion from a first low pressure water circulation loop into a second higher pressure water circulation loop. The second water circulation loop communicates as required with a second injection device which relocates the mined material to a third higher pressure water circulation loop for increasing the pressure in the pipeline for transmission from deep mines.

Abstract: A dust abatement device including an intake or collecting means for delivering air to a rotating fan constituting a propulsion means, and outlet means directing air from the fan in a curtain at an area of dust concentration to inhibit dust movement out of the area. The intake means includes a duct extending from the fan to the area of dust concentration to pick up and deliver air-borne dry dust particulate from such area to the fan, the fan mixing the dry dust particulate with liquid sprayed on the fan to provide a slurry, and the outlet means directing the air and slurry from the fan to the area of dust concentration so that the slurry further wets the dust particulate at such area. The dust abatement device can be mounted on a machine that includes a mechanism for acting on material in a manner so as to create the area of dust concentration.

Abstract: A self-propelled body portion is provided with a forwardly extending boom member pivotally secured thereto. The boom member includes a pair of parallel forwardly extending arm members that are pivotally secured to the body portion. A pair of parallel support members are movably secured to and extend laterally from the respective arm members. A drum member having cutting elements thereon is rotatably supported at the forward end portion of the support members. A pair of piston cylinder assemblies are secured to the respective arm members and each includes an extensible piston rod secured to a support member. The piston cylinder assemblies are connected by fluid conduits to a hydraulic valve member. A selected one of the drum member end portions may be moved laterally relative to the respective side edge of the gathering device by introducing fluid under pressure from the valve member into the piston cylinder assembly adjacent that side of the mining machine.

Abstract: A dividing cutting machine includes a cutter boom pivotable about a horizontal axis, at least one cutter head disposed on the cutter boom, a loader deck hingedly connected to the frame of the dividing cutting machine pivotable about a horizontal axis and provided with movable gathering arms for continuously sweeping the mined material upwardly over the loader deck to conveying means. Stops mounted on the cutter boom and on the loader deck at locations spaced from their respective horizontal pivot axes have a height which precludes physical contact between the cutter boom and the gathering arms in each mutual pivotal position.

Abstract: A coal mining apparatus and its method of use in which a continuous mining machine removes and transfers cut material reducing airborne respirable coal dust generated in the cutting and collection process. The conventional high speed head rotating with the bits going forward at the top is replaced by a triangular shaped dished out linear cutting head rotating with the bits mounted at the apexes going rearward at the top. This produces a box cut in the mine face with a square cross-section. After the head has made a box cut by sumping the full head diameter beginning at the mine floor, it is sheared upwardly producing a linear shear cut. This shear step is at a constant depth equal to the complete cutting head diameter. The modified cutting head is used as part of the loading and transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed which is for use in mining or tunnelling work and employs a beam or arm supporting cutting means and connected through a support structure to a turntable carried by a movable chassis. The turntable is adjustably rotatable about a vertical axis and one or more piston and cylinder units are provided to raise or lower the arm in relation to the support structure. This structure is itself adjustably pivotable in relation to the turntable about a further axis which is generally aligned with the horizontal forward position of the arm i.e. in the direction of advancement of the mining or tunnelling work. In addition part of the structure connected to the arm is also displaceable along this further axis so that the cutting means located at the free end of the arm can be adjusted in respect of a variety of directions. The cutting means is itself composed of cutter rollers driven to rotate about an axis extending laterally of the arm.

Abstract: A shaft is formed from ground level downwardly to a subterranean seam of coal or other solids following preliminary survey procedures to locate the seam and establish its dimensions. A passage is cut radially into the coal seam and away from the shaft near the bottom thereof while coal cuttings are removed and delivered to ground level. The seam is then cut on an arcuate path centered on said shaft along the entire length of the radial passage while coal cuttings continue to be removed and delivered through the shaft to ground level. The mining apparatus is modular and comprises plural mining modules to be placed in the coal seam by a placement and advancing unit which is lowered in the shaft. A rotational driving unit is subsequently lowered in the shaft to drive coupled mining modules in unison through the coal seam on said arcuate path.

Abstract: A mining machine suitable for cutting roadways in coalmines comprises a cutting head, a conveyor for moving mined material rearwardly of the machine and a discharge conveyor for unloading the mined material to one side of the machine. As the machine advances the discharge conveyor can be used selectively to unload coal onto a stage loader and other material into packholes, thereby saving labor. The discharge conveyor may be pivotable about horizontal and/or vertical axes, longitudinally extendable or movable relative to the machine or cutting head to obtain maximum control over the area in which it discharges material.

Abstract: The invention relates to gathering arms for a mining machine to operate in conjunction with a forwardly extending apron to sweep mined material across the apron where it can be transferred by a conveyor to the rear of the machine. Although a single gathering arm is envisaged, preferably two are provided which are hydraulically operated by means of two pairs of piston and cylinder devices arranged to extend and retract the arms and sweep them between inboard and outboard positions after the style of extendable windscreen wiper blades, the arms being extended during a work sweep and retracted during a return sweep. The invention also extends to a hydraulic circuit for operating the arms largely automatically in synchronism and to a mining machine fitted with such arms.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine having a cutter head moveably mounted on a support guide with a center portion extending across the width of a carrier. The support guide has hinged end portions so that the end portions may be swung against the side of the carrier in order that the machine may be maneuvered in restricted areas. A gathering conveyor is positioned beneath the support guide and comprises two wing portions which may also be swung against the sides of the carrier.

Abstract: Such a ground excavating apparatus that conducts excavation of a soft stratum by means of a bucket and employs an impact crusher for the excavation of such a hard stratum as a rock bed or the like is disclosed.Introduced in the present application is a ground excavator of such a category that comprises a housing, a bucket boom properly set in place in the said housing in a manner of being capable of traveling forward and rearward, a bucket properly fitted in place on the front end section of the said bucket boom in a manner of being capable of inclining, and an impact crushing mechanism well capable of traveling forward and rearward by virtue of a hydraulic jack housed in the said bucket boom, and employs the said bucket and the said impact crushing mechanism in an alternate manner to best suit the nature of the ground to be excavated.

Abstract: A mining machine comprises a laterally elongated cutting head including means 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.

Abstract: The triangular-shaped rotary head mounted on an eccentrically driven shaft rotates at a low speed in a path determined by a ring/pinion gear ratio, such that cutting tools mounted on the apices of the triangular-shaped rotary head follow a square path entering the face of the coal seam to be cut at a top corner and making a long linear vertical cut at a constant depth of approximately one and one-half times the diameter of the rotary head greatly reducing dust generation and methane ignition potential, while increasing productivity.